Hasso-Eccard Freiherr Von Manteuffel 14 January 1897 – 24 September 1978 Joined the Kaiser’s Army in February 1916, wounded in France 1917. After the war served in the Freikorps, and was asked to remain with the Reichswehr in January 1919. Serving in the Cavalry and as a squad leader in a mounted regiment, Von Manteuffel was exposed to early experiments that would bear fruit in the armored tactics that took the German Army to such heights. Appointed commander of the 2nd Motorcycle Battalion in Heinz Guderian’s 2nd Panzer Division in October 1935, then serving as a staff major with the division, he trained divisional cadets and cadet officers. Until 1941, Von Manteuffel served as a senior professor at Panzer Troop School II in Berlin Krampnitz. His first command was 1st Battalion, 7th Rifle reg. 7th Pz Division, and In August 1941, he took over the 6th Rifle Regiment of the same unit participating in heavy fighting around Moscow during the winter of 1941/1942. While the division refitted in France during July 1942, he was given 7th Panzergrenadier Brigade of the Seventh Panzer Division. In 1943, posted to Africa, he became commander of the Von Broich/Von Manteuffel Division in Von Arnim’s 5th Panzer Army during the end of the African Campaign.On March 31,1943 collapsing from exhaustion, Manteuffel was invalided back to Germany. After rest Manteuffel was given his old 7th Panzer Division in August 1943. Back in Russia the same month he was wounded in the back by Russian aircraft during vicious fighting in summer/autumn 1943. In late November Zhitomir in the Ukraine was retaken by 7th Panzer saving the 8th Panzer from encirclement in a rare successful German counterstroke after which he was nicknamed ‘the Lion of Zhitomir’. His successes were recognized when he was given command of the elite ‘Grossdeutschland’ Panzergrenadier Division. There was no rest: the division fought across the Ukraine achieving defensive successes and upon reaching Romania in March 1944 was rested reorganized, and by June had to repeat the process. After only a month the division was in East Prussia.In a series of brilliant local counterattacks, he effectively sealed off all Soviet breakthroughs and stabilized the front. His success there was attributed to the clever expedient of forgoing a traditional artillery bombardment. A successful attack into Lithuania suffered heavy losses. The division was being burned out. At this point Manteuffel was moved west to assume command of the Fifth Panzer Army opposite that of George Patton. The army was withdrawn and refitted for the offensive known as the ‘Battle of the Bulge’. “It was incomprehensible to me,” he emoted, (In conference with Hitler) “that not one of the 80 senior officers present dared speak out in order to clarify obvious discrepancies or ask questions, not to mention supporting us in this matter of life and death.” His army advanced to within an ace of crossing the Meuse River; then on to Antwerp it was hoped. Back east: the defense of Berlin on the Oder at Kustrin. During the battle, his headquarters was assaulted. Six Russian soldiers killed four of his staff. Wounded, he shot one Russian and killed another with his trench knife! After surrender, Von Manteuffel surrendered to the Russians and was held until 1947. A naturally talented leader of armor, Von Manteuffel was known for aggressiveness, pugnacity, and innovation. A talented rider, he rode with he German Olympic Team. After the war, he was active in Liberal politics and helped reestablish the german Army (Bunderwehr).He lectured at West Pint on Winter Warfare and met Eisenhower. An impressive man.
Posted on: Mon, 15 Dec 2014 03:20:21 +0000
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