German Forces

Major Dr.Franz Bake

Oberst A.D. Helmut Ritgen

Major (later Generalmajor) Dr.Franz Bake, 1898-1978; this very gallant and distinguished officer,photographed here in 1943, held various appointments within 11th Pz. Regt. of 6th Pz. Div., and rose to command the regiment in 1943- 44. During that winter he led the successful battle-group ' Heavy Panzer Regiment Bake', whose Tiger and Panther tanks achieved extraordinary results in a number of engagements; and in 1945 he was promoted to commanding general of 13th Panzer Division. In this photo Maj.Bake wears the black, pink-piped field uniform of the tank arm; the Knight's Cross with Oakleaves is worn at the throat- he was later awarded the Swords. On the left breast are the Iron Cross 1st Class; the gold Wound Badge, signifying at least five wounds in action ; and the Tank Battle Badge. In his buttonhole are the Winter 1941- 42 Medal ribbon and the ribbon of the 1914- 18 Iron Cross 2nd Class bearing the silver eagle 'bar' for a subsequent Second World War award . Most striking of all, on his right sleeve are no less than three awards of the Tank Destruction Badge, for single-handed destruction of enemy AFVs with hand-held weapons at Kursk.