Werner von Blomberg German military leader, field marshal general Date of Birth: 02.09.1878 Country: Germany

1. Biography of Werner von Blomberg
2. Early Career
3. Awards and Achievements
4. Later Career and Controversy
5. Later Life and Legacy

Biography of Werner von Blomberg

Werner von Blomberg was a German military leader and general field marshal. He served as the Minister of Imperial Defense (later the Imperial Ministry of War) of Germany from 1933 to 1938.

Early Career

Blomberg began his military career in March 1897 as a lieutenant in the 73rd Fusilier Regiment. From 1904 to 1907, he attended the Military Academy and later joined the General Staff in April 1908. In March 1911, he was promoted to captain and during World War I, he served as the Chief of the Operations Department for the 19th Reserve Division. In March 1916, he was promoted to major and then became the Chief of the Operations Department for the 18th Reserve Corps in July 1916. In February 1917, he assumed the role of Chief of the Operations Department for the 7th Army.

Awards and Achievements

Blomberg received several military honors throughout his career, including the prestigious Pour le Mérite (Order of Merit) in June 1918, both classes of the Iron Cross, and the Hohenzollern Knight's Cross in October 1916. He was also awarded 12 other orders and received a wound badge.

Later Career and Controversy

After the war, Blomberg held various leadership positions in the Reichswehr. He was promoted to colonel in 1925 and to major general in 1928. From October 1929 to January 1933, he commanded the 1st Division and served as the commander of the 1st Military District (Lieutenant General). On January 30, 1933, he became the Minister of Defense of the Reich, holding the rank of infantry general, and later promoted to general colonel in August 1933. On April 20, 1936, he was appointed as a general field marshal.

Despite actively supporting Hitler's policies, Blomberg faced a scandal orchestrated by Hermann Göring, who aimed to discredit him and take his position. Hitler used the scandal, which involved Blomberg's marriage, to dismiss him from military service. However, instead of appointing Göring as the Minister of Defense and Commander-in-Chief, Hitler assumed the position himself. On January 26, 1938, Blomberg was removed from all posts and retired on February 4, 1938.

Later Life and Legacy

During World War II, Blomberg remained in retirement. After the war, he was called as a witness in the Nuremberg Trials. On March 14, 1946, he passed away in an American military hospital due to cancer. Werner von Blomberg's military career and controversial dismissal from service shaped his legacy as a prominent figure in German military history.