Diekmann's 28 March 1941 assessment at Bad Tölz

This glowing assessment of Diekmann's character and performance was given at Bad Tölz on 28th March 1941. What is interesting about this date is that according to his Résumé he moved to the school on 1st May 1941 and was with the 1st SS-Brigade in Krakau until then. The most likely explanation for the discrepancy is that he was assigned on a temporary basis to the school, so that they could assess his suitability as an instructor before confirming the appointment on 1st May. The 1st May was known during the time of The Third Reich as, 'Nationaler Feiertag des Deutschen Volkes' (National Holiday of the German People) and this use of notable dates for confirming promotions, appointments and setting common seniority dates was normal practice within the SS. Comments below in italics.

Copy of transcript

Assessment

SS-Obersturmführer Adolf Diekmann, SS number 309 894, belonged to the 2 SS regiment Germania from September 1938 up to his severe wounding on the 27 May 1940.

Diekmann is quite a personality. He possesses an open decent reliable character, a tough will and a very clear mind, that he employs ruthlessly towards himself.

Internally and externally wholly a soldier, he is a model in his National-Socialistic attitude.

A truly delightful, loyalty providing superior. He is in the same manner by his subordinates, comrades and superiors highly respected.

Diekmann has very thorough knowledge of the entire services of the troop and was the most valuable support to his company commander as Platoon Leader in the 7th company from September 1938 until March 1940.

In the Polish campaign, he had entrusted himself as Reconnaissance troop leader with difficult special assignments. Proved himself very well and was awarded with the Iron Cross 2nd Class at that time.

Diekmann owns a very good tactical aptitude and possesses a clear vision also in this area. From March 1940, he was an officer appointed as ADC on my staff and from 11 May 1940 as my Adjutant. His activity and his proficiency meant an assistance of the most supreme value to me. With his exemplary tact at all times, Diekmann became generally accepted. His bravery deserves special mention, he has demonstrated it at every hour, and has now been awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class.

On the basis of high proficiency, high personal values and great trust-worthiness, Diekmann is a leader not only for the troop as company commander, but especially suitable to an application on the general staff and a career in the higher grades.

He has filled his position as ADC and Adjutant very well.

Bad Tölz, 28 March 1941

Dörffler-Schuband

SS Standartenführer und Kommandeur der SS Junkerschule Tölz (Werner Dörffler-Schuband was commander from 1 December 1940 to 10 August 1942 and again from 1 August 1943 to 15 March 1944)

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