Erwin Rommel Timeline
Erwin Rommel by People
Erwin Rommel, known as the "Desert Fox," was a famous German Field Marshal during World War II, renowned for his brilliant tactics and chivalrous conduct. He led the Afrika Korps in North Africa, winning significant battles against the Allies, which earned him respect from both sides. Despite serving Hitler, Rommel was implicated in a plot to assassinate the dictator, leading to his forced suicide in 1944. His military strategies continue to be studied in military academies, and his complex legacy continues to spark debate among historians.
November 15, 1891
Birth of the Desert Fox in Heidenheim, Germany
The Desert Fox, a nickname earned due to his cunning strategies, was born in a small German town. His military genius would later shine in World War II, making him one of the most respected commanders. Despite serving the Nazis, many admired his honor and refusal to carry out cruel orders.
July 19, 1910
Graduation from the Royal Wuerttemberg Cadet Academy
This graduation marked a significant step in the career of the future German Field Marshal. The Royal Wuerttemberg Cadet Academy was a prestigious military school, shaping young men into skilled officers. The training and knowledge gained here would later play a crucial role in his military strategies and leadership.
August 1, 1914
Start of World War I, Rommel's First Major Military Engagement
This was the first time the future German Field Marshal saw significant action. He was part of the German army that clashed with the Allies in the early stages of World War I. His leadership skills and tactical brilliance began to shine, setting the stage for his later reputation as the "Desert Fox".
November 30, 1915
Awarded the Iron Cross for Bravery in World War I
This German Field Marshal was recognized for his courage during World War I with the Iron Cross, a high military honor in Germany. His bold strategies and fearless leadership on the battlefield earned him this prestigious award. This recognition marked the beginning of his rise in the military ranks.
November 27, 1916
Marriage to Lucia Maria Mollin
The marriage between the German Field Marshal and Lucia Maria Mollin was a significant personal event. They tied the knot during the chaos of World War I, showing their commitment despite the global conflict. Their union lasted until his death, producing a son and a daughter.
December 24, 1928
Birth of Manfred Rommel, Erwin's Only Child
Manfred Rommel, the only offspring of the famed German Field Marshal, was born around Christmas Eve in 1928. He grew up during a tumultuous time in history, with his father playing a significant role in World War II. Despite the military legacy, Manfred chose a path in politics, eventually becoming the Mayor of Stuttgart, a major city in Germany.
September 1, 1939
World War II Begins, Rommel Commands the 7th Panzer Division
The German 7th Panzer Division, under new leadership, played a crucial role in the early stages of World War II. This division, known for its speed and agility, was often called the "Ghost Division". Its strategies and tactics significantly influenced the course of the war.
May 10, 1940
Successful Invasion of France, Rommel's Blitzkrieg Tactics Shine
The invasion of France showcased the effectiveness of the German Field Marshal's lightning war strategy. His use of speed, surprise, and concentrated firepower overwhelmed the French defenses. This event marked a significant turning point in World War II, highlighting the power of innovative military tactics.
February 12, 1941
Rommel Takes Command of the Afrika Korps
The Afrika Korps, under new leadership, was a German force sent to aid their Italian allies in North Africa during World War II. This change in command marked a significant shift in the desert warfare, as the new leader was known for his innovative tactics and strategic genius. His leadership would lead to several victories against the Allies, earning the Afrika Korps a formidable reputation.
June 21, 1942
Promotion to Field Marshal after Victory at Gazala
This promotion came as a result of a significant military achievement. The Battle of Gazala, fought in North Africa, was a major victory for the German forces. The promotion to Field Marshal was a recognition of strategic genius and leadership skills.
March 9, 1943
Rommel Returns to Germany Due to Ill Health
The esteemed German Field Marshal, known as the "Desert Fox," had to leave his duties in North Africa due to sickness. His health issues were a result of the harsh desert conditions and the stress of war. This event marked a significant point in World War II, as his absence affected the German military's strategies and operations.
July 20, 1944
Involvement in the Failed Plot to Assassinate Hitler
This event, known as Operation Valkyrie, was a daring plan by German officers to eliminate Hitler and end World War II. The Field Marshal was implicated, but his exact role remains unclear. Despite not being proven guilty, he was forced to take his own life to protect his family.
