Description
Very nice little grouping to Knights Cross Winner Hortain “Commander” of Flak Regiment 133 (mot) –
As a Oberstleutnant (Lieutenant Colonel) Hortian took over the command of Flak Reg 133, a motorised Flak Regiment they were deployed under the 15 th Flak division, who were heavily engaged since the summer of 1944 in Rumania and Hungry under Army Group South Ukraine. They remained in Hungary until the end, and ended the war at Stuhlweissenburg, Hungary 1945.
In November of 1944, Oberstleutnant Hortain had himself and his unit mentioned in the Wehrmachsbericht, he was awarded the Knights Cross.
This was awarded for his successful leadership of the Flak-Regiment 133 (mot), particularly during the heavy defensive battles in southern Hungary. Here his regiment showed particular steadfastness, with Hortian also distinguishing himself through his skill and dedication.
Soldbuch – First Issue in 1939 as a Captain. Inside are four sides, including his personal details and his awards. His photo was removed but did not show the Knights Cross as it was entered earlier. All awards are entered:
1. Medal for October 1938
2. Iron Cross Second Class
3. Iron Cross First Class
4 German Cross in Gold
5. Flak Badge
6. Knights Cross of the Iron Cross
7. Hungarian Officers Cross
Interestingly this Soldbuch comes with a brilliant membership booklet for his membership in the post war Knights Cross Winners Society in Germany, (Ordensgemeinschaft der Ritterkreuzträger e.V). from 1952. Showing Hortain perfectly. These membership booklets are very hard to find and only have a serial of low numbers. It is typed on a wartime drivers style waterproof paper, the photo is stamped and is hand signed. On the rear is a place dedicating the day Hortain won Germanys highest award.
The lot also comes with a 900 Hallmarked Cigarette Case 7.5cm by 9.5cm and weights 131 Grams. It was a gift given by the Stab of the Flak Group in Prag, on the other side of the case is engraved names of those who made the gift.
Final Comment
A hard to come by little grouping, luckily his photo was in the membership booklet. It is likely his photo was removed by him, as it was not him wearing his medals. Overall its a fine grouping to a Knights Cross Winner.
