Ferdinand Maria von Senger und Etterlin
Encyclopedia
Ferdinand Maria von Senger und Etterlin (June 8, 1923 - January 10, 1987) was a soldier in the German Army in both the Wehrmacht
of World War II
and the postwar Bundeswehr
, as well as a civilian jurist in the German Federal service. As an officer in the Bundeswehr, he eventually rose to the rank of general
, and completed his military service as commander-in-chief of NATO's Allied Forces Central Europe (AFCENT). He also authored numerous books on military-related subjects.
, Germany, into a family rich in military tradition, with over 250 years of service to various German polities. His father, Fridolin von Senger und Etterlin, who served as a Wehrmacht officer throughout World War II, reached the rank of General der Panzertruppe
("General of Armored Troops"), and began his own highly decorated military service before World War I
in service with the Reichswehr
. His mother, Hilda Margarethe von Kracht, was the daughter of Prussia
n general Ernst Alexander von Kracht. Like most of his male forbears, he sought a military career and began it at age 17, by joining the cavalry regiment commanded by his father.
In 1946, he married Ebba von Keudell; they had two children, a boy, Stefan, and a girl, Marina Josepha Anna Sidonie.
, commanded at the time by his father. On June 21, 1941, Adolf Hitler
launched Operation Barbarossa
, the German invasion of the Soviet Union
. Ferdinand fought on this front as a Lieutenant with the 24th Panzer Division
in the German 6th Army, ultimately participating in the Battle of Stalingrad
, one of history's bloodiest battles. He was placed in command of a panzer squadron on August 23, 1942, in the later stages of this battle. Not long before the end of the battle, he was evacuated back to Germany, having been badly wounded, thus saving him from a worse fate as the Soviets surrounded and eventually destroyed the German 6th Army.
Upon his recovery and promoted to Oberleutnant
, he was assigned to serve as a regimental adjutant
in northern Italy
with the re-constituted 24th Panzer Division. His unit being transferred back to the Eastern Front, after October 1943, he found himself again facing the Soviet Army
in combat, this time at Kiev
and the Dnieper Bend. Soviet offensives having pushed the German forces along with the 24th Division back to Romania
, in August 1944, during the Second Battle of Jassy-Kishinev he was wounded again, this time losing his right arm, again requiring his evacuation from the front.
No longer able to serve directly in combat, at the age of 21 years, von Senger und Etterlin was transferred to the Oberkommando des Heeres
(OKH) or Army High Command and was assigned to be the personal adjutant of General der Panzertruppen Leo Geyr von Schweppenburg
. While serving in this capacity, he was captured by American forces at the end of the war.
, von Senger und Etterlin was released, and began the study of law at the University of Göttingen, continuing later in Zürich
and at Oxford University as a Rhodes scholar. In 1951, he was awarded a doctorate in law. His dissertation was entitled "The State Party: a Comparison Between the Weimar and the Bonn Constitutions." At this time, he was appointed to serve in the newly created Bundesamt für Verfassungsschutz ("Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution").
). Following General Staff training, he filled an assignment with the G-3 (Operations) section of Panzerlehrbrigade 9 at Munster
, where he participated in field testing the new Leopard main battle tank. His next post was to work with an Army study of nuclear tactics and planning. In 1964, he returned to Munster and Panzerlehrbrigade 9 as commander of Panzerlehrbataillon 94, where he was able to receive practical experience in use of the Leopard tank. Von Senger und Etterlin became known as an expert on tanks.
, working with the integration and coordination of Dutch, British, Belgian and German armed forces units.
from October 1969 to March 1970, he received orders to report to the Army Staff in Bonn
, and was promoted to the rank of Brigadegeneral
on September 30, 1970. Later, after a promotion to Generalmajor
, General von Senger und Etterlin took command of Defense District 5, in the vicinity of Stuttgart
, where he worked in cooperation with civil authorities, state ministries and the federal defense administration. He was especially busy coordinating major allied formations with the German Army, as well as developing plans to quickly mobilize reservists
.
On July 1, 1974, he returned to duty with the German field army, assuming command of the 7th Panzer Division, stationed in Unna
. Here, he was particularly entrusted with development of the new Army Structure 4 initiative, after which he led his division through multiple successful exercises. In spring 1978, Dr. von Senger und Etterlin was promoted to the rank of Generalleutnant
and assigned to be commanding general of the Bundeswehr's I Corps, headquartered in Münster.
