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Hans Kamecke

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Hans Kamecke
Born18 August 1890
Died16 October 1943(1943-10-16) (aged 53)
Allegiance Nazi Germany
Service / branchArmy
Years of service1909–20
1935–43
RankGeneralleutnant
Commands137th Infantry Division
Battles / warsWorld War II
AwardsKnight's Cross of the Iron Cross

Generalleutnant Hans Kamecke (18 August 1890 – 16 October 1943) was a German Wehrmacht officer who saw service commanding the 137th Infantry Division during the Second World War. He was killed in action on 16 October 1943 near Kolpen and posthumously awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross.

Career

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Kamecke fought in the German Wehrmacht during the Second World War. Whilst in command of 124. Infanterie-Regiment he was awarded the German Cross in Gold on 1 December 1941.[1] As a generalmajor Kamecke was given command of 137. Infanterie-Division on 5 January 1942, fighting in the Russian Winter campaign of 1941–1942. He relinquished command only a month later on 2 February when he was either injured or fell ill. He returned to the division on 1 June and was promoted to generalleutnant on 1 January 1943.[2][3]

Kamecke commanded 137. Infanterie-Division during the Battle of Kursk and Operation Citadel later in the year.[2][3] The division subsequently fought around the central Dnieper.[3] Kamecke was returning to his headquarters from visiting the front line, south of Kolpen, when he was attacked and killed by Soviet fighter aircraft.[1][4] He was posthumously awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross eleven days later.[1] Badly understrength, after Kamecke's death 137. Infanterie-Division was withdrawn from combat and disbanded later in the year.[3]

Awards and decorations

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References

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Citations

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  1. ^ a b c d Yerger (1997), p. 190.
  2. ^ a b Cornish (2005), p. 217.
  3. ^ a b c d Mitcham (1985), p. 127.
  4. ^ MacLean (1996), p. 122.
  5. ^ Fellgiebel (2000), p. 205.

Bibliography

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  • Cornish, Nik (2005). Kursk: History's Greatest Tank Battle. Hoo, Rochester: Grange Books. ISBN 1-84013-799-1.
  • Fellgiebel, Walther-Peer (2000) [1986]. Die Träger des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939–1945 — Die Inhaber der höchsten Auszeichnung des Zweiten Weltkrieges aller Wehrmachtteile [The Bearers of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross 1939–1945 — The Owners of the Highest Award of the Second World War of all Wehrmacht Branches] (in German). Friedberg, Germany: Podzun-Pallas. ISBN 978-3-7909-0284-6.
  • MacLean, French L. (1996). Quiet Flows the Rhine: German General Officer Casualties in World War II. Winnipeg: J.J. Fedorowicz. ISBN 9780921991328.
  • Mitcham, Samuel W. (1985). Hitler's Legions. London: Leo Cooper. ISBN 0436282003.
  • Yerger, Mark C. (1997). Waffen-SS Commanders. Atglen, Pennsylvania: Schiffer. ISBN 0-7643-0769-X.
Military offices
Preceded by Commander of 137. Infanterie-Division
5 January 1942 – 12 February 1942
Succeeded by
Preceded by Commander of 137. Infanterie-Division
25 February 1942 – 15 October 1943
Succeeded by