Propaganda Tour
In the winter and spring of 1944 Germany was clearly losing the war on all fronts, and every effort was made to keep this information from the people at home. Support for the war on the Eastern Front was lagging, and morale with it. German war heroes were increasingly presented to the German people, promising victory if the people at home stayed the course.
Wittmann, wearing the Knight’s Cross on his distinctive SS black uniform, a member of the Nazi Party, was sent on a propaganda tour in early 1944. A telegram, received by Wittmann from Hitler in congratulations for his war record, was read repeatedly, whenever and wherever Wittmann made an appearance. With his division resting near Mons, Belgium, Wittmann took leave to marry, an event which was touted by the German propaganda apparatus.
Wittmann was used to encourage workers at several arms manufacturers and other industries critical to the German war effort. How he was received by the forced laborers from occupied Europe was not recorded, the German’s filmed him visiting and speaking with German workers, wherever possible avoiding references to damage from Allied bombing.
Wittmann was filmed and photographed visiting factories where the Tiger I was built, thanking the workers for their efforts and the touting the value of their labors to the troops at the front. He promised that the Tiger II, a new version of the Tiger which would outgun Soviet, American, and British tanks, would lead to German victory.
Meanwhile his division rebuilt at Mons, stationed there in anticipation of the Allies landing in Europe, believed by the Germans to be scheduled for that summer at the Pas de Calais. Wittmann was experienced in the tank battles of the Soviet plains, countering Soviet tactics. He now prepared to engage British and American armor on much different terrain. In late spring he returned to the LSSAH, which moved to Beauvais.