Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major der Reserve (Major of Reserves)

Unit:

Kommandeur, Feld-Ersatz-Bataillon 346, 346. Infanterie Division

Awarded on:

May 9th, 1945

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

“On the 13.04.1945 the enemy came close to achieving a breakthrough through the main battle line on the eastern edge of Arnhem towards the north. Feld-Ersatz-Bataillon 346 received the order to close the gap between the Festungs-Maschinegewehr-Bataillon 46 (Arnhem city centre) and the right wing of Grenadier-Regiment 858 (halfway between Arnhem and Velp). While his Bataillon was moving into the city (which was under heavy fire at the time), Hauptmann Schiemann determined that the enemy had already crossed the Arnhem—Velp road with strong tank and infantry forces. Thus, on his own initiative, he redeployed his Bataillon to attack this enemy group. Facing bitter opposition, the Bataillon managed to smash the enemy group over the course of bitter urban combat that extended up to the Arnhem—Velp railway line. Through this the fracturing of the Division as a coherent unit was prevented. Throughout the attack the Bataillon commander and his staff were present in the foremost line, spurring on the attack while in-between the Kompanien. Despite being wounded by a shot through the thigh he continued to remain with his men until a new defensive front had been built and consolidated.”

Unofficial award.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)