Wilhelm Bach

Who was Wilhelm Bach?

Wilhelm Bach was a highly decorated Oberstleutnant der Reserve in the Wehrmacht during World War II. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. His defence of Halfaya Pass gave rise to his nickname, 'the Pastor of Hellfire Pass'. Wilhelm Bach was captured by British troops in Libya and was taken to South Africa and later Canada. He died after cancer surgery at Chorley Park military hospital in Toronto and was posthumously promoted to the rank of Oberstleutnant der Reserve.