WW2 German Photograph SS Knight’s Cross Winner.

WW2 German Photograph. Untersturmfuhrer Friedrick " Fritz " Henke. 95mm x 65mm. In nice condition. Wearing his Knight's Cross in photograph. Old contemporary black and white picture.

Fritz Henke was a Untersturmfuher (2nd Lieutenant ) in the Waffen SS who was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross.

Born 21st June 1921 in Oldendorth, Lower Saxony. Volunteered for the SS on 4th September 1939 and was posted to SS Regiment Germania. In 1940 he was posted to Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler and participated in Operation Marita in the Balkans campaign.

To the Russian Front : in 1942 now in command of his own Sturmgedchutz during heavy fighting around Shitomir he covered the withdrawal of the Grenadiers during darkness after his own withdrawal was prevented by Russian Infantry, during which time he destroyed 21 Tanks and 11 Anti-Tank guns. For these actions Henke was awarded the Knights Cross and promoted to Oberscharfuhrer (Staff Sergeant) and given command of a platoon in the 3rd Battery 1st SS Sturmgeschutz Battalion. In September 1943 to Officers training and promoted to Untersturmfuhrer.

During the war he was wounded only once on 20th April 1945 prior to surrendering to the allies. Fritz Henke survived the war and died 15th November 1999 and is buried at Moisburg.

The Sturmgeschutz was highly regarded by the German Infantry. It accompanied the infantry in attack, so important was its role that infantry units in Russia refused to attack if the Sturmgeschultz assault vehicles were not in the attack line-up to give close support during fire fights.