Marre, Herbert

Date of birth:: January 14th, 1919 (Dortmund/Westphalia, Germany)
Date of death:: October 1st, 1979 (Aerzen/Lower Saxony, Germany)
Nationality:: German

Biography

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!

Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Oberleutnant (1st Lieutenant)
Unit:: Chef, 13. Kompanie, III. Bataillon, Grenadier-Regiment 424, 126. Infanterie-Division, Heer
Awarded on:: April 17th, 1945

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

“During the Fifth Battle of Courland the Russians launched a major assault against the right flank of the Regiment (located east of Preekuln) on the 20.02.1945, and they managed to achieve a deep penetration in the frontline with surprising speed. This threatened to extend to not only the regimental command post, but also the road Preekuln—Libau. Such an outcome would have given the enemy the opportunity to roll up the defense of Preekuln from the rear at a very early stage of the battle.

Oberleutnant Marre immediately perceived the hostile intent to break through towards the command post of Regiment ‘Schule’, an act that would compromise the entire defense of Preekuln. However he was in an unenviable position at the time, with one of his infantry gun positions already having been overrun and hostile forces closing in on his Kompanie command post. However he continued to hold his position as ordered, defending his command post with his small band of troops as a rock in the surf against the opposing infantry masses.

Whilst giving his Grenadiers an inspiring example in the close combat that ensued, he first stabilized the situation around his command post and then incorporated the still-intact firing positions of his guns into the defense. By firing directly on the enemy with his remaining infantry guns he brought the enemy such high losses that they were forced to halt their onslaught. Then, utilizing the moment of opportunity, he decided to launch a counterattack against the enemy. With a loud cry of ‘Hurra’, he led his group against the bewildered enemy and pushed them back. He continued pushing forwards until he had relieved a hitherto isolated friendly position further forwards and consolidated his gains against all further attacks.

Oberleutnant Marre then used a newly arrived replacement unit to create a new defensive position backed by the support of his infantry guns. He and his Kampfgruppe then held their position on the subsequent day of battle despite being eventually encircled by the foe. In the process they launched a number of counterthrusts to eliminate hostile gains. Later, after being ordered to break out to friendly lines, he managed to break the bitter hostile resistance and achieve a total success. Although he was wounded in the process he nonetheless gave his exhausted troops such a fine example of elan that the breakthrough succeeded, with the result that significant forces were retained for future combat.

In sum, Oberleutnant Marre’s steadfastness, bravery and initiative played a key role in frustrating the enemy’s attempt to break through in the regimental sector despite the critical situation that he faced. This in turn was a vital contribution to the overall defense of Preekuln.”