Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Hauptmann (Captain)

Unit:

Führer I. / Grenadier-Regiment 686

Awarded on:

February 10th, 1943

Following the capture of the village O. (on the Chir river) a force of 60-70 Soviet tanks attacked Niederländer’s Bataillon. Since no foxholes were available, everyone lay still and let the tanks overrun them. The Bataillon then engaged the Soviet infantry and held them at bay at a range of 300 meters. The Soviet tanks mulled around the Bataillon’s positions for some three hours before finally pulling back.

The same phenomena repeated itself five days later during a new Soviet attack with 16 tanks. Two days after this the Soviets gave up attacking in this sector, having failed to gain any ground. For the bravery shown by his Bataillon, as well as his own conduct during this fighting, Niederländer was decorated with the Knight’s Cross.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

I. / Grenadier-Regiment 686

Awarded on:

April 21st, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberstleutnant (Lieutenant-colonel)

Unit:

Kommandeur Füsilier-Bataillon 336

Awarded on:

June 9th, 1944

Major Niederländer was commander of the Füsilier-Bataillon 336 during April 1944. During this time, on the northern front of the Sevastopol defensive ring, he cleaned up an Soviet penetration at the positions of the neighbouring unit. In the process he was heavily wounded, and would succumb to his injures on the 24.04.1944. He would be recommended for the Oakleaves two days later on account of the described action, and ended up receiving the award posthumously.

491st Award.
Awarded posthumously.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

June 20th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

October 3rd, 1939