Joseph M.

Erwin Rommel’s Legacy

“The Desert Fox,” known as Erwin Rommel, was the key to Germany’s success in North Africa throughout the second world war. His poise and leadership in the arid and unforgiving desert could not be replicated elsewhere. Rommel was born in Heidenheim, part of the German Empire, on November 15th, 1891. He came from a decent background—his father was a teacher. Initially, Rommel displayed a desire to follow in his father’s footsteps, but ultimately strayed away from teaching and decided to enlist in the German military, joining the army at the age of 18. Rommel would go on to serve his country in World War I. He impressed commanding officers with his intelligence and individuality, especially in the Battle of Verdun—a monumental fight that ended the lives of tens of thousands of Allied soldiers. He distinguished himself through his unique battle schemes, penetrating enemy lines when leading small groups of soldiers (Simkin).

After the loss of World War I, like many German soldiers, Rommel was heavily affected by the Treaty of Versailles. Before World War II, Rommel became an instructor at an Infantry School in Dresden, Germany. Two years prior to World War II, Rommel gained more national recognition when he published his book, Infantry Attacks. The book detailed the importance of bold, courageous, and valiant military tactics which he employed during his legacy in the first world war. This newfound recognition helped Rommel skyrocket his promotion during the time in between the wars (Haskew).

Rommel’s most renowned and recognized role came in 1941, during Germany’s invasion of Northern Africa, when he fearlessly led troops through the relentless Libyan and Egyptian deserts. He was a pioneer of the innovative Panzer Division, which was a new and improved method of traversing the battlefield. He was quick, decisive, and sly with his attacks. Rommel’s dedication, leadership, and authority dignified him among powerful Nazi leaders, even though Rommel himself wasn’t considered a Nazi. His actions in North Africa rightfully earned him the nickname, “The Desert Fox.”

Rommel exemplified his ingenious tactics in the battle of Tobruk, in 1942. Rommel and his German troops decisively defeated British troops and forced them to retreat thousands of miles back into Egypt. Rommel’s and his successes were recognized back in their home country of Germany, and Hitler eventually promoted Rommel in 1942. Unfortunately for the Germans, they became increasingly fatigued and depleted, and a British ambush led by General Bernard Montgomery sent the German troops scrambling back. Eventually, in 1943, Germany was finally defeated in North Africa—this signified a turning point in the war (Simkin).

After Germany’s defeat in Africa, Rommel was appointed by Hitler to defend the weak underbelly of Europe, Italy. Rommel’s attempts to defend Germany’s ally were stifled. While he persisted in displaying his strategic expertise, it was evident that Germany’s defeat was imminent. He desperately attempted to fortify German forces, but to no avail, as Allied forces continued encroaching. 

After Italy’s collapse, an Allied invasion in Normandy, France was impending on the Nazis. Rommel was assigned to secure and command the fronts on the Normandy beaches. He swiftly arrived with authority and supervised the construction of the German bunkers. It seemed as if the Nazis were prepared for any Allied attack. However, on the day of the invasion, June 6th, 1944, Rommel was nowhere to be found—he had inadvertently abandoned his troops while celebrating his wife’s birthday in Germany. During the ambush, Rommel was critically wounded when his staff vehicle was pelted with aircraft gunfire (Haskew). While recovering in the hospital, Adolf Hitler would accuse Rommel of something that would alter his life forever.

 Despite being one of Hitler’s most devoted and loyal generals, Rommel became disillusioned with Hitler and his leadership over the course of the war. In 1944, Rommel had little belief that Germany would win the war. He claimed that Hitler’s refusal to surrender coupled with his arrogance and conceit would eventually destroy the country. This thought was consensual among many other German leaders who worked under Hitler. Thus, they devised  multiple plans attempting to assassinate their leader whom they were so committed and faithful to just years prior. Rommel was aware of these execution plots, but deliberately chose not to be involved. 

However, Hitler, being insane and erratic, accused Rommel of attempting to assassinate him in the plot of July 20th despite Rommel’s evident lack of participation. Rommel was given an ultimatum—either be publicly put on trial, and if convicted, be brutally executed, considered a traitor, and put his family’s safety in jeopardy, or commit suicide and be provided a funeral service while keeping his family safe; Rommel chose the latter. He died on October 14th, 1944 in Herrlingen, Germany (Haskew). 

Rommel’s legacy was one that was admired, respected, and commended on both parties of the war. Even British General Bernard Montgomery applauded Rommel whom he ruthlessly fought in the scorching heat of Northern Africa in 1942 and 1943. He was recognized as a pioneer of the Panzer Division, an innovative method of journeying the battlefield. He was a tactical and strategic mastermind, consistently outwitting his opponents. Yet, his association with the Nazis will taint his legacy for many. His evident devotion towards Hitler, especially at the beginning of the war, combined with his large responsibilities when invading other countries, questions his legitimacy as a moral human being. Conversely, by his peers, Rommel was morally viewed as a family man (Walker), and his evolving contempt and disdain for Hitler over the course of the war coupled with his alleged involvement in the assassination plots may convince some otherwise. Regardless, objectively, Rommel was a calculated, intelligent, and poised individual who displayed all his skills on the battlefield, and his impact and footprint on World War II is still meticulously studied by modern-day militaries. 

Works Cited

Chen, C. Peter. “Erwin Rommel.” WW2DB. Accessed 11 Oct. 2024

“Delaney, John. (Director). (2022, June 8). How Rommel Became the Desert Fox [Film]. Imperial War Museums.” YouTube. Accessed 11 Oct. 2024. 

Haskew, Mike. “Field Marshal Erwin Rommel: The ‘Desert Fox.’” Warfare History Network, 11 Feb. 2019. 

“ Hathaway, Henry. (Director). (1951, October 17). "The Story of Rommel [Film]. The Desert Fox: The Story of Rommel | English Full Movie | Drama Biography War.” YouTube. Accessed 11 Oct. 2024. 

Rommel, Erwin, and Paul Findlay. The Rommel Papers. Rommel. Ed. by B. H. Liddell Hart with the Assistance of Luice-Maria Rommel, Manfred Rommel and Fritz Bayerlein. Transl. by Paul Findlay. Collins, 1953. 

Simkin, John. “Erwin Rommel.” Spartacus Educational. Accessed 11 Oct. 2024. 

Walker, Brian. “Book Review: Showing a New Side to Rommel at War.” HistoryNet, 26 Jan. 2024. 

Artist's Statement

For this project, I specifically chose Erwin Rommel because, while he did fight for the Nazis, he was not as inhumane and despicable compared to the rest of his country. I chose this specific moment because I have always found D-Day interesting from an Allied perspective, but I wanted to learn more about the Nazi and defensive side of the battle. In this project, I was challenged by attempting to recruit willing actors to participate in the film. It wasn't easy to find people who genuinely wanted to help. From doing this project, I will remember that Hitler is partially to blame for the collapse of the Atlantic Wall. His inability to properly prepare on June 6, 1944, led to the demise of Germany. Rommel is an extremely influential character, and regardless of your side, his achievements should always be admired. Even today, armies across the world still study and admire his clever tactics He was a family man, a leader, and a soldier.