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Walter von Brockdorff-AhlefeldtGerman military leader, infantry general
Date of Birth: 13.07.1887
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Early Life and Military Career
- World War I and the Interwar Years
- World War II and the Eastern Front
- Demyansk Pocket and Conflict with the SS
- Controversy and Aftermath
- Legacy
Early Life and Military Career
Heinrich Graf von Brockdorff-Ahlefeldt was born on October 20, 1889, in Gut Sierhagen, Germany. On April 25, 1907, he joined the 3rd (Brandenburg) Jäger Battalion as a Fähnrich.
World War I and the Interwar Years
During World War I, Brockdorff-Ahlefeldt served as an adjutant and company commander. He was severely wounded at the Battle of Verdun and sent to a hospital. After recovering, he was assigned to the General Staff and served in the VII and IV Army Corps until 1918.
In 1919, Brockdorff-Ahlefeldt was attached to the staff of the Volunteer Corps "Don" and later commanded a company in the 30th Infantry Regiment of the Reichswehr. From 1922, he held various staff positions within the infantry and 2nd Division.
World War II and the Eastern Front
With the outbreak of World War II, Brockdorff-Ahlefeldt led the 8th Infantry Regiment in Poland. In 1940, he commanded the 28th Army Corps in France and the 2nd Army Corps from June 1940 onwards. His corps played a significant role in the 1941 invasion of the Soviet Union, particularly during the battles around Kaunas.
Demyansk Pocket and Conflict with the SS
In February 1942, Brockdorff-Ahlefeldt's corps became encircled in the Demyansk Pocket. Despite heavy fighting and accusations of intentionally exposing SS troops to heavy casualties, his forces held out until April 1942 when a relief force broke the siege.
Controversy and Aftermath
Brockdorff-Ahlefeldt was known for his anti-Nazi views and opposition to Adolf Hitler. He protected еврейских subordinate, Walter Goldberg, from persecution. However, he was severely wounded and forced to retire from active duty in November 1942. He died in a military hospital in January 1943.
Legacy
Brockdorff-Ahlefeldt is remembered as a skilled and courageous military commander who opposed Hitler's regime. His actions during the Demyansk Pocket remain a subject of controversy and debate.
