After World War II, the fates of Germany's field marshals varied widely, depending on their roles during the war, their involvement in war crimes, and the circumstances of their capture or surrender. Some faced trials and execution, while others were imprisoned, wrote memoirs, or lived relatively quiet lives after their release. Here's a breakdown of what happened to the most prominent German field marshals:
1. Wilhelm Keitel
Role During the War: Keitel served as Chief of the OKW (Oberkommando der Wehrmacht, or Armed Forces High Command). He was a close advisor to Hitler and signed numerous orders that facilitated war crimes, including the infamous Commissar Order and the Night and Fog Decree.
Post-War Fate: Keitel was tried at the Nuremberg Trials for crimes against humanity, war crimes, and waging aggressive war. Found guilty, he was sentenced to death and hanged on October 16, 1946.
2. Erich von Manstein
Role During the War: Known as one of Germany's most skilled strategists, Manstein planned Operation Fall Gelb (the invasion of France) and played a major role on the Eastern Front.
Post-War Fate: Manstein was captured by the British in 1945 and later tried by a British military tribunal. He was sentenced to 18 years in prison in 1949 for war crimes, including the mistreatment of Soviet POWs and civilian atrocities. He served only four years before being released in 1953 due to health issues. He later served as a military advisor to West Germany.
3. Gerd von Rundstedt
Role During the War: Von Rundstedt commanded German forces during several key campaigns, including the invasions of Poland and France and the defense of Western Europe.
Post-War Fate: Arrested by Allied forces, von Rundstedt was interrogated but not tried due to his advanced age and poor health. He was released in 1948 and lived quietly in West Germany until his death in 1953.
4. Albert Kesselring
Role During the War: Kesselring commanded German forces in Italy and was responsible for the defense of Western Europe late in the war. He was implicated in several atrocities in Italy, including the massacre at Fosse Ardeatine.
Post-War Fate: Kesselring was tried by a British military tribunal and sentenced to death in 1947 for war crimes. His sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment, and he was released in 1952 due to health issues. He wrote memoirs defending his actions and died in 1960.
5. Friedrich Paulus
Role During the War: Paulus was the commander of the 6th Army at the Battle of Stalingrad. He surrendered to Soviet forces in 1943, becoming the first German field marshal to be taken prisoner.
Post-War Fate: Paulus cooperated with the Soviets, testifying against Nazi leaders at the Nuremberg Trials. After the war, he settled in East Germany, where he lived until his death in 1957.
6. Walther von Brauchitsch
Role During the War: Von Brauchitsch served as Commander-in-Chief of the German Army until 1941, when he was dismissed by Hitler after the failure to capture Moscow.
Post-War Fate: Arrested by the Allies, he was slated for trial at Nuremberg but died of heart failure in 1948 while in custody.
7. Erwin Rommel
Role During the War: Known as the "Desert Fox," Rommel commanded German forces in North Africa and later played a key role in the defense of France. He was implicated in the July 20, 1944, plot to assassinate Hitler.
Post-War Fate: Rommel was forced to commit suicide in October 1944 after his involvement in the plot was discovered. He was buried with full military honors, and his death was officially attributed to war wounds.
8. Hugo Sperrle
Role During the War: Sperrle commanded the Luftwaffe in the West and was responsible for air operations during the Battle of Britain and the Blitz.
Post-War Fate: He was tried by a U.S. military tribunal but acquitted of war crimes. Sperrle lived in relative obscurity until his death in 1953.