Generalmajor Otto-Ernst Remer (GE881)

Generalmajor Otto-Ernst Remer (GE881) Hauptmann Otto-Ernst Remer already held the German Cross in Gold when he joined the elite Grossdeutschlanddivision in April 1942. Initially he commanded IV. Battalion, Grenadierregiment Grossdeutschland, the heavy weapons battalion of the division’s senior regiment. This product is no longer currently available for sale...

Regarded as a dashing and competent leader, Remer was given the prestigious command of the elite armoured infantry of I. Bataillon in December. His first task was to rebuild his devastated battalion after the brutal winter battles in the Lutschessa Valley. Remer’s first battle with his new command was Kharkov in May 1943.        He was awarded the Knight’s Cross and promoted to Major for the leadership he displayed. Typically, he credited the award to the bravery and skill of his men.

Remer went on to lead his battalion through the Battle of Kursk, winning new respect for both him and his men in the process. I. Bataillon was always in the forefront of attacks, with Remer at their head earning the Close Combat Clasp in Silver for 48 assaults, and the Wound Badge in Silver for eight wounds in combat. In November Remer was awarded the Oak Leaves for his Knight’s Cross, the 325th German soldier to receive this coveted award, for ‘outstanding accomplishments as a commander’ during the summer months. In March 1944, Remer was transferred to the highly sought after post commanding Wachbataillon Berlin, the battalion responsible for guarding the German capital. He was instrumental in foiling the coup attempt following the July 20 plot on Hitler’s life.

Hitler’s gratitude resulted in an immediate promotion to Oberst and command of the Führerbegleitbrigade, a new formation formed from Hitler’s military escort. Under Remer, the Führerbegleitbrigade acquitted itself well during the unsuccessful Battle of the Bulge in December 1944. When his brigade was expanded into the Führerbegleitdivision, Remer was promoted again, this time to Generalmajor. At 32, he was the youngest German General of the war. Fighting to the last days, Remer ended the war in an American POW camp after escaping the advancing Russian armies. Designed By Evan Allen Painted by Wayne Turner