Albrecht Lanz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Major
Albrecht Lanz
|
|
|---|---|
| Born | 25 February 1898 Entringen, German Empire |
| Died | 27 January 1942 (aged 43) Lazerett Smolensk, Soviet Union |
| Allegiance |  Nazi Germany |
| Service/ |
Army |
| Rank | Major/Oberstleutnant |
| Commands held | Infantry Regiment 396 |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (4 September 1940) |
| Relations | Hubert Lanz (brother) |
Major Albrecht Lanz (born February 25, 1898 – died January 27, 1942) was a German soldier during World War II. He was the first commander of Guernsey and Jersey. These are islands in the Channel Islands. He also received an important award called the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross.
Early Life
Albrecht Lanz was born on February 25, 1898. His hometown was Entringen in the German Empire.
Military Career
Lanz arrived in Guernsey on June 1, 1940. He came with the German air force, known as the Luftwaffe. His job was to find out how ready the islands were for war. The islands had secretly removed their military. Lanz felt very proud when he took command of the islands.
People who met Lanz described him as a smart and fair person. Sybil Hathaway, a leader on the island of Sark, said he was "tall, alert, and quick-spoken." She also noted he had studied law and philosophy. Another person, Ambrose Sherwill, said Lanz was "every inch a soldier" and "absolutely straight and kindly."
Lanz received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on September 4, 1940. This award was given for his bravery in battle. During an attack in Belgium in May 1940, his group faced strong enemy fire. Lanz bravely organized his soldiers. They then successfully attacked and captured several enemy soldiers.
After his time in the Channel Islands, Lanz moved to the Eastern Front. This was a major battle area during the war. He commanded the 396th Infantry Regiment. People spoke highly of him as a leader. They said he was intelligent and had a good sense of humor. Albrecht Lanz died on January 27, 1942. He passed away in a hospital in Smolensk, Soviet Union, from wounds he received in battle.
Awards
- Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross
on September 4, 1940. He received this as a Major.
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