October 14, 1944
Forced Suicide by Cyanide Pill for Treason Against Hitler
The German Field Marshal was implicated in a plot to overthrow Hitler, which led to his tragic end. Given the choice between a public trial that would harm his family and reputation, or suicide, he chose the latter. He ingested a cyanide pill, a deadly poison, ending his life to protect his family and honor.
October 18, 1944
State Funeral Held, Rommel's True Cause of Death Hidden from Public
The German government held a state funeral for a top military leader, but they didn't tell the whole truth about his death. They claimed he died from injuries in a car crash, but in reality, he was forced to take his own life. This was because he was suspected of plotting against Hitler, a fact kept secret to maintain public morale during World War II.
Erwin Rommel, known as the "Desert Fox," was a famous German Field Marshal during World War II, renowned for his brilliant tactics and chivalrous conduct. He led the Afrika Korps in North Africa, winning significant battles against the Allies, which earned him respect from both sides. Despite serving Hitler, Rommel was implicated in a plot to assassinate the dictator, leading to his forced suicide in 1944. His military strategies continue to be studied in military academies, and his complex legacy continues to spark debate among historians.
The Desert Fox, a nickname earned due to his cunning strategies, was born in a small German town. His military genius would later shine in World War II, making him one of the most respected commanders. Despite serving the Nazis, many admired his honor and refusal to carry out cruel orders.
This graduation marked a significant step in the career of the future German Field Marshal. The Royal Wuerttemberg Cadet Academy was a prestigious military school, shaping young men into skilled officers. The training and knowledge gained here would later play a crucial role in his military strategies and leadership.
This was the first time the future German Field Marshal saw significant action. He was part of the German army that clashed with the Allies in the early stages of World War I. His leadership skills and tactical brilliance began to shine, setting the stage for his later reputation as the "Desert Fox".
This German Field Marshal was recognized for his courage during World War I with the Iron Cross, a high military honor in Germany. His bold strategies and fearless leadership on the battlefield earned him this prestigious award. This recognition marked the beginning of his rise in the military ranks.
The marriage between the German Field Marshal and Lucia Maria Mollin was a significant personal event. They tied the knot during the chaos of World War I, showing their commitment despite the global conflict. Their union lasted until his death, producing a son and a daughter.
Manfred Rommel, the only offspring of the famed German Field Marshal, was born around Christmas Eve in 1928. He grew up during a tumultuous time in history, with his father playing a significant role in World War II. Despite the military legacy, Manfred chose a path in politics, eventually becoming the Mayor of Stuttgart, a major city in Germany.
The German 7th Panzer Division, under new leadership, played a crucial role in the early stages of World War II. This division, known for its speed and agility, was often called the "Ghost Division". Its strategies and tactics significantly influenced the course of the war.
The invasion of France showcased the effectiveness of the German Field Marshal's lightning war strategy. His use of speed, surprise, and concentrated firepower overwhelmed the French defenses. This event marked a significant turning point in World War II, highlighting the power of innovative military tactics.
The Afrika Korps, under new leadership, was a German force sent to aid their Italian allies in North Africa during World War II. This change in command marked a significant shift in the desert warfare, as the new leader was known for his innovative tactics and strategic genius. His leadership would lead to several victories against the Allies, earning the Afrika Korps a formidable reputation.
This promotion came as a result of a significant military achievement. The Battle of Gazala, fought in North Africa, was a major victory for the German forces. The promotion to Field Marshal was a recognition of strategic genius and leadership skills.
The esteemed German Field Marshal, known as the "Desert Fox," had to leave his duties in North Africa due to sickness. His health issues were a result of the harsh desert conditions and the stress of war. This event marked a significant point in World War II, as his absence affected the German military's strategies and operations.
This event, known as Operation Valkyrie, was a daring plan by German officers to eliminate Hitler and end World War II. The Field Marshal was implicated, but his exact role remains unclear. Despite not being proven guilty, he was forced to take his own life to protect his family.
The German Field Marshal was implicated in a plot to overthrow Hitler, which led to his tragic end. Given the choice between a public trial that would harm his family and reputation, or suicide, he chose the latter. He ingested a cyanide pill, a deadly poison, ending his life to protect his family and honor.
The German government held a state funeral for a top military leader, but they didn't tell the whole truth about his death. They claimed he died from injuries in a car crash, but in reality, he was forced to take his own life. This was because he was suspected of plotting against Hitler, a fact kept secret to maintain public morale during World War II.