Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Awarded on:

July 20th, 1916

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Awarded on:

May 27th, 1917

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Awarded on:

May 4th, 1919

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Awarded on:

November 20th, 1934

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

April 1st, 1937

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

October 3rd, 1939

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

June 5th, 1940

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Generalmajor (Brigadier)

Unit:

Kommandeur, Festungs-Division Kreta, Heer

Awarded on:

May 10th, 1945

The following telegram by Dönitz (dated 21.05.1945) describes why Benthack was unofficially awarded the Knight’s Cross…

“Kommandant of Fortress Crete, Generalmajor Benthack:

I must give my recognition for the superb attitude and spirit of the brave garrison of Crete.

I am hereby presenting you with 5 Knight’s Crosses. One is for you personally, and the other four recipients are to be chosen at your discretion.”


Unlawful presentation of the Ritterkreuz to Hans-Georg Benthack by the Dönitz Government after 8-5-1945. This can be verified by the radio communication dated on 21-5-1945. The presentation date was backdated by Fellgiebel.
Up till this moment, no proof of this has been found. His soldbuch mentiones the awarding date 22-5-1945, which according to the awarding rules is impossible.