Alfred Sturm
Alfred Sturm (23 August 1888 – 8 March 1962) was a German general during World War II.
Alfred Sturm | |
|---|---|
Sturm in 1941 | |
| Born | 23 August 1888 |
| Died | 8 March 1962 (aged 73) |
| Allegiance | German Empire Nazi Germany |
| Service/ | Luftwaffe |
| Rank | Generalleutnant |
| Battles/wars | Battle of Crete |
| Awards | Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross |
During the Battle of Crete, Sturm (then an Oberst) was commander of the 2nd Parachute Rifle Regiment. On 20 May 1941, he jumped from an aircraft over Crete and landed west of the Pigi airfield, a key objective, near Rethymno (Retimo). Sturm was captured as a POW on 21 May 1941 by soldiers of the Greek 4th Infantry Regiment, and delivered to the headquarters of the Australian 2/11th Battalion for imprisonment. For 10 days Sturm was held in a makeshift POW camp at Pigi village. As a commissioned officer (and in accordance with German military practices), at Sturm's own request he was held in a place separate from German enlisted personnel. Sturm was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross for his actions at Crete.