Fritz Witt
27 May 1908 - 14 June 1944
Fritz Witt as an SS-Obersturmbannführer, 1942
Place of birth	Hohenlimburg
Place of death	Venoix
Allegiance	Germany
Years of service	1933-1945
Rank	Brigadeführer und Generalmajor der Waffen-SS
Awards	Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub

Fritz Witt (1908 - 1944) was a German Waffen-SS officer who served with the 1.SS-Panzergrenadier-Division Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler before taking command of the 12.SS-Panzer-Division Hitlerjugend. Witt was killed by an allied naval barrage in 1944. May 27 is the 147th day (148th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar, with 218 days remaining. ... 1908 (MCMVIII) was a leap year starting on Wednesday (link will take you to calendar). ... June 14 is the 165th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (166th in leap years), with 200 days remaining. ... 1944 (MCMXLIV) was a leap year starting on Saturday (the link is to a full 1944 calendar). ... Image File history File links SS-Obersturmbannführer Fritz Witt, Commander I./SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 1, SS-Panzergrenadier-Division LSSAH, 1942. ... Hohenlimburg may refer to either: Hagen-Hohenlimburg, formerly known as Limburg an der Lenne, a present day borough of the city of Hagen, Germany, or Limburg-Hohenlimburg, a county in medieval Germany. ... Situated west from Caen, Venoix long was an independent commune. ... Brigadeführer was an SS rank that was used in Nazi Germany between the years of 1932 and 1945. ... A stylized version of the Iron Cross, the emblem of the German Armed Forces The Iron Cross (German: Eisernes Kreuz) is a military decoration of the Kingdom of Prussia, and later of Germany, which was established by King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia and first awarded on 10 March 1813. ... 1908 (MCMVIII) was a leap year starting on Wednesday (link will take you to calendar). ... 1944 (MCMXLIV) was a leap year starting on Saturday (the link is to a full 1944 calendar). ... Waffen-SS recruitment poster; Volunteer to the Waffen-SS The Waffen-SS was the armed wing of the Schutzstaffel. ... The Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler (Lifeguard Standarte of the SS Adolf Hitler) was a Waffen SS guard and combat formation which saw action on both the Eastern and Western fronts during the Second World War. ... The 12. ...

Early Life - Pre-War SS Service

Fritz Witt was born on 27 May 1908 in Hohenlimburg, a suburb of the city of Hagen. Witt's family was middle class, his father being employed as a textiles salesman. After attending school Witt followed his father's trade, working as a textiles salesman from 1925 until 1931. During this period of time, he witnessed the rise of Adolf Hitler and the NSDAP, becoming a strong supporter. Witt saw the Nazis as the answer to the chaos and poverty of the Weimar Republic. On 1 December 1931, Witt applied to join both the NSDAP (Nr.816 769) and the SS (Nr.21 518). On 17 March 1933, Witt was admitted to the SS-Stabswache Berlin, an élite guard formation of only 117 men. On 1 October 1933, Witt received his commission as an SS-Untersturmführer. Hohenlimburg may refer to either: Hagen-Hohenlimburg, formerly known as Limburg an der Lenne, a present day borough of the city of Hagen, Germany, or Limburg-Hohenlimburg, a county in medieval Germany. ... Hagen is the 37th largest city in Germany, located in the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia. ... This article is about the type of fabric. ... Hitler redirects here. ... The Nazi swastika The National Socialist German Workers Party (German: Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei), better known as the NSDAP or the Nazi Party was a political party that was led to power in Germany by Adolf Hitler in 1933. ... Anthem: Das Lied der Deutschen The Länder of Germany during the Weimar Republic, with the Free State of Prussia (Freistaat Preußen) as the largest   Capital Berlin Language(s) German Government Republic President  - 1919-1925 Friedrich Ebert  - 1925-1933 Paul von Hindenburg Chancellor  - 1919 Philipp Scheidemann  - 1933 Adolf Hitler... The Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler (Lifeguard Standarte of the SS Adolf Hitler) was a Waffen SS guard and combat formation which saw action on both the Eastern and Western fronts during the Second World War. ...

