Generalleutnant Karl Böttcher (1889-1973) was born on 25 October 1889 in Thorn in West Prussia and died on 21 October 1973. Entering the Königlich Preußische Armee as Fähnrich in 1909, he served as an artillery officer throughout the First World War, earning both classes of the Eisernes Kreuz. Remaining in the Reichswehr after 1918, he advanced steadily and by the outbreak of the Second World War held the position of Artillerie-Kommandeur 104. Promoted to Generalmajor on 1 March 1940, he took part in the Western campaign before transferring with his staff to North Africa, where he served under Erwin Rommel in the Deutsches Afrikakorps. In the autumn of 1941 he commanded an independent Kampfgruppe within the Panzergruppe Afrika. Between 24 and 28 November 1941 his Kampfgruppe successfully repelled a breakthrough attempt by superior enemy forces equipped with tanks directed against Tobruk. Had the Allied thrust succeeded, the siege of Tobruk would have been lifted; however, through Böttcher’s skilful leadership and continuous presence in the foremost line the enemy advance was halted until the arrival of the main forces of the Afrika-Korps. For this decisive defensive achievement he was awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 13 December 1941, shortly after being appointed Kommandeur of the 21. Panzer-Division on 1 December. Illness forced him to relinquish command in February 1942, after which he was promoted to Generalleutnant. He later commanded the 326. Infanterie-Division and the 347. Infanterie-Division before serving as Höherer Artillerie-Kommandeur 305. Captured by Western Allied forces on 8 May 1945, he remained a prisoner until June 1947.
Source :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_B%C3%B6ttcher
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/28619/B%C3%B6ttcher-Karl-Heinrich.htm?__cf_chl_rt_tk=STYZyCvqqeOSuqdZhK1k_MCX7ooJbFyiY8X5IsAN0wY-1790517705-1.0.1.1-9thBrzgSfe6TXJwcP9o3N.DKQQwp_VadBH2YblqO4BE
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