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Theodor BerkelmannOne of the leaders of the SS, SS-Obergruppenführer and police general
Date of Birth: 17.04.1894
Country: ![]() |
Content:
- Early Life and Military Service
- Post-War Career
- Rise in the SS
- SS and Police Leadership
- Higher SS and Police Leader
- Death
Early Life and Military Service
Theodor Berkelmann was born on April 17, 1894, in Le Ban-Saint-Martin near Metz. In October 1913, he joined the German Army and served in World War I, where he was promoted to Oberleutnant in 1914. For his bravery, he was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class.
Post-War Career
After demobilization in 1919, Berkelmann joined the Freikorps Hülsen. From 1922 to 1926, he worked as a miner. In 1929, he became a member of the Nazi Party (NSDAP) and from 1930 to 1931 farmed in Canada.
Rise in the SS
On March 1, 1931, Berkelmann joined the SS, where he rose to the rank of Oberführer and led the 23rd SS Standard "Upper Silesia." In 1932, he became the adjutant to SS-Reichsführer Heinrich Himmler.
SS and Police Leadership
Berkelmann held various command positions within the SS, including the Chief of Staff of the SS Group "North" and the commander of the SS Standard "East Friesia." In 1936, he was elected to the Reichstag and became the SS and Police Leader "Elbe." From 1940 to 1941, he held similar positions in Westmark and the Rhine.
Higher SS and Police Leader
In 1943, Berkelmann became the Higher SS and Police Leader "Warthe" in Posen. He also commanded the SS Oberabschnitt "Warthe."