Rudolf Bamler
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
German Empire
Weimar Republic
Nazi GermanyNKFD (to 1945)[citation needed]
East GermanyRudolf Bamler | |
|---|---|
| Born | 6 May 1896[citation needed] |
| Died | 13 March 1972 (aged 77)[citation needed] |
| Allegiance | German Empire Weimar Republic Nazi Germany NKFD (to 1945)[citation needed] East Germany |
| Branch | |
| Service years | 1914–1945;[citation needed] 1948–1956 |
| Rank | Generalleutnant of the Wehrmacht Generalmajor of the KVP |
| Commands | 12th Infantry Division |
| Conflicts | World War I World War II |
| Other work | Main Directorate for Reconnaissance |
Rudolf Bamler (6 May 1896 – 13 March 1972) was a German general during World War II. Although Bamler was a member of the Nazi Party[1] he would later serve as a leading member of the East German security forces.
Bamler was born in Osterburg (Altmark), Saxony-Anhalt, the son of Protestant clergyman Johannes Bamler (born 1864) and his wife Anna Garlipp (1873-1932).[2] He enlisted in the Prussian Army and served in the First World War with the 15th Division.[3]
Abwehr
Bamler was attached to the Abwehr as the head of section III (counterespionage) and here he helped to encourage closer co-operation with the Gestapo and Sicherheitsdienst (SD).[4] This role also meant that Bamler maintained a network of informers across German society rivalled only by that of the SD.[5] Although he had a difficult personal relationship with his superior Wilhelm Canaris the two co-operated closely in supporting Canaris' friend Francisco Franco during the Spanish Civil War.[6]
