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Gert BastianGeneral and public figure of the FRG
Date of Birth: 26.03.1923
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- General Gert Bastian: From Wehrmacht Soldier to Green Party Activist
- Post-War and Military Service
- Political Transformation
- Parliamentary Career
- Activism and Personal Life
General Gert Bastian: From Wehrmacht Soldier to Green Party Activist
Early Life and Military CareerGert Bastian, a prominent German general and politician, joined the Wehrmacht as a 19-year-old volunteer. He served on the Eastern Front during World War II, sustaining injuries to his right hand and head from grenade fragments. Later, he was also wounded by a machine gun bullet in France.
Post-War and Military Service
After the war, Bastian started his own business, but due to financial struggles, he returned to a military career. He joined the Bundeswehr in 1956 and served until 1980, retiring as a Major General with the rank of division commander.
Political Transformation
During his military service, Bastian's political views underwent a significant shift. Initially a member of the Christian Social Union, he became increasingly critical of the planned deployment of intermediate-range missiles in Europe. In 1981, he co-founded the political group "Generals for Peace" with other European generals.
Parliamentary Career
Bastian was elected to the Bundestag as a member of the Green Party from 1983 to 1987. He initially served as an independent member within the Green parliamentary group but was later excluded from the party due to his opposition to its rotational leadership principle.
Activism and Personal Life
Bastian became a prominent West German supporter of the opposition movement in East Germany during the 1980s. He was discovered dead in Bonn on October 19, 1992, alongside his partner Petra Kelly. Police concluded that Bastian had shot Kelly in her sleep and then committed suicide. The exact date of his death remains uncertain due to the discovery of their bodies several days after the incident. Gert Bastian was buried in Munich's North Cemetery.