In On 9 May 1934, Witt was promoted to SS-Obersturmführer, and soon after took command of the third company of SS-Standartenführer Felix Steiner's SS-Standarte Deutschland, one of the four Standarten which comprised the SS-Verfügungstruppe (SS-VT). The other Standarten were the Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler, SS-Standarte Germania and SS-Standarte Der Fuhrer). In October 1938, the SS-VT was subordinated to Heer command, stepping closer to its future combat role. This article or section is missing needed references or citation of sources. ... The SS-Verfügungstruppe (combat support force) (short: SS-VT) was created in 1934 from the merger of various Nazi and right-wing paramilitary formations. ... The Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler (Lifeguard Standarte of the SS Adolf Hitler) was a Waffen SS guard and combat formation which saw action on both the Eastern and Western fronts during the Second World War. ... Wehrmacht troops of the Heer (military land forces) marching at a military parade in honour of the 50th birthday of Adolf Hitler, on April 20th, 1939. ...

While commanding the 3./SS-Standarte Deutschland, Witt was involved in the March into Austria as part of the anschluss. After this, the Standarte was motorised. The Deutschland now took part in the occupation of the Sudetenland. In March 1939, Witt served with the Standarte during the bloodless annexation of Bohemia and Moravia. Hitler ordered the formation of an SS-Verfügungs-Division, comprising all three SS-VT Standartes (The Leibstandarte was to form its own unit). The Polish crisis put these plans on hold, and the SS-Standarten were deployed for action during the upcoming offensive, Fall Weiss. Witt's SS-Standarte (mot) Deutschland was subordinated to Panzer-Verband Kempf, based in East Prussia. German troops march into Austria on 12 March 1938. ... Map of the Sudetenland Gau. ... Flag of Bohemia Bohemia (Czech: ; German: ) is a historical region in central Europe, occupying the western and middle thirds of the Czech Republic. ... Moravia in relation to the current kraje of the Czech Republic Moravia (Czech and Slovak: Morava, German: ( ), Hungarian: Morvaország, Polish: Morawy) is a historical region in the east of the Czech Republic. ... SS-Division Verfügungstruppe SS-Division Deutschland SS-Division Reich SS-Division Das Reich 2. ... Fall Weiss (german spelling Fall Weiß) translates as Case White following the German militarys naming convention. ... East Prussia Panzer Unit Panzer Division Kempf The East Prussia Panzer Unit (Panzerverband Ostpreußen) was an ad hoc combined arms unit created for operations out of East Prussia during the Invasion of Poland in 1939. ...

Early War Campaigns

On 1 September 1939, the Invasion of Poland began, sparking the Second World War. Witt was still in command of the 3./SS-Standarte Deutschland, and although the Deutschland played a mostly supporting role to Kempf's panzers, Witt's company saw some heavy fighting and he served well during the campaign. For personal bravery in combat, Witt was awarded both the first and second classes of the Iron Cross within a ten day period. Combatants Poland Nazi Germany Soviet Union Slovakia Commanders Edward Rydz-ÅšmigÅ‚y Fedor von Bock (Army Group North) Gerd von Rundstedt (Army Group South) Mikhail Kovalov (Belorussian Front) Semyon Timoshenko (Ukrainian Front) Ferdinand ÄŒatloÅ¡ (Field Army Bernolak) Strength 39 divisions 16 brigades 4,300 guns 880 tanks 400 aircraft Total... Mushroom cloud from the nuclear explosion over Nagasaki rising 18 km into the air. ... PzKpfw V-D, a Panther tank   Panzer? is German for armour. ... A stylized version of the Iron Cross, the emblem of the German Armed Forces The Iron Cross (German: Eisernes Kreuz) is a military decoration of the Kingdom of Prussia, and later of Germany, which was established by King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia and first awarded on 10 March 1813. ...

By October 1939, Witt had attained a rank of SS-Hauptsturmführer and was placed in command of I.Battalion of the Deutschland, redesignated SS-Infanterie-Regiment (mot) Deutschland. In the same month, the SS-Verfügungs-Division was formed and placed under the command of SS-Gruppenführer Paul Hausser. Paul Papa Hausser (October 7, 1880 - December 21, 1972) was an officer in the German Army, achieving the high rank of Lieutenant General in the inter-war Reichswehr, after retirement from regular Army he became the father (thus the nickname “Papa”) of the Waffen-SS and one of its most...

