Description
Interesting KIA Set to:
Werner Knöpke – served with
Infanterie Regiment 24 (21st Inf Div)
On August 21, 1939, the division was mobilized. The 9th MG Battalion and the 2nd Company of the 31st MG Battalion were placed under the division. The 21st Reconnaissance Battalion was reorganized from the 4th Cavalry Regiment and the 21st Field Replacement Battalion.
On September 1, 1939, the division crossed the Polish border and stormed the Graudenz Fortress. The division was then transferred to Johannesburg and advanced from there via Kolno and the Narew to Novgorod and via Bialystock to Volkowyssk. In November 1939, the division was transferred to the Bitburg area of the Eifel. In January 1940, Field Replacement Battalion 21 was transferred to the 291st Infantry Division. From May 10, 1940, the division took part in the French campaign, crossed Luxembourg and Belgium and advanced via Mezières and Charleville to the Aisne. Here the division had to endure heavy fighting. In the second phase of the campaign, the “Battle of France”, the division marched fighting to the southeast via Pethes, St. Menehould, Bar-le-Duc.
Already in September 1940 the division moved home. In October 1940, the headquarters of the 3rd Infantry Regiment and the third battalions of the infantry regiments were transferred to the 121st Infantry Division. From June 22, 1941, the division took part in the Russian campaign. From the Tilsit area, the division advanced into Lithuania, crossed the Düna near Jakobstadt and advanced to Dno via Ostrow and Porchow. Here the division turned towards the Illmensee and fought its way north along the north bank of the Volkhov. Finally, the division advanced on Volkhovstroy. In December 1941 the division had to retreat behind the Volkhov to Kirishi. Here the division formed the only German bridgehead on the east bank of the river. The division remained in this sector of the front throughout 1942, suffering heavy casualties.
Werner Knöpke – according to the letter dated 27.7.1941 – Died on the Ilmen Lake, near Staraja Russa, direct hit with a grenade. His friends gathered his body in a tent and buried him.
Letter dated Jan 1942 – insight into the battle in which Werner was killed, fascinating letter describing the battle.
Post War – Volksbund letter 1966 – interesting letter describing more details on the grave location.
Large Photo of Werner is adding to this lot, really nice to see such photos in groupings. These sorts of groupings are not as often found as 5 to 10 years ago.
