Feldgendarmerie-Abteilung 682 was one of the Wehrmacht’s field gendarmerie units active during the Second World War. This unit performed military police functions, maintaining order in rear areas, escorting columns, fighting partisans, and controlling the civilian population in occupied territories.
The typical strength of such battalions was around 150–200 personnel, including officers, NCOs, and enlisted men.
NB! We will continue to update this publication as new details about this unit come to light.
Last updated: 13 June 2025.
Uniform and Insignia Features
Members of the Feldgendarmerie wore standard Wehrmacht uniforms but with distinctive features:
-
“Gendarme gorget” (Ringkragen): A metal breastplate inscribed with “Feldgendarmerie,” worn over the uniform during active duty.
-
Orange piping on collar tabs and shoulder boards.
-
Sleeve insignia — Wehrmacht eagle with the word “Feldgendarmerie.”
Because of their prominent gorgets, Feldgendarmerie personnel were often nicknamed “Kettenhunde” (“chain dogs”) by other German soldiers.
Feldgendarmerie-Abteilung 682 Emblem
Ilustration from the book “German Military Insignia Vol. 1” by Igor Donchik
📁 Unit Profile
| Unit Name | Feldgendarmerie-Abteilung 682 |
|---|---|
| Formed: | 25 August 1939 |
| Disbanded: | Spring 1945 |
| Known unit commanders : |
Oberstleutnant Konrad Hitschle (August 1939 - July 1940)
Oberstleutnant Stoss (July 1940 - ???) |
| Campaigns served: |
Poland 1939
Eastern Front 1941-1945 |
| Structure: | Three motorized companies |
| Known Higher Command: |
49th Mountain Corps
16th Panzer Division |
Unit Timeline
Participation in the Polish Campaign
Eastern Front Campaign
Photographic & Document Collection
-
- Doc. 1
-
- Doc. 2
-
- Doc. 3-1
-
- Doc. 3-2
Doc. 1
Copy.
General Command (motorized) III Army Corps
Corps Headquarters, 13 December 1941
Subject: Reorganization of the Field Gendarmerie.
…
1st Company of Field Gendarmerie Battalion 682 (Taganrog) assigned by the Field Commandant of Taganrog for 15 December. The company will be subordinated to the XXXXIX Mountain Corps.
…
Doc. 2
K.H.Qu., 7 January 1942
Special Supply Orders No. 1/42I. General:
1.) Supply-related subordinations.
As of 10 January 1942, the following are supply-subordinated:
16th Panzer Division:
…
3rd Company, Field Gendarmerie Battalion 682.
…
Doc. 3-2
8.) Traffic control is to be carried out by Field Gendarmerie Company 3/682 in Anatolija and Karanj.
Interesting Facts about Feldgendarmerie-Abt. 682
1. Notable Commanders
According to OKH documents (Fernschreiben from 1 July 1940), the first known commander of Feldgendarmerie-Abteilung 682 was Oberstleutnant der Gendarmerie Konrad Hitschler. He led the unit from its formation in 1939, including during the Polish and French campaigns.
In July 1940, Hitschler was relieved of command and removed from the army. He was succeeded by Oberstleutnant Stoss, who previously served under the Military Commander of France.
Source: Fernschreiben OKH GenStdH/Gen.Qu/Ia/Id Nr. 15 900/40 v. 1.7.1940
2. Officer Awards During the French Campaign
During the French Campaign, Oberstleutnant Hitschler was awarded the Clasp to the Iron Cross 2nd Class (Spange zum Eisernen Kreuz II. Klasse) on 28 May 1940.
Officers of the unit actively participated in combat and operations across France. For example, Hauptmann Josef Marchi, commander of the 3rd Company, received the Iron Cross 2nd Class on 30 June 1940.
Source: Bericht Generalmajor der Polizei Rauner, Munich, 4 October 1940
3. Actions in Poland, 1939
Already in September 1939, the unit was actively engaged during the Polish campaign.
On 13 September 1939, Feldgendarmerie-Abteilung 682 was stationed in Lublinitz, forwarding reports to the headquarters of Army Group South.
By 20 September, elements of the unit were in Kielce, performing police and security duties.
Source: T311 R291 H.Gr. Süd 000 200, 000 021-022
4. Participation on the Eastern Front and Decorations
From 1941, Feldgendarmerie-Abteilung 682 served with the 1st Panzer Army in southern Russia.
Several awards were granted for actions during the 1942–1944 campaigns, such as:
-
Hptm. Max Hütter (1st Company): Iron Cross 2nd Class (2 June 1942)
-
Fw. Lorenz Killy (1st Company): Iron Cross 1st Class (2 June 1942)
-
Other NCOs and junior officers of the unit also received awards.
The unit remained active until the war’s end, including participation in the battles in Silesia in spring 1945.
Source: RH 7 2397, RH 7 2262 III. Pz.Korps
5. Unit Structure
From its formation, Feldgendarmerie-Abteilung 682 consisted of three motorized companies, staffed with personnel recruited with the assistance of the Ordnungspolizei. As of September 1939, some company and platoon commanders are known by name:
- 1st Company: Documented from October 1940, with later participation on the Eastern Front.
- 2nd Company: Hauptmann Dr. Helmut Herzog
- 3rd Company: Hauptmann Josef Marchi, Leutnant Stefan Maier (Platoon Leader)
6. Career Paths of Feldgendarmerie-Abteilung 682 Officers
Many of the unit’s officers later served in other parts of the Wehrmacht and police forces, receiving further decorations for their service on the Eastern Front.
Note: This information is confirmed by archival materials, including holdings of the Bundesarchiv (RH 7 2397, RH 7 2262) and microfilm collections (T311).
Conclusion
Feldgendarmerie-Abteilung 682 serves as a typical example of Wehrmacht field gendarmerie units, combining military police duties with the responsibilities of occupation administration. The unit’s history mirrors the fate of many such formations on the Eastern Front: from confident offensives at the beginning of the war to bitter fighting and eventual retreat under the advance of the Red Army.