Witt as an SS-Sturmbannführer, September 1940

Witt led his battalion through the Invasion of France, again showing bravery and skill commanding his unit. On 27 May 1940, 20 British Matilda tanks attacked Witt's battalion. Despite the fact that Witt's unit had no anti-tank weapons, Witt rallied his battalion and they held, destroying nine of the British tanks with grenades and other improvised methods. In Hausser's post battle report, he said of Witt's actions Image File history File links Fritz Witt as an SS-Sturmbannführer and commander of I./SS-Infanterie-Regiment Deutschland in the SS-Verfügungs-Division, September 1940. ... Image File history File links Fritz Witt as an SS-Sturmbannführer and commander of I./SS-Infanterie-Regiment Deutschland in the SS-Verfügungs-Division, September 1940. ... In World War II, Battle of France or Case Yellow (Fall Gelb in German) was the German invasion of France and the Low Countries, executed 10 May 1940 which ended the Phony War. ... The A12 Infantry Tank II Matilda (sometimes referred to as Senior Matilda or Matilda II) was a British tank of World War II. In a somewhat unorthodox move, it shared the same name as the A11 Infantry Tank I. The name Matilda itself comes from a cartoon duck. ...

The opinion of the Regimental commander, describing him as the soul of the resistance, must be stressed. Witt is the model of the young leader, never retreating in the face of anything

For his actions repulsing the armoured attack, Witt was awarded the Knight's Cross, which he received on 4 September 1940. The Iron Cross (German: Eisernes Kreuz) is a military decoration of Germany which was established by King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia and first awarded on 10 March 1813. ...

On 16 October, Witt was transferred to the Infanterie-Regiment (mot.) Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler, where he took command of III.Battalion. The Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler (Lifeguard Standarte of the SS Adolf Hitler) was a Waffen SS guard and combat formation which saw action on both the Eastern and Western fronts during the Second World War. ...

Balkans - Barbarossa

Witt, an SS-Sturmbannführer since late May 1940, was again transferred to command of the Leibstandarte's I.Battalion on 26 March 1941. The Leibstandarte was poised to take place in Operation Marita, the invasion of the Balkans and Greece. I.Battalion was to play a crucial role. During World War II, Operation Marita was the German invasion of Greece and Yugoslavia on 6 April 1941. ... Balkan peninsula with northwest border Isonzo-Krka-Sava The Balkans is the historic and geographic name used to describe a region of southeastern Europe. ...

On 10 April, Witt's battalion was reinforced with artillery and a battery of 88mm Flak 18s and renamed Kampfgruppe Witt. The unit was tasked with clearing resistance from the Klidi Pass, just south of Vevi and opening the way to the heart of Greece. The pass was defended by a hastily-assembled Australian-British-New Zealand-Greek force, under an Australian, Maj. Gen. Iven Mackay. Witt's men were engaged in heavy fighting for three days before the pass fell. Witt's brother, Franz Witt, fell in the fighting. Witt's battalion had inflicted many casualties and captured over 520 prisoners for the loss of only 37 dead and 95 wounded. German 8. ... The Kampfgruppe was a common combat formation used by the German Wehrmacht during the Second World War. ... Vevi, rarely Veve (Greek Βεύη, Macedonian Баница - Banitsa) is a village located in Greek Macedonia (Northern Greece). ... Lieutenant General Sir Iven Giffard Mackay CMG, KBE, DSO, VD (7 April 1882 - 30 September 1966) was an Australian Army Lieutenant General who served in World War I and World War II. // Early life and career Iven Giffard Mackay was born on 7 April 1882 in the town of Grafton... Combatants Australia United Kingdom New Zealand Greece Germany Commanders Iven Mackay (operational); George Vasey (infantry) Fritz Witt Strength About 4,000 personnel, including some artillery support About 2,000 personnel, including significant artillery support and some tanks (see below) Casualties  ?; 520 taken prisoner 37 dead, 95 wounded The Battle of...

After the conclusion of the Balkan campaign Witt remained in command of I.Battalion. The Leibstandarte, now upgraded to a division, was to take part in the advance into Russia as a part of Army Group South. Army Group South (Heeresgruppe Süd in German) was a German Army Group during World War II. Germany used two army groups to invade Poland in 1939: Army Group North and Army Group South. ...