. Despite these affairs, more political than military, General von Senger und Etterlin maintained regular contact with both large and small Bundeswehr units under his command, watching over their tactical training and overall preparedness for war, intervening, when necessary, to make corrections.
on September 30, 1983.
In his long and productive career in military and political affairs, von Senger und Etterlin was also responsible for many contributions to military literature. He authored a number books on military tactics and history, covering such subjects as armor, artillery and military vehicles and made over 1,000 contributions to military magazines, primarily Soldat und Technik ("Soldier and Technology"). Among his historical works were a history of his old wartime unit, the 24th Panzer Division.
Apart from military subjects, he was interested in baroque
and modern art
history and classical music.
He died on January 10, 1987, in Ühlingen
, Baden-Württemberg
, surrounded by his family.
Wehrmacht
The Wehrmacht – from , to defend and , the might/power) were the unified armed forces of Nazi Germany from 1935 to 1945. It consisted of the Heer , the Kriegsmarine and the Luftwaffe .-Origin and use of the term:...
of World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
and the postwar Bundeswehr
Bundeswehr
The Bundeswehr consists of the unified armed forces of Germany and their civil administration and procurement authorities...
, as well as a civilian jurist in the German Federal service. As an officer in the Bundeswehr, he eventually rose to the rank of general
General
A general officer is an officer of high military rank, usually in the army, and in some nations, the air force. The term is widely used by many nations of the world, and when a country uses a different term, there is an equivalent title given....
, and completed his military service as commander-in-chief of NATO's Allied Forces Central Europe (AFCENT). He also authored numerous books on military-related subjects.
Early years
Von Senger und Etterlin was born on June 8, 1923 in TübingenTübingen
Tübingen is a traditional university town in central Baden-Württemberg, Germany. It is situated south of the state capital, Stuttgart, on a ridge between the Neckar and Ammer rivers.-Geography:...
, Germany, into a family rich in military tradition, with over 250 years of service to various German polities. His father, Fridolin von Senger und Etterlin, who served as a Wehrmacht officer throughout World War II, reached the rank of General der Panzertruppe
General der Panzertruppe
General der Panzertruppe was a rank of German Army General introduced by the Wehrmacht in 1935. As the commander of a Panzer Corp this rank corresponds to a US Army Lieutenant-General...
("General of Armored Troops"), and began his own highly decorated military service before World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
in service with the Reichswehr
Reichswehr
The Reichswehr formed the military organisation of Germany from 1919 until 1935, when it was renamed the Wehrmacht ....
. His mother, Hilda Margarethe von Kracht, was the daughter of Prussia
Prussia
Prussia was a German kingdom and historic state originating out of the Duchy of Prussia and the Margraviate of Brandenburg. For centuries, the House of Hohenzollern ruled Prussia, successfully expanding its size by way of an unusually well-organized and effective army. Prussia shaped the history...
n general Ernst Alexander von Kracht. Like most of his male forbears, he sought a military career and began it at age 17, by joining the cavalry regiment commanded by his father.
In 1946, he married Ebba von Keudell; they had two children, a boy, Stefan, and a girl, Marina Josepha Anna Sidonie.
Wehrmacht 1940–1945
Von Senger und Etterlin started his military career on October 1, 1940 in the replacement section of the 3rd Cavalry Regiment, GöttingenGöttingen
Göttingen is a university town in Lower Saxony, Germany. It is the capital of the district of Göttingen. The Leine river runs through the town. In 2006 the population was 129,686.-General information:...
, commanded at the time by his father. On June 21, 1941, Adolf Hitler
Adolf Hitler
Adolf Hitler was an Austrian-born German politician and the leader of the National Socialist German Workers Party , commonly referred to as the Nazi Party). He was Chancellor of Germany from 1933 to 1945, and head of state from 1934 to 1945...
launched Operation Barbarossa
Operation Barbarossa
Operation Barbarossa was the code name for Germany's invasion of the Soviet Union during World War II that began on 22 June 1941. Over 4.5 million troops of the Axis powers invaded the USSR along a front., the largest invasion in the history of warfare...
, the German invasion of the Soviet Union
Soviet Union
The Soviet Union , officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , was a constitutionally socialist state that existed in Eurasia between 1922 and 1991....
