Hans Kamecke

Kamecke fought in the German Wehrmacht during the Second World War. Whilst in command of 124. Infanterie-Regiment he was awarded the German Cross in Gold on 1 December 1941.^[1] As a generalmajor Kamecke was given command of 137. Infanterie-Division on 5 January 1942, fighting in the Russian Winter campaign of 1941–1942. He relinquished command only a month later on 2 February when he was either injured or fell ill. He returned to the division on 1 June and was promoted to generalleutnant on 1 January 1943.^[2][3]

Kamecke commanded 137. Infanterie-Division during the Battle of Kursk and Operation Citadel later in the year.^[2][3] The division subsequently fought around the central Dnieper.^[3] Kamecke was returning to his headquarters from visiting the front line, south of Kolpen, when he was attacked and killed by Soviet fighter aircraft.^[1][4] He was posthumously awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross eleven days later.^[1] Badly understrength, after Kamecke's death 137. Infanterie-Division was withdrawn from combat and disbanded later in the year.^[3]

• German Cross in Gold (1 December 1941)^[1]
• Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (27 October 1943)^[5]