Witt as an SS-Obersturmbannführer, October 1942.

Witt's Battalion was first committed to action in August 1941, when the division was transferred to Panzergruppe 1, engaged in the encirclement of over 600,000 men near Kiev. Image File history File links Download high resolution version (595x902, 59 KB)Waffen-SS SS-Obersturmbannführer Fritz Witt, late 1942. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (595x902, 59 KB)Waffen-SS SS-Obersturmbannführer Fritz Witt, late 1942. ... Panzer Group Kleist Panzer Group 1 First Panzer Army The First Panzer Army (German ) was a German tank army that fought during World War II. When formed the First Panzer Army was named Panzer Group Kleist (Panzergruppe Kleist) and was activated on November 16, 1940 with Field Marshal Ewald von... Location Map of Ukraine with Kyiv highlighted. ...

Witt's unit now moved south, to join the LIV.Armeekorps. On 17 September 1943, the Leibstandarte was involved in the launch of the offensive to clear the Crimean Peninsula. Witt's battalion took part in the fighting for the town of Perekop, and the later advance across the Perekop Isthmus and the assaults on the Soviet defensive positions near the Tarter Ditch. Motto: Процветание в единстве - Prosperity in unity Anthem: Нивы и горы твои волшебны, Родина - Your fields and mounts are wonderful, Motherland Capital Simferopol Largest cities Simferopol, Eupatoria, Kerch, Theodosia, Yalta Official language Ukrainian. ... Perekop may refer to the following objects located basically at the same site. ... The Isthmus of Perekop is the narrow, three to four mile wide strip of land that connects the peninsula of Crimea to the rest of mainland Ukraine. ...

In November, the Leibstandarte was transferred back to Panzergruppe 1 and took part in the heavy fighting for the city of Rostov on Don. After capturing the city, Heavy soviet counterattacks during the winter meant that the Germans had to fall back to defensive lines on the river Mius. Witt's battalion was engaged in several ferocious rearguard actions. Through the bitter winter battles, Witt led from the front, maintaining unit morale and showing care for his men. He was known as a sharp dresser, always seen in immaculate dress uniform resplendent with his many awards with his German Shepherd Bulli by his side. On 8 February 1942, Witt was awarded the German Cross in Gold for his bravery during the Rostov battles. Central market near Nativity Cathedral. ... ... Country of origin Germany Classification Breed standards (external links) FCI, AKC, ANKC, CKC KC(UK), NZKC, UKC The German Shepherd Dog (known also as the Alsatian or Schäfer(hund)) is an intelligent breed of dog. ... The German Cross (Deutsches Kreuz) was instituted by Adolf Hitler in 1942 as an award ranking higher than the Iron Cross First Class but below the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross. ...

Paris - Kharkov

In the early months of 1942, Witt's battalion continued defensive actions along the Mius. In May 1942, the division went back on the offensive and Witt's battalion was again committed to action in the recapture of Rostov on Don. After over a month's heavy fighting, the city had fallen, and the exhausted division was ordered back to France to rest and refit. Witt had led his formation exceptionally over this period, and as a reflection, in the month of July 1942 he was awarded the Order of the Star of Romania, Officer Class with Swords on the Ribbon of Military Virtue, and the Bulgarian Military Order for Bravery in War 4th Class, 1st Grade.

The Leibstandarte was to be reformed as a panzergrenadier division. For refitting and training, the division was ordered to the Normandy area in Northern France. Witt travelled the scenic countryside, unknowingly gaining information which would later prove invaluable. In August, he was promoted to SS-Standartenführer and given command of the Leibstandarte's SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 1. Witt and the division spent the remainder of 1942 resting and refitting in France. This article needs cleanup. ... Mont Saint Michel, one of the famous symbols of Normandy. ...

