Heer Information on Oberst Heinrich Hermann August Mette

[DonC]

Hello All -

I have the tunic and some paperwork on Oberst Mette, who died in Soviet captivity in October 1945. He was in 9.Infanterie Dvision as a Transport/Supply officer with the division. Any additional information is appreciated. DOB: 12/5/1887 died 10/28/1945.

[Guest Rick Research]

NO officer of that name:

WW1 Honor Rank List

1939 Stellen Liste

1944 Dienstaltersliste

[DonC]

Thanks, Rick -

He is in the German graves registry as a full Colonel. Could he have been a reservist? The photo I have of him shows a Stahlhelm pin and HK with swords boutonniere ribbon - it is from a hunting lisence he held pre-war.

Don

[Naxos]

Heinrich Hermann August Mette was the Manager and heir of Heinrich Mette & Co GmbH est. 1787, a large agricultural seed growing company in Quedlinburg.

History of the family business: http://www.bbs-quedlinburg.de/mette/mette.html

Edited May 24, 2009 by Naxos

[DonC]

Thanks, Hardy - Unfortunately it looks like the company did not survive the war - I cannot find any current records for it. Here is Oberst Mette's M36 tunic, tailored in 1939:

Edited May 24, 2009 by DonC

[Guest Rick Research]

And what name, rank and place is on the LABEL?

I find a Saxon Leutnant der Reserve (20.03.11) Heinrich Mette in Saxon Ulanen Rgt 18 before the war. His sole Saxon award during the war was an Albert-Knight 2nd Class X on 2 August 1916-- still Lt dR.

Doesn't seem the sort of fellow who'd have flown up RESERVE ranks faster than an active duty officer.

There is the problem of "Rufname," since somebody with 3 middle names could have gone by any of them.

[DonC]

Last name only, Mette, dated 1939, tailored by Eduard Meusel, Halberstadt.

Don

[ccj]

Last name only, Mette, dated 1939, tailored by Eduard Meusel, Halberstadt.

Don

Nice tunic, can you show us the shoulder boards? I think I saw a nice visor cap that matches your tunic just today or yesterday....

You need a nice post 34 ribbon bar.

[DonC]

Here's a shot of the shoulder board, eagle, and collar tabs:

[DonC]

Here is his hunting license:

[ccj]

Here is his hunting license:

Thanks, that's a fine tunic.

Hopefully you'll find out what awards Mette had. It looks like he may have had a 4-5 place ribbon bar.

[Naxos]

Don, perhaps you can post a larger scan

... of the boutonniere ribbon :

Edited May 25, 2009 by Naxos

[DonC]

Here's one blown up, about the best I can do:

[DonC]

Rick, do you happen to have a date of birth for your Saxon Leutnant?

Don

[Guest Rick Research]

No.

24 would be kind of tight for a pre-war Lt dR, but still plausible.

I can't get over that kind of reserve career for a quartermaster type. :speechless1:

[DonC]

He was a major in December 1940 - the tunic also came with a Christmas decoration with his name on it with the rank of major. I have to wonder if he was "connected" - either party or Heer friends in high places. Or he may have just been a hell of a supply officer...

Don

[Naxos]

.... I have to wonder if he was "connected" - either party or Heer friends in high places. Or he may have just been a hell of a supply officer...

Don

The Mette family was very wealthy - one of the biggest landowners in Germany.

Mette Seeds were exported internationally. The family even owned a castle (quite uncommon for commoners at the time) they build villages for their laborers families.

[DonC]

Mette died in the POW Lager in Reval, Estonia in October, 1945. Money truly can't buy yoou everything...

Don

Edited May 25, 2009 by DonC

[DonC]

Gents, I try to put all my named tunics up on mannequins if possible as a small gesture to these men's memory. Here is Colonel Mette:

[DonC]

Close up. The visor is an Erel Extra with ventilated cockade...