2. Kompanie News Archive - 2015 - 2018
2.12.2018 - UPDATE 25. WHAT'S NEXT IN 2018
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Guten Tag!
As always, the new year was kicked off with a bang with our first event based around the fighting in the Demjansk pocket during the late winter and spring of 1942. This event is held in Illinois, and is close to home for many members making it a popular event for 2. Kompanie. This year, 2. Kompanie was joined by three members of the 6.SS "Nord" tavelled from Ohio and fell in as members of 2. Kompanie, and it was great sign of solidarity between units. Although the ranks of SS-Totenkopf had been recently reinforced with quite a few un-trained replacements, as usual the unit found itself successful in it's break out attempt, having not only created a corridor to escape the Demjansk Pocket, but in addition managed to isolate and destroy any pockets of Soviet resistance in the salient. SS-Oberscharfuhrer Schmidt, SS-Unterscharfuhrer Mahland and SS-Sturmmann Steinheim distinguished themselves in a brilliant assault on a Soviet bunker, eliminating the squad inside and silencing a Maxim gun that had created quite a few casualties. As the year progresses, we will not be attending as many events as in previous years; as 2. Kompanie will be entering refit. |
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This past year we have attended two new events; WWII at Stronghold Castle held in Oregon, IL and Feuer auf dem Berg, which is a private tactical hosted by our friends in 1.SS LAH, in Pikeville, KY. We enjoyed both events thouroughly and plan to attend Stronghold Castle indefinately, and plan to support Feuer auf dem Berg whenever possible. Last year was the final year for attendance of 2. Kompanie at WWII Days at Rockford, Illinois. We have attended this every year since our formation, however due to various reasons, we will not be attending in the future.
As stated, 2018 will be a year of refit for the men of 2. Kompanie. In addition to attending new events last year, we also had a large spike in recruitment and as such we are seeing a re-structuring of the command staff and non-commissioned officers in the unit. We will be spending the year focused on re-training all the new personnell, and updating and repairing individual impressions.
In addition to private training days, we will still be attending the following events in 2018:
- WWII Days at Jefferson Barracks - St. Louis, MO
- WWII Days at Stronghold Castle - Oregon, IL
- WWII Days at Lockport - Lockport, IL
As stated, 2018 will be a year of refit for the men of 2. Kompanie. In addition to attending new events last year, we also had a large spike in recruitment and as such we are seeing a re-structuring of the command staff and non-commissioned officers in the unit. We will be spending the year focused on re-training all the new personnell, and updating and repairing individual impressions.
In addition to private training days, we will still be attending the following events in 2018:
- WWII Days at Jefferson Barracks - St. Louis, MO
- WWII Days at Stronghold Castle - Oregon, IL
- WWII Days at Lockport - Lockport, IL
2.9.2017 - UPDATE 24. WHAT'S NEXT IN 2017
Guten Tag!
2017 has started off with a bang. This marks our 7th year as a unit, and things continue to move in a positive direction for 2. Kompanie. Above, you see a photo of the men of 2. Kompanie at our first event of the year, a Demjansk themed event held in Illinois.
Unfortunately for Ivan, this particular day held little luck for them.
The men of 2. Kompanie, with assistance from 5. Kompanie/ "Grossdeutschland" and 3. Kompanie/ "Frundsberg" were able to hold their entrenched positions in the Valdai Hills. Suppressive fire from two seasoned Machine-Gun teams were effective in holding the Ivan assault at bay.
During the after-noon, German forces led a counter attack. What started as an en-masse assault over open ground turned into a three pronged attack, ending with all Soviet units being over-run and their own Maxim's turned around and used against them.
2017 has started off with a bang. This marks our 7th year as a unit, and things continue to move in a positive direction for 2. Kompanie. Above, you see a photo of the men of 2. Kompanie at our first event of the year, a Demjansk themed event held in Illinois.
Unfortunately for Ivan, this particular day held little luck for them.