. Ferdinand fought on this front as a Lieutenant with the 24th Panzer Division
24th Panzer Division (Germany)
The 24th Panzer Division was formed in 1942 from the 1st Cavalry Division based at Königsberg.-Service:It served under the Fourth Panzer Army in Army Group South of the Eastern Front. In late December 1942 it was encircled in the Battle of Stalingrad and destroyed...
in the German 6th Army, ultimately participating in the Battle of Stalingrad
Battle of Stalingrad
The Battle of Stalingrad was a major battle of World War II in which Nazi Germany and its allies fought the Soviet Union for control of the city of Stalingrad in southwestern Russia. The battle took place between 23 August 1942 and 2 February 1943...
, one of history's bloodiest battles. He was placed in command of a panzer squadron on August 23, 1942, in the later stages of this battle. Not long before the end of the battle, he was evacuated back to Germany, having been badly wounded, thus saving him from a worse fate as the Soviets surrounded and eventually destroyed the German 6th Army.
Upon his recovery and promoted to Oberleutnant
Oberleutnant
Oberleutnant is a junior officer rank in the militaries of Germany, Switzerland and Austria. In the German Army, it dates from the early 19th century. Translated as "Senior Lieutenant", the rank is typically bestowed upon commissioned officers after five to six years of active duty...
, he was assigned to serve as a regimental adjutant
Adjutant
Adjutant is a military rank or appointment. In some armies, including most English-speaking ones, it is an officer who assists a more senior officer, while in other armies, especially Francophone ones, it is an NCO , normally corresponding roughly to a Staff Sergeant or Warrant Officer.An Adjutant...
in northern Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
with the re-constituted 24th Panzer Division. His unit being transferred back to the Eastern Front, after October 1943, he found himself again facing the Soviet Army
Soviet Army
The Soviet Army is the name given to the main part of the Armed Forces of the Soviet Union between 1946 and 1992. Previously, it had been known as the Red Army. Informally, Армия referred to all the MOD armed forces, except, in some cases, the Soviet Navy.This article covers the Soviet Ground...
in combat, this time at Kiev
Kiev
Kiev or Kyiv is the capital and the largest city of Ukraine, located in the north central part of the country on the Dnieper River. The population as of the 2001 census was 2,611,300. However, higher numbers have been cited in the press....
and the Dnieper Bend. Soviet offensives having pushed the German forces along with the 24th Division back to Romania
Romania
Romania is a country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeastern Europe, on the Lower Danube, within and outside the Carpathian arch, bordering on the Black Sea...
, in August 1944, during the Second Battle of Jassy-Kishinev he was wounded again, this time losing his right arm, again requiring his evacuation from the front.
No longer able to serve directly in combat, at the age of 21 years, von Senger und Etterlin was transferred to the Oberkommando des Heeres
Oberkommando des Heeres
The Oberkommando des Heeres was Nazi Germany's High Command of the Army from 1936 to 1945. The Oberkommando der Wehrmacht commanded OKH only in theory...
(OKH) or Army High Command and was assigned to be the personal adjutant of General der Panzertruppen Leo Geyr von Schweppenburg
Leo Geyr von Schweppenburg
Leo Dietrich Franz Freiherr Geyr von Schweppenburg was a German cavalry officer in World War I and a general during World War II. He was particularly noted for his expertise in armoured warfare and his command of Panzer Group West during the Invasion of Normandy.- Biography :Geyr was born in...
. While serving in this capacity, he was captured by American forces at the end of the war.
Wehrmacht decorations
- Deutsches Kreuz in Gold, September 4, 1944
- PanzervernichtungsabzeichenTank Destruction BadgeThe Tank Destruction Badge was an award given to individuals of the Wehrmacht who destroyed an enemy tank single-handedly by an hand-held weapon. Anti-tank units were not eligible for this award...
- NahkampfspangeClose Combat ClaspThe Close Combat Clasp is a German military award instituted on 25 November 1942 for achievement in hand to hand fighting in close quarters. The Close Combat Clasp was worn above the upper left uniform pocket...
in Silver
Civilian life 1945–1956
After a short period as a prisoner of warPrisoner of war
A prisoner of war or enemy prisoner of war is a person, whether civilian or combatant, who is held in custody by an enemy power during or immediately after an armed conflict...
