Weidinger's 25 June 1944 assessment by Lammerding

What is interesting about this Assessment (or Judgement) is that it was signed 15 days after the attack on Oradour. Clearly from the way it was written, Lammerding did not hold Weidinger in any way liable, or worthy of any censure or even comment for those events, rather it contains nothing but praise. Note that in particular Lammerding says that Weidinger is, "With superiors, comrades and subordinates very popular and respected"; presumably this would apply to his relations with Adolf Diekmann, both before and after 10th June. Compare this assessment with that of the same date for Sylvester Stadler (also written by Lammerding) which contains very similar sentiments.

Comments are shown in italics.

2nd SS-Panzer Division "Das Reich" Commander 25. 6. 1944.

Assessment

SS-Sturmbannführer Weidinger, Otto born 27-5-14

RDA 21.6.43, Leader SS-Panzer Grenadier Regiment 4 "Der Führer".

1) Personality-appraisal: (strong and weak, inclinations, addictions):

Clean and precise character. Weidinger is an open and honest personality with a quiet, though definite nature.

2) Mental and physical disposition, official knowledge and accomplishment:

Assesses outstandingly intellectually. Pronounced soldierly appearance. Has given more than outstanding service. Knowledgeable as troop-leader and educator. (All the photographs that I have seen of Weidinger show him very smartly turned-out, he clearly was a man who took a pride in his appearance).

3) Appearance and conduct towards superiors, comrades, subordinates - private conduct:

With superiors, comrades and subordinates very popular and respected. Always cheerful and confident. Private behaviour exemplary. (In all assessments that I have seen there is a referral to comradeship and I do not believe that an officer who did not display such feelings would have progressed very far in the Waffen-SS).

4) Ideological alignment, convincing and extempore lecture type?

Anchored firmly in National Socialism. Appealing and convincing lecture manner. (It was essential for any officer to display good National Socialist tendencies if he wished to make upward progress through the ranks).

5) Proving himself before the enemy. Specialist in particular area. Does present service position be filled?

Very well proven before the enemy. For the highest bravery and heedless personal participation has been distinguished with the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. Weidinger promises to become an excellent regimental commander. (At this time Weidinger was the leader of Der Führer, a position he held until the end of the war, winning both the Oak Leaves and the Swords to his Knight's Cross).

6) Suitability for next higher or other application. Detail of undeleted penalties.

% (There is no entry here because Weidinger had only just been promoted to lead Der Führer regiment and it would have been too soon to assess him for further advancement).

7) Have quoted shortcomings been revealed to the assessed in the assessment?

% (There is no entry here, so presumably there were no 'shortcomings' to be advised about)

Lammerding…………. SS-Brigadeführer and Major General of the Waffen-SS

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