In January 1943, the reformed SS-Panzergrenadier-Division Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler was deemed ready for action, and together with the SS-Panzergrenadier-Division Das Reich and the SS-Panzergrenadier-Division Totenkopf was formed into the SS-Panzerkorps. The SS-Panzerkorps, commanded by Witt's old commander Paul Hausser, was sent East to Kharkov to join Erich von Manstein's Army Group Don which was attempting to halt the Soviet advance after the defeat at the Battle of Stalingrad. SS-Division Verfügungstruppe SS-Division Deutschland SS-Division Reich SS-Division Das Reich 2. ... SS-Division Totenkopf Kampfgruppe Eicke 3. ... The II.SS-Panzerkorps was a German Waffen-SS armoured corps which saw action on both the Eastern and Western Fronts during World War II. // Formation - Kharkov The II.SS-Panzerkorps was formed in July 1942 in Bergen in The Netherlands as SS-Panzer-Generalkommando. ... Kharkov (rus: Ха́рьков) or Kharkiv (ukr: Ха́рків) is the second largest city in Ukraine, a center of Kharkivska oblast. It is situated in the northeast of the country and has a population of two million. ... now. ... Combatants Germany Italy Romania Hungary Soviet Union Commanders Friedrich Paulus Erich von Manstein Hermann Hoth Georgiy Zhukov Vasiliy Chuikov Aleksandr Vasilyevskiy Strength German Sixth Army German Fourth Panzer Army Romanian Third Army Romanian Fourth Army Hungarian Second Army Italian Eighth Army 500,000 Germans Unknown number Reinforcements Unknown number Axis...

Kharkov, March 1943. Witt discusses the next move of his Kampfgruppe with LSSAH Panzer-Regiment commander Max Wünsche

Witt's panzergrenadier regiment was stationed in the outskirts of Kharkov, and in early February saw heavy fighting against the forces of the Soviet Mobile Group Popov. At the town of Merefa, Witt's regiment, fighting alongside SS-Sturmbannführer Max Wünsche's I./SS-Panzer-Regiment 1, fought a bitter delaying action on 8-9 February. Although severely outnumbered, Witt and Wünsche halted the spearhead of Mobile Group Popov, inflicting heavy losses on the Soviets. Despite these actions, the Soviets were still advancing on the SS-Panzerkorps' flanks. Fearing encirclement, Hausser disobeyed Hitler's orders and authorised a full withdrawal from Kharkov. Image File history File links SS-Standartenführer Fritz Witt and LSSAH Panzer-Regiment commander Max Wünsche discuss the next move. ... Image File history File links SS-Standartenführer Fritz Witt and LSSAH Panzer-Regiment commander Max Wünsche discuss the next move. ... Merefa, (Ukrainian: ÐœeÑ€eÑ„a, Russian: ), is a town in the Kharkiv Oblast of Ukraine. ...

In early March, Witt's regiment now took part in the Third Battle of Kharkov. Witt's force was reinforced with panzers, artillery and assault guns, and was tasked with attacking from the North. The force, renamed Kampfgruppe Witt, was to form one of three pincers which would destroy Mobile Group Popov and recapture Kharkov. Combatants Soviet Union Axis powers Commanders Filipp Golikov Nikolay Vatutin Erich von Manstein †Theodor Eicke Strength 300,000 men 160,000 men Casualties Voronezh Front: army of Popov: 3,000 KIA, 11,000 WIA, Southwestern Front: 20,000 KIA, 90,000 WIA, 9,000 POWs, finally battles: 25,000 KIA...

The attack got underway on 2 March, and by 10 March KG Witt had reached the suburbs of Kharkov. After ferocious fighting near Dergatschi, Witt broke through and advanced into the city centre, fighting alongside Kurt Meyer's Kampfgruppe Meyer Over the next few days, Witt and Meyer's kampfgruppes see intense fighting, and are cut off several times inside the city. Despite this, they hold and Kampfgruppe Peiper under Joachim Peiper reach them and together the three Leibstandarte units annihilate the Soviet defenders. Kurt Panzermeyer Meyer in 1942 after being awarded the Oakleaves to the Knights Cross Kurt Panzermeyer Meyer (December 23, 1910-December 23, 1961) served as an officer in the Waffen-SS during the Second World War. ... Joachim Peiper as an SS major. ...

By 21 March, the battle is over. In honour of the 4,500 casualties suffered by the Leibstandarte in the fighting, Kharkov's Red Square is renamed Platz der Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler. The division was pulled back for much needed rest and refit. For his actions leading his Kampfgruppe, Witt was awarded the Oakleaves to the Knight's Cross and promoted to SS-Oberführer.

