| Karl Brommann | |
|---|---|
| Born | 20 July 1920 Neumünster, Germany |
| Died | 30 June 2011 (aged 90) |
| Allegiance | Nazi Germany |
| Service/branch | Waffen SS |
| Years of service | 1937–1945 |
| Rank | Untersturmführer |
| Unit | 6th SS Gebirgs Division Nord 11th SS Panzergrenadier Division Nordland 103 SS Heavy Panzer Battalion |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross Iron Cross I Class Iron Cross II Class Wound Badge Panzer Badge in Silver Infantry Assault Badge in Silver Sudetenland Medal Anschluss Medal |
Karl Brommann (20 July 1920 – 30 June 2011)[1] was a Untersturmführer (Storm Leader/Second Lieutenant) in the Waffen SS during World War II. Who was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, for the destruction of 66 tanks along with 44 anti tank guns and 15 vehicles in the battle for Danzig.[2] The Knight's Cross was awarded to recognize extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership by Nazi Germany during World War II.
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Brommann was born on 20 July 1920 in Neumünster in Holstein. In 1937 he volunteered to join the SS at the age of seventeen and was posted to the 2nd Brandenburg Standarte, SS Totenkopf (SS service number 316479).[3] In 1938 he took part in the Anschluss of Austria [4] and the occupation of the Sudetenland.[4]
Brommann was posted to the 6th SS Gebirgs Division Nord (Mountain Division) and fought in Finland and was twice wounded the first time in both hands and feet the second time was a serious lung wound. Brommann stayed in Hospital for almost one year recovering from his injuries.[3]
After recovering from his wounds he was posted to the 11th SS Panzergrenadier Division Nordland in May 1943 and fought on the Eastern Front. He was also promoted to Oberscharführer at this time.[3]
In October 1943, he was transferred to the newly forming 103 SS Heavy Panzer Battalion and trained on the Tiger tank.[3]
In October 1944 the Battalion received their first King Tigers and on 27 January 1945, was transferred to the Eastern Front. Following their arrival at the front, the Battalion saw heavy combat in the Stettin area. They also participated in the escape of refugees from East Prussia. During the night of February 17/18, the Battalion was loaded onto trains and moved to Danzig. During the fighing in Danzig and Sopot, Untersturmführer Karl Brommann now the commander of the 2nd Company, destroyed 66 tanks along with 44 anti tank guns and 15 vehicles. Following this action he was awarded the Knight's Cross.[5] Brommann received further honors when he was mentioned in the daily Wehrmachtbericht on 10 April 1945 for this action.[6]
In March 1945, he was wounded for the third time suffering burns to his head and hands and a splinter in his eye. Evacuated by hospital train to Flensburg. He was captured by the British on 21 May 1945.
Brommann remained in captivity until November 1947, when he was released he trained to be a dental laboratory technician at the University Clinic of Germany.[5]