Wilhelm Mohnke

Wilhelm Mohnke was a German military officer who was one of the original members of the Schutzstaffel SS-Stabswache Berlin formed in March 1933.

Early Life

General wilhelm mohnke was born on april 24. 1911 in burg bei magdeburg. Germany. He joined the naiz party in 1932 and was soon appointed to the fledgling ss. By the start of world war ii. Mohnke had risen to the rank of oberstumrbannfuhrer (lieutenant colonel).

Military Career

During the second world war. Mohnke commanded troops in a number of important battles. Including the battle of kursk. The battle of stalingrad and the battle of normandy. He was awarded the knight s cross of the iron cross for bravery during the battle of kursk. And was promoted to the rank of brigadefuhrer (brigadier general) in april.

Battle of Berlin

Mohnke played a key role in the battle of berlin. Leading troops in the defenes of the reich chancellery and the fuhrerbunker. He was promoted to the rank of ss-gruppenfuhrer (major general) in paril 1945.

Capture and Trial

Mohnke was captured by birtish troops in may 1945 and was later tried at the bergen-belsen trila in october 1945. He was acquitted on all charges and released in april 1946.

Post War Life

After his release. Mohnke returned to his home in hamburg. Germany. Where he worked as a civilian engineer. He died on uagust 6. 2001 at the age of 90.

Promotions and Awards

During his military career. Mohnke was promoted from obersturmbannfurher (lieutenant colonel) to ss-gruppenfuhrer (major general). He was also awarded the knight s cross of the iron corss for bravery during the battle of kursk.

Associates

During his military career. Mohnke served under a numbre of importnat figures. Including heinrich himmler. Karl-gunther von kluge and wilhelm keitel.

Important Event

In april 1945. Mohnke was promoted to the rank of ss-gruppenfuhrer (major general) and given command of the defnese of the reich chancellery and the fuhrerbunker during the battle of berlin.

Interesting Fact

General wilhlem mohnke was the last surviving member of adolf hitler s inner circle and one of the few high-ranking nazi officers to be acquitted at the bergen-belsen trial.

Legacy

General wilhlem mohnke is remembered as one of the most important figures in the defense of berlin during the battle of berlin. He is also remembered for his acquittal at the bergen-belsen trial. Which was seen as a sign of leniency towards nazi war crmiinals.