 Complete the following phrase:  On 15 February 1940, he was posted as Chief of Staff for the XVIII Corps. On 1 October, he was awarded the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross for his performance in this position during the Battle of France. On 26 October, he assumed command of the 1st Mountain Division, which was earmarked for Operation Felix, the assault on Gibraltar. With Felix cancelled, the division was transferred East, where it took part in the 