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Captain Wilhelm Bach
Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2006 8:17 pm
by Christoph K
Hello All,
Just a quick info. What happened to Captain Wilhelm Bach after Halfaya Pass. I have a book in which Bach is pictured and the caption reads "Capt. Bach Marching proudly into captivity. Here is where the confusion is as I assumed that Halfaya Pass was won by the Axis.
Also does anyone have a good link on the Battle of the Halfaya Pass?
Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2006 10:22 pm
by Doktor Krollspell
Hello Christoph!
Wilhelm Bach recieved the Knight's Cross on 09.07.1941 as a Hauptmann d.R. while commanding I./Schtz.Rgt. 104 (5. leichte Division). He was captured on 17.01.1942 at the Halfaya Pass and was sent as a POW, first to South Africa and then on to Canada where he died on 22.12.1942. Oberstleutnant d.R. (posthumous promotion) Wilhelm Bach died after surgery (Cancer) at the Chorley Park Military Hospital in Toronto. See link...
http://www.ritterkreuztraeger-1939-45.d ... tseite.htm (Although with a wrongful DoD...)
Regards,
Krollspell
Posted: Tue Sep 19, 2006 5:24 am
by Christoph K
Many Thanks Dr. Krollspell
Posted: Tue Sep 19, 2006 4:00 pm
by David W
A good description of the early battles for Halfaya pass are included in Tom Jentz's Tank Combat In North Africa (The opening rounds).
Posted: Mon Sep 25, 2006 1:21 pm
by Reb
Paul Carrel discusses the "pastor of hellfire pass" in Foxes of the Desert.
cheers
Reb
Re: Captain Wilhelm Bach
Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2021 8:39 am
by tigre
Hello to all
; a complement................................
Wilhelm Bach, the "Pastor of Purgatory" (November 5, 1892 Oberöwisheim / Bruchsal, Germany - December 22, 1942 Toronto, Canada).
Awarded on July 9, 1941 as Commander of the I. / Schützen-Regiment 104/21 Panzer-Division by:
“The Hauptmann der Reserve Bach not only maintained his strong point (which constituted a key position) with iron determination for three days against strong English attacks, but also successfully carried out the counterattacks that were launched under the brave personal leadership from him. His decision to modify the divisional order to hold the Halfaya Pass under all circumstances, as well as his skillful combat leadership of German and Italian troops alike, were crucial factors in the outcome of the great tank battle. "
Sources: Deutsche Illustrierte. Nr. 43 vom 21. Oktober 1941/17. Jahrgang
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/281 ... -Georg.htm
http://www.ritterkreuztraeger.info/rk/b/B008Bach.pdf
Cheers. Raúl M
.