Bernd Freier

The Frydag, including the Freytag-Loringhoven, family was an ancient Baltic German noble family of Westphalian origin, originating in Münster. They were first mentioned in the 12th century (Baron: Livonia, Courland 1198; Master of the Teutonic Order 1485, Gotha Register 1896, 1934 1942). He was born in Arensburg, Governorate of Livonia (now Kuressaare, Estonia) to Baron Burchard Haro Charles Napoleon Freytag von Loringhoven and Leonide Klara Oda von Möller. The family left their ancestorial home after Estonia proclaimed independence in 1918 and the German land titles and assets were confiscated. After one year of law studies at the University of Königsberg, he joined the Reichswehr in 1933. He was promoted to Leutnant in 1937.

In late 1942, the tank battalion under Loringhoven's command was encircled during the Soviet counter-offensive at the Battle of Stalingrad. On 23 January 1943, he was awarded the German Cross in Gold (Deutsches Kreuz in Gold) as Hauptmann (captain) in the 2./Panzer-Regiment 2. That same month, he was flown out of the pocket and later transferred to the staff of 111th Infantry Division on 2 March 1943. In November 1943, Loringhoven was promoted to major. From July 1944 to April 1945, he served as an adjutant to the Chief of Army General Staff (first, General Heinz Guderian and then General Hans Krebs).

Captured by the British Army on 3 May 1945, Loringhoven spent two and a half years as a prisoner of war. He was not charged with war crimes. After being repatriated in January 1948, he lived in Munich, where he became a publisher. He joined the German Federal Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) in 1956 after West Germany joined NATO. He served in various army and NATO positions; his highest rank was lieutenant-general. He was later appointed Deputy Inspector General of the Armed Forces and retired from the army in 1973, with full honours.