TracesOfWar needs your help! Every euro, pound or dollar you contribute greatly supports the continuation of this website. Go to stiwot.nl and donate!

Böhlke, Hellmuth

Date of birth:
February 7th, 1893 (Lubahn/Western-Prussia, Germany)
Date of death:
April 8th, 1956 (Bad Mergentheim/Baden-Württemberg, Germany)
Nationality:
German

Biography

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!

Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
December 10th, 1934
Ehrenkreuz für Frontkämpfer
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
October 2nd, 1936
Dienstauszeichnung der Wehrmacht 4.Klasse, 4 Jahre
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
October 2nd, 1936
Dienstauszeichnung der Wehrmacht  3.Klasse, 12 Jahre
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
October 2nd, 1936
Dienstauszeichnung der Wehrmacht  2. Klasse, 18 Jahre
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
September 19th, 1939
Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
November 9th, 1939
Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberst (Colonel)
Unit:
Kommandeur Infanterie-Regiment 430 / 129.Infanterie-Division / V.Armeekorps / 9.Armee / Heeresgruppe Mitte
Awarded on:
October 27th, 1941

Award 4/1.
Deutsches Kreuz in Gold
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
July 28th, 1942
Medaille
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberst (Colonel)
Unit:
Kommandeur Infanterie-Regiment 430 / 72.Infanterie-Division / XXVII.Armeekorps / 9.Armee / Heeresgruppe Mitte
Awarded on:
September 24th, 1942
The following press article (dated 04.10.1942) describes why Boehlke was awarded the Knight’s Cross…

“The Führer has awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross to Oberst Hellmuth Böhlke, commander of an Infanterie-Regiment.

Oberst Hellmuth Böhlke was born on the 07.02.1893 in Lubahn (Kreis Berent, Gau Danzig-West Prussia) as the son of landlord Otto Böhlke. Showing determined action, he and his brave Infanterie-Regiment prevented a major enemy breakthrough attempt in the Rzhev area and threw back the broken-in Bolsheviks in a bold counterthrust that he personally led.”

1196th Award.
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
June 29th, 1944
Wehrmachtbericht
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
September 24th, 1944
Wehrmachtbericht
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Generalleutnant (Major-general)
Unit:
Kommandeur 334.Infanterie-Division / LXXVI.Panzerkorps / 10.Armee / Heeresgruppe C
Awarded on:
January 25th, 1945
The following press excerpt describes why Boehlke was awarded the Oakleaves…

“The 334. Infanterie-Division had already previously distinguished itself through its particular bravery and steadfastness under the command of Generalleutnant Böhlke. It did so at Lake Trasimene (end of June 1944), during the withdrawal movements towards the Arno (start of July 1944) and in the Appenine mountains near Castel del Rio (end of September and start of October 1944). For its achievements it was named in the Wehrmachtbericht along with its commander on the 29.06.1944.

During the middle of December 1944 Generalleutnant Böhlke managed to prevent a breakthrough by strong British forces near Cossignano that was aimed towards the Via Emilia. He did so through personally led counterthrusts, and in the process heavy losses were inflicted on the enemy.”

716th Award.
Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub

Sources

Photo