1. Theodor Tolsdorff was a general in the Wehrmacht of Nazi Germany during World War II.
17 Facts About Theodor Tolsdorff
1. 2.
Theodor Tolsdorff was one of 27 recipients of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds.
3.
Theodor Tolsdorff was the youngest of four children and only son of Theodor Tolsdorff, who had served in the military during World War I as a Hauptmann in the artillery.
4.
Theodor Tolsdorff was five years old in 1914 when his mother briefly evacuated the estate following the invasion of East Prussia by the Russian First Army, led by Paul von Rennenkampf.
5.
Theodor Tolsdorff attended the Gymnasium in Konigsberg, present-day Kaliningrad, and following the death of his father on 19 October 1919 took over the family estate and became a farmer.
6.
Theodor Tolsdorff was promoted to Feldwebel on 1 February 1936.
7.
On 1 June 1936, Theodor Tolsdorff was promoted from the ranks to Leutnant and to Oberleutnant on 1 October 1938.
8.
Theodor Tolsdorff was promoted to Hauptmann on 1 December 1941 and awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 4 December 1941, while in the hospital.
9.
Theodor Tolsdorff returned to the front in April 1942 and participated in the heavy fighting for Shlisselburg.
10.
Theodor Tolsdorff was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves on 15 September 1943.
11.
In June 1944, Theodor Tolsdorff participated in the fighting against the Soviet Vilnius Offensive.
12.
Theodor Tolsdorff was promoted to Oberst and was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords on 18 July 1944.
13.
On 18 March 1945, Theodor Tolsdorff received in Berlin the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds.
14.
Theodor Tolsdorff was married to Eleonore, nee van der Berk.
15.
On 9 May 1947, Theodor Tolsdorff was released from American captivity.
16.
Theodor Tolsdorff took various jobs, such as truck driver in the firm belonging to his father-in-law, bus driver on the route Diepholz to Hanover, and construction worker.
17.
On 24 June 1960, Theodor Tolsdorff was declared not guilty and cleared of all charges.