The nickname Panzer Meyer was earned while at the police academy after he fell off a roof while playing a prank on a classmate. He broke 18 bones in the accident and his classmates began calling him Panzer because they said he was as tough as a tank.
In a role totally unsuited for him, Meyer began the war commanding a static anti-tank company during the invasion of Poland. He often raced well out ahead of his unit looking to get into the action.
By 1940 and the invasion of France, Meyer transferred to the reconnaissance regiment where he excelled. He earned the nickname Schnell Meyer for racing out ahead of the advance on his motorbike.
He rode his motorbike as a scout all across Europe and into Russia. His dare devil nature always favoured using the motorbike for communicating with his troops.
Right: Kurt “Panzer” Meyer on his motorcycle with passenger 12. SS-Panzerdivision commander SS-Brigadeführer Fritz Witt.
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