Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberleutnant (1st Lieutenant)

Unit:

Führer 2. / Pionier-Bataillon 97 / 97.Jäger-Division

Awarded on:

September 1st, 1943

On one evening in the Kuban bridgehead (1943) a group of German forces commenced an assault that aimed to reclaim the hotly contested Hill 114.1, which had been lost to a Soviet penetration. The Germans intended to do this via a pincer attack, and Oberleutnant Brambrink led one of these two assault groups.

Oberleutnant Brambrink and his men were able to clear out multiple hostile resistance nests and eventually reach the original frontline in their sector on the left wing, however the group on the right wing did not make much progress at all. Meanwhile the Soviets renewed their own attack, and although Brambrink’s Pioniere were able to put up a tremendous fight their situation became ever more critical. The Soviets brought up new forces and sent them into the battle, particularly against Brambrink’s open left flank, and by doing so they threatened to encircle Brambrink’s weakened Kampfgruppe.

Eventually Brambrink lost contact with the friendly forces to his rear, and he had to accept the fact that the counterattack had more or less failed. However he did not decide to fall back. Instead he and his force continued to defend against the ever-increasing hostile attacks from the right. Although his force was outnumbered about 15-20 - 1, he and his troops eventually began clawing their way forward once again as well. They did so until they had thrust through a 30 metre long defensive position and established contact with the second attacking group. With this the counterattack could be revived, and Hill 114.1 was ultimately recaptured by the Germans.

Oberleutnant Brambrink was later awarded the Knight’s Cross for his actions here.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)