Hitlerjugend Command

In February 1943, the SS had begun formation of a new Waffen-SS division composed primarily from Hitler Youth members born in 1926. The division was designated 12.SS-Panzer-Division Hitlerjugend. To provide officers for this new division, a number of Veteran Leibstandarte officers and NCOs were transferred. Witt, along with Max Wünsche, Kurt Meyer, 'Gerd' Bremer, Wilhelm Mohnke, Hugo Kraas and Rudolf von Ribbentrop were among those transferred. On 1 July 1943, Witt was promoted to SS-Oberführer, and at the end of the month he was officially given command of the Hitlerjugend division. Witt took over the divisional command at Beverloo in occupied Belgium, and began the huge undertaking of overseeing the formation and training of a new SS Panzer Division. Witt, realising that the division had to be made ready for combat as quickly as possible, ignored many rules and regulations and instead focused on realistic combat scenarios and live-fire exercises. A result of this was that the morale of the HJ was exceptionally high, and the relationship between the officers and men was an informal one, based on mutual trust and respect. The Hitler Youth (German: Hitler-Jugend, abbreviated HJ) was a paramilitary organization of the Nazi Party that existed from 1922 to 1945. ... The 12. ... Kurt Panzermeyer Meyer in 1942 after being awarded the Oakleaves to the Knights Cross Kurt Panzermeyer Meyer (December 23, 1910-December 23, 1961) served as an officer in the Waffen-SS during the Second World War. ... Wilhelm Mohnke, 1944 SS-Brigadeführer Wilhelm Mohnke (March 15, 1911 - August 6, 2001) was one of Hitlers last remaining generals. ... SS-Brigadeführer Hugo Kraas (1911 - 1980) was a German Waffen-SS officer who served with the 1. ... Rudolf von Ribbentrop (b. ...

In January 1944, Witt's new command was the subject of a major scandal. Early in the month, SS-Untersturmführer Wilifred Murr, an officer in SS-Sturmbannführer Erich Olboeter's SS-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 12, had in a drunken state, raped a 15 year old Belgian girl after threatening her parents with his pistol. Murr was the son of Wilhelm Murr, Gauleiter of Stuttgart. Olboeter heard of the incident, and along with SS-Sturmbannführer Dr. Eberhard Denzel, the division's legal officer, visited Murr in his room and persuaded him that he should make use of his pistol to avoid embarrassing his family. As soon as the officers had left, Murr did so. Murr's father soon heard details of what had happened, and enraged wrote to Martin Bormann demanding an investigation. A Gauleiter was the party leader of a regional branch of the NSDAP (more commonly known as the Nazi Party) or the head of a Gau or of a Reichsgau. ... Stuttgart [], a city located in southern Germany, is the capital of the state of Baden-Württemberg with a population of approximately 590,000 (as of September 2005) in the city and around 3 million in the metropolitan area. ... now. ...

In the resulting investigation, Olboeter was demoted and transferred to command of the III. Battalion of SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 26. He was replaced by SS-Hauptsturmführer Gerd Bremer and Dr. Denzel was demoted to SS-Schutze and sent to serve with the 3.SS-Panzer-Division Totenkopf's SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 6. SS-Division Totenkopf Kampfgruppe Eicke 3. ...

Despite this, Witt managed to avoid any repurcussions, and the formation of the division continued. In March 1944, in a high profile event, OB West, Generalfeldmarschall Gerd von Rundstedt and I.SS-Panzerkorps commander SS-Obergruppenführer Josef Dietrich visited the Division's training grounds. Witt escorted the OB West and Dietrich as they witnessed elements of the division engaged in training exercises. After witnessing this, both Rundstet and Dietrich were convinced that the division would soon be combat ready, and ordered Witt to move his division to Normandy where it was to join Panzergruppe West, Rundstet's armoured reserve. Karl Rudolf Gerd von Rundstedt (December 12, 1875 - February 24, 1953) was a field marshal of the German Army during World War II. He held some of the highest field commands in all phases of the war. ... I.SS-Panzerkorps I.SS-Panzerkorps Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler The I.SS-Panzerkorps Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler was a German Waffen-SS panzer corps which saw action on both the Western and Eastern Fronts during World War II. // Formation and Training The corps was raised on 27 July 1943... General Sepp Dietrich Josef Sepp Dietrich (May 28, 1892–April 21/22, 1966) was a German Waffen-SS general, an SS-Oberstgruppenführer, and one of the closest men to Hitler. ... 5. ...

