12 Facts About Franz Augsberger

Franz Xaver Josef Maria Augsberger was a high-ranking Austrian SS commander during World War II.

Franz Augsberger was in charge of the NSDAP's propaganda until June 1933, when the Nazi Party was declared illegal in Austria.

On 1 October 1934 Franz Augsberger joined the SS-Verfugungstruppe, and became a platoon leader until 18 March 1935.

Franz Augsberger was then recommended to attend the first class at SS-Fuhrerschule in Braunschweig, where he began classes in April 1935.

Franz Augsberger was given the rank of SS-Hauptscharfuhrer on 1 April 1935.

At the beginning of March 1939, Franz Augsberger was moved to the SS-Standarte Der Fuhrer where he remained until the beginning of August.

Franz Augsberger was temporarily reassigned to an Allgemeine-SS command in Villach with the rank of SS-Sturmbannfuhrer on 1 August 1939.

Franz Augsberger was returned to his permanent regiment Der Fuhrer assignment, where his Allgemeine-SS rank was changed to SS-Hauptsturmfuhrer on 21 March 1940, which would correspond to his Waffen-SS rank.

Franz Augsberger was appointed the commander of a regiment in the 6th SS Mountain Division Nord.

In October 1942 Franz Augsberger was appointed the commander of 3rd Estonian SS Volunteer Brigade.

In 1944 the brigade was enlarged to form the 20th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS, with Franz Augsberger remaining the unit's commander.

Franz Augsberger commanded the division during the long retreat of the German forces on the Eastern Front.