German Forces

BUDAPEST SIEGE: General Pfeffer-Wildenbruch

The top commander of the defending German forces was an SS Police General by the name of Pfeffer-Wildenbruch . Although not experienced in military strategy and tactics, SS chief Himmler, fearing a revolt behind the lines, weighed in on the side of his selection. Pfeffer-Wildenbruch dutifully applied himself to the day-to-day direction of the battle, which in practice meant giving orders to the Hungarian troops as well. Directives often went out over the public phone system, and sometimes a Russian language response indicated the latest extent of the Soviet advance. The general participated in the breakout, was captured and became a POW, but was eventually released by the Soviets and returned to Germany, to die under peacetime circumstances.