Erwin Franz Roestel

Erwin Franz Rudolf Roestel
Born 4 May 1902
Görlitz, Germany
Died 24 November 1974
Regensburg, Germany
Allegiance  Nazi Germany
Service/branch Heer
Waffen-SS
Years of service 1939–1945
Rank Obersturmbannführer (Lieutenant Colonel)
Unit 10th SS Panzer Division Frundsberg
Battles/wars World War II
Awards Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross
Iron Cross I Class
Iron Cross II Class
German Cross in Gold
Eastern Front Medal

Erwin Franz Rudolf Roestel (4 May 1902 — 24 November 1974) was a Obersturmbannführer (Lieutenant Colonel) in the Waffen-SS during World War II. He was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, which was awarded to recognize extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership by Nazi Germany during World War II.

Erwin Franz Rudolf Roestel was born on the 4 May 1902 in Görlitz, Schlesien. Prior to joining the SS he was a Hauptmann (Captain) in the Heer (German Army), being awarded the Iron Cross I & II class, the Eastern Front Medal for service on the Eastern Front during the first Russian winter of the war 1941/42, and the German Cross as the commander of a Sturmgeschütz (Assault Gun StuG) Battalion.

He transferred to the 10th SS Panzer Division Frundsberg in 1943, as the commander of the 10th Sturmgeschütz Battalion and was awarded the Knight's Cross on the 28 March 1945. He remained with the Sturmgeschütz Battalion until taking over command of the 10th SS Panzerjäger Battalion in April 1945 and later the same month he took over command of the Division until they surrendered on 8 May 1945.

Roestel survived the war and died on 24 November 1974 in Regensburg.[1][2]

References

Further reading

  • Fellgiebel, Walther-Peer. Die Träger des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939-1945. Friedburg, Germany: Podzun-Pallas, 2000. ISBN 3-7909-0284-5.
  • Mitcham, Jr.Samuel, Retreat to the Reich, Stackpole books 2007. ISBN 081173384X
  • Henschler Henri & Fay Will, Armor Battles of the Waffen-SS, 1943-45 Stackpole Books, 2003. ISBN 0811729052
  • Mitcham Samuel, The German Defeat in the East, 1944-45,Stackpole Books, 2007. ISBN 0811733718
  • The Combat History of the 10th SS Panzer Division Frundsberg. available on line http://www.stengerhistorica.com/History/WarArchive/SpecialStudies/Frundsberg/Organization_and_Training_Page_1.htm
Military offices
Preceded by
Brigadeführer, Heinz Harmel
Commander of 10th SS Panzer Division Frundsberg
28 April 1945 - 8 May 1945
Succeeded by
dissolved on May 8, 1945