On 20 April 1944, Witt was promoted to SS-Brigadeführer und Generalmajor der SS. Witt continued training exercises for his division, allowing his troops to familiarise themselves with the terrain around Caen. This training would later prove vital. On 27 May, 1944, Witt turned 36 and celebrated his birthday with a party. A few days later, on 2 June, he finally announced that the Hitlerjugend division was ready for combat. Location within France Hôtel dEscoville, 16th century, Caen Anonymous pen-and-ink birds-eye view of the fortifications of Caen (Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris) South Wall of the Castle, a huge fortress in the center of the city Town Hall of Caen Caen train station. ...

Normandy Invasion

On 6 June, 1944, the Western Allies launched Operation Overlord, the invasion of Normandy. Witt's Division, along with the 21.Panzer-Division, was the closest armoured unit to the landing beaches. Witt readied the division for immediate action, but due to Hitler's authorisation being required to release the panzer units, the HJ was not authorised to deploy to the front until 1430 on 6 June. The division's advance to the areas near Sword and Juno Beaches was severely hampered by incessant allied Jabo attacks. Forward elements of the HJ finally reached their assembly area near Evrecy at 2200 on 6 June, too late in the day to be committed to action. June 6 is the 157th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (158th in leap years), with 208 days remaining. ... The Allies of World War II were the countries officially opposed to the Axis Powers during the Second World War. ... The Battle of Normandy was fought in 1944 between the German forces occupying Western Europe and the invading Allies. ... 5th Light Division 21st Panzer Division Created as 5th Light Division or 5th Light Afrika Division in Africa in early 1941, from an ad hoc collection of smaller units rushed to support the collapsing Italian army. ... British infantry waiting to move off Queen White Beach, SWORD Area, while under enemy fire, on the morning of 6 June. ... Combatants Canada Germany Commanders Major-General R.F.L. Keller, 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, Lieutenant-General H.D.G. Crerar, 2nd Canadian Armoured Brigade Generalleutnant Wilhelm Richter, German 716th Static Infantry Division Strength 15,000 Unknown Casualties 574 dead, 340 wounded Unknown Juno Beach was one of the landing sites... Évrecy is a commune of the Calvados département, in the Basse-Normandie région in France. ...

Witt ordered his division to form up north of Caen, defending the city and the Carpiquet Aerodrome. On 7 June, SS-Standartenführer Kurt Meyer's SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 25, along with the II./Abteilung from SS-Obersturmbannfuhrer Max Wunsche 's SS-Panzer-Regiment 12, rebuffed a Canadian armoured attack, destroying 28 Canadian tanks and annihilating a company of the Nova Scotia Highlanders for the loss of only six men. Meyer's regiment was deployed near the villages of Authie and Buron, in positions covering Carpiquet. Carpiquet is a commune of the Calvados département, in the Basse_Normandie région in France. ... Kurt Panzermeyer Meyer in 1942 after being awarded the Oakleaves to the Knights Cross Kurt Panzermeyer Meyer (December 23, 1910-December 23, 1961) served as an officer in the Waffen-SS during the Second World War. ... Authie is the name of several places in France: Communes Authie, commune of the Calvados département Authie, commune of the Somme département River Authie, French river This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ...

On 8 June, SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 26 under command of SS-Obersturmbannfuhrer Wilhelm Mohnke arrived and took up positions to the west of Meyer. Upon arrival, the regiment launched an attack towards Norrey-en-Bessin, capturing the vital village. The SS-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 12, under SS-Sturmbannführer Gerd Bremer deployed to the west of Mohnke's regiment, and by the evening of 8 June the division was in position to halt the allied advance on Caen. Witt visited the front frequently, working hard to provide all the support he could to his subordinates. He set up his command post at the village of Venoix, close to the front lines. Wilhelm Mohnke, 1944 SS-Brigadeführer Wilhelm Mohnke (March 15, 1911 - August 6, 2001) was one of Hitlers last remaining generals. ... Situated west from Caen, Venoix long was an independent commune. ...

