Erich von Manstein
Early Life and Military Career
Erich von Manstein, born Fritz Erich Georg Eduard von Lewinski on November 24, 1887, in Berlin, was a prominent German field marshal during World War II. He was adopted by the Manstein family, a lineage with a strong military tradition, which significantly influenced his career path. Manstein attended the prestigious cadet corps in Plön and later the Prussian Military Academy, where he excelled in his studies and demonstrated a keen strategic mind.
Manstein's early military career began in 1906 when he joined the Third Foot Guards Regiment. His service during World War I was marked by rapid promotions due to his tactical acumen. He served on both the Western and Eastern Fronts, gaining valuable experience in various military operations. By the end of the war, Manstein had achieved the rank of captain and had been awarded the Iron Cross First Class for his service.
Interwar Period and Rise to Prominence
Following World War I, Manstein continued his military career in the Reichswehr, the interwar German army. The Treaty of Versailles severely restricted the size and capabilities of the German military, but Manstein's talents did not go unnoticed. He was involved in the reorganization and modernization of the army, contributing to the development of new tactics and strategies.
During the 1930s, Manstein served in various staff positions, where he honed his skills in operational planning. His role in the development of the Blitzkrieg strategy, which emphasized rapid and decisive attacks, was crucial. This approach would later define German military operations in the early years of World War II.
World War II and Military Achievements
Manstein's most notable contribution to World War II was his role in the planning and execution of the Invasion of France in 1940. He proposed the innovative "Sichelschnitt" (sickle cut) plan, which involved a surprise attack through the Ardennes Forest, bypassing the heavily fortified Maginot Line. This strategy led to the swift defeat of French and British forces, showcasing Manstein's strategic genius.
In 1941, Manstein was appointed commander of the 56th Panzer Corps during Operation Barbarossa, the invasion of the Soviet Union. His leadership was instrumental in the capture of Sevastopol and the Crimean Peninsula. Manstein's ability to adapt to changing battlefield conditions and his effective use of combined arms operations were key factors in these successes.
Despite his achievements, Manstein often clashed with Adolf Hitler over strategic decisions. He advocated for flexible and mobile warfare, while Hitler favored holding ground at all costs. This tension culminated in Manstein's dismissal in 1944, as Hitler's strategic misjudgments increasingly dictated German military policy.
Post-War Life and Legacy
After the war, Manstein was captured by British forces and later tried at the Nuremberg Trials for war crimes. He was convicted on nine charges, including the mistreatment of prisoners of war and the deportation of civilians. Manstein was sentenced to 18 years in prison but was released in 1953 due to health reasons.
In his post-war years, Manstein wrote his memoirs, "Verlorene Siege" (Lost Victories), which provided insights into his military strategies and criticized Hitler's leadership. His writings have been both praised for their detailed analysis and criticized for their lack of acknowledgment of the moral implications of his actions during the war.
Manstein's legacy is complex. He is regarded as one of the most talented German commanders of World War II, known for his innovative tactics and operational brilliance. However, his involvement in the Nazi regime and the ethical considerations of his military actions remain subjects of debate among historians.