Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberfeldwebel

Unit:

Zugführer 11./Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 3

Received the Knight's Cross for actions at Crete. His Kompanie was deployed into the mountains south of Perivolia and immediately was forced to break through Allied positions to link up with the I./Fallschirmjâger-Regiment 3. However Welskop's Zug fought an action of its own for two days of the battle. After the jump Welskop had taken his men and captured an important height at Chania, which was lodged deep in the Allied defense scheme. He was able to hold this position against Allied counterattacks, which had to be repelled in bitter close combat.

When Heidrich was forced to evacuate the heights later on, Welskop and his Zug didn't receive the order to retreat, but were able to hang onto their captured territory nonetheless. In doing so they were able to deceive the Allies as to true German strength in the area and thus contributed to the eventual German victory. For this worthy achievement, Welskop received the Knight's Cross.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)