Johann Fortner
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Generalleutnant Johann Fortner |
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|---|---|
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| Nickname(s) | Hans |
| Born |
25 November 1884 Zweibrücken, Kingdom of Bavaria, German Empire |
| Died | 26 February 1947 (aged 62) Belgrade, Federal People's Republic of Yugoslavia |
| Allegiance |
 Germany
|
| Service/branch | infantry |
| Years of service | 1903–1945 |
| Rank | Generalleutnant |
| Commands held | 718th Infantry Division |
| Battles/wars |
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| Awards |
 Iron Cross 1st Class
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Johann Fortner (25 November 1884 – 26 February 1947) was a Generalleutnant of the Wehrmacht during World War II who commanded the 718th Infantry Division from its formation in May 1941 until he was relieved in March 1943. During his command the division engaged in anti-Partisan operations throughout occupied Yugoslavia, mainly within the Independent State of Croatia. The anti-Partisan operations conducted by the division whilst under his command involved brutal and widespread massacres and burning of villages. He was retired from active duty in 1944, was extradited to Yugoslavia after the war, and was tried and executed for war crimes.
Fortner was born in Zweibrücken in the Kingdom of Bavaria in 1884. In 1903, Fortner joined the 5th Bavarian Regiment of the Royal Bavarian Army as a Fahnenjunker (officer cadet). During World War I Fortner served on the Western Front with the 5th Bavarian Infantry Regiment (as part of the 4th Bavarian Infantry Division. He started the war as an Oberleutnant and was promoted to Hauptmann, commanded a company of his regiment and was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd and 1st Class. He was captured by the British Army during the Battle of Flers-Courcelette on 15 September 1916 and remained a prisoner of war for the remainder of the war.
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