Strachwitz, Graf von, Ernst

Date of birth:: December 22nd, 1919 (Webling, Austria)
Date of death:: July 13th, 1998 (Vienna, Austria)
Nationality:: Austrian

Biography

Full name reads Ernst Graf Strachwitz von Groß-Zauche und Camminetz. He finally reached the rank of Major.

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Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Hauptmann (Captain)
Unit:: Führer II. / Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 137 / 2. Gebirgs-Division
Awarded on:: November 26th, 1944

At the beginning of October 1944, the main target of the Soviet attacks on the Murmansk front was a position known as the Isarlager, as a large bridge over the Titova was located here. The commander of the camp, Hauptmann Graf von Strachwitz, proved to be a capable leader who by rallying the remains of his Bataillon as well as all available alarm units (consisting of clerks, supply troops as well as lightly wounded and sick soldiers) was able to hold the camp against overwhelming Soviet forces on the 08.-09.10.1944.

On the 10.10.1944 the camp had to be evacuated. The Count and his Bataillon were the last to leave the place, after all other soldiers had been evacuated. The bridge was blown up to prevent a Soviet pursuit. Near the end of the battle Strachwitz was wounded, but he had already achieved much during the defense and successful evacuation of the Isarlager. For his accomplishments here he was awarded the Knight's Cross.