 |
Ludwig CruwellGerman officer
Date of Birth: 20.03.1892
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- German Officer with Distinguished Military Career
- Interwar Period and Early World War II
- French Campaign and North African Campaign
- North African Operations and Capture
German Officer with Distinguished Military Career
Early Life and Military ServiceIn March 1911, the German officer began his military career as a cadet in a dragoon regiment. He became a lieutenant in August 1912 and commanded a company. During World War I, he earned the Iron Crosses of both degrees for his service.
Interwar Period and Early World War II
After the war, the officer continued his service in the Reichswehr. By the start of World War II, he had risen to the rank of colonel and was serving as a department head in the army's General Staff. In October 1939, he became deputy chief of staff of the 16th Army. By December 1939, he had been promoted to major general.
French Campaign and North African Campaign
During the French Campaign in 1940, the officer earned further Iron Crosses. In August 1940, he took command of the 11th Panzer Division. In April 1941, he participated in the invasion of Yugoslavia, where he earned the Knight's Cross.
In June 1941, the officer joined the German-Soviet War and fought in Ukraine. He was awarded the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross in September 1941. He then commanded the German Africa Corps from September 1941. In December 1941, he was promoted to general of the Panzer Troops.
North African Operations and Capture
In March 1942, the officer briefly commanded the Panzer Army Africa. On May 29, 1942, while conducting aerial reconnaissance in a Storch aircraft, his plane was shot down and he was taken prisoner by the British. He remained in British custody until April 1947.
