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

Bochmann, Georg Heinz „Schorsch" (Waffen SS)

Date of birth:
September 18th, 1913 (Albernau/Saxony, Germany)
Date of death:
June 8th, 1973 (Offenbach am Main/Hesse, Germany)
Buried on:
German War Cemetery Offenbach
Plot: II. Row: 4. Grave: 11/12.
Service number:
SS-Nr.: 122.362 // NSDAP-Nr.: 1.907.565
Nationality:
German (1933-1945, Third Reich)

Biography

Promotions:
00.00.1933: SS-Anwärter
24.05.1934: SS-Mann
09.11.1934: SS-Sturmmann
00.12.1934: SS-Rottenführer
25.01.1935: SS-Unterscharführer
20.04.1936: SS-Untersturmführer
20.04.1937: SS-Obersturmführer
25.08.1939: SS-Hauptsturmführer
20.04.1942: SS-Sturmbannführer
09.11.1943: SS-Obersturmbannführer
09.11.1944: SS-Standartenführer
20.04.1945: SS-Oberführer RDA 01.03.1945

Career;
01.10.1930-02.05.1933: Hitlerjugend
14.03.1933: joined the NSDAP
14.03.1933-24.05.1934: joined the SS - SS-Sturm 2/ IV/ 7
SS-Mann, SS-Sonderkommando 'Sachsen' - Konzentrationlager Sachsenburg
24.05.1934-01.11.1934: 3. Hundertschaft / Politischen Bereitschaft Abteilung 'Sachsen'
01.11.1934-25.01.1935: 2./ III./ SS-Totenkopfsturmbann 'Sachsen'
25.01.1935: 15. Hundertschaft / SS-Totenkopfsturmbann 'Sachsen'
10.08.1935-14.12.1935: SS-Scharführer, Zugführer-Lehrgang - 11. Hundertschaft - SS-Wachtruppe 'Oberbayern'
20.08.1935-31.12.1935: 11. Sturm / SS-Wachtruppe 'Oberbayern' - Dachau
31.12.1935: SS-Haupscharführer proposed to be promoted to SS-Untersturmführer
31.12.1935-00.04.1936: Zugführer, 15. Hundertschaft / SS-Wachtruppe 'Sachsen'
00.04.1936-01.05.1937: Führer, 15. Hundertschaft / SS-Totenkopfsturmbann 'Sachsen'
01.05.1937-10.07.1937: Führer, 3. Hundertschaft / SS-Sturmbann I 'Oberbayern'
10.07.1937-01.11.1939: Führer, 2. Hundertschaft / I. Sturmbann / 1. SS-Totenkopfstandarte 'Oberbayern'
01.11.1939-27.03.1941: Chef, 14./ SS-Totenkopf-Infanterie-Regiment 1, SS-Totenkopf-Division
01.11.1939-14.11.1939: Panzerjäger, Pak Lehrgang - Infanterie-Schule Doberitz
01.11.1939-27.03.1941: SS-Hstuf, Kdr, 14./ SS (Panzerjäger) SS-Totenkopf Infanterie Regiment 1, SS-Totenkopf Division
Campaign in France
26.08.1940-03.09.1940: Lehrgang - 31. Infanterie-Division
26.11.1940-29.11.1940: Lehrgang - AOK 7
16.02.1941-16.03.1941: Lehrgang für Bataillons- und Abteilungsführer - Königsbrück
27.03.1941-00.06.1941: Chef, 2./ SS-Panzerjäger-Bataillon 3, SS-Totenkopf-Division
Campaign in Russia - Baltic to Leningrad
08.07.1941: WIA
00.06.1941-21.10.1942: Kommandeur, Panzerjäger-Abteilung / SS-Division 'Totenkopf'
00.08.1941: Lake Ilmen
00.01.1942: Demjansk Cauldron - contracted malaria
17.01.1942: WIA
14.04.1942-22.04.1942: Führer der SS-„Totenkopf"-Kampfgruppe 'Bochmann' - Demjansk
20.04.1942: WIA
21.10.1942-01.08.1943: SS-Stubaf, Kdr., II. (Stoß-)Bataillon / SS-Totenkopf-Schützen-Regimentes (mot.) 'Thule'
00.02.1943: Kommandeur, II. Abteilung / SS-Panzer-Regiment 3 'Totenkopf'
09.03.1943: strong reconnaissance unit sent to Katschalowka
10.03.1943: capture of the village of Krassnokutsk
17.03.1943: capture of the forest 3km southeast of Ssorokowka and of the villages Saroshnoje and Tetlega
01.08.1943-01.11.1943: Kommandeur, SS-Panzer-Regiment 3 'Totenkopf'
01.11.1943: severely WIA
10.02.1944-15.11.1944: SS-Ostubaf, Kommandeur, SS-Wirtschafts-Verwaltungs-Führerschule Arolsen
15.11.1944-20.11.1944: 2. SS-Panzer Division "Das Reich"
20.11.1944-03.01.1945: Kdr., SS-Panzer Regiment 9, 9. SS-Panzer Division 'Hohenstaufen'
03.01.1945-27.03.1945: Kdr., 18. SS-Panzergrenadier Division 'Horst Wessel' - Poland
09.03.1945: North of Ratibor
14.03.1945: ivo Langlieben, Kreuzlinden and Oberglaugau
19.03.1945: Deutsch-Mühlen
20.03.1945: Deutsch-Rasselwitz, Stubendorf and Hotzenplotz
27.03.1945: came into conflict with Generaloberst Schörner, refusing to lead what he deemed to be a suicidal attack, and he was stripped of his command
30.03.1945-08.05.1945: SS-Oberführer, Kdr., 17. SS-Panzergrenadier Division 'Götz von Berlichingen' - Bavaria
09.05.1945: surrendered to US troops in the Rottach-Egern region