Over the next week, Witt's division managed to hold the line above Caen despite incessant determined attacks and constant air, artillery and naval bombardments. The HJ inflicted devastating losses on the British and Canadian forces, the training which Witt had developed maintaining his unit's morale and fighting ability.

On 14 June, a British naval barrage hit the divisional command post in Venoix. Witt was hit in the face by shrapnel, and killed instantly. The HJ, along with his LSSAH comrades, mourned his loss. The 33 year old Meyer was ordered to take command of the division.

Witt was buried with full military honours at Champigny - St. Andre de L'Eure in France. Champigny is the name of several communes in France. ...

Summary of SS career

Dates of rank

• SS-Obersturmführer: May 09, 1934
• SS-Hauptsturmführer: June 01, 1935
• SS-Sturmbannführer: May 25, 1940
• SS-Obersturmbannführer: November 27, 1941
• SS-Standartenführer: January 30, 1943
• SS-Oberführer: July 01, 1943
• SS-Brigadeführer und Generalmajor der Waffen-SS: April 20, 1944

Obersturmführer collar insignia Obersturmführer was a paramilitary rank of the Nazi party that was used by the Schutzstaffel and also as a rank of the SA. Translated as “Senior Storm Leader”, the rank of Obersturmführer was first created in 1932 as the result of an expansion of... Hauptsturmführer was a Nazi rank of the SS which was used between the years of 1934 and 1945. ... Sturmbannführer Collar Patch Sturmbannführer was a paramilitary rank of the Nazi Party which was used by both the Sturmabteilung (SA) and the Schutzstaffel (SS). ... SS-Obersturmbannführer Rank Patch SA-Obersturmbannführer Rank Patch Obersturmbannführer was a paramilitary Nazi Party rank which was used by both the SA and the SS. The title was first created as an SA rank in 1932 after an expansion of the SA created the need for an... SS-Standartenführer insignia Standartenführer was a Nazi Party paramilitary rank that was used in both the SA and the SS. First created as a title in 1925, in 1928 the rank became one of the first commissioned Nazi ranks and was bestowed upon those SA and SS officers... SS-Oberführer Collar Patch SA-Oberführer Collar Patch Oberführer was an early paramilitary rank of the Nazi Party dating back to 1921. ... Brigadeführer was an SS rank that was used in Nazi Germany between the years of 1932 and 1945. ...

Notable decorations

• German Cross in Gold (1942)
• Eastern Front Medal (1942)
• Iron Cross Second (1939) and First (1939) Classes
• SS-Honour Ring (?)
• Knight's Cross (1940)
• Oak Leaves (1943)
• Waffen-SS Long Service Award (1941)

The German Cross (Deutsches Kreuz) was instituted by Adolf Hitler in 1942 as an award ranking higher than the Iron Cross First Class but below the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross. ... The Eastern Front Medal, Winterschlacht Im Osten, more commonly known as the Ostmedaille was instituted on 26. ... A stylized version of the Iron Cross, the emblem of the German Armed Forces The Iron Cross (German: Eisernes Kreuz) is a military decoration of the Kingdom of Prussia, and later of Germany, which was established by King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia and first awarded on 10 March 1813. ... The Totenkopfring (English Deaths head ring), officially the SS-Ehrenring (Honour Ring), was an award of Heinrich Himmlers Schutzstaffel (SS). ... The Iron Cross (German: Eisernes Kreuz) is a military decoration of Germany which was established by King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia and first awarded on 10 March 1813. ... The Iron Cross (German: Eisernes Kreuz) is a military decoration of Germany which was established by King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia and first awarded on 10 March 1813. ... obverse of the awards SS Long Service Awards were given in grades of 4 years, 8 years, 12 years and 25 years. ...

References - External links

• Lehmann, Rudolf - The Leibstandarte volumes I-III
• Meyer, Hubert - The History of the 12.SS-Panzerdivision "Hitlerjugend"
• Miller, Michael D., Schulz, Andreas - The SS-Brigadeführer, 1933 - 1945
• Yerger, Mark C - Waffen SS commanders vol. 2
• Knight's Cross Holders Database (German language)
• Axis History Factbook
• Feldgrau - The History of the German Armed Forces in WWII
• Axis Biographical Research