Former British Prime Minister "Winston Churchill " once described him as "the most daring and skilled opponent, and a great general", in addition to being a father, loyal husband and struggling man who suffered depression and suspicion himself during the most difficult moments of his career, he is the mentor "Irvin Rommel" known for his unrivaled success In North Africa during several great battles, this man was more than just a legend. In this article, let's get to know German General Erwin Rommel, here are some facts about one of the most famous generals of the German Nazi Party.
1- He accepted the beginning of the infantry
Rommel joined in the first attempt in 1909 when he was eighteen years old, but he originally wanted to become an airman, but his father directed his thinking towards joining the army, as both his attempt to join the artillery and military engineering corps was rejected until He was finally accepted into the infantry in 1910.
2- Student recruiter Rommel called "Useful Soldier"
Rommel rose to a junior infantry officer, “Württemberg”, whose commanders (according to German military standards) described him in critical words:
An established personality, with immense willpower and cautious enthusiasm.Entrepreneur, timekeeper, conscience and companion.Mentally gifted, has a sense of responsibility and duty ... a helpful soldier.
3- His service in the First World War
Rommel assumed the rank of "Commissioner" in 1913. Just shortly before the outbreak of the First World War. He served with distinction on several fronts, including Romania, Italy and the Western Front.
It is worth noting that during the war he sustained three injuries, each in his thigh, his left hand and his shoulder.
4- Rommel and the Order of the “Iron Blue Cross”
Despite being a young adult, he surprisingly wore the highest military medal in Germany, the “Blue Max Iron Cross” Medal before the end of World War I.
In 1917, Rommel led a group of his comrades in the Battle of Caporetto between Italy and Austria in a surprise attack that took over the "Matagor" summit, trapping thousands of Italian troops.
This made him wear the highest honor in Germany at the time.
Rommel continued to wear the Medal with pride until the rest of his life and could appear in his pictures placing him around his neck side by side with his Iron Cross.
5- General " Hitler " close
Hitler was dazzled in 1937 AD by Rommel's book "The Infantry Attack", which he composed himself. He appointed Hitler as a link between the German army and the "Hitler Youth" division before he was appointed commander of his bodyguard during the invasion of Poland in 1939.
Finally, in 1940, Hitler promoted Rommel and gave him the command to command one of the new Panzer squads.
6- A close ending in France
As commander of the Tank Battalion during the Battle of France, Rommel confronted the British for the first time in his career.
In the battle of “Aras” and as they retreated, the Allies tried to direct a counter attack against the German forces, after the British tanks attacked the sites of the encampment of the German forces, so Rommel, who was in an unenviable difficult situation, ordered the division of artillery towards the enemy tanks and hit them from a narrow field.
The end of Rommel was almost close; His assistant was killed by missile fire only feet away.
7- Rommel makes a name for himself
During the Battle of France, the 7th Tank Regiment led by Rommel culminated in impressive victories, and managed to overthrow several regions, starting from the "Sedan" area located on the Franco-German border to the canal coast in only seven days, occupying and surprisingly nearly 200 miles.
Rommel also captured nearly 100,000 Allied soldiers, including the 51st Highland Protection Battalion and the French Cherbourg Garrison.
8- Dark times
Rommel suffered from despair and frustration during his career as his memoirs and letters he sent to his home testify that he suffered from times when he felt self-doubt and confirmed his frustration.
When the “Africa” Corps, which was located in North Africa, deteriorated in 1942 AD, Rommel sent a letter to his wife, “Lucy”, in which he wrote: “This means the end. You can imagine the mood I am in now ... The dead are really lucky, it is all over for them. ”
9- Rommel's last victory
Rommel's last victory was in the hospital, as the Allies approached control of the city of Caen, Rommel's defense preparations slowed them down and stopped them at the Gulf, causing heavy losses to the Allies. At the same time, Rommel was recovering after suffering a violent accident when his car was attacked by an Allied air raid.
10- The Valkyrie process
In the summer of 1944, Rommel approached a group of officers who were planning to assassinate Hitler. The bomb placed at the meeting hall that was intended to kill Hitler failed to kill him and survived the explosion, which led to the coup d'etat and Rommel's name was associated with the conspirators that he would be appointed as a potential leader if Hitler was killed. Hitler ordered the execution of conspirators in the "Valkyrie" operation by firing squad, but Rommel's fame saved him from being field-executed, and instead he was given the option of committing suicide in exchange for the safety of his family and keeping his military rank. This prompted Rommel to commit suicide on October 12, 1944