, von Senger und Etterlin was released, and began the study of law at the University of Göttingen, continuing later in Zürich
Zürich
Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and the capital of the canton of Zurich. It is located in central Switzerland at the northwestern tip of Lake Zurich...
and at Oxford University as a Rhodes scholar. In 1951, he was awarded a doctorate in law. His dissertation was entitled "The State Party: a Comparison Between the Weimar and the Bonn Constitutions." At this time, he was appointed to serve in the newly created Bundesamt für Verfassungsschutz ("Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution").
Bundeswehr 1956–1979
His combat and OKH experiences being of great value, he was reactivated into military service with the Bundeswehr in March 1956, and was placed in a workgroup considering matters of military intelligence pertaining to the armed forces to the east (the Warsaw PactWarsaw Pact
The Warsaw Treaty Organization of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance , or more commonly referred to as the Warsaw Pact, was a mutual defense treaty subscribed to by eight communist states in Eastern Europe...
). Following General Staff training, he filled an assignment with the G-3 (Operations) section of Panzerlehrbrigade 9 at Munster
Munster
Munster is one of the Provinces of Ireland situated in the south of Ireland. In Ancient Ireland, it was one of the fifths ruled by a "king of over-kings" . Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the ancient kingdoms were shired into a number of counties for administrative and judicial purposes...
, where he participated in field testing the new Leopard main battle tank. His next post was to work with an Army study of nuclear tactics and planning. In 1964, he returned to Munster and Panzerlehrbrigade 9 as commander of Panzerlehrbataillon 94, where he was able to receive practical experience in use of the Leopard tank. Von Senger und Etterlin became known as an expert on tanks.
First NATO assignment
After the successful conclusion of training at the NATO Defence College in Rome, von Senger und Etterlin served for two years with the planning office of the Northern Army Group (NORTHAG) in MönchengladbachMönchengladbach
Mönchengladbach , formerly known as Münchengladbach, is a city in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It is located west of the Rhine half way between Düsseldorf and the Dutch border....
, working with the integration and coordination of Dutch, British, Belgian and German armed forces units.
Promotion to General
After a short intermission from the Panzerbrigade 20 in HemerHemer
Hemer is a town in the Märkischer Kreis district, in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.- Geography :Hemer is located at the north end of the Sauerland near the Ruhr river. The highest elevation, at 546 metres , is in the Balver Wald in the south of the city...
from October 1969 to March 1970, he received orders to report to the Army Staff in Bonn
Bonn
Bonn is the 19th largest city in Germany. Located in the Cologne/Bonn Region, about 25 kilometres south of Cologne on the river Rhine in the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, it was the capital of West Germany from 1949 to 1990 and the official seat of government of united Germany from 1990 to 1999....
, and was promoted to the rank of Brigadegeneral
Brigadier General
Brigadier general is a senior rank in the armed forces. It is the lowest ranking general officer in some countries, usually sitting between the ranks of colonel and major general. When appointed to a field command, a brigadier general is typically in command of a brigade consisting of around 4,000...
on September 30, 1970. Later, after a promotion to Generalmajor
Major General
Major general or major-general is a military rank used in many countries. It is derived from the older rank of sergeant major general. A major general is a high-ranking officer, normally subordinate to the rank of lieutenant general and senior to the ranks of brigadier and brigadier general...
, General von Senger und Etterlin took command of Defense District 5, in the vicinity of Stuttgart
Stuttgart
Stuttgart is the capital of the state of Baden-Württemberg in southern Germany. The sixth-largest city in Germany, Stuttgart has a population of 600,038 while the metropolitan area has a population of 5.3 million ....
, where he worked in cooperation with civil authorities, state ministries and the federal defense administration. He was especially busy coordinating major allied formations with the German Army, as well as developing plans to quickly mobilize reservists
Military reserve
A military reserve, tactical reserve, or strategic reserve is a group of military personnel or units which are initially not committed to a battle by their commander so that they are available to address unforeseen situations or exploit suddenly developing...
.
On July 1, 1974, he returned to duty with the German field army, assuming command of the 7th Panzer Division, stationed in Unna
Unna
Unna is a town of around 67,000 people in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, the seat of the Unna district.-Geography:Unna is situated on an ancient salt-trading route, the Hellweg road. Trade on this route and during the period of the Hansa Trade Route came from as far as London...
