Maximilian Weichs German military leader, field marshal general. Date of Birth: 12.11.1881 Country: Germany

1. Early Life and Military Career
2. Rising Through the Ranks
3. High Command and the Nuremberg Trials

Early Life and Military Career

Maximilian Maria Josef Karl Gabriel Lamoral Reichsfreiherr von und zu Weichs an der Glon, born in Dessau into a noble family, pursued a military career. His father held the rank of colonel. In July 1900, he became a cadet in the Bavarian 2nd Cavalry (Cuirassier) Regiment and was promoted to lieutenant in March 1902. From 1905 onwards, he served in various staff positions in the cavalry.

Rising Through the Ranks

As a captain, Weichs held staff positions at the divisional level. Recognized for his service, he was awarded the Iron Crosses of both classes and two Bavarian orders. He continued his service in the Reichswehr, holding staff positions and commanding a cavalry regiment from 1928 to 1930. Between 1930 and 1933, he again served in staff positions, rising to the rank of general-major. He later commanded a cavalry division and subsequently a tank division, where he was promoted to general-lieutenant in 1935 and general of cavalry in 1936.

High Command and the Nuremberg Trials

In October 1937, Weichs became the commander of the 13th Army Corps in Nuremberg. On May 2, 1945, he was captured by American forces in Bavaria. During the Nuremberg Trials, Weichs was interrogated but not convicted.