Ernst-Johann Tetsch

Ernst Johann Tetsch
Born 28 October 1916
Karlsruhe, Germany
Died 11 November 1993
Allegiance  Nazi Germany
Service/branch Waffen-SS
Years of service 1935–1945
Rank Sturmbannführer
Unit SS-VT
SS Division Das Reich
10th SS Panzer Division Frundsberg
Battles/wars World War II
Awards Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross
Iron Cross I Class
Iron Cross II Class
Wound Badgein Silver
Panzer Badge in Silver [1]

Ernst-Johann Tetsch (28 October 1916 — 11 November 1993) was a Sturmbannführer (Major) in the Waffen-SS during World War II. He was a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, which was awarded to recognize extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership by Nazi Germany during World War II.

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Early life

Ernst Johann Tetsch was born 28 October 1916, in Karlsruhe, Baden. After he finished elementary school he volunteered to join the SS-VT and was assigned to SS-Standarte Germania (SS number 199 968), he also joined the NSDAP (party number 5 262 862). He was then selected to become an officer and sent to the SS-Junkerschule in Braunschweig, being in the Class of 35.[1][2]

World War II

Tetsch started World War II in the SS Germania Regiment which at the time was part of the SS-VT. On the reformation of the SS-VT after the Battle of France he was part of the SS Division Das Reich and given command of the 8th (Heavy) Company, 2nd SS Panzer Regiment.[1][2]

He then went onto command the III. Battalion, 2nd SS Panzer Regiment between July and October 1943, this unit had been formed from captured T-34 tanks and crewed by the 2nd SS Panzerjager Battalion.[1][2]

In 1944 he was posted to the 10th SS Panzer Division Frundsberg to command the I. Battalion, 10th SS Panzer Regiment, a Panther tank battalion. It was while in command of this battalion that he was awarded the Knight's Cross serving on the Eastern Front in March 1945. Shortly after he assumed command of the 10th SS Panzer Regiment until the end of the war.[1][2]

Post war

Ernst Johann Tetsch survived the war and died on the 11 November 1993.[1][2]

Commands

Further reading

  • Fellgiebel, Walther-Peer. Die Träger des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939-1945. Friedburg, Germany: Podzun-Pallas, 2000. ISBN 3-7909-0284-5.
  • Mitcham, Jr.Samuel, Retreat to the Reich, Stackpole books 2007. ISBN 081173384X
  • Henschler Henri & Fay Will, Armor Battles of the Waffen-SS, 1943-45 Stackpole Books, 2003. ISBN 0811729052
  • Mitcham Samuel, The German Defeat in the East, 1944-45,Stackpole Books, 2007. ISBN 0811733718
  • The Combat History of the 10th SS Panzer Division Frundsberg. available on line [3]

References