Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberleutnant (1st Lieutenant)

Unit:

11. Kompanie, III. Bataillon, Grenadier-Regiment 424, 126. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

March 28th, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberleutnant der Reserve (1st Lieutenant of Reserves)

Unit:

Führer, 11. Kompanie, III. Bataillon, Grenadier-Regiment 424, 126. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

January 15th, 1943

The Soviets launched a surprise attack against the left wing of Grenadier-Regiment 424 on New Year’s Eve of 1942/43. They managed to penetrate the German frontline near Knjasewo with 10 tanks and a reinforced rifle regiment. An immediate counterthrust by the 1./Pi.Btl. 126 (led by Oberleutnant Franke) managed to narrow the breach down to a width of 200 metres, however it could not recapture the lost position.

At around 21:00 reinforcements arrived in the shape of the 11./Gr.Rgt. 424 (led by Oberleutnant Uhde), however this unit was also unable to change the situation initially. As the Soviets had also achieved a penetration in the sector of the neighbouring division (the 123. Infanterie-Division) on the same day, General Hoppe demanded that the Grenadier-Regiment 424 succeed in restoring the situation before daybreak. He feared that the Soviets would send in reserves and expand their breach if the line was not quickly restored.

The 11./Gr.Rgt. 424 therefore began a new counterthrust at 02:45. This time the Soviets were thrown back and the old frontline recaptured. 17 prisoners were taken and 53 dead Soviet soldiers were counted in the aftermath. Oberleutnant Uhde had the lion’s share in this success, and for this he would later receive the Knight’s Cross.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)