Kurt Knispel, a tank ace with 168-195 kills found in CZ

[Jan S]

Hello guys,

Historici na

look at that - a body of tank ace Kurt Knispel was recently found in Vrbovec near Znojmo. He was born in Salisfeld (Salisov). IN 1938 he became German and later entered into WH. He was able to hit moving tank at 2.000mts, standing one at 3.000mts!
There are two versions of his death - first (according to diary of commander of 503. Abt. of heavy tanks Hauptmann von Diest-Körbera) says „…In 30. April 1945 between Nová Ves and Vlasatice we knocked off several russian attack and destroyed 10 russian tanks. Unfortunately we lost 2 Konigstigers with their commnaders – Feldwebel Knispel and Feldwebel Skoda.“ (this name sounds Czech).
Second version (told by another soldier from the same unit) says "Urbau (Vrbovec) is a funeral place of tank ace Kurt Knispel, who was wounded in 29. April 1945 near Stronsdorf and died at Feld Lazzaret in Urbau. He was burried there at local cemetery.

Jan

[Matt L]

Wow- fascinating. In Panzer Aces 2 Kurowski talks about Knispel being held in the highest respect by his Kameraden, but that he wasn't exactly the epitome of the German solider, so is actually relatively unknown despite beating Wittmann by quite a bit. Alfred Rubbel is quoted as having said: "... after his first actions as a tank commander he was also on top of things in this position and knew what to do and did it, even acting contrary to express orders. This did not always make him the commanding officer's best friend and may also have had a negative impact on his receipt of decorations." Knispel was not a Ritterkreuzträger despite his amazing accomplishments. He did receive the EK1 after his 50th victory, and the Panzerkampfabzeichen 100, and the Deutsche Kreuz in Gold, so he wasn't exactly unrecognized. He was recommended for the Ritterkreuz "several times", but "He was less concerned with general discipline and that 'thwarted many of his plans.' ".

The book mentions that he "... in 1940... went to the Panzer Replacement Training Battalion at Sagen", which is where Panzer-Ersatz-Abteilung 15 was indeed stationed, and that he was first at the front on 22. June, 1941. He was a gunner for most of the time- he wasn't given command of his own tank, a Königstiger, until August, 1944.

[lebus12]

Repost?

[Matt L]

Well since the discs are shown in the photo, it's appropriate for this section; if the article is noted elsewhere, it may be appropriate in several sections...