Allegiance German Empire Name Hans Gronau Service/branch Heer Died 1940, Potsdam, Germany | Years of service 1869–1919 Battles and wars World War I Battles/wars World War I Rank General officer | |
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Commands held 16th (1st East Prussian) Field Artillery
2nd Field Artillery Brigade
1st Infantry Division
IV Reserve Corps
XXXXI Reserve Corps
Armee-Abteilung Gronau (concurrent with above) Awards Pour le Merite with Oak Leaves | ||
Johann Karl Hermann Gronau, from 1913 von Gronau, commonly known as Hans von Gronau (6 December 1850 in Alt Schadow – 22 February 1940 in Potsdam) was a Prussian officer, and General during World War I.
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World War I
At the outbreak of World War I, Gronau was recalled from retirement to take command of the newly formed IV Reserve Corps as part of the 1st Army, which was on the right wing of the forces that invaded France and Belgium as part of the Schlieffen Plan offensive in August 1914. It played a significant part in the First Battle of the Marne.
In September 1915, Gronau was appointed to command of XXXXI Reserve Corps (swapping places with Generalleutnant Arnold von Winckler). The Corps was upgraded to form Armee-Gruppe Gronau on 20 September 1915. Gronau remained in concurrent command of the Corps and the Armee-Gruppe. It served with the Army of the Bug throughout its existence. On 18 September 1916 it was raised to the status of an Armee-Abteilung (Army Detachment). It remained on the Eastern Front until dissolved on 27 March 1918.
On 4 October 1916 he was awarded the Pour le Mérite for military bravery. He was awarded the Oakleaves (signifying a second award) on 6 August 1918.
Family
On 23 February 1890 Gronau married Luise Gerischer (20 July 1867 – 25 June 1926). The marriage produced three sons. His oldest son was the flight pioneer Wolfgang von Gronau who crossed the Atlantic Ocean from East to West flying a Dornier Wal D-1422 landing in the Hudson River on 26 August 1930.