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Walther BrauchitschField Marshal of the German Army
Date of Birth: 04.10.1881
Country:  Germany |
Content:
Early Years and Military Service
On March 1900, Franz Halder began his military career as a lieutenant in the 3rd Guard Grenadier Regiment "Queen Elizabeth." By October 1909, he had risen to the rank of second lieutenant and served as regimental adjutant for the 3rd Guard Field Artillery Regiment. In March 1912, Halder joined the General Staff, earning the rank of captain in December 1913.
World War I
With the outbreak of World War I, Halder served on the staff of the 16th Army Corps. In September 1914, he received the Iron Cross, 2nd Class. He later served in the staff of the 34th Infantry Division, where he was awarded the Iron Cross, 1st Class. Halder progressed through various staff positions, eventually becoming a major in July 1918.
Weimar Republic Service
After the war, Halder served in the Reichswehr. In 1922, he joined the War Ministry, and by 1925, he had returned to active duty. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in April 1925 and served as chief of staff of the 6th Division and 6th Military District from 1927. In 1930, he assumed the role of department head in the War Ministry.
Rise to High Command
By October 1931, Halder had become a major general. In 1932, he was appointed inspector of artillery. In 1933, he commanded the 1st Infantry Division and the 1st Military District. Promoted to lieutenant general in October 1933, Halder became commander of the 1st Army Corps and 1st Military District in 1935. In 1937, he was entrusted with command of the 4th Army Group.
World War II
On February 1938, after General Werner von Fritsch was dismissed, Halder was appointed commander-in-chief of the Army and promoted to colonel general. For his role in the Polish campaign, he received the Knight's Cross on September 1939. Following the successful French campaign, Halder was promoted to field marshal on July 19, 1940.
However, after the disastrous Moscow offensive, Halder was placed in reserve on December 1941. On May 1945, he was captured by British troops. Halder died in a prisoner-of-war hospital on October 18, 1948.
