Markings on Panzers during the
Nazi party rally in 1935
From September 10 to 16, 1935, the "Party Rally of Freedom" took place in Nuremberg. For the first time, military demonstrations were part of the program. The Kraftfahrlehrkommando II Ohrdruf, predecessor of Panzerregiment 1, also took part. We have described this event in detail in the book on pages 65–71. Now, photo albums have emerged that allow us to add a few more details.
On the last day, “Day of the Wehrmacht” the new armored weapon was presented to the public, although it was still in its infancy at that time. There were only three experimental units. A panzer Abteilung was formed especially for this event from the two Kraftfahrlehrkommandos I Zossen and II Ohrdruf. Two companies were assigned from each Kraftfahrlehrkommando, which at that time were still referred to as Lehrtrupp.
The 2nd Lehrtrupp under Hauptmann Wolfgang Thomale and the 5th Lehrtrupp under Hauptmann Ernst Volckheim took part from the Kraftfahrlehrkommando I Zossen. Both companies carried an individual symbol on the back of the turret, and the company commander also carried a pennant.
Panzers of the 2nd Lehrtrupp of Kraftfahrlehrkommando I Zossen during a demonstration. A bright triangle with two horizontal lines was added to the rear of all Panzers in this company. The colors were probably light pink and black.
Hauptmann Thomale during the journey through Nuremberg.
Hauptmann Thomale with his company during the parade.
Panzers of the 5th Lehrtrupp of Kraftfahrlehrkommando I Zossen during the parade. The marking of this company was a bright triangle with a vertical line.
Hauptmann Volckheim in his Panzer on his way to the event site.
Hauptmann Volckheim surrounded by members of his company during the Reich Party Rally. In addition to the EKI and the Wound Badge, he wears the Tank Memorial Badge from the First World War. He was the only officer involved in the development of the Panzerwaffe who had already gained Panzer experience in the First World War.
The 1st Lehrtrupp, led by Hauptmann Alfons Materne, and the 5th Lehrtrupp, led by Hauptmann Martin Schmidt, took part from the Kraftfahrlehrkommando II Ohrdruf. These two companies were also marked with symbols.
The markings of the 1st Lehrtrupp of the Kraftfahrlehrkommando II Ohrdruf was a light-colored triangle with a dark triangle upside down. The photo was taken later at the 2nd Company of Panzerregiment 1, which emerged from the 1st Lehrtrupp.
Hauptmann Materne, followed by his company, presumably on their way to the Wehrmacht camp near Gebersdorf.
The 5th Lehrtrupp of the Kraftfahrlehrkommando II Ohrdruf was marked with a light triangle with a dark square.
Panzer parking area of the
5th Lehrtrupp of the Kraftfahrlehrkommando II Ohrdruf next to the event site.
Hauptmann Schmidt in the Wehrmacht camp.
In addition to the four symbols shown, there are also photographs with a fifth symbol. This is a light triangle with a dark dot. Since the four Lehrtrupps involved have already been assigned, this can only refer to the Panzer or Panzers used by the Abteilung´s leadership. This was held by the commander of the II. Abteilung of Kraftfahrlehrkommando I Zossen, Major Hermann Breith.
Major Breith during the journey through Nuremberg.
Major Hermann Breith.
ID card for participants of the demonstrations.