The men of 2. Kompanie, with assistance from 5. Kompanie/ "Grossdeutschland" and 3. Kompanie/ "Frundsberg" were able to hold their entrenched positions in the Valdai Hills. Suppressive fire from two seasoned Machine-Gun teams were effective in holding the Ivan assault at bay.
During the after-noon, German forces led a counter attack. What started as an en-masse assault over open ground turned into a three pronged attack, ending with all Soviet units being over-run and their own Maxim's turned around and used against them.
The 2017 Season includes a few changes this year, including attending a new event, held at Stronghold Castle, in Oregon, IL. We will be setting up a German headquarters inside the building and mounting a defense against overwhelming Soviet forces. Armor will be in attendance. It is shaping up to be an exciting event. We will also be attending our usual events that we attend every year. Check out out Event Page for a list of 2017 events!
Zum Befel,
Otto Zoepf
SS-Untersturmfuhrer und Zugfuhrer
Erste Zug, 2./SS-TK-I.R. 1.
Zum Befel,
Otto Zoepf
SS-Untersturmfuhrer und Zugfuhrer
Erste Zug, 2./SS-TK-I.R. 1.
1.31.2017 - UPDATE 23. Wunderland
Hello! Thanks for visiting us at 2. Kompanie!
We had a terrific end to our 2017 Season!
We were invited to participate in a film shoot in Minnesota, for a new Schuetzle Production WWII film called "Wunderland", starring Steven Luke and Tom Berenger.
The film follows a platoon of men in the U.S. 2nd Infantry Division during the Battle of the Bulge, during the winter of 1944, also known as the "Ardennes Offensive".
2. Kompanie portrayed members of Kampfgruppe Peiper, led by Joachim Peiper, and elements of the 1.SS Panzer Division "Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler". SS-Untersturmfuhrer Zoepf had a speaking role in the film, portraying an officer of the 1.SS Division.
This was a wonderful experience for our members, doing what we do best, and working alongside a star like Mr. Tom Berenger. We look forward to Wunderland's 2017 debut.
We plan on doing more film projects in the future so stay tuned!
Zum Befel,
Otto Zoepf
SS-Untersturmfuhrer und Zugfuhrer
Erste Zug, 2./SS-TK-I.R. 1.
We had a terrific end to our 2017 Season!
We were invited to participate in a film shoot in Minnesota, for a new Schuetzle Production WWII film called "Wunderland", starring Steven Luke and Tom Berenger.
The film follows a platoon of men in the U.S. 2nd Infantry Division during the Battle of the Bulge, during the winter of 1944, also known as the "Ardennes Offensive".
2. Kompanie portrayed members of Kampfgruppe Peiper, led by Joachim Peiper, and elements of the 1.SS Panzer Division "Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler". SS-Untersturmfuhrer Zoepf had a speaking role in the film, portraying an officer of the 1.SS Division.
This was a wonderful experience for our members, doing what we do best, and working alongside a star like Mr. Tom Berenger. We look forward to Wunderland's 2017 debut.
We plan on doing more film projects in the future so stay tuned!
Zum Befel,
Otto Zoepf
SS-Untersturmfuhrer und Zugfuhrer
Erste Zug, 2./SS-TK-I.R. 1.
11.24.2016 - UPDATE 22. 2016 SEASON & AWARDS AND PROMOTIONS
Gruß!
As usual, we finished off 2016 strong, with a great turnout at Rockford! We even had several nurses with us this year!
2016 was a great year for 2. Kompanie, bringing us several valuable new members. It also saw us watch more of our members leave for the military, however as always we are extremely proud!
With a 1939 Ford in the works, and an BMW R70 reproduction in the Kompanie motor-pool, 2017 is bound to be an exciting year!
Zum Befel,
Otto Zoepf
SS-Untersturmfuhrer und Zugfuhrer
Erste Zug, 2./SS-TK-I.R. 1.
