Heer Feldgendarmerie veteran of Cholm and Demjansk

[Gordon Williamson]

Hermann Suhr served throughout his military career with 30 Infanterie Division. His Wehrpass photo is from his service with the RAD

[Gordon Williamson]

Here he is as a new recruit, issued his uniform but no shoulder straps yet.

[Gordon Williamson]

His first posting, in 1938, is to Panzerabwehr Abteilung 30. Here he is on home leave in 1939,now a fully trained soldier and promoted to Gefreiter.

[Gordon Williamson]

In December 1939 he becomes a Despatch Rider and is serving with Kradmeldung-Zug 30, still part of 30 Infanterie Division.

Apparantly, the unit desptach riders didn't just use motorcycles, but horses too. Note he still wears the waterproof motorcyclist coat when on horesback !.

[Gordon Williamson]

In July 1940, he earns the EK2.

[Gordon Williamson]

Here he is posing proudly with his new award.

[Gordon Williamson]

In June 1942, he transfers to Feldgendarmerie-Trupp 30 ( again still part of 30 Infanterie Division)where, the fact that he later wins the Driver Proficiency Badge in Gold suggests that he is still acting in the role of a motorcycle despatch rider.

[Gordon Williamson]

His Wehrpass has an extensive list of combat engagements on both west and east fronts.

[Gordon Williamson]

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[Gordon Williamson]

While serving with the Feldgendarmerie he sees consisderable action around Cholm, Demjansk and Staraya Russa.

[Gordon Williamson]

Doesn't win the Cholm Shield but he does get the Demjansk Shield, not an easy award to find for a Feldgendarm, as well as the Kraftfahrbewährungsabzeichen in Gold.

[Gordon Williamson]

Sadly for him, he didn't survive the Eastern Front, and was killed in action on 15 September 1944.

[Paul R]

I am surprised that he did not receive any combat badges(IAB or GAB), Close Combat Badge, and etc.

[joe campbell]

an excellent - as usual! - find.

thanks,

joe