Erich Felgibel Colonel General of the Wehrmacht Date of Birth: 04.10.1886 Country: Germany

Biography of Erich Fellgiebel

Erich Fellgiebel was a General Field Marshal of the Wehrmacht and a participant in the conspiracy against Adolf Hitler. He joined the German army in 1905 and was promoted to lieutenant for his exceptional merits. Fellgiebel took part in the First World War and after demobilization, he remained in the Reichswehr. On February 1, 1933, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel. Starting from October 1, 1934, he served as the Inspector of the Signals Troops of the Wehrmacht.

By 1940, Fellgiebel had climbed quite high on the professional ladder and became the Chief of the Signal Service of the Wehrmacht. He was responsible for matters of communication and intelligence through the use of communication equipment. Fellgiebel ensured uninterrupted communication between all governmental, party, and high-ranking military bodies. He also oversaw the development of communication equipment and other related tasks. Additionally, Fellgiebel was in charge of organizing radio communication between Hitler and the Supreme High Command, including the distribution of ciphers and codes.

Fellgiebel openly expressed his opposition to the Nazi policies, which raised suspicions from Hitler himself. However, his professionalism made him indispensable. Condemning the Nazis' politics, Fellgiebel joined the German Resistance under the leadership of Stauffenberg. In the event of a successful military coup, Fellgiebel's candidacy was considered by the conspirators for the position of Minister of Post.

As an "insider" in the "Wolf's Lair," Fellgiebel was crucial for the success of Operation Valkyrie. On July 20, after the explosion, Fellgiebel was supposed to sever the communication between Hitler's headquarters and Berlin. This would have allowed his fellow resistors to take control of the government. However, Operation Valkyrie failed, and Fellgiebel was arrested on charges of treason. On August 10, 1944, he was sentenced to death by hanging by the People's Court. He was executed on September 4.