12. SS Pz. Division, Obersturmführer Wachter. = Bulge.

Hi everybody, just bought this amazing deathcard from SS Obersturmführer Hans Wachter, commander of the 2. Panzerjäger Kompanie, of the SS Panzerjäger Abt. 12 der 12. SS Pz. Division Hitlerjugend.
He fell in the fighting in the northern sector of the Ardennes, near the twin villages of Rocherath/Krinkelt.

This info I found so far, in the book of the Hitlerjugend Division Vol.2.

"The bulk of II./25 and Panzerjäger Abt. 12 had followed Obersturmführer Zeiner after they dislodged the enemy from the Krinkelt forest. They followed him closely along the country lane to Rocherath. Soon after leaving the forest they came upon the enemy, ready for defense, in the darkness. After a bitter fight, they were able to throw him back, effectively supported by there own artillery. Immediately east of Rocherath they again encountered superior enemy troops. The attack stalled there under very heavy artillery fire. An attempt to by-pass the enemy by swinging to the north also faltered in the face of his superior forces. With the loss of several Panzerjägers, it is probable that the chief of 2. Panzerjägerkompanie, Obersturmführer Wachter, and the leader of his III. Zug, Oberscharführer Bitau, were killed during these battles."

Well I am quite interested in this person, and knowing there is much written about the 12. SS Pz, I was wondering if anybody has more information about this person. I would be very thankfull.

For instance, I can't find him in the division list with DKIG holders.


Best regards,
Nick

 

Hello Nick,
His first name was JOHANN (calling name Hans)
Wachter, Johann Born Markt-Oberdorf 24.11.1912,
SS-Nr 77 227
He lived before the war in Born Markt-Oberdorf , Meichelbeckstrasse 62
He appears in documents (Stellenbesetzungen, Verleihungslisten etc .. ) as a Oscha in Jan 1941 in 3./V./LSSAH
Later he became Offr because febr 1942 he appears as Ustuf in the 3./Pz.Jg.Abt. 1
Ultimatly, after transfer to 12 SS Pz.Div he was KIA 19 Dec 1944 as Comdr 2./Pz.Jg.Abt.12
He was awarded E.K. 1 and 2, VerwundetenAbzeichen Bronze (Jan 1942), Pz.Kpf.Abz. Silber Feb 1942
April 1943 he was awarded the german cross in gold for actions in Russia (Charkow).
Cheers
Peter
Source: Mr. John MOORE Personalakten and FÜhrerliste

 

Superb information again Peter. Thanks.
Through the WAF forum I recieved the following information;
Johann Wachter, DKiG 06.05.1943, SS-Untersturmführer in 3./Pz.Jäg.Abt. LSSAH

 

The town he lived is called Marktoberdorf now. It is pretty close to my location. I know a guy from Marktoberdorf with the name Martin Wachter and his Dad was at the SS. Maybe he is a relative.

 

Ask him!

 

I´ll do it!

 

Hello Gebirgsjaeger,
If you do so, let him know his fathers SS-file is at hand ...
Cheers
Peter

 

Hi Peter,

i´ll let him know and if he is a relative i´ll bring him on this site if possible! Tried to contact him today but it seems that he is in holidays which is usual for August over here.

 

Would be something if its a relative...
I am curious if he has any items left... pictures for instance... or perhaps a wehrpass...