Ernst Barkmann was a German tank commander during World War II who became famous for his bravery and tactical skills on the battlefield. He was born on August 25, 1919, in Kisdorf, Germany. Barkmann joined the German Army in 1937, and after the outbreak of World War II, he was assigned to the Panzer Regiment 25.
Barkmann quickly became known as an exceptional tank commander. He fought in the Battle of Kursk, the largest tank battle in history, and was awarded the Iron Cross Second Class for his actions. In 1944, Barkmann was promoted to the rank of Oberfeldwebel and was given command of a Panther tank in the 2nd Company of the 2nd Battalion of the 25th Panzer Regiment.
One of Barkmann’s most famous actions took place on July 27, 1944, during the Battle of Normandy. Barkmann’s tank, known as “Gloria,” was part of a group of Panthers ordered to counterattack a British armored column near the town of Villers-Bocage. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, Barkmann and his crew engaged the British tanks and managed to destroy several of them. Barkmann himself claimed to have destroyed up to 13 tanks in the battle.
After the war, Barkmann was captured by British forces and spent several years in a prisoner-of-war camp. He was released in 1948 and returned to Germany, where he settled in the town of Bad Schwartau. Barkmann lived a quiet life and rarely spoke about his experiences during the war. However, he did occasionally attend military events and reunions, where he was always treated as a hero.
Barkmann’s reputation as a legendary tank commander was solidified in 1982, when he published a book about his experiences during the war. The book, titled “Panther im Einsatz,” became a bestseller in Germany and helped to cement Barkmann’s status as a national hero. In the book, Barkmann described his experiences in battles across Europe, including the Battle of Kursk and the Battle of Normandy.
However, Barkmann’s legacy is not without controversy. Some historians have criticized him for his association with the Nazi regime and his service in the German Army. Others have questioned the veracity of his claims about his actions on the battlefield, particularly in the Battle of Villers-Bocage. Barkmann himself was known to be reticent about discussing his wartime experiences in detail, which has led to some uncertainty and speculation about his actions.
Despite these controversies, there is no denying Barkmann’s reputation as a legendary tank commander. His bravery and tactical skill on the battlefield were widely acknowledged by his comrades and opponents alike, and his exploits in the Battle of Normandy remain the stuff of legend. Barkmann passed away on June 27, 2009, at the age of 89, but his legacy as one of the most skilled and fearless tank commanders of World War II lives on.
In conclusion, Ernst Barkmann was a legendary figure in the German Army during World War II, known for his bravery and tactical skill on the battlefield. While his association with the Nazi regime and his actions during the war remain controversial, there is no denying his status as a national hero in Germany and his reputation as one of the most skilled tank commanders of the war. Barkmann’s legacy continues to inspire and fascinate military historians and enthusiasts around the world.
Ernst Barkmann was transferred to the Eastern Front in 1942, where he served in various Panzer units. In January 1943, he was assigned to the 2nd SS Panzer Division Das Reich, one of the most feared and effective units of the Waffen-SS. Barkmann quickly established himself as a skilled tank commander and got command of a Panther tank.
During the summer of 1944, Barkmann and his crew were involved in some of the most intense fighting of the war on the Eastern Front. On July 27, 1944, Barkmann’s tank encountered three Soviet tanks near the village of Tarnopol, Ukraine. Despite being heavily outnumbered and outgunned, Barkmann engaged the Soviet tanks and managed to knock out all three of them. This action earned him the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross.
Barkmann’s actions at Tarnopol would not be his last act of heroism. In August 1944, he was involved in heavy fighting near the town of Hillersleben in Germany. During the battle, Barkmann’s Panther tank was hit by enemy fire and set ablaze. Despite being wounded, Barkmann managed to climb out of the burning tank and engage the enemy with his submachine gun. He was eventually captured by American troops but managed to escape and make his way back to German lines.
After the war, Barkmann was held as a prisoner of war by the British and was later released in 1947. He returned to Germany and worked as a construction worker and later as a bus driver. He lived a quiet life until his death in 2009 at the age of 89.
Despite the controversy surrounding the Waffen-SS and the Nazi regime, Barkmann is still considered a legendary tank commander and a hero by many in Germany. His skill and bravery in battle have made him a symbol of German military prowess and his story has inspired many military enthusiasts and historians around the world. However, others view him as a symbol of Nazi militarism and aggression.
In conclusion, Ernst Barkmann’s story is a fascinating one that highlights the complexity and contradictions of war. While his actions on the battlefield were undoubtedly courageous and impressive, they were also carried out in service of a brutal regime that committed countless atrocities. It is up to each individual to decide whether Barkmann was a hero or a traitor, but one thing is certain – his legacy will continue to be debated and studied for years to come.