As usual, we finished off 2016 strong, with a great turnout at Rockford! We even had several nurses with us this year!
2016 was a great year for 2. Kompanie, bringing us several valuable new members. It also saw us watch more of our members leave for the military, however as always we are extremely proud!
With a 1939 Ford in the works, and an BMW R70 reproduction in the Kompanie motor-pool, 2017 is bound to be an exciting year!
Zum Befel,
Otto Zoepf
SS-Untersturmfuhrer und Zugfuhrer
Erste Zug, 2./SS-TK-I.R. 1.
8.24.2016 - UPDATE 21. 2016 Season & Awards and Promotions
Guten Tag,
Thank you for stopping by. Unfortunately, the year has been a hectic one for the web-master, so the updates haven't been as often as we would have liked. For that we apologize, but do not worry, Zweite Kompanie is alive and kicking!
2016 has seen an expansion in membership, with 2. Kompanie picking up several new members, and welcoming many recruits into service as full members.
We have also seen several of our members leave us for military service. As we are a group that has a vast majority of it's members under the age of 30, we have many active duty, reserve, and veteran members. This year we were proud to watch several of our young men join the call to serve our country and we thank them, and wish them a safe time, and those on deployment, a speedy return.
Thank you for stopping by. Unfortunately, the year has been a hectic one for the web-master, so the updates haven't been as often as we would have liked. For that we apologize, but do not worry, Zweite Kompanie is alive and kicking!
2016 has seen an expansion in membership, with 2. Kompanie picking up several new members, and welcoming many recruits into service as full members.
We have also seen several of our members leave us for military service. As we are a group that has a vast majority of it's members under the age of 30, we have many active duty, reserve, and veteran members. This year we were proud to watch several of our young men join the call to serve our country and we thank them, and wish them a safe time, and those on deployment, a speedy return.
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Perhaps our biggest news of the 2016 season, is the arrival of our first vehicle for the 2. Kompanie motor pool, a 1938 Ford 1 Ton Truck.
It will be restored over the fall and winter of 2016, and converted into a troop carrier for 2. Kompanie. It will be painted Panzer Grey, and of course, adorned with skulls. This truck was purchased with donations by unit members, and it's transportation as well as restoration will be handled all via donations to 2. Kompanie. If you would like to assist us in this costly project, we'd love your help! Please send us a message. We'll promise you a ride! |
During the 2016 season, we held a promotion and award ceremony where many soldiers of 2. Kompanie were rewarded.
SS-Unterscharfuhrer Wulf Menges - Promoted to SS-Scharfuhrer, Awarded Iron Cross 2nd Class.
SS-Rottenfuhrer Gehrhard Werner - Promoted to SS-Unterscharfuhrer, Awarded the War Merit Cross 2nd Class.
SS-Rottenfuhrer Wilhelm Strauss - Promoted to SS-Unterscharfuhrer.
SS-Schutze Paul Neumann - Promoted to SS-Rottenfuhrer, Awarded the Infanterie Assault Badge in Silver.
SS-Schutze Johann Adler - Promoted to SS-Rottenfuhrer, Awarded the SA Sports Badge in Bronze.
SS-Oberschutze August Traw - Promoted to SS-Sturmmann, Awarded the Infanterie Assault Badge in Silver.
SS-Schutze Klaus Bartel - Awarded the Wound Badge in Black
Zum Befel,
Otto Zoepf
SS-Untersturmfuhrer und Zugfuhrer
Erste Zug, 2./SS-TK-I.R. 1.
SS-Unterscharfuhrer Wulf Menges - Promoted to SS-Scharfuhrer, Awarded Iron Cross 2nd Class.
SS-Rottenfuhrer Gehrhard Werner - Promoted to SS-Unterscharfuhrer, Awarded the War Merit Cross 2nd Class.
SS-Rottenfuhrer Wilhelm Strauss - Promoted to SS-Unterscharfuhrer.
