Harry Hoppe

Harry Hoppe (11 February 1894 – 23 August 1969) 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.” (Formed near Berlin in December 1918, this volunteer unit was commanded by Generalleutnant Walter 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

Awards and decorations

 * Iron Cross (1914)
 * 2nd Class (20 March 1916)
 * 1st Class (15 March 1917)
 * Wound Badge (1914)
 * in Black
 * in Silver
 * Knight's Cross of the Royal House Order of Hohenzollern with Swords (17 April 1918)
 * Cross of Honor
 * West Wall Medal
 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class (26 September 1939)
 * 1st Class (12 July 1941)
 * Eastern Front Medal
 * Infantry Assault Badge
 * German Cross in Gold (16 May 1942)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
 * Knight's Cross on 12 September 1941 as Oberst and commander of Infanterie-Regiment 424
 * 682nd Oak Leaves on 18 December 1944 as Generalleutnant and commander of the 278. Infanterie-Division
 * Mentioned in the Wehrmachtbericht (6 July 1944)

Harry Hoppe was nicknamed “Stan Laurel” by his comrades because of his facial resemblance to the English-born actor/comedian.