Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

July 11th, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberleutnant der Reserve (1st Lieutenant of Reserves)

Unit:

I. Bataillon, Infanterie-Regiment 429, 168. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

March 25th, 1942

Rank in Patzwall / Scherzer as Oberleutnant d.B.
d.B. means des Beurlaubtenstandes

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major der Reserve (Major of Reserves)

Unit:

I. Bataillon, Grenadier-Regiment 223, 16. Volksgrenadier-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

March 5th, 1945

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major der Reserve (Major of Reserves)

Unit:

Kommandeur, I. Bataillon, Grenadier-Regiment 223, 16. Volksgrenadier-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

April 30th, 1945

Niegsch’s Knight’s Cross recommendation reads as follows…

“On the 01.03.1945 Major Niegsch led the northern Kampfgruppe into the flank of the enemy, and thrust forward boldly as far as St. Jean Deliversay. His determined leadership and devotion to duty meant that, in his sector alone, 170 prisoners were captured along with abundant weaponry.

Then, as the I./Grenadier-Regiment 223 began its planned withdrawal movements, the enemy launched a pursuit with overwhelming forces (supported by 12 tanks) backed by powerful artillery support. Realizing the danger that this posed, Major Niegsch halted the withdrawal movement of his Bataillon on his own initiative. He assembled all available Grenadiers in his vicinity and occupied Hill 26. In the hard fighting which followed he and his men had to endure coordinated fire from at least 4 batteries, and 7 tanks launched repeated sallies against Hill 26. However, with the support of friendly artillery, he managed to contain the enemy’s pursuit thrust.

His steadfastness before the enemy was crucial for the morale of his troops, especially as the availability of anti-tank weaponry was limited. Several enemy attacks were defeated by the time darkness fell. Then, once the danger of new attacks had passed, Major Niegsch disengaged his Bataillon from the enemy.

The determined and independent action by Major Niegsch also gave cover to the withdrawal movements of the remaining friendly elements and brought significant losses to the enemy. This, together with the offensive success of the morning, resulted in a decisive defensive success for the Fortress. In his capacity as commander of the I./Grenadier-Regiment 223 (the single Grenadier-Bataillon of Fortress La Rochelle), Major Niegsch was involved in all military successes of the Fortress.”