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

DRL Sportabzeichen in Bronze
Bronzes SA-Sportabzeichen
SS-Ehrenring
Rank:
SS-Untersturmführer (2nd Lieutenant)
Unit:
SS-Totenkopf-Verbande 'Sachsen'
Awarded on:
September 13th, 1936
other sources give 20.04.1937
Ehrendegen des Reichsführers-SS
Awarded on:
1938
SS-Dienstauszeichnung 4.Stufe (4 Jahre)
Rank:
SS-Untersturmführer (2nd Lieutenant)
Awarded on:
1939
Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 13. März 1938
Rank:
SS-Obersturmführer (Lieutenant)
Awarded on:
1939
Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. Oktober 1938
Rank:
SS-Obersturmführer (Lieutenant)
Awarded on:
1939
Medaille zur Erinnerung an die Heimkehr des Memellandes
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
SS-Obersturmführer (Lieutenant)
Unit:
Chef, 14. Panzerjägerkompanie, SS-Totenkopf-Infanterie-Regiment 1
Awarded on:
June 20th, 1940
Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
SS-Hauptsturmführer (Captain)
Awarded on:
1941

Silver version.
(Allgemeines) Sturmabzeichen
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
July 1941
WIA 08.07.1941
Verwundetenabzeichen 1939 in Schwarz
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
SS-Hauptsturmführer (Captain)
Unit:
Chef, 2. Kompanie, SS-Panzer-Jäger-Abteilung, SS-Totenkopf-Division, 4.Panzerarmee, Heeresgruppe Nord
Awarded on:
July 8th, 1941
Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
April 1942
WIA 08.07.1941 + 17.01.1942 + 20.04.1942
Verwundetenabzeichen 1939 in Silber
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
SS-Hauptsturmführer (Captain)
Unit:
Kommandeur, SS-Panzerjäger-Abteilung "Totenkopf", SS-Totenkopf-Division
Awarded on:
May 3rd, 1942
Bochmann’s Knight’s Cross recommendation reads as follows…

“SS-Hauptsturmführer Bochmann has had an outstanding share in the success of Gruppe Eicke’s attack while leading at the head of his assault Bataillon.

Bochmann’s Bataillon succeeded in capturing the village of Nowo-Ramuschewo on the evening of the 21.04.1942 following a hard battle. It did so under the active leadership and brave personal dedication of its commander, who led his men here to victory while displaying independent initiative. 13 guns (2.2 cm calibre) and 6 tractors were captured in close combat with blank weapons.

From Nowo-Ramuschewo it was possible to make direct visual contact with the attacking spearheads of Gruppe von Seydlitz (located on the western bank of the Lowat) for the first time.

It is therefore requested that SS-Hauptsturmführer Bochmann be awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross in recognition of both his personal outstanding bravery as well as his achievement of establishing contact with Gruppe von Seydlitz.”
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
SS-Sturmbannführer (Major)
Awarded on:
August 6th, 1942
Medaille
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
SS-Hauptsturmführer (Captain)
Unit:
Kommandeur, SS-Panzer-jager-Abteilung, SS-Totenkopf-Division
Awarded on:
1943
Demjanskschild
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
SS-Sturmbannführer (Major)
Awarded on:
March 19th, 1943
Wehrmachtbericht
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
SS-Sturmbannführer (Major)
Unit:
Kommandeur, II. Abteilung, SS-Kradschützen-Regiment “Thule”, 3. SS-Panzergrenadier-Division 'Totenkopf'
Awarded on:
May 17th, 1943
Bochmann’s Oakleaves’ recommendation reads as follows…

“On the 09.03.1943 Bochmann’s Bataillon occupied a security line in Schelstowo as aerial reconnaissance reported withdrawal movements by the enemy. SS-Sturmbannführer Bochmann personally led an armed reconnaissance effort against Katschalowka. By doing so he inflicted bloody losses on the enemy, who were not expecting his appearance at a point about 13 km in front of friendly lines. In the process he captured 4 operational trucks and 1 anti-tank gun (7.62 cm) while also eliminating several guns, vehicles and sledges. He returned to his jump-off position, having completed his sally without any friendly losses.

