Background
Wilhelm Bittrich was born on February 26, 1894 Wernigerode, Germany.
Wilhelm Bittrich was born on February 26, 1894 Wernigerode, Germany.
Wilhelm Bittrich was educated locally.
In WWI he was an army officer and pilot, winning the Iron Cross 1st Class. After serving in the Freikorps, he returned to the army as a pilot, training in the USSR. In 1934 he joined the SS.
“Willi” Bittrich led the SS Pz Regt “Deutschland” in Poland, France, and Russia. He held the rank of Oberfuehrer when awarded the RK on 14 Dec 1941. Continuing to rise professionally, he headed the Das Reich and Hohenstaufen Divs before being promoted to General of the Waffen-SS and leading the 2d SS Pz Corps in Normandy. His Oakleaves (563/890) were awarded on 28 Aug 1944.
For wiping out the British airhead at Arnhem (in Market-Garden) Bittrich became one of the last recipients of the Swords, belatedly awarded on 6 May 1945. Held prisoner by the French until 1954, he died 19 Apr 1979 at Muensingen.
In December 1931 or early 1932, Bittrich joined the Nazi Party (NSDAP) (Nr. 829,700). From March until June 1932, he served in the Sturmabteilung (SA). On 1 July 1932, Bittrich joined the SS (Nr. 39,177) and served in various SS units in leadership positions, reaching the rank of Hauptsturmführer by June 1934.
