Hans Ferdinand Geisler

Hans-Ferdinand Geisler
File:Bundesarchiv Bild 183-L06496, Hans Geisler.jpg
Born	19 April 1891 Hanover, Province of Hanover, Kingdom of Prussia, German Empire
Died	25 June 1966 (1966-06-26) (aged 75) Freiburg im Breisgau, Baden-Württemberg, West Germany
Allegiance	German Empire Weimar Republic Nazi Germany
Service/branch	Kaiserliche Marine Reichsmarine Luftwaffe
Years of service	1914–1942
Rank	General der Flieger
Unit	X. Fliegerkorps
Commands held	X. Fliegerkorps

Hans-Ferdinand Geisler was a Luftwaffe commander during World War II. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (German: Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes). The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership.

Career

Born in Hanover in April 1891, Geisler joined the Imperial German Navy prior to World War I and served during the entire conflict. He joined the newly formed Luftwaffe in September 1933.

Reaching the rank of Oberst in March 1934, he became Generalleutnant in April 1939 and General der Flieger in July 1940. He was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on May 4, 1940.

As commander of Fliegerkorps X from October 2, 1939 to August 31, 1942, he used his background as a sailor to specialise in anti-shipping aerial operations.

He retired in October 1942 and died in June 1966 in Cologne.

Awards

• Iron Cross (1914) 2nd and 1st Class
• Clasp to the Iron Cross (1939) 2nd and 1st Class
• German Cross in Gold (20 October 1942)
• Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 4 May 1940 as Generalleutnant and commading general of the X. Fliegerkorps
• Mentioned in the Wehrmachtbericht on 10 April 1940

References in the Wehrmachtbericht

Date	Original German Wehrmachtbericht wording	Direct English translation
Thursday, 10 April 1940	Die militärischen Maßnahmen zum Schutz der Neutralität von Dänemark und Norwegen wurden am 9. April von starken Einheiten des Heeres, der Kriegsmarine und die Luftwaffe unter dem Oberbefehl des Generals der Infanterie von Falkenhorst, von Seestreitkräften unter dem Befehl des Generaladmirals Saalwächter und des Admirals Carls und von zahlreichen Verbänden der Luftwaffe unter Führung des Generalleutnants Geißler in engster Zusammenarbeit durchgeführt.	The military measures for the protection of the neutrality of Denmark were carried out on 9 April from strong units in close cooperation of the Heer, the Kriegsmarine and the Luftwaffe under the high command of General of the Infantry von Falkenhorst, of naval forces under the command of Generaladmiral Saalwächter and Admiral Carls and from numerous Luftwaffe units under the leadership of Generalleutnant Geißler (sic).

References

Bibliography

• Patrick, Facon (2009). Malte, 1940-1943: Comment Rommel fut vaincu. Le Fana de l'Aviation Hors-Série n°42