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Rebane, Alfons Vilhelm Robert 'Alf'

Date of birth:
June 24th, 1908 (Valga, Estonia)
Date of death:
March 8th, 1976 (Augsburg/Bavaria, Germany)
Service number:
SS-Nr.: // NSDAP-Nr.:
Nationality:
Estonian

Biography

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Rank:
III. Class
Awarded on:
1939
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
1940
Aizsargu Nuopelnu Krusts
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
April 9th, 1943
Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
November 9th, 1943
Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
January 28th, 1944
Wehrmachtbericht
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major
Unit:
Kommandeur, (estnische) Freiwilligen-Bataillon 658, Ost-Bataillon (estn.) 658, Kampfgruppe "Späth", XXXVIII. Armee-Korps, 18. Armee, Heeresgruppe Nord
Awarded on:
February 23rd, 1941
During the fighting in the sector of Heeresgruppe Nord in early 1944, Major Rebane received the order to withdraw with his Bataillon from Volkhov (near Novgorod). However he realized that by doing the Soviets would be able to cut off the vital Luga—Pskov road which supported the 16. Armee. Acting on his own initiative, he instead launched a surprise counterattack that eliminated the Soviet attack spearhead in this area. For this action he was awarded the Knight’s Cross.

2689th Award.
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Waffen-Obersturmbannführer
Unit:
Kommandeur, Waffen-Grenadier-Regiment der SS 46, estnisch Nr. 2, LVI. Panzer-Korps (,)
Awarded on:
May 9th, 1945
Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub
Awarded for his leadership achievements in early 1945. Rebane had distinguished himself during the battles near Grottkau and Tillowitz. Later, beginning on the 06.03.1945, he held the high ground near Karbischau against all enemy attacks. Although these were repeatedly launched in regimental to divisional strength, each after hour-long barrages and with tank support, the Soviets were ultimately prevented from breaking through to the Oppeln-Brieg road. Of 20 attacking enemy tanks, 10 were destroyed.

During the breakout from the Proskau pocket Rebane and his Regiment were able to recapture the heavily defended high ground near Tiefengrund. Then, after the death of the divisional commander, Rebane took over control of all the Kampfgruppen of the Division east of Riegersdorf and with these was able to punch through a deep Soviet defensive system in the area Neustadt-Buchelsdorf-Riegersdorf-Dittmannsdorf.

Non numbered, unconfirmed awarding. According the sequence this would be the 875th Award. The recommendation was made on 3rd April 1945, received by OKH/PA/P5 on 12th April 1945 and was supported by General der Kavallerie Koch-Erpach, Kommandierender General LVI.Panzerkorps and the Reichsführer SS.

Sources

Photos