SS-Schutze Paul Neumann - Promoted to SS-Rottenfuhrer, Awarded the Infanterie Assault Badge in Silver.
SS-Schutze Johann Adler - Promoted to SS-Rottenfuhrer, Awarded the SA Sports Badge in Bronze.
SS-Oberschutze August Traw - Promoted to SS-Sturmmann, Awarded the Infanterie Assault Badge in Silver.
SS-Schutze Klaus Bartel - Awarded the Wound Badge in Black
Zum Befel,
Otto Zoepf
SS-Untersturmfuhrer und Zugfuhrer
Erste Zug, 2./SS-TK-I.R. 1.
11.20.2015 - UPDATE 20. Rockford, ILLINOIS
Thanks for stopping by,
2. Kompanie has recently returned from WWII Days at Rockford, Illinois. We did our standard impression: 1941, SS-Division "Totenkopf". We had a good turnout of 20 soldaten in attendance. The event was a lot of fun, and the crowd and spectators were fantastic as usual. As always it was a pleasure to fight alongside our brother units, and we did a very successful skit with our friends in 5./ "Grossdeutschland". that can be seen below:
2. Kompanie has recently returned from WWII Days at Rockford, Illinois. We did our standard impression: 1941, SS-Division "Totenkopf". We had a good turnout of 20 soldaten in attendance. The event was a lot of fun, and the crowd and spectators were fantastic as usual. As always it was a pleasure to fight alongside our brother units, and we did a very successful skit with our friends in 5./ "Grossdeutschland". that can be seen below:
In this scenario for the public, the German Heer forces were retreating through a small village in Germany with the Soviet Army hot on their heels. The SS men of 2. Kompanie arrive with a truck and Pannhard armored car, and attempt a make shift defense using civilians and whatever Heer troops they can get to stay behind and help. The men of Grossdeutschland can be seen in their motorized column flying through the town after being battered in a previous action.
A more complete video can be seen below:
A more complete video can be seen below:
This will be the last action of 2. Kompanie for the year. Our next event will be in February of 2016 at our annual Demjansk event.
We have also updated our photo section with new photos from Rockford! Take a look and thanks for stopping by!
Zum Befel,
Otto Zoepf
SS-Untersturmfuhrer und Zugfuhrer
Erste Zug, 2./SS-TK-I.R. 1.
We have also updated our photo section with new photos from Rockford! Take a look and thanks for stopping by!
Zum Befel,
Otto Zoepf
SS-Untersturmfuhrer und Zugfuhrer
Erste Zug, 2./SS-TK-I.R. 1.
11.7.2015 - Update 19. Peoria, Illinois
Hello, and thanks for stopping by!
It's been about a month since our last update, and we have since uploaded photos from our most recent event in Peoria, Illinois. We represented troops from 2./SS-Totenkopf-Infanterie-Regiment 1. during 'Operation Barbarossa' during the Summer of 1941 in the Soviet Union.
We had the pleasure of having the support of a Stug III infantry assault gun, which we were able and most pleased to ride to and from battle during the weekend. The Stug is owned by a friend of the unit, and we hope will be seen more and more in our photos, and alongside us at events.
Peoria was the last event for the summer for us, and we will see everyone at Rockford in September!
We have also added photos from SS-Kriegsberichter Weigand, taken of the SS-Totenkopfdivision on the Eastern Front. These can be found in our original photo gallery!
Thanks again for visiting us, check out our photo sections, as we have added photos from Peoria to the gallery.
Zum Befel,
Otto Zoepf
SS-Untersturmfuhrer und Zugfuhrer
Erste Zug, 2./SS-TK-I.R. 1.
It's been about a month since our last update, and we have since uploaded photos from our most recent event in Peoria, Illinois. We represented troops from 2./SS-Totenkopf-Infanterie-Regiment 1. during 'Operation Barbarossa' during the Summer of 1941 in the Soviet Union.
