In March 1942 The year Hitler re -made von Rundstedt responsible for organizing defense in Western Europe, making him the commander of the operational area “West”. Entrusting the unlucky Feld Marshal of this role was a big mistake, As the fortification of the coast was worse than mediocre, and for a year and a half of work, von Rundstedt did not manage to raise any more serious fortifications. He fell into a personal conflict with Erwin Rommel – He was directed by his innate caution, claiming, that this would make maneuvers difficult for them and exposed to artillery fire.
Shortly after the landing of the American troops to the French coast, By Rundstedt, seeing the eyes of his soul the future vile defeat of the Third Reich, he insisted on Hitler and his close associates, that they would sooner start peace prognosis with the Allies. Apparently, in an interview with Wilhelm Keitl, he even shouted: “End the war, idiots!”. Hitler, nervous, he removed von Rundstedt from the position of the commander of the operational area “West” And in his place he placed Guenther von Kluge. The offended Feld Marshal went through 2 July at retirement.
Despite, that he did not support the politics of the Nazis, He never conspired against Fuehrer, as he considered such actions to be treason. Betrayal in the concept of von Rundstedt was worthy of the worst condemnation. Therefore, he was very indignant 20 July assassination at Hitler, to such an extent, that he agreed to chair with Keitel and Guderian, the establishment 2 August to the Honor Court, aimed at examining the affairs of all officers suspected of complicity in the conspiracy.
In the position of the commander -in -chief of the operational area “West” von Rundstedt was again 9 September 1944 year. He began his re -command with great success in the form of stopping the Allied attack as part of the operation “Market Garden”. In December, the troops subject to Hitler's order were to take part in the huge counteroffensive in the Ardennes, aimed at separating English and American troops by reflecting Antwerp and then attacking and defeating Americans. Von Rundstedt definitely opposed this operation, being a hot supporter of conducting several smaller offensive. However, He failed to convince his main command of German troops, So, Wash your hands, he only formally commanded the counteroffensive, which – As we know from history – ended with the defeat of the Wehrmacht.
He blamed by Hitler for failures on the Western Front, Field Marshal von Rundstedt in March 1945 the year was finally dismissed from the position of the commander -in -chief of the operational area “West” (Albert Kesselring took his place). 1 house 1945 He was taken prisoner by soldiers 36. American Infantry Division.
After the fights in Europe, he was transported along with other high -ranking officers to southern Wales, where he was locked in a prisoner -of -war camp in Bridgend. He was accused of war crimes, including mass murders of civilians living in occupied areas in the east. However, Due to the poor health (During the interrogations he survived a second heart attack) He never appeared in court. During the Nuremberg trials, he testified as a witness. In May 1949 year he was released. He returned to Germany and lived in Hanover until his death 24 February 1953 year.