Gustav von Vaerst

Gustav von Vaerst (19 April 1894 – 10 October 1975) was a German general during World War II.

Gustav von Vaerst
Born	(1894-04-19)19 April 1894
Died	10 October 1975(1975-10-10) (aged 81)
Allegiance	Nazi Germany
Branch	German Army
Rank	General der Panzertruppe
Battles / wars	World War I World War II
Awards	Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross

He was the last commander of the 5th Panzer Army, which was trapped in Northern Tunisia, between 28 February and 9 May 1943. He surrendered with his army to the British and Americans and was held in captivity until his release in 1947.

Awards and decorations

• Prussia: Iron Cross (1914)
• Nazi Germany: Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross

References

Bibliography

• Scherzer, Veit (2007). Die Ritterkreuzträger 1939–1945. Ranis/Jena: Scherzers Militaer-Verlag. p. 755. ISBN 978-3-938845-17-2.

German officers, including Vaerst, arrive at a POW camp in the UK, June 1943

Military offices
Preceded by Generalleutnant Erwin Menny	Commander of 15. Panzer-Division 9 December 1941 – 26 May 1942	Succeeded by Generalleutnant Eduard Crasemann
Preceded by Generalleutnant Heinz von Randow	Commander of 15. Panzer-Division 25 August 1942 – 11 November 1942	Succeeded by Generalleutnant Willibald Borowietz
Preceded by Generaloberst Hans-Jürgen von Arnim	Commander of 5th Panzer Army 28 February 1943 – 9 May 1943	Succeeded by None (Surrender)