Friedrich Freiherr von Broich

Friedrich Freiherr von Broich (1 January 1896 – 24 September 1974) was a German general during World War II.

Friedrich Freiherr von Broich
Broich at Trent Park (seated, 1st from left)
Born	1 January 1896
Died	24 September 1974 (aged 78)
Allegiance	Nazi Germany
Service/branch	Army
Years of service	1914–45
Rank	Generalleutnant
Commands held	10th Panzer Division
Battles/wars	World War I World War II
Awards	Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross

Shortly before the beginning of the Second World War then-Major Broich was placed in command of the 34th Aufklärungsabteilung (Reconnaissance Battalion). In December 1939 Broich took over command of the 21st Cavalry Regiment, which he led during the 1940 campaign in France. After promotion to Colonel on 1 September 1940, Broich became commander of the 22nd Cavalry Regiment. During the 1941 Russian campaign Broich commanded the 1st Ritter-Regiment and then on 1 December 1941 took over the 24th Rifle Brigade, which was later converted into a Panzer Grenadier brigade. In November 1942 Broich was appointed to lead the first "Broich" division in the North African theater. In February 1943 Broich was appointed commander of the 10th Panzer Division and promoted to Major General.

On 12 May 1943, Broich surrendered to the British Army at Grombalia, Tunisia, along with the remnants of the 10th Panzer Division. He was detained at the Trent Park General Officer's POW Camp for the duration of the war. On 1 June 1943 he was promoted to lieutenant general. On October 7, 1947, Broich was repatriated.

Awards

• German Cross in Gold on 2 November 1941 as Oberst in Regiment 22[1]
• Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 29 August 1942 as Oberst and commander of the 24. Panzergrenadier-Brigade[2]

References

Citations

1. Patzwall & Scherzer 2001, p. 62.
2. Scherzer 2007, p. 246.

Bibliography

• Fellgiebel, Walther-Peer (2000) [1986]. Die Träger des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939–1945 — Die Inhaber der höchsten Auszeichnung des Zweiten Weltkrieges aller Wehrmachtteile [The Bearers of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross 1939–1945 — The Owners of the Highest Award of the Second World War of all Wehrmacht Branches] (in German). Friedberg, Germany: Podzun-Pallas. ISBN 978-3-7909-0284-6.
• Patzwall, Klaus D.; Scherzer, Veit (2001). Das Deutsche Kreuz 1941 – 1945 Geschichte und Inhaber Band II [The German Cross 1941 – 1945 History and Recipients Volume 2] (in German). Norderstedt, Germany: Verlag Klaus D. Patzwall. ISBN 978-3-931533-45-8.