We had the pleasure of having the support of a Stug III infantry assault gun, which we were able and most pleased to ride to and from battle during the weekend. The Stug is owned by a friend of the unit, and we hope will be seen more and more in our photos, and alongside us at events.
Peoria was the last event for the summer for us, and we will see everyone at Rockford in September!
We have also added photos from SS-Kriegsberichter Weigand, taken of the SS-Totenkopfdivision on the Eastern Front. These can be found in our original photo gallery!
Thanks again for visiting us, check out our photo sections, as we have added photos from Peoria to the gallery.
Zum Befel,
Otto Zoepf
SS-Untersturmfuhrer und Zugfuhrer
Erste Zug, 2./SS-TK-I.R. 1.
24.5.2015 - Update 18. Jefferson Barracks and Upcoming Events
Thanks for checking back with us! It's been a little over a month since our last update, and since then we have done a little bit of work to the website, by means of updating the roster and adding some new photos from our most recent event held at Jefferson Barracks.
Although we were expecting to hit a record number of 30 soldats in the field for Jefferson Barracks, bad weather cut that number in half, but although soaking wet, the men of 2. Kompanie still had an excellent time.
We did our typical impression, SS-Totenkopf-Infanterie-Regiment 1. prior to, and during the onset of "Operation Barbarossa". Jefferson Barracks is a public event, and 2. Kompanie received many compliments on our camp, display, and reality of our impressions, all was much appreciated!
We were able to work alongside our kameraden in 1./SS-Panzergrenadierregiment 1. "LSSAH" all weekend to achieve great success. Our brothers in arms were also willing to allow the men of 2. Kompanie the use of their motorpool for the weekend in the form of an Opel Blitz truck. Prost, LSSAH Vor!
The next two events we have coming up will be held in Illinois. The first is on May 30, at the train museum in Elgin, IL, where we will be portraying Pre-War members of the SS-Totenkopfstandarte 1. 'Oberbayern' with our 1939 impressions. We will be conduction inspections on luggage and civilians riding and boarding the incoming and outcoming trains. We will be looking for enemies of the Reich, and contraband items being smuggled in briefcases. We will have soldaten with German Shepherd partners to assist in the search.
Following Elgin, the very next weekend, we will be in Peoria, fighting on the Eastern Front against the Soviet hoards. Fortunately for the men of 2. Kompanie, we will have the armored support of a Stug III, owned by a friend of the unit. The men of 2. Kompanie will act as Panzergrenadiere for the duration of the weekend. If you are in the area, it will be a site to see. There will be a public Eastern Front battle where our Stug, and various other pieces of German armor will be fighting the infamous Soviet T-34 and waves of Soviet troops.
We did our typical impression, SS-Totenkopf-Infanterie-Regiment 1. prior to, and during the onset of "Operation Barbarossa". Jefferson Barracks is a public event, and 2. Kompanie received many compliments on our camp, display, and reality of our impressions, all was much appreciated!
We were able to work alongside our kameraden in 1./SS-Panzergrenadierregiment 1. "LSSAH" all weekend to achieve great success. Our brothers in arms were also willing to allow the men of 2. Kompanie the use of their motorpool for the weekend in the form of an Opel Blitz truck. Prost, LSSAH Vor!
The next two events we have coming up will be held in Illinois. The first is on May 30, at the train museum in Elgin, IL, where we will be portraying Pre-War members of the SS-Totenkopfstandarte 1. 'Oberbayern' with our 1939 impressions. We will be conduction inspections on luggage and civilians riding and boarding the incoming and outcoming trains. We will be looking for enemies of the Reich, and contraband items being smuggled in briefcases. We will have soldaten with German Shepherd partners to assist in the search.
