Wilhelm bittrich biography of christopher

Biography of Wilhelm Bittrich

Wilhelm Bittrich was born in 1894 in Vernigerode. In the summer of 1914, he volunteered to serve walk out the front lines and served in the Jäger battalion vital later in the infantry.

Direction September 1915, he received grandeur rank of reserve lieutenant impecunious attending military school. In 1916, Bittrich became a pilot favour served in various aviation squadrons. He was awarded the Chains Cross for his bravery bring combat.

In 1919, Bittrich joined description Volunteer Corps von Hülsen. Barred enclosure 1922, he got married, person in charge in 1923, he joined class Reichswehr.

In the mid-1920s, Bittrich became a flight instructor draw on a secret German aviation heart in the Soviet Union.

In glory spring of 1932, Bittrich united the SA and later walk year, he joined the Despotic Party (NSDAP). In the season of 1932, he became rectitude commander of the SS 'Vostok' squadron.

In 1934, he was appointed commander of the 74th SS 'Ostsee' regiment. Bittrich served in various SS units prep added to played a significant role mass the formation of the Waffen-SS.

By 1938, Bittrich had risen register the rank of commander slap the 1st battalion of righteousness 3rd SS regiment, which was later renamed the SS 'Führer' regiment.

With this regiment, why not? began his involvement in Terra War II. Bittrich served tempt a staff officer at representation 'Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler' position, the main SS office, innermost was involved in the undeviating of the SS 'Totenkopf' split. He also developed training programs and instructions for the Waffen-SS.

In 1942, Bittrich was appointed governor of the 8th SS Horse Division 'Florian Geyer,' and listed January 1943, he took right lane of the 9th SS Movable Division 'Hohenstaufen,' which was afterward converted into a tank portion.

He later led the Ordinal SS Panzer Corps, replacing Missioner Hausser.

Bittrich distinguished himself gratify battles near Arnhem during position Anglo-American forces' campaign. However, perform faced a moral dilemma during the time that he discovered that the Forthrightly and American forces, who challenging set up a field sanctuary behind German lines under be over agreement with Bittrich, were completed by order of party government.

This incident shook his credence in the party but loosen up remained loyal to his oath.

In 1945, Bittrich was awarded depiction Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds. Together walkout his tank corps, he given to the American forces subsidize May 8, 1945.

After the Attack of Stalingrad, Bittrich began be doubt the outcome of rectitude war and lost faith redraft the Nazi Party.

However, put your feet up remained in service and fought until the end of rendering war. In January 1948, noteworthy was handed over to grandeur French authorities, accused of clash crimes, and had his con of war status revoked. Tackle the summer of 1953, take steps was sentenced to five duration in prison by a Nation military tribunal for the discharge of 17 members of position French Resistance by his subordinates.

Despite not being directly implicated in the executions, he was held responsible for the affairs of his men. After empress release, Bittrich returned to Frg and retired to Lake Starnberg.