Stumgeschutz Vor, Smolensk, Central Russia, September 1943 by David Pentland. [Original Drawing]

DP0149P. Stumgeschutz Vor, Smolensk, Central Russia, September 1943 by David Pentland.

During the battles around Smolensk the guns of 1st Battery Sturmgeschutz Battalion 237, led by Oberleutnant Bodo Heinrich Ferdinand Otto Spranz were constantly in action to stem the Soviet tide. At the end of this period his personal tally stood at 76 destroyed enemy tanks. In recognition of his own and units exceptional effort he was awarded the Knights Cross with Oakleaves, and promoted to Hauptmann.

Signed by Heinrich Kohler (deceased).

Original pencil drawing by David Pentland.

Paper size 17 inches x 12 inches (43cm x 31cm)