Training text report in German by a student named “Barnstorf,” who at the time of the report was a flagbearer, twelve pages on six adjoining sheets, Dresden, April 5, 1932. Barnstorf’s initial report, entitled, “Infantry Service,” includes several color hand-drawn maps and reads (translated): “Practice skirmish with real ammunition and heavy artillery for an Infantry outpost. Location: Geiersberg, East of Harthwald. 400m from the fork of the two roads. Situation: In the afternoon of the previous day, the forward post in Great Tambuch ran into heavy fighting with the enemy. Used the night to retreat from the enemy and set up renewed positions at the eastern edge of Harth. On 4/6 the 1st battalion reported that the enemy numbers are increasing and an assault is expected. The 1st battalion had decided to defend their position and then later when retreating to return to the Eastern edge of Harth.”
Rommel adds his pencil comments, which read, “Do the combat positions have any contact with the enemy? Who is still on the front? I would rather say: Fight while falling back (than retreating).” The report continues, “Special Situation: On its forward move, the battalion left some sharpshooters on the Geiersberg to give the enemy the impression of fighting while they were retreating. Machine Guns in position on the hill (700m). Another group is placed on the heights (Mippe). Wire communications exists among the groups. A Battalion is at 700m to defend any assaults from the enemy in vehicles. The soldiers on the Geiersberg are deployed as follows: Two groups on the front line. The third group is stationed in the rear in staggered positions. The leader is in group 1. Each group has an observer. The soldiers are dug in and camouflaged. The leader is in the vicinity of the shooters and is in contact with the soldiers by wire. Battle impressions: On the Great Tambuch some gunshots and hand grenades. Hand grenades also at Gross Alm (750m) and on the meadows at Geiersberg. Air Space: A formation of planes flew over the area. Ammunition situation: An hour ago an ammo depot was set up.” At the conclusion, Rommel offers his comments on the entire paper, “Diligent, Well thought out presentation. E. Rommel.” Report comes with its original folder and a postcard photo of Barnstorf in his uniform and helmet. In fine condition.
After gaining a reputation for his unflinching courage and keen strategic abilities in World War I, receiving the order of Pour le Mérite, Germany's highest award, for his leadership in the Battles of the Isonzo, Rommel was posted to the Infantry School in Dresden as a junior instructor training lieutenants, on the recommendation of his battalion commander. According to the school commandant, he was ‘a towering personality even in a milieu of hand-picked officers…Respected by his colleagues, worshipped by his cadets.’ While there, from 1929 to 1933, he wrote several notable training manuals and his book ‘Infantry Attacks,’ describing the various actions in which he was involved in the Great War. This student’s report, reviewed by instructor Rommel, holds handwritten bits of tactical commentary from one of the finest military figures in history as he taught the next generation of soldiers—an absolutely remarkable piece. RR Auction COA.
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