Hans Christern

Who was Hans Christern?

Hans Christern was a highly decorated Oberst in the Wehrmacht during World War II. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. Christern took over command of the 7th Panzer Division in March 1945 following a severe injury to the division's commander, Generalmajor Dr. Karl Mauss. Christern led the remnants of the division to Schwerin north and west of Berlin, where they surrendered to British troops in May 1945. He was held by the British until January 1946.

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.