The Valour and the Horror

Erwin Rommel

Erwin Rommel:

(1891-1944)

Born in Heidenheim, Germany. Educated at T¸bingen.Ý

Distinguished himself. He was an instructor at the Dresden Military Academy.

1937-39:ÝÝ

Commanded Hitler's security unit during the Austrian, Sudetenland and Czech occupations and throughout the Polish campaign.Ý

1940:Ý

Lead a panzer division during the invasion of France. Displayed such drive and initiative that he was appointed to command the Afrika Korps. Ý

1941:Ý

Stream of successes against British 8th Army, and earned the name the "Desert Fox".Ý

1942:Ý

Captured Tobruk and drove the British right back to El Alamein but was defeated there by Montgomery's 8th Army, the " Desert Rats". He then retreated to Tunisia. Ý

1943: Ý

In March he was withdrawn from Africa - a sick man- at Mussolini's insistence. Sent to Greece to reorganize defences against a non-existent assault by the Allies. A deception to draw forces from France to Greece. It succeeded and the First Panzer Division was transferred from France to Greece.Ý

1944:Ý

Hitler appoints him commander of the channel defenses.Ý

July 17, 1944Ý

Outside of Livarot, France he was gravely wounded by machine gun fireÝfrom a fighter-bomber piloted by South African air ace, Squadron leader J.J.Le Roux. This ended his role as commander of channel defences. He was unwittingly implicated by a conspirator in the aftermath of the July plot against Hitler.

October 18, 1944

He was given two choices: face charges of high treason in the People's Court, or commit suicide. If he chose the latter, his family would remain unharmed and he would receive a state funeral. He took poison. Those who saw his face noted the look of contempt on his face. Source Oxford Companion to World War II

We recommend Battlefield, KNIGHT's CROSS, David Fraser's superb biography of Erwin Rommel