Hermann Ehrhardt German officer, Freikorps commander in 1918-1920. Date of Birth: 19.11.1881 Country: Austria

1. Biography of Hermann Erhardt
2. Early Life and Military Career
3. Post-War Activities
4. Conflict with Hitler and Later Years

Biography of Hermann Erhardt

Hermann Erhardt was a German officer and the commander of the Free Corps from 1918 to 1920.

Early Life and Military Career

Erhardt was born the son of a priest and, in his youth, joined the German Imperial Navy. He took part in suppressing the uprising in Namibia in 1904. By the start of World War I, he served as a lieutenant captain on a destroyer. He participated in operations in the North Sea and Baltic Sea, including the Battle of Jutland.

Post-War Activities

After the "November Revolution" and the signing of the Armistice of Compiègne in 1918, Erhardt, then a corvette captain, was supposed to surrender his ship to the British. However, he refused to comply and instead brought the vessel to Wilhelmshaven.

Following the war, Erhardt formed the volunteer Second Naval Brigade, consisting of 6,000 people. The brigade was involved in clashes with communists and socialists in various regions of Germany. In 1920, Erhardt's brigade took part in the Kapp-Lüttwitz Putsch. After the failed coup, Erhardt was forced to flee Germany but soon returned to Bavaria, where he established the clandestine terrorist organization known as "The Consul" and participated in the formation of the Viking League.

Conflict with Hitler and Later Years

During the Beer Hall Putsch, Erhardt refused to support Hitler. Subsequently, he unsuccessfully fought against Hitler for leadership of the German far-right movement. Many of his supporters abandoned him and joined the Nazi Party (NSDAP). Erhardt was supposed to be one of the victims of the "Night of the Long Knives," but he managed to escape to Austria. He later distanced himself from politics and passed away in 1971.