. Here, he was particularly entrusted with development of the new Army Structure 4 initiative, after which he led his division through multiple successful exercises. In spring 1978, Dr. von Senger und Etterlin was promoted to the rank of Generalleutnant
Lieutenant General
Lieutenant General is a military rank used in many countries. The rank traces its origins to the Middle Ages where the title of Lieutenant General was held by the second in command on the battlefield, who was normally subordinate to a Captain General....
and assigned to be commanding general of the Bundeswehr's I Corps, headquartered in Münster.
AFCENT Commander-in-Chief
On October 1, 1979, von Senger und Etterlin was promoted to full general and replaced retiring General Franz-Joseph Schulze as Commander-in-Chief of Allied Forces Central Europe, now known as Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum. The dramatic political and military events of these years led to the planning in 1980 of the "Long-Term Defense Program" and included the creation of European reserve forcesMilitary reserve force
A military reserve force is a military organization composed of citizens of a country who combine a military role or career with a civilian career. They are not normally kept under arms and their main role is to be available to fight when a nation mobilizes for total war or to defend against invasion...
. Despite these affairs, more political than military, General von Senger und Etterlin maintained regular contact with both large and small Bundeswehr units under his command, watching over their tactical training and overall preparedness for war, intervening, when necessary, to make corrections.
Retirement
After four years in command of one of the most powerful military formations standing in defense of central Europe, General von Senger und Etterlin retired, honored with the Großer ZapfenstreichGroßer Zapfenstreich
The is a military ceremony performed in Germany and Austria. It is similar to the military tattoo ceremony carried out in English-speaking countries, and is the most important ceremonial act executed by the German federal armed forces, the Bundeswehr...
on September 30, 1983.
In his long and productive career in military and political affairs, von Senger und Etterlin was also responsible for many contributions to military literature. He authored a number books on military tactics and history, covering such subjects as armor, artillery and military vehicles and made over 1,000 contributions to military magazines, primarily Soldat und Technik ("Soldier and Technology"). Among his historical works were a history of his old wartime unit, the 24th Panzer Division.
Apart from military subjects, he was interested in baroque
Baroque
The Baroque is a period and the style that used exaggerated motion and clear, easily interpreted detail to produce drama, tension, exuberance, and grandeur in sculpture, painting, literature, dance, and music...
and modern art
Modern art
Modern art includes artistic works produced during the period extending roughly from the 1860s to the 1970s, and denotes the style and philosophy of the art produced during that era. The term is usually associated with art in which the traditions of the past have been thrown aside in a spirit of...
history and classical music.
He died on January 10, 1987, in Ühlingen
Ühlingen-Birkendorf
Ühlingen-Birkendorf is a town in the district of Waldshut in Baden-Württemberg in Germany.- References :...
, Baden-Württemberg
Baden-Württemberg
Baden-Württemberg is one of the 16 states of Germany. Baden-Württemberg is in the southwestern part of the country to the east of the Upper Rhine, and is the third largest in both area and population of Germany's sixteen states, with an area of and 10.7 million inhabitants...
, surrounded by his family.
Works
- Die 24. Panzer-Division 1939-1945. Vormals 1. Kavallerie-Division, Nebel Verlag, ISBN 3-8955-5186-4
- Die deutschen Panzer 1926 - 1945, Bernard & Graefe, ISBN 3-7637-0185-0
- Die deutschen Geschütze 1939-1945, Bernard & Graefe, ISBN 3-7637-5989-1
- Panzer der Bundeswehr und ihrer Verbündeten, Athenäum-Verlag 1958
- Soldaten zwischen Rhein und Weser, Verlag Wehr u. Wissen, ISBN 3803302870
- Der Gegenschlag, Vowinckel-Verlag
- Die Kampfpanzer von 1916 - 1966, Bernard & Graefe, ISBN 3-7637-6221-3
- Taschenbuch der Panzer. Jg. 1. 1943 - 1954; Taschenbuch der Panzer. Jg. 2. 1943 - 1957; Taschenbuch der Panzer. Jg. 3. 1960; Taschenbuch der Panzer. Jg. 4. 1969
- Das kleine Panzerbuch, Lehmann
- Der sowjetische mittlere Kampfpanzer der Baureihe T-34 bis T-62, Lehmann
- Pionierpanzer, Bernard & Graefe, ISBN 3-7637-0575-9