Erwin Rommel, sometimes known as ‘The Desert Fox,’ was a German Army general who fought in both World Wars. He was one of the Fürher’s most trusted and respected individuals during Hitler’s reign. His tactics, as well as his command of the tanks, gave him the moniker ‘Der Wüstenfuchs,’ or ‘The Desert Fox.’ He is frequently referred to as a self-taught artist who works with the tank as his medium. He was allegedly involved in a plot to assassinate Hitler, which he was reportedly unaware of. When given the option of slander, which would result in a horrible death, or taking the cyanide pill, Rommel opted for the latter. He died as a result of wounds he received during the strikes, according to reports. Scholars are fascinated by the circumstances surrounding his death and his role in the plan to assassinate Hitler. It’s also uncertain whether he supported Nazi beliefs. Unlike many other renowned Germans, he is still remembered as a war hero by the Germans.
Childhood and Adolescence
Erwin Rommel was born Johannes Erwin Eugen Rommel in Heideheim, German Empire, on November 15, 1891. Erwin Rommel Sr., a schoolteacher, and Helene von Lutz, whose father was a local government official, were his parents.
Rommel was the third of five brothers and sisters. Rommel had an older brother, Manfred, who died when he was a child, and an older sister, who was an art teacher and Rommel’s favorite sibling. His two younger brothers, a dentist and an opera singer, followed in his footsteps.
Rommel’s sister recalled him as a kind child. He aspired to be an engineer at first because he was interested in mathematics and technology. His father encouraged him to enlist in the military, and he did so, serving in both World Wars. In 1910, he enlisted in the Württemberg Infantry Regiment and enrolled in Officer Cadet School. In 1911, he received his diploma.
Career of Erwin
Rommel was assigned to the 46th Field Artillery Regiment as a battery commander shortly after graduating. He fought in France, employing deft tactical tactics to launch raids against the French troops while avoiding large-scale deaths.
He was promoted to first lieutenant and continued to have outstanding results, receiving numerous awards. He possessed an uncanny ability to assault the enemy when they were least expecting it. He received another promotion as a result of this, and he was promoted to Captain.
Rommel was raised to the rank of General Major at the outbreak of World War II. In 1940, he became command of the German Army’s 7th Panzer Division. Rommel personally carried out his orders during the invasion of France, assisting his forces in defeating the French II Army Corps. Hitler was concerned about Rommel’s disappearance at the time, as he was a prized commander in Hitler’s armies.
In 1941, he commanded the Deutsches Afrika Korps’ 21st Panzer Division, which he led to victory over the British Commonwealth Forces. He acquired the nickname ‘The Desert Fox’ for the surprise and cunning onslaught he led.
Rommel was observed carrying out his tasks with utmost accuracy in the years that followed. Despite the fact that he served Hitler, he had certain issues with Nazi ideas. He refused to be labeled a Nazi and has talked about his political apathy in multiple letters.
During the years 1942 and 1943, Rommel commanded his soldiers in a series of successful conflicts, including the Battle of Gazala, Battle of El Alamein, Battle of Alam El Halfa, and many combats in Africa and Italy. During this time, he sustained multiple injuries.
In 1944, an attempt was made to assassinate Hitler. Some of Rommel’s friends are thought to have plotted against Hitler. Scholars disagree over whether Rommel was involved in the conspiracy or attempted assassination of Hitler.
The speculations regarding Rommel’s involvement were fueled by a couple of words made by Rommel when pondering a world without Hitler. With mounting evidence against Rommel, Hitler himself gave the order to eliminate him.
Major Projects of Erwin
Rommel rapidly made a name for himself in the army, establishing himself as a capable officer. His valor on the battlefield earned him the Iron Cross of the First and Second Orders at a young age, just as he was starting his military career.
Because of his abilities, he ascended quickly in his job. He progressed from being an officer to being one of Hitler’s most accomplished Generals in just a few years. He was also personally congratulated by Hitler on several occasions.
Apart from his impressive battlefield prowess, Rommel was also a gifted writer. He created manuals for new commanders while training recruits at Dresden Infantry School. His second book, titled Infantry Attacks, was also released. He had started a third novel but was unable to finish it.
Achievements & Awards
Rommel got numerous awards and was a highly decorated officer as a result of his substantial contributions in both World Wars. For his service in the First World War, he was awarded the Military Merit Order of Württemberg.
He was awarded the 2nd class Iron Cross in 1914, and the 1st class Iron Cross the following year. In 1917, he was also awarded the ‘Pour le Mérite,’ the highest medal for military class.
In May 1940, as commander of the 7th Panzer division, Rommel won the 1st and 2nd Class Clasps to the Iron Cross and the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross for his great performance as a general of the German Army during WWII.
As commander of the 7th Panzer division in 1941, he was the 10th recipient of the ‘Oak Leaves.’
As commander of Panzer Group Afrika, he got the Swords for the sixth time in 1942, as well as the Italian ‘Gold Metal of Military Valor’ and the ‘Knight of the Colonial Order of the Star’. As commander in chief of Army Group Afrika, he was awarded the Diamonds in 1943.
Rommel’s personal life began in 1911, when he was betrothed to Lucia Maria Mollin a.k.a Lucie. At the time, Lucie was a student in Danzig. In Weingarten, where he was stationed to train army recruits, Rommel met Walburga Stemmer, a twenty-year-old fruit merchant. This partnership resulted in Walburga having a kid.
Walburga gave birth to Rommel’s daughter Gertrud on December 8, 1913. Rommel was smitten with his newborn daughter, referring to her as his “little mouse” in several letters. With Walburga and Gertrud, he wished to create a family.
Rommel’s mother reportedly put a lot of pressure on him to return and marry Lucie after learning about the nature of his connection with Walburga. Rommel broke terminated his connection with Walburga since he was bound by his vow, but he continued to financially assist Gertrud with Lucie’s permission.
Rommel married Lucie in Danzig in November 1916. Walburga and Gertrud remained with the couple until Walburga’s death in 1928 from an overdose. Manfred Rommel, Rommel and Lucie’s son, was born on December 24, 1928. From 1974 to 1996, he served as the mayor of Stuttgart. He died on October 14, 1944, and was buried on October 18, 1944, in the Herrlingen Cemetery.
Rommel ignored a number of Hitler’s explicit commands. He yielded and retreated his troops despite being commanded not to do so, fearing the utter annihilation of his troops. On his journey back, he proved his valor by winning further engagements.
Estimated Net Worth
Erwin is one of the wealthiest war heroes and one of the most beloved. Erwin Rommel’s net worth is estimated to be $1.5 million, according to Wikipedia, Forbes, and Business Insider.