WWII German Army Wehrmacht Soldbuch Grouping – Uffz Becker – 560 Volksgrenadier Division – Ardennes 1944 / West Wall 1945 – Wounded – Award Certificates
Description
Soldbuch Grouping
Martin Becker born in 1920 in Altenbrunnen (Kassel) Germany. Worked as a builder before the war.
Enlisted in October 1940, fought with Pionier-Bataillon 152 (52 Inf Div) as well as Pionier-Bataillon 229 (197 Inf Div)Â
Fighting in France and later Russia, wounded by a grenade splinter in the hand, and shoulder in August 1942. And wounded again later ( see below)
On the 23rd of November Becker was issued full combat equipment.
According to the medical report, Becker was sent to Pionier Bataillon 1560 ( 560 Volksgren Div)
Deployed on the first days of the Ardennes Offensive, the division then followed the 116th Panzer Division, which had been deployed in front of it. Parts of the division took the town of Hupperdarge. The division continued its advance via Tavigny towards Houffalize and was able to advance into the Gouvy area amid ongoing fighting. During its advance, the division encountered heavy resistance east of the Samrée and reached the Dochamps-Marcouray line. The continuation of the attack towards Grand Han via Amonines was no longer successful. The strength of the regiments had fallen to 300-400 men.
On December 25, 1944, the division stopped its offensive efforts and from then on was exposed to increased counter-operations by the US troops. Heavy fighting took place east of the road from Soy to Hampteau. In the days that followed, the division suffered further heavy losses and the combat strength of the regiments fell to around 150 men.
In the first days of January 1945, US troops made several incursions into the division’s main battle line. While an ordered bridgehead was being formed north of Houffalize, the remnants of the division were pulled out of the front and relocated to the St. Vith area. Combat strength had fallen to two battalions. There was a lack of winter clothing and warm food.
At the end of January 1945, massive enemy attacks took place in the area of ​​the XIII. Army Corps, with the result that the American troops were able to expand the bridgeheads over the Our in the Stupbach area on the German-Luxembourg border.
560th Volksgrenadier Division was then transferred to the LXXX Army Corps, initially only with individual elements. The strength of the division had only grown to three battalions. The transfer to the LXXX Army Corps was therefore immediately cancelled and the division relocated to the Pronsfeld area in the Eifel for further refreshment. After the Americans moved into the West Wall position near Echternach at the beginning of February 1945, the division was then in the so-called Prüm position on 20 February 1945, which had only been temporarily expanded.
On the 17.2.1945 – Becker arrives in an aid station, a grenade splinter in the back of the head, took 3/4s of his ear off.
Awards :Â Iron Cross Second Class, Eastern Front Medal, General Assault Badge, Wounds Badge in Black, Wounds Badge in Silver.
Issued : MP40 and once a Russian PPsh Machine Pistol – Combat Equipment as well as a Helmet Cover! Iron Rations, Military Watch Serial D16773H
Interestingly, Becker was awarded the Eastern Front Medal twice, with two Certificates issued to him.
