(February 28, 1898 - December 12, 1978)
Colonel Dr.Franz Bäke, who was a dentist, is the one of the most successful and highly decorated tank commanders
of World War II. Dr.Bäke was born in Schwarzenfels on February 28th of 1898. On May 19th of 1915, Franz Bäke
volunteered for Infantry Regiment Nr.3 and then became Vizefeldwebel (Lance-Corporal) and Cadet in Foot Artillery
Regiment Nr.7.In January 1919, Bäke retired and began studying medicine and dentistry until 1922 and in 1923,
became Doctor of Dentistry.On April 1st of 1937, Dr.Franz Bäke had his first reserve manoeuver
with Aufkärungs-Abteilung 6 (reconnaissance battalion), followed by second reserve manoeuver on June 11th of 1937.
On December 1st of 1937, Bäke became a Lieutenant in reserve and on August 1st of 1939, Zugführer (Platoon Leader)
in the leichte Kolonne of Panzerabwehr-Abteilung 65 (anti-tank battalion).On November 1st of 1939, Bäke was promoted
to the rank of Oberleutnant and on January 1st of 1940, became company commander of Panzerabwehr-Abteilung 65.
On May 1st of 1940, Bäke was promoted to the rank of Hauptmann (Captain) and during
the French Campaign of 1940, Dr.Bäke served with 6th Panzer Division's 65th Panzerabteilung.
He commanded company of the 65th Panzerabteilung and captured an undamaged bridge over the Meuse
at Arques.While fighting in France, Bäke was wounded twice, on May 17th and 19th of 1940, but stayed
with his unit. On May 1st of 1941, Captain Bäke became the leader of the Panzerstaffel of
6th Panzer Division's Panzer Regiment 11 and August 1st of 1941, he was promoted to the rank
of Major.On November 1st of 1941, staff adjudant of the same unit. On July 1st of 1942, Dr.Franz
Bäke became the commander of the 2nd Abteilung (Battalion) of Panzer Regiment 11.On January 11th
of 1943, Major Bäke was awarded Knights Cross (Ritterkreuz). On July 13th of 1943, Bäke was wounded but stayed with his unit.
On July 14th of 1943, according to the special order Dr.Bäke was to lead the Panzer Regiment 11, eventhough he was too young
for the position but best suited. The position was interim although if performed well there would be a promotion out of
line for him. On August 1st of 1943, Bäke was awarded Oakleaves to the Knights Cross (Eichenlaub).
On November 1st of 1943, Oberstleutnant (Lieutenant-Colonel) Bäke became the commander of Panzer Regiment 11
in the 6th Panzer Division.
In early 1944, Bäke received command of special unit made up of elements of sPzAbt.503, battalion of Panthers along
with some Sturmartillerie and engineer unit. This unit was then named Panzer-Regiment Bäke and took part in number
of desperate actions on the Eastern Front. One of those actions was five-day battle in January of 1944 at
the "Balabonowka Pocket", where Panzer-Regiment Bäke was credit with destruction of 267 Soviet tanks, while
losing one Tiger and four Panthers. Bäke's personal heroism
was outstanding and well represented by his four "Individual Tank Destruction Badges", awarded for the
single-handed destruction of four enemy tanks.
On February 21st of 1944, Lieutenant-Colonel Bäke was awarded Swords to the Knights Cross (Schwerter).
On May 1st of 1944, Dr.Bäke was promoted to the rank of Oberst (Colonel) and July 13th, he became the
commander of Panzer Brigade 106 - Feldherrnhalle.On January 1st of 1945, Dr.Bäke changed
to active duty from reserve and became career soldier. He did so since otherwise
he would not be able to be promoted higher than Colonel (Oberst).
On January 24th of 1945, Colonel Bäke took training course for division commander.On March 9th of 1945,
according to the special order Dr.Bäke was to lead the 13th Panzer Division "Feldherrnhalle 2",
eventhough he was too young for the position but best suited. The position was interim although
if performed well there would be a promotion out of line for him. From April 20th of 1945 until the end
of the war, Colonel Dr.Bäke acting as General-Major commanded understrength 13th Panzer Division "Feldherrnhalle 2".
On May 8th of 1945, Dr.Bäke became prisoner of war and remained in captivity until his release in 1947.
He died in an accident in Hagen on December 12th of 1978.
Some information provided by my friend Jörg Muth.