Hans Christern (24 January 1900 – 17 June 1966) was a highly decorated Oberst in the Wehrmacht during World War II. He was a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross of Nazi Germany. Christern took over command of the 7th Panzer Division in March 1945 which he surrendered to British troops in May 1945 north west of Berlin.

Hans Christern
Born24 January 1900
Died17 June 1966(1966-06-17) (aged 66)
Allegiance German Empire
 Weimar Republic
 Nazi Germany
Service/branchArmy
Years of service1917–20
1936–45
RankOberst
Commands held7th Panzer Division
Battles/warsWorld War II
AwardsKnight's Cross of the Iron Cross

Following the war he worked as a farmer. He was involved in the CDU, and ran for office in the West German federal election of 1949, but failed to win his seat.

Awards and decorations edit

References edit

Citations edit

  1. ^ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 130.

Bibliography edit

  • 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.
Military offices
Preceded by
Generalmajor Dr. Karl Mauss
Commander of 7. Panzer-Division
26 March 1945 – 8 May 1945
Succeeded by
None