TracesOfWar needs your help! Every euro, pound or dollar you contribute greatly supports the continuation of this website. Go to stiwot.nl and donate!

Söchting, Fritz

Date of birth:
February 16th, 1924 (Achim/Wolfenbüttel, Germany)
Date of death:
March 19th, 1945 (Near Saldus, Latvia)
Nationality:
German

Biography

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

Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Gefreiter (Lance Corporal)
Unit:
Richtschütze 3./Schnelle-Abteilung 329
Awarded on:
April 16th, 1943
On the 26.02.1943 the Soviets attacked the front of the 329. Infanterie-Division between Wjaski and Werewkino. Söchting, in position here with his 7.5 cm Pak gun, managed to destroy 4 Soviet tanks in spite of the heaviest opposing fire.

During an attack on the same position shortly afterwards, on the 05.03.1943, Söchting destroyed a further 9 enemy tanks, which was of major help in defeating the Soviet breakthrough attempt here.

For this action, as well as his total of 16 enemy tanks destroyed by now, Söchting was awarded the Knight's Cross.
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Sources

Photo