Falaise Gap: Hill 140 drama

[Col Tigwell]

Whilst there were countless people of all armies and all armed forces, whose profesionalizem left much to be desired, there are also many occasions where german forces exercised compasion and a truelly professional approach to their duties., and showing compassion to their ememies.

As a returned servicemen, I can well understand that one has very mixed feeling about how things pan out.

What I find a little disapointing, is the disposal and apparent lack of retrevial, of many of the war dead. Surely they deserve a more fitting end, than to be buried in some field and forgotten.

Michael Wittmann, appears to be one of Germanies finest tank commanders, and yet today he lies hardly marked in a German war grave, with just his name and date of birth.

Discovered by accident by men building a road, the powers that be thought more of removing his tank, than its crew.

Looking at the photos of the grave. .
of him and his crew, the markers really tell nothing other than the names.

Is this normal practice.

I recently attended a metting where the guest speaker was a German Air Force Pilot, and when I raised a question with him, I addressed him by his proper rank. Afterwards he came up and said " You must be a flier to, I appreciate that you addressed me correctly, been a long time and it made me feel real good.

In talking with him one on one, I came to understand, that the problems of service life are the same, it was just that he was led by a madman.

History shows clearly that Michael was a find commander, and for that he has my respect.

Regards

Col Tigwell