Brandes, Ernst

Date of birth:: October 3rd, 1916 (Bergen/Hannover, Germany)
Date of death:: April 16th, 1996
Nationality:: German

Biography

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Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Leutnant der Reserve (2nd Lieutenant of Reserves)
Unit:: Führer, 6. Kompanie, II. Bataillon, Grenadier-Regiment 9, 24. Panzer-Division, Heer
Awarded on:: March 5th, 1945

Leutnant Brandes and his 6./Grenadier-Regiment 9 played a key role during the German defense around Wartenburg in late January 1945. In this time the unit repulsed seemingly unending Soviet attacks against the Kirschlainen lake isthmus over the course of a 24 hour period. Soviet attempts to bypass these defenses by crossing over the frozen lake Groß Aarsee were smashed by a quadruple Flak cannon.

The actions of Brandes and his Kompanie were vital for enabling two German Divisions to retreat to the Bischofsburg area from the southeast. Leutnant Brandes was consequently awarded the Knight’s Cross.

Unit was subordinated to the 24. Panzer-Division from the end of January 1945.