Drebber, von, Moritz (Generalmajor)

Date of birth:: February 12th, 1892 (Oldenburg/Oldenburg, Germany)
Date of death:: May 30th, 1968 (Oldenburg/Lowersaxony, Germany)
Nationality:: German

Biography

Moritz von Drebber reached the rank of Generalmajor. He was a Soviet Prisoner of War from January 25th, 1943 until October 21st, 1949.

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Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Oberst (Colonel)
Unit:: Kommandeur, Infanterie-Regiment 523, 297. Infanterie-Division
Awarded on:: June 30th, 1942

Drebber’s Knight’s Cross recommendation reads as follows…

“Oberst von Drebber and his Gefechtsgruppe (Infanterie-Regiment 523, 1 Schützen-Bataillon, 2 Artillerie-Abteilungen, 2 Panzerjäger-Kompanien, 2 Pionier-Bataillone) were deployed south of the Donez to establish a bridgehead for the 14. Panzer-Division across the Burluk river near Basalojewka. In this capacity Oberst von Drebber outstandingly fulfilled this mission through his purposeful initiative and ruthless bravery in the foremost line. As early as 2 hours after leaving the jump-off position (which was attained after 3 km of creeping and crawling) the bridgehead had been captured by surprise, the defenders eliminated, the area for bridge-building secured and consequently the way opened for the 14. Panzer-Division.

Without waiting for the arrival of the Panzer-Division, or hesitating on account of his open right flank, Oberst von Drebber continued the forward assault with his Regiment on his own initiative on the 11.06.1942. In doing so he rolled up the depths of the entire defensive position before Petschenegi, crossed over the height after the mine belt (2000 mines were cleared) and closed the ring at the Chatonljn river already on the 12.06.1942. His independently conducted advance (in which he personally crossed through swamps up to chest height in water), all without fire support or vehicles and all the while being constantly threatened in the flank, ensured the destruction of the assembled enemy group. The difficult bridge and road conditions were impeding the 14. Panzer-Division so much that it was staggered to the rear over a distance of 8-9 km. Without Oberst von Drebber’s actions the enemy would have escaped.

The attacking spirit of the Regiment always found new strength in the example of its commander. His achievement here is a testament to his leadership, decisiveness and personal devotion to duty, and it was of great importance for the larger situation.

1661 prisoners were captured during the battle, along with 36 artillery pieces.”