Major (later Generalmajor) Dr.Franz Bake, 1898-1978; this very gallant
and distinguished officer, photographed here in 1943, held various
appointments within 11th Pz. Regt. of 6th Pz. Div., and rose to
command the regiment in 1943- 44. During that winter he led the
successful battle-group ' Heavy Panzer Regiment Bake', whose Tiger and
Panther tanks achieved extraordinary results in a number of
engagements; and in 1945 he was promoted to commanding general of 13th
Panzer Division. In this photo Maj.Bake wears the black, pink-piped
field uniform of the tank arm; the Knight's Cross with Oakleaves is
worn at the throat- he was later awarded the Swords. On the left
breast are the Iron Cross First Class; the gold Wound Badge,
signifying at least five wounds in action ; and the Tank Battle Badge.
In his buttonhole are the Winter 1941- 42 Medal ribbon and
the ribbon of the 1914- 18 Iron Cross 2nd Class bearing the silver
eagle 'bar' for a subsequent Second World War award . Most striking of
all, on his right sleeve are no less than three awards of the Tank
Destruction Badge, for single-handed destruction of enemy AFVs with
hand-held weapons at Kursk
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