On the next day (10.03.1943) the Bataillon was able to fulfill its mission of capturing the village of Krassnokutsk as quickly as possible thanks to SS-Sturmbannführer Bochmann’s particularly skillful employment of his Bataillon. He personally drove amongst the point Zug and was thus able to obtain a clear picture of the enemy situation in the village. As it was getting dark at the time he decided to avoid a nocturnal street battle by immediately assaulting the village from three sides at once. He personally directed the attack, and it led to a total victory. The enemy lost numerous dead, several guns and anti-tank rifles as well as abundant miscellaneous materiel.

On the 17.03.1943 Bochmann’s Bataillon received a two-part mission. It was to first capture the patch of forest 3 km southeast of Ssorokowka. After this it would seize the villages of Saroshnoje and Tetlega in conjunction with the I./SS-T-Krdsch.Rgt. ‘Thule’. SS-Sturmbannführer Bochmann showed outstanding bravery during these attacks. After the infantry had rolled up the first field positions he drove up in his SPW and roared forward with a Zug, throwing the enemy into such confusion that they fled the forest in panic. Utilizing this success, he immediately thrust further forwards and enabled his Bataillon to swiftly approach the village of Tetlega. He personally entered into the village, bitterly defended by the enemy, with his 5. Kompanie. Here he immediately perceived how to roll up the positions within the village, and he thereupon brought the northern part of the village into friendly hands within the shortest time while also establishing contact with the Kampfgruppe that was attacking from the south.”

246th Award.
Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
1943
WIA 08.07.1941 + 17.01.1942 + 20.04.1942 + 01.11.1943
Verwundetenabzeichen 1939 in Gold
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
SS-Standartenführer (Colonel)
Unit:
Führer, 18. SS-Freiwilligen-Panzer-Grenadier-Division "Horst Wessel"
Awarded on:
March 26th, 1945
Bochmann’s Swords’ recommendation reads as follows…

“As per orders from the Supreme Commander of Heeresgruppe Mitte, Pz. AOK 1 is recommending the award of the Oakleaves with Swords to the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross for Standartenführer Bochmann, commander of the 18. SS-Freiw.Pz.Gr.Div. ‘Horst Wessel’.

1. On the 08.03.1945 Standartenführer Bochmann personally rallied and reenergized an attack by combat elements of his Division that had stalled under heavy enemy fire in the battle area north of Ratibor.

2. On the 12.03.1945 he personally led a night attack under the most difficult of conditions that resulted in the capture of VW. Annahof.

3. On the 14.03.1945 he directed the defense of Langlieben, a cornerstone of the German defense in the area, against the onslaught of an enemy that far outnumbered his forces in men and weapons. He achieved this through his personally led and boldly executed counterthrusts, and throughout the whole battle he fought from the foremost line and served as the soul of resistance for the troops that had been gathered under his command.

4. During the particularly heavy combat on the 16.03.1945 it was once again his personal intervention in the foremost line that ensured that Kreuzlinden (southwest of Oberglogau) was held. This in turn created the necessary conditions for he planned evacuation of the Cosel bridgehead.

5. On the 19.03.1945 it was once again his inspiring powers of leadership that resulted in the village of Deutsch-Mühlen being held against all enemy tank and infantry attacks. In doing so he laid the groundwork for the breakthrough of both Divisionen during the evening.

6. During the breakthrough on the 19./20.03.1945 along the route Deutsch-Rasselwitz—Stubendorf—Hotzenplotz he once again proved to be a shining example of inspiring leadership. Particularly noteworthy is the fact that, having endured a not insignificant injury on the 14.03.1945, he continued to remain with and in command of his troops despite all the medical advice to the contrary.”

140th Award.
Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern

Sources

  • Photo 1: Willi Schumacher Collection
  • - MOONEY, PETER, Waffen-SS Knights and their Battles, Schiffer Pub Ltd, 2008.
    - MOONEY, PETER, Waffen-SS Knights and their Battles, Schiffer Publishing, Ltd, 2010.
    - Die Ordensträger der Deutschen Wehrmacht (CD), VMD-Verlag GmbH, Osnabrück, 2002
    - Fellgiebel W.P., Elite of the Third Reich, The recipients of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross 1939-1945: A Reference, Helion & Company Limited, Solihull, 2003, ISBN 1-874622-46-9
    - Schneider J.W., Their Honor was Loyalty!, R. James Bender Publishing, 1977
    - Williamson, G., Knight’s Cross, Oak-Leaves and Swords Recipients 1941-45, Osprey Publishing Ltd., Great Britain, 2005
    - Yerger, Mark C., Waffen-SS Commanders – The Army, Corps and Divisional Leaders of a Legend; Augsberger to Kreutz, Schiffer Publishing Ltd., USA, 1997
    - Berger, F., Mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern – Die höchstdekorierten Soldaten des Zweiten Weltkrieges, Selbstverlag Florian Berger, Wien, Österreich, 2002/03
    - Microfilm Publication A3343. US National Archives.

Photo