Was the 2nd World War's Most Overrated German General Overrated?

In the Second World War, several key German generals have been debated for their strategy, battlefield prowess, and political acumen. This article aims to delve into the careers of three prominent figures – Gerd von Rundstedt, Erich von Manstein, and Erwin Rommel – to determine which one was the most overrated.

1. Gerd von Rundstedt

Gerd von Rundstedt, a distinguished commander in the early years of the war, was known for leading major offenses on the Eastern Front. However, his downfall came swiftly after December 1941, when he was dismissed from his command of Army Group South in Russia. Sent to the Western Front, a theater of active but less challenging battlefields, von Rundstedt became increasingly disconnected from the realities of leadership. By 1944, he was spending more time on personal pursuits such as reading detective stories rather than engaging in strategic command.

Despite his early successes, von Rundstedt's performance deteriorated significantly in his final years. By March 1945, he served more as a figurehead for the Western Front, with his actual command responsibilities largely transferred to his Chief of Staff. His sobering reality was that Germany had already lost the war, and his influence at this point was minimal.

2. Erich von Manstein

Ernst Caeser Enno von Manstein, often considered the best German general of the war, faced several critical shortcomings. Like other German generals, von Manstein struggled to grasp the complex political landscape of World War II. His focus was primarily on military strategies without considering the political implications of warfare, both domestically and internationally. This myopic view led him to overlook crucial opportunities to cultivate German alliances and stabilize the Eastern Front.

Although von Manstein demonstrated brilliance in the spring and summer of 1943, particularly during the Battle of Kharkov, his strategic planning for overall victory was flawed. By 1943, his forces were in retreat, and his recommendations were either impractical or ignored. It is interesting to note that despite his acclaim, he was never reemployed to combat the Western Allies in Normandy, where his purported skills could have been instrumental.

3. Erwin Rommel

Erwin Rommel, known as the "Desert Fox," was a skilled tactician and an inspiring leader. However, his strategic capabilities were limited. While he excelled in divisional and corps command, his performance as an army or army group commander was questionable. Rommel's victories in North Africa, particularly at Tobruk, were short-lived. After his defeat at El Alamein, Rommel's morale and influence declined, and he was never again able to lead significant victories.

Rommel's fame primarily stems from the Western theatres of war, where he faced heavily covered by the Western press. His performance, particularly in the Eastern Front, was much less impressive, as shown by his struggles during the Normandy invasion and his demoralization following the setbacks in North Africa.

Conclusion

The titles of these three distinguished German generals reflect their varying levels of success and overrating. Gerd von Rundstedt, Erich von Manstein, and Erwin Rommel all had their moments of brilliance, but their inability to adapt to the changing political and military landscapes of World War II ultimately contributed to their overrated status. Their post-war writings and historical accounts have somewhat elevated their status, but a fair evaluation of their actual performance reveals a more nuanced perspective on their legacies.