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Hans-Jurgen ArnimColonel General of the German Army
Date of Birth: 04.04.1889
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Early Military Career
- World War I
- Interwar Period
- Pre-World War II
- World War II
- Eastern Front
- North Africa and Imprisonment
- Post-War
Early Military Career
Hans Jürgen von Arnim joined the German army in April 1908 as a candidate officer. After being promoted to lieutenant in August 1909, he served as a battalion adjutant until the outbreak of World War I.
World War I
During World War I, von Arnim fought on the Western Front with the 93rd Infantry Regiment, where he was twice wounded. He eventually became commander of an infantry company and was promoted to captain by January 1917. Von Arnim received various decorations for his bravery, including the Iron Cross of both classes and the Silver Wound Badge.
Interwar Period
After the war, von Arnim continued his military career in the reduced Reichswehr and commanded a company of the 29th Infantry Regiment. He held various positions in the army, including commanding officer of a battalion and divisional adjutant. In 1924, he was transferred to the Reich Ministry of Defense.
Pre-World War II
In 1935, von Arnim took command of the 68th Infantry Regiment, part of the newly formed 23rd Infantry Division. He was promoted to major general in 1938 and became an officer of special assignments in the High Command of the Army in 1939.
World War II
Polish and French CampaignsIn September 1939, von Arnim commanded the 52nd Infantry Division during the invasion of Poland. In 1940, he was transferred to and commanded the 17th Panzer Division in the invasion of France.
Eastern Front
The 17th Panzer Division, under von Arnim's command, played a significant role in the invasion of the Soviet Union, capturing Slohim in June 1941. Von Arnim was wounded in battle in June 1941 and returned to his division after recovering in September. He participated in battles around Kiev, Vyazma, and Bryansk, earning the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross.
In November 1941, von Arnim became commander of the 39th Panzer Corps and was promoted to general of the panzer troops in December 1941.
North Africa and Imprisonment
In December 1942, von Arnim was appointed commander of the 5th Panzer Army in North Africa and promoted to colonel general. In March 1943, he became commander of Army Group Africa. However, in May 1943, he was captured by British forces in Tunisia.
