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Fritz BayerleinGerman officer, participant in the First and Second World Wars, Lieutenant General
Date of Birth: 14.01.1899
Country:  Germany |
Content:
Early Life and Military Career
Friedrich Wilhelm Emil Bayerlein was born on March 19, 1899, in Würzburg, Germany. In June 1917, he enlisted in the Imperial German Army as a cadet in an infantry regiment. He saw active duty on the front lines from May 1918 and was wounded in action. In September 1918, Bayerlein was promoted to non-commissioned officer.
Interwar Period
After the end of World War I, Bayerlein continued his military service in the Reichswehr. He was promoted to lieutenant in January 1922 and to major in June 1938. In April 1939, he became chief of operations for the 10th Panzer Division.
World War II
Bayerlein participated in the invasion of Poland in September 1939 and was awarded the Iron Cross, First Class. During the Battle of France, he served as chief of operations for the 19th Army Corps and later for Panzer Group Guderian. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in September 1940.
On June 22, 1941, Bayerlein deployed to the Eastern Front. In October 1941, he became chief of staff of the Afrika Korps. He was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross in December 1941 for his actions in North Africa. Bayerlein was promoted to colonel in April 1942 and awarded the German Cross in Gold in October 1942.
In March 1943, Bayerlein was promoted to major general and became chief of staff of the 1st Italian Army in Africa. Due to illness, he was evacuated to Italy in May 1943. On May 12, 1943, German and Italian forces in Africa surrendered.
Post-Africa Command
In July 1943, Bayerlein was awarded the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross for his service in Africa. He was then appointed commander of the 3rd Panzer Division on the Eastern Front. In January 1944, he took command of the Panzer-Lehr-Division in France. Bayerlein was promoted to lieutenant general in May 1944.
In July 1944, Bayerlein was awarded the Swords to the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves for his actions in Normandy. He subsequently participated in the Ardennes Offensive. In March 1945, he became commander of the 53rd Army Corps. On April 15, 1945, his corps was captured by American forces in the Ruhr Pocket.
Post-War Life
Bayerlein was released from captivity in 1947. He authored several books and articles on the history of World War II. He passed away on January 30, 1970, in Munich.
