Erwin Rommel

Lore & Background

Rommel was born in Heidenheim, the third of five children. He joined the Württemberg Infantry Regiment No. 124 as an ensign in 1910, studied at the Officer Cadet School in Danzig, and was commissioned a lieutenant in 1912. During World War I, he fought in France, Romania, and Italy, pioneering infiltration tactics and receiving the Pour le Mérite for actions at Caporetto. He married Lucia Mollin in 1916. After the war, he remained in the Reichswehr, quelling civil disturbances with minimal force. In 1937, he published Infantry Attacks, based on his wartime experiences. In World War II, he commanded the 7th Panzer Division during the 1940 invasion of France and later led German and Italian forces in North Africa, where his nickname 'Desert Fox' originated. He commanded German forces opposing the Normandy invasion in June 1944. Implicated in the 20 July plot to assassinate Hitler, Rommel chose suicide over a trial and died by cyanide pill on 14 October 1944. He was given a state funeral, with the official cause given as injuries from a strafing attack.

Reader's Guide

Rommel's significance lies in his military reputation and the subsequent 'Rommel myth.' During the war, he was a figure in both Allied and Nazi propaganda. After the war, his image as an apolitical, chivalrous commander was used to support West German rearmament and reconciliation with former enemies. Several of his subordinates, including Hans Speidel, played key roles in West Germany's integration into NATO. Historians debate his relationship with Nazism: he was a loyal supporter of Adolf Hitler, though not of the Nazi party or the SS, but the extent and timing of his opposition remain disputed. His reputation for a 'war without hate' in North Africa has been challenged by historians citing crimes against North African Jewish populations, though there is no clear evidence Rommel was involved or aware. The German Army's largest base, Field Marshal Rommel Barracks, and a destroyer are named after him. His son Manfred Rommel became mayor of Stuttgart.

Did You Know?

• Rommel was awarded the Pour le Mérite for his actions on the Italian Front in World War I.
• He published the classic military tactics book Infantry Attacks in 1937.
• Rommel was given a choice between suicide and a trial after being implicated in the 20 July plot to assassinate Hitler.
• His son Manfred Rommel served as the longtime mayor of Stuttgart, Germany.

Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)

"The title he chose for his memoirs of the North Africa Campaign, published in 1950." — Erwin Rommel "The art of concentrating strength at one point, forcing a breakthrough, rolling up and securing the flanks on either side, and then penetrating like lightning, before the enemy has time to react, deep into his rear." — Erwin Rommel "The German soldier has astonished the world; the Italian Bersagliere has astonished the German soldier." — Erwin Rommel "On the plaque dedicated to the Bersaglieri that fought at Mersa Matruh and Alamein." — Erwin Rommel