Harry Hoppe

Who was Harry Hoppe?

Harry Hoppe was a highly decorated Generalleutnant in the Wehrmacht during World War II who commanded several divisions. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross and its higher grade Oak Leaves was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. Harry Hoppe was captured by British troops in May 1945 and was released in 1948.

Born as Arthur Hoppe, he formally changed his first name to “Harry”.

Enlisting as a private in the Braunschweigisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.92 in August 1914. Wounded twice during the First World War. Joining the Detachment “von Grothe” of Freikorps “von Hülsen.”. After taking part in putting down the Spartacist uprising in Berlin in January 1919 and quelling further disturbances there in March, von Hülsen’s unit was later incorporated into the Reichswehr as Reichswehr Brigade 3