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Ernst BuschGerman military leader, Field Marshal (1943) of the Wehrmacht.
Date of Birth: 06.07.1885
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Early Life and Military Career
- World War I
- Interwar Period
- World War II
- Western Front
- Eastern Front
- Commander of Army Group Center
- Operation Bagration
- Later Days
Early Life and Military Career
Born into a non-military family in 1885, Ernst Busch pursued a career in the military. He entered the cadet school at Groß-Lichterfelde in 1904, graduating and joining the 13th Infantry Regiment in Münster as a lieutenant. By the outbreak of World War I, Busch had risen to the rank of company commander and had completed inspector's courses in 1913.
World War I
During World War I, Busch fought on the Western Front, earning the Iron Crosses of both the 2nd and 1st degrees, the Knight's Cross of the Hohenzollern with Swords, and the Pour le Mérite order. He served as a battalion commander, was wounded twice, and rose to the rank of captain.
Interwar Period
Following the war, Busch remained in the Reichswehr, holding various staff positions. He commanded a battalion in 1930-32 and a regiment in 1932. In 1935, he became a divisional commander and major general.
World War II
Invasion of PolandIn 1939, Busch commanded the VIII Army Corps during the German invasion of Poland, earning bars to his Iron Crosses.
Western Front
He subsequently led the 16th Army on the Western Front, participating in the invasion of France in 1940. For his role in the capture of Verdun, Busch received the Knight's Cross.
Eastern Front
In June 1941, Busch's 16th Army invaded the Soviet Union as part of Army Group North. The army played a role in the siege of Leningrad and defended the front between Staraya Russa and Ostashkov. In August 1943, Busch was awarded the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross.
Commander of Army Group Center
On October 1, 1943, Busch was promoted to Generalfeldmarschall for his successful defensive operations. He took command of Army Group Center on October 12.
Operation Bagration
In June 1944, Soviet forces launched Operation Bagration, targeting Army Group Center. Partisan attacks disrupted German communications, and overwhelming Soviet forces breached the German lines. Minsk fell on July 3, trapping the 4th German Army, which Busch had held in reserve for reinforcement. Busch was replaced by Walter Model on June 28.
Later Days
In March 1945, Busch was recalled to lead a group defending Schleswig-Holstein against Montgomery's forces. He surrendered to British troops on May 7, 1945, and died in British captivity in July 1945 from angina pectoris.
