Theodor Eicke

ModernGeneralGermany1892 — 1943

First commander of Dachau, Totenkopf division, killed in Russia.

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Quick Facts

Born

1892

Died

1943

Country

Germany

Era

Modern

Occupation

General

Score Overview

Military (10%)50

Political (20%)26

Influence (20%)52

Legacy (20%)41

Leadership (15%)37

Strategy (15%)42

Total Score41.8

Theodor Eicke — Complete Timeline

1933 AD

Appointment as Commandant of DachauPolitical Action◆ Major

Eicke was appointed the first commandant of Dachau concentration camp in June 1933. He implemented a brutal regime and developed the SS camp system that became a model for other camps.

HolocaustConcentration CampsNazi Germany

Impact: nationaldestructive

1939 AD

Creation of the SS Totenkopf DivisionWar◆ Major

Eicke organized and commanded the SS Totenkopf Division from concentration camp guards. The division fought in France and on the Eastern Front, known for its brutality.

World War IIWaffen-SSTotenkopf

Impact: regionaldestructive

1943 AD

Death at the Battle of KharkovWar◆ Major

Eicke was killed on February 26, 1943, when his Fieseler Storch aircraft was shot down near Kharkov, Ukraine. He was posthumously awarded the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves.

World War IIEastern FrontDeath

Impact: regionaltragic