Following Elgin, the very next weekend, we will be in Peoria, fighting on the Eastern Front against the Soviet hoards. Fortunately for the men of 2. Kompanie, we will have the armored support of a Stug III, owned by a friend of the unit. The men of 2. Kompanie will act as Panzergrenadiere for the duration of the weekend. If you are in the area, it will be a site to see. There will be a public Eastern Front battle where our Stug, and various other pieces of German armor will be fighting the infamous Soviet T-34 and waves of Soviet troops.
Thanks again for visiting us, check back soon for more photos and updates!
Zum Befel,
Otto Zoepf
SS-Untersturmfuhrer und Zugfuhrer
Erste Zug, 2./SS-TK-I.R. 1.
Zum Befel,
Otto Zoepf
SS-Untersturmfuhrer und Zugfuhrer
Erste Zug, 2./SS-TK-I.R. 1.
2.4.2015 - Update 17. Weldonkrieg "Totenkopf" End Days - Website Updates
Thanks for checking back with us! We have quite a few updates!
The photo above is from our most recent event, Weldonkrieg, held in Weldon Springs, Missouri. For this event, we represented troops from "Totenkopf" during their final days of the war. It was a rarity for 2. Kompanie, as it was a late war impression and we primarily focus on early war. We have added over 50 photos from this event to our photo gallery located here. Take a look!
Aside from attending Weldon Springs we have been working on our website as well! We have added several articles!
- "Totenkopf" War Crimes" - Focuses on the actions that gave the Division it's notorious reputation.
- "Totenkopf", The Infamous" - An essay written fully describing all the reasons for the infamy of the SS-Totenkopfdivision.
- "der SS-Funker" - An article, under construction, dealing with radios and radio operators of the Waffen-SS.
Our next event will be Jefferson Barracks, at the end of April, to which we expect an excellent turn-out. We hope to see you there!
The photo above is from our most recent event, Weldonkrieg, held in Weldon Springs, Missouri. For this event, we represented troops from "Totenkopf" during their final days of the war. It was a rarity for 2. Kompanie, as it was a late war impression and we primarily focus on early war. We have added over 50 photos from this event to our photo gallery located here. Take a look!
Aside from attending Weldon Springs we have been working on our website as well! We have added several articles!
- "Totenkopf" War Crimes" - Focuses on the actions that gave the Division it's notorious reputation.
- "Totenkopf", The Infamous" - An essay written fully describing all the reasons for the infamy of the SS-Totenkopfdivision.
- "der SS-Funker" - An article, under construction, dealing with radios and radio operators of the Waffen-SS.
Our next event will be Jefferson Barracks, at the end of April, to which we expect an excellent turn-out. We hope to see you there!
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Why haven't you joined 2. Kompanie yet?
2. Kompanie is actively looking for new members! We are growing fast and are looking to continue that streak. We plan to purchase at least one vehicle this year, a truck is our priority. We are regularly fielding over 20 soldats at events. Isn't it time you were one of us? Check out our Join Us! page for more info, or visit us on facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/zweitekompanietk We now have members in Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri. We would love to hear from you! |
Thanks again for visiting us, check back soon for more photos and updates!
Zum Befel,
Otto Zoepf
SS-Untersturmfuhrer und Zugfuhrer
Erste Zug, 2./SS-TK-I.R. 1.
Zum Befel,
Otto Zoepf
SS-Untersturmfuhrer und Zugfuhrer
Erste Zug, 2./SS-TK-I.R. 1.
28.2.2015 - Update 16. Acceptance into HRS and Demjansk
Hello again, friends! Thanks for checking in with us. This is our first news update of 2015, and stay tuned because with it we will be updating the following pages: Members, Uniforms and Equipment, Events, 2. Kompanie in Color, and new photos of 2. Kompanie from 2015. For the duration of the year, the men of 2. Kompanie will ONLY be portraying troops from the SS-Totenkopfdivision.
On 17. February 2015, 2. Kompanie was officially removed from probationary status with WWIIHRS, and granted acceptance as a full unit of the organization. We are very excited about being involved with this organization, and look forward to working alongside many of the great groups that are also a part of this organization.
