Gerd von Rundstedt
Karl Rudolf Gerd von Rundstedt was born 12 December 1875 Wsschersleben w Saksonii. His future military career was much easier for him, that his father was the famous, a distinguished general. At the age of eleven, he started studying in junior high school, and after four years, a year 1891, He joined the Prussian Cadet School. From 22 mark 1892 year in the rank of ensign in 83. Prussian infantry regiment stationed in Kassel. Only a year later he received the rank of a second lieutenant. Already in the following year he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant. W 1902 He married Major Von Goetz's daughter, which has been additionally associated with the elite of the German army. W 1904 He became a student of the reputable Military Academy, Where did he get to the General Staff after three years of study. 24 mark 1909 the year was promoted to the rank of captain. W 1912 finished work at the General Staff, When he was referred to field service – He soon took command of 171. Infantry regiment in Chodzież (then Kolmar).
During the First World War von Rundstedt, Quite promoted to the rank of major (28 November 1914 year) He served in the Staff General, stationed both on the Eastern Front (in Turkey) and western (in France). He ended the war as a staff commander in the division. He was awarded the first and second grade Iron Cross for his merits.
After the creation of the Weimar Republic, von Rundstedt entered 1919 Then year for the news created Reichswehry. The twenties were for Major von Rundstedt a period of arduous climbing higher and higher in the ladder of his military career. 1 October 1920 was promoted to the rank of lieutenant A 1 February 1923 He was promoted to the rank of colonel. 1 house 1925 year he received command over 18. Infantry regiment stationed in Paderborn. At last, After thirty -six years of service in the army, he got a general rank, to which he was promoted 1 November 1927 year. As General Major, he took command of 2. Cavalry Division in Wrocław, which function he performed less than a year. Already 1 mark 1929 Another promotion was waiting for him, to the rank of lieutenant general. At the beginning of the year 1932 He received command over 3. Infantry division. 1 November of that year he obtained the prestigious rank of infantry general.
After Hitler came to power, he originally opposed the policy of the new dictator, However, this reluctance disappeared over time. In October 1938 of the year as the Chief of Staff of Grupekommando IV took part in the occupation of the Sudetes. A month later, in November, as a sign of opposition to the loud provocation aimed at Werner von Fritsch, He retired. However, he returned to the army after a few months, When it is in August 1939 year, Just before the attack on Poland, he took command of the army group “South”.
At the head of this grouping, he took part in the September campaign 1939 year. His army group attacked Poland from the southwest, heading from Lower Silesia and Slovakia to the lands of Lesser Poland and Mazowsze. She took part in winning Warsaw. He was awarded the Knight's Cross for his merits during aggression on Poland.
After the campaign, GA “South” She was renamed 8 October on “Supreme Command East”. The same month, Still lasting under the command of von Rundstedt, It was transported west and its name was changed to the army group “A”.
By Rundstedtowi, as part of the operation “Case yellow” in May 1940 the year was entrusted to the attack by the Benelux countries and the attack of France from the northwest. The operation went without much resistance from the enemy.
It is von Rundstedt that the French may owe their successful evacuation to the British islands of their convicts to defeat forces. Commander of the army group “A”, Without trusting the strength of the armored forces. He ordered to wait, until the tanks will reach infantry. Thanks to this, the French managed to pierce to Dunkirk. Then, do not know why, von Rundstedt did not allow the evacuating troops to attack. He explained himself later, that Hitler forbade him to perform such a maneuver, who was afraid of the exacerbation of relations with Great Britain, still counting on the possibility of signing a room with her. However, Historians say, that Fuehrer left von Rundstedt in this matter a free hand.
For his merits in the fighting during aggression on Poland and the attack on France, By Rundstedt, 19 July 1940 year, He was promoted to the rank of Feld Marshal.
After the fighting in France, Field Marshal von Rundstedt dealt with the development of surgery plans “Sea lion” (invasion of the British Isles). However, Hitler changed his intentions, and first decided to attack the Soviet Union. Operation “Sea lion” So she was translated for an indefinite period; The remaining von Rundstedt was appointed a head of the forces occupying France. He was also entrusted with the task of fixing the coast on the acquired territory.
During aggression on the Soviet Union, Transported to the east, the Field Marshal von Rundstedt fought again at the head of the army group “South”, Ga created from the previously he commanded earlier “A”. They were under his command 52 Infantry divisions and 5 armored divisions. The task set in front of the army group “South” There was a master of Ukraine and conquering Caucasian areas rich in oil. The march deeper into Russia at first walked von Rundstedt relatively slowly. His first greater success was just winning Kiev, after the city's previous surroundings. Stalin forbade the Red Army to leave the Reduta despite this, that her defense was doomed to failure. German troops, Having won Kyiv, took it captivated 665 Thousand (!) prisoners.
After mastering Kiev, von Rundstedt headed towards Kharkov and Rostov over Don. Feld Marshal was a sharp opponent of continuing the offensive during the upcoming winter, However, his voice did not have much puncture in the German general command. In November, von Rundstedt survived a heart attack, However, he refused to hospitalize, At all costs, wanting to conquer the rost na. Don before the advent of severe frosts. He arrived at the city 21 November, However, soon his troops were rejected by the Soviet counteroffensive. Feldmars, Not wanting to risk the total defeat of his army, decided to the opposite to the east. This act angry so much frustrated Hitler, that he immediately dismissed von Rundstedt from the position of commander of the army group “South”, replacing him with the Field Marshal Walther von Reichenauem.