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Bretschneider, Heinz Walter (Flak-Regiment 13)

Date of birth:
March 26th, 1913 (Meinersdorf/Saxony, Germany)
Date of death:
March 16th, 1971 (Ahlen/Western Phalia, Germany)
Nationality:
German (1933-1945, Third Reich)

Biography

Promotions:
1st August 1935: Gefreiter
1st August 1936: Unteroffizier
1st October 1938: Wachtmeister
1st May 1939: Oberwachtmeister
1st october 1940: Hauptwachtmeister
1st February 1943: Leutnant der Reserve
1st April 1943: Leutnant
?: Oberleutnant
1st January 1944: Hauptmann

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberwachtmeister
Unit:
I. Abteilung, Flak-Regiment 13, Luftwaffe
Awarded on:
January 9th, 1943
Deutsches Kreuz in Gold
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberwachtmeister
Unit:
Batterie offizier, 1. Batterie, I. Abteilung, Flak-Regiment 13 (mot), Luftwaffe
Awarded on:
February 3rd, 1943
The following press notice describes why Bretschneider was awarded the Knight’s Cross…

“Whilst defending against an enemy breakthrough attempt conducted with strong tank forces, Oberwachtmeister Heinz Bretschneider destroyed 3 enemy tanks on the 01.01.1943 and another 9 on the following day as the leader of a Luftwaffe Flak unit. During the battle the Oberwachtmeister made the independent decision to give up his assigned position and take up a much more favourable one for his cannon. His success here contributed significantly to the course of the combat and heavily contributed to the security of an important supply road.”

Was simultaneously promoted to Leutnant.
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Wachtmeister
Awarded on:
June 6th, 1939
Spanienkreuz, Gold mit Schwertern
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberwachtmeister
Awarded on:
February 18th, 1942
Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberwachtmeister
Awarded on:
July 17th, 1941
Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Hauptwachtmeister
Awarded on:
1942
Medaille

Sources

Photos