On 7. February 2015, members of 2. Kompanie attended an Eastern Front tactical held near Wrights, IL. Our unit portrayed the SS-Totenkopfdivision during their fighting in the Demjansk Pocket. Since we didn't have snow like last year, we portrayed the unit during the thaw of March. The unit had a good turnout, and had several new members in attendance who we welcome into the unit.
2. Kompanie/SS-Totenkopf-Infanterie-Regiment 1. was dug into the forested Valdai Hills around Demjansk, desperately holding the thin line against an entire Soviet Army that had the entire Division along with Heer and auxiliary units cut off for several months. The air supply of the Luftwaffe, flying in supplies and ammunition was the only thing that allowed the men inside the pocket to survive.
Prior to the weekend of this action the men of 2. Kompanie had enjoyed a few days of lull in the fighting in their area, which was stopped abruptly one night with a full on Soviet assault by infantry. Fighting ensued all night long, and thanks to valiant efforts from SS-Unterscharfuhrer Menges, a counter-attack was achieved which stopped the attacking Soviets and forced them to retreat.
The next morning, Battalion Stab sent orders for Erste Zug, 2. Kompanie to scout the area in front of their dug in positions in the hills. This resulted in almost instant contact, with the Soviets also being dug into hills opposite of the position of German troops. The scouting patrol fell back to it's original positions, and was almost immediately hit again with a large scale infantry assault. This assault was halted using well placed machine-guns, hand-grenades and superior defensive tactics of the men of 2./SS-TK-I.R.1.
The men of Erste Zug even managed to capture a Soviet battle flag, and had the SS-Kriegsberichter take their photo with it.
Zum Befel,
Otto Zoepf
SS-Untersturmfuhrer und Zugfuhrer
Erste Zug, 2./SS-TK-I.R. 1.
On 17. February 2015, 2. Kompanie was officially removed from probationary status with WWIIHRS, and granted acceptance as a full unit of the organization. We are very excited about being involved with this organization, and look forward to working alongside many of the great groups that are also a part of this organization.
On 7. February 2015, members of 2. Kompanie attended an Eastern Front tactical held near Wrights, IL. Our unit portrayed the SS-Totenkopfdivision during their fighting in the Demjansk Pocket. Since we didn't have snow like last year, we portrayed the unit during the thaw of March. The unit had a good turnout, and had several new members in attendance who we welcome into the unit.
2. Kompanie/SS-Totenkopf-Infanterie-Regiment 1. was dug into the forested Valdai Hills around Demjansk, desperately holding the thin line against an entire Soviet Army that had the entire Division along with Heer and auxiliary units cut off for several months. The air supply of the Luftwaffe, flying in supplies and ammunition was the only thing that allowed the men inside the pocket to survive.
Prior to the weekend of this action the men of 2. Kompanie had enjoyed a few days of lull in the fighting in their area, which was stopped abruptly one night with a full on Soviet assault by infantry. Fighting ensued all night long, and thanks to valiant efforts from SS-Unterscharfuhrer Menges, a counter-attack was achieved which stopped the attacking Soviets and forced them to retreat.
The next morning, Battalion Stab sent orders for Erste Zug, 2. Kompanie to scout the area in front of their dug in positions in the hills. This resulted in almost instant contact, with the Soviets also being dug into hills opposite of the position of German troops. The scouting patrol fell back to it's original positions, and was almost immediately hit again with a large scale infantry assault. This assault was halted using well placed machine-guns, hand-grenades and superior defensive tactics of the men of 2./SS-TK-I.R.1.
The men of Erste Zug even managed to capture a Soviet battle flag, and had the SS-Kriegsberichter take their photo with it.
Zum Befel,
Otto Zoepf
SS-Untersturmfuhrer und Zugfuhrer
Erste Zug, 2./SS-TK-I.R. 1.
