Rudolf Dänner
(13.10.1862 - 21.08.1936)
place of birth:  Lindau am Bodensee, Schwaben
Königreich Bayern:  Div-Kdr,  Generalmajor


Bavarian lieutenant general Rudolf Dänner commanded the Bavarian 1st Infantry Division during the last half of the Great War. Prior to the outbreak of War, Oberst Dänner was in command of Bavaria's 23. Infanterie-Regiment, and it was with this unit that he went into battle on Mobilization Day, 2 August 1914. He was severely wounded, however, one month into the fighting as his troops came under attack near Fraimbois, France. After a month of convalescence, he returned to the front and as a newly promoted Generalmajor was chosen in March 1915 to command Bavaria's 1. Infanterie- Brigade. In October, his troops fought a great defensive struggle versus British forces along Vimy Heights. They were transferred to Verdun and in May 1916 found themselves once again in the thick of battle. 

In January 1917, Dänner replaced General von Schoch as head of 1. Infanterie-Division, which was transported in May to fight a series of skirmishes against French troops at Chemin des Dames. The Bavarians made their way piecemeal through the Champagne region and reached the Argonne Forest by January 1918. The great German Spring Offensive of 1918 saw them fighting in support of General von Hutier's 18. Armee-Oberkommando. In October, Generalmajor Dänner's exemplary leadership during heated battle along the heights of the River Aisne resulted in the Kaiser honoring him with the Pour le Merite medal. The War soon ended, and Dänner returned home with what remained of his division. He briefly commanded Bavarian 2. Infanterie-Division headquartered in Augsburg and then worked on the Royal Bavarian Army's demobilization staff. Upon his retirement from active duty in 1920, Dänner was brevetted as a Generalleutnant.

	Generalmajor	22.01.1915
	Pour le Mérite	26.10.1918