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Erwin RommelHitler's Field Marshal, 'Desert Fox'
Date of Birth: 15.11.1891
Country: ![]() |
Content:
- Erwin Rommel: The 'Desert Fox'
- Rise under Hitler
- World War II: 'Desert Fox' Emerges
- Stalemate and Defeat
- Late Career and Resistance
- Attempted Coup and Demise
Erwin Rommel: The 'Desert Fox'
Early Military CareerErwin Rommel, Field Marshal of the German Army, began his military service in 1910 as a cadet. He quickly became a career soldier, devoting his life to the profession. During World War I, he served as a lieutenant in the Alpine Battalion in Romania and Italy. In 1915, he was awarded the Iron Cross, First Class.
Rise under Hitler
After the war, Rommel commanded an infantry regiment and later taught at a military academy in Dresden. He met Adolf Hitler in 1935, and upon reading Rommel's book, "Infantry Attacks," Hitler appointed him commander of his personal guard battalion in 1938.
World War II: 'Desert Fox' Emerges
African CampaignsDuring World War II, Rommel became Germany's most celebrated military commander. In 1941, he was appointed to command the newly created Afrika Korps, tasked with repelling British forces in Egypt. His successful African campaigns earned him the nickname "Desert Fox."
In March 1941, he defeated British forces under General Archibald Wavell near El Agheila and advanced on Tobruk, the key to Egypt. By the end of 1941, British forces had managed to retake Benghazi. In 1942, Rommel's troops captured Tobruk, taking 33,000 British prisoners known as the "Tobruk Rats."
Stalemate and Defeat
Rommel's advance was halted at El Alamein in October 1942 due to supply issues and the Allied buildup. By March 1943, his forces had been pushed back nearly 600 miles. After the failure of the battle of El Alamein, Rommel was recalled from Tunisia.
Late Career and Resistance
Command in ItalyIn mid-1943, Rommel was appointed commander of Army Group B in northern Italy. His mission was to prevent the capitulation of Italian forces and repel Allied advances in southern Europe.
Attempted Coup and Demise
By 1944, Rommel had become disillusioned with Hitler's military leadership and the Nazi atrocities. He opposed plans to assassinate Hitler, believing it would make him a martyr. Instead, he suggested trying Hitler and exposing his crimes to the nation.
After the failed July 1944 assassination attempt, Rommel's name was implicated by a dying conspirator. On October 14, 1944, Hitler gave Rommel the choice of suicide or trial. Rommel chose suicide, stating, "In fifteen minutes, I shall be dead."