Years of service 1939–45
1956–73 Died December 3, 2011 | Name Heinrich Sonne Unit 1 SS Infantry Brigade | |
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Born 23 February 1917
Riga, Latvia ( 1917-02-23 ) Allegiance Nazi Germany
West Germany Service/branch Waffen-SS
Heer (Bundeswehr) Rank Hauptsturmfuhrer
Oberstleutnant (Bundeswehr) Commands held Krad-Schutzen-Kompanie / SS-Infanterie-Brigade 1(mot) Battles/wars World War II
Invasion of Poland
Battle of France
Operation Barbarossa
Second Battle of Smolensk Awards Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross Battles and wars World War II, Invasion of Poland, Battle of France, Operation Barbarossa, Battle of Smolensk | ||
Heinrich Sonne (23 February 1917 – 3 December 2011) was a decorated Hauptsturmfuhrer (Captain) in the Waffen-SS – the armed paramilitary branch of the Nazi Party's Schutzstaffel (SS) – during World War II. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, which was awarded to recognise battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. Sonne was born in Riga, Latvia to German parents.
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World War II
Sonne served in the 1st SS Infantry Brigade as commander of the Krad-Schutzen (motorcycle company). The 1 SS Infantry Brigade (mot) was a unit of the German Waffen-SS, the armed force of the SS, formed from former concentration camp guards for service in the invasion of the Soviet Union. They conducted anti-partisan operations in the rear of the advancing German army, and also filled gaps in the front line when called upon in emergencies. Heinrich Sonne won his Knight's Cross for his actions on the front line in the fighting around Smolensk during September 1943. When the 1st SS Infantry Brigade was disbanded in early January 1944, the remaining soldiers, including Heinrich Sonne, were used to form a cadre for the 18th SS Volunteer Panzer Grenadier Division "Horst Wessel", where he was given command of the SS-Aufklarungs Abteilung 18 (Reconnaissance Battalion).
Post War
Sonne was one of the very few former Waffen-SS soldiers allowed to join the post-War German Army, the Bundeswehr. He served from 1956 to 1973, eventually reaching the rank of Oberstleutnant (Lieutenant Colonel).