Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

Kommandeur, I. Abteilung, Artillerie-Regiment 240, 170. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

March 6th, 1944

The following newspaper article (dated 19.06.1944) describes why Werner received the Knight’s Cross…

“The Knight’s Cross After a Heroic Death:

“Major Heinz Werner… commanded an Abteilung in the Artillerie-Regiment of a Hamburg Infanterie-Division during the fighting south of Leningrad. Here he and his guns were employed in the foremost line without any infantry support in order to secure a frontline gap. His Kanoniere were able to inflict tremendous losses on the oncoming Bolsheviks (mostly via direct fire), however strong Soviet forces nonetheless managed to close the gap and eject the defenders from their position following a bitter fight. Major Werner (who was not at the positions of his Batterien while he was himself directing their artillery fire) immediately decided to recapture the lost artillery pieces, and so he sallied forth with whatever soldiers were at his disposal (including his own observers and Abteilung staff). After a fearsome and challenging battle the guns were eventually recovered, thereafter being immediately inserted into the defensive combat once again.

Major Werner’s phenomenal bravery here was decisive for this successful outcome, and although he died a hero’s death shortly afterwards his actions have been recognized with the award of the Knight’s Cross.”

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Hauptmann (Captain)

Unit:

I. Abteilung, Artillerie-Regiment 240, 170. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

May 10th, 1943