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Curt von GottbergNazi officer and military commander. SS-Obergruppenführer of the Waffen-SS and Police.
Date of Birth: 11.02.1896
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Kurt von Gottberg: A Notorious Nazi SS Officer
- Involvement in the Nazi Party and SS
- Career Advancement and Sponsorship
- Head of SS and Police in Belarus
- Anti-Partisan Operations
- Final Days and Suicide
Kurt von Gottberg: A Notorious Nazi SS Officer
Early Life and Military ServiceKurt von Gottberg was born on February 11, 1896, in the East Prussian district of Friedland. He entered agricultural management in 1912 before joining the German Army in World War I. Surviving numerous wounds, Gottberg earned both the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class.
Involvement in the Nazi Party and SS
Following his demobilization, Gottberg became involved in the paramilitary Freikorps and then the Nazi Party in 1932. He subsequently joined the SS in 1933. By the end of that year, he was appointed head of the SS Reserve Force in Ellwangen, holding the rank of SS-Sturmbannführer.
Career Advancement and Sponsorship
Gottberg's career advanced steadily under the patronage of Heinrich Himmler. Despite a life-altering car accident in 1936 that resulted in the amputation of his left leg below the knee, Gottberg became the head of RuSHA (Race and Settlement Main Office) in 1937.
Head of SS and Police in Belarus
From October 1942 to June 1944, Gottberg served as the SS and Police Leader in Belarus. Upon the assassination of General Commissioner Wilhelm Kube, Gottberg became his successor. He developed a comprehensive anti-partisan strategy, which involved terrorizing civilians to extract information about potential insurgents. Under his command, entire regions were designated as guerrilla zones, resulting in the displacement or execution of local inhabitants.
Anti-Partisan Operations
Gottberg orchestrated a brutal anti-partisan operation in Belarus, resulting in the deaths of numerous civilians. His report on the offensive stated: "Enemies killed: 799 bandits, over 300 suspects, and more than 1800 Jews... Our losses: 2 killed and 10 wounded. We were lucky."
Final Days and Suicide
Gottberg was slated to lead the anti-partisan campaign in occupied France, but the rapid German retreat prevented it. Towards the end of World War II, he commanded the XII SS Corps. After being taken prisoner by the Allies, Gottberg committed suicide on May 31, 1945, while in custody in Flensburg.
