Awarded on:

April 1st, 1935

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

October 2nd, 1939

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

July 1st, 1940

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

July 19th, 1940

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

August 23rd, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

October 27th, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Hauptmann (Captain)

Unit:

Chef, 2. Kompanie, Infanterie-Regiment 408, 121. Infanterie-Division

Awarded on:

July 28th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

July 29th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

March 17th, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

April 28th, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

August 14th, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

Kommandeur, III. Bataillon, Grenadier-Regiment 408, 121. Infanterie-Division

Awarded on:

April 6th, 1944

The following press article, dated 27.04.1944, describes why Canders was awarded the Knight’s Cross…

“The Soul of the Resistance, Major Werner Canders, is Awarded the Knight’s Cross:

Mid-February 1944! Heavy defensive fighting rages in the northern sector of the eastern front. The enemy repeatedly attempts to disrupt the planned withdrawals of the German units and cut them off from their supply and connection roads. But more often than not these aims were frustrated by the steadfastness and the fighting spirit of the German soldier, which remains unbroken despite all the difficulties.

On the 17.02.1944 the Soviets launched a massive attempt to break through the positions of a Regiment belonging to the East Prussian 121. Infanterie-Division (the same unit recently mentioned in the OKW report). The Bataillon led by Major Canders fought in the midst of this bitter struggle. And here the right man found himself in the right place. The Wound Badge in Gold, Close Combat and Honour Roll Clasp, the German Cross in Gold - all of these high awards are the mark of the outstanding merit of this 30 year old Bataillon commander. And today, on the 17.02.1944, he was the soul of the resistance, passing on his unshakeable will to every one of his Grenadiers.

The enemy managed to achieve a penetration in the right Bataillon sector with the support of tanks. But Major Canders immediately adjusted to the new situation. Everything depended on keeping the Division’s primary communications road open. For this reason he swiftly resolved to refuse the front of his Bataillon against the now open flank in order to prevent a further Russian advance. However in the meantime they had already reached the Bataillon command post itself. Yet Major Canders did not think to give up his position. At the time he only had 9 Grenadiers available to him. But he knew that he could count on every one of them. He threw himself at the Soviets at their head, pushing them back in bitter close combat and forcing them out of the main battle line.

However he had barely finished doing so when he received word that the enemy had broken through with tanks and mounted infantry at the boundary with the left neighbour. He immediately rushed to the threatened location and started by bringing a Flak gun into position, and this destroyed 2 enemy tanks right off the bat. Major Canders utilized the confusion that this caused among the enemy to again launch a counterthrust with his Grenadiers, and with them he managed to eliminate this enemy penetration. The command measures by this Bataillon commander and his outstanding bravery thus brought about a desirable outcome.

The important road remained open, and the Division was able to carry out its planned movements in an orderly fashion.

Major Canders was awarded the Knight’s Cross to the Iron Cross for his bold and determined actions.

Major Canders was born in Berlin-Pankow. He is an active officer.”

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

June 9th, 1944