Career
Born in Kolberg, Stumpff entered the Brandenburgisches Grenadierregiment Near 12 "Prinz Karl von Preußen" as an ensign in 1907. Promoted to lieutenant in 1908, by the start of the First World War, Stumpff served in the general staff
At the end of the war Stumpff had reached the rank of captain.
During the Weimar Republic, Stumpff served as a staff officer in the Reichswehrministerium. On 1 September 1933, Stumpff, with rank of lieutenant colonel, became head of personnel in the (illegal) Luftwaffe.
After the Luftwaffe became formally legal in Germany, Stumpff served as its chief of staff from 1 June 1937 until 1 January 1939. In 1938, Stumpff was promoted to the rank of General der Flieger.
During the Second World War, Stumpff commanded various Luftflotten.
Until the end of 1943 Stumpff commanded Luftflotte 5, with which he took part in the Battle of Britain, operating out of Norway against Scotland and Northern England. In January 1944, Stumpff commanded Luftwaffe forces in the Defense of the Reich campaign against the Allied bombing attacks. On 8 May 1945, Stumpff served as the Luftwaffe representative at the signing of the unconditional surrender of Germany in Berlin.
Stumpff was released from British captivity in 1947 and died in Frankfurt am Main in 1968.
Wehrmachtbericht reference Bibliography.
