What happened to Rommel?

Field marshal Rommel was obliged to commit suicide by the Nazis after he was suspected of involvement in the failed plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler.

Was Erwin Rommel a good general?

Erwin Rommel is considered one of the greatest WW2 generals because of his innovative combined use of armour and infantry in theatres like northern France and North Africa. He was held in high opinion by Allied commanders, although some German commanders thought he was not suitable to command above army level.

Why is Rommel so famous?

Rommel is so famous because he was one of the most highly regarded of all German generals during WW2. He achieved important victories in France and North Africa.

Erwin Rommel Timeline

Definition

Erwin Rommel (1891-1944) was a German field marshal who gained fame as a tank commander in the Fall of France in 1940 and then as the commander of the Afrika Korps in North Africa, where he gained numerous victories. Known as the 'Desert Fox' for his daring tactics, Rommel was obliged to commit suicide when suspected of involvement in the plot to kill the leader of Nazi Germany Adolf Hitler (1889-1945).

More about: Erwin Rommel

Timeline

15 Nov 1891
Erwin Rommel is born in Heidenheim an der Brenz, Germany.
Jul 1910
Erwin Rommel joins the 6th Württemberg/124th Infantry Regiment.
1912
Erwin Rommel completes his officer's training at the War Academy of Danzig.
1916
Erwin Rommel marries Lucia 'Lucie' Maria Mollin.
Oct 1917
Erwin Rommel captures Monte Matajur in the Italian Alps and is awarded the Pour le Mérite decoration.
1928
Erwin Rommel's son Manfred is born.
1937
Erwin Rommel publishes his 'Infantry Attacks' on military tactics.
1938
Erwin Rommel commands Adolf Hitler’s personal security detachment.
Feb 1940
Erwin Rommel is appointed commander of Germany's 7th Panzer Division with which he wins several victories during the Fall of France.
19 Jun 1940
The port of Cherbourg surrenders to Erwin Rommel.
Feb 1941 - Aug 1941
Erwin Rommel leads Germany's Afrika Korps in North Africa.
Mar 1941
Germany's Afrika Korps wins the Battle of El Agheila.
Apr 1941 - Dec 1941
The failed siege of Tobruk by Axis forces commanded by Erwin Rommel.
1 Apr 1941
Germany's Afrika Korps wins the battle of Mersa Brega.
4 Apr 1941
Germany's Afrika Korps captures Benghazi.
May 1942 - Jun 1942
The Battle of Gazala in Libya between Allied and Axis forces led by Erwin Rommel, the victor.
May 1942 - Jun 1942
Axis forces, including the Afrika Korps, win the Battle of Bir Hakeim.
1 Jul 1942 - 27 Jul 1942
The Allies win the First Battle of El Alamein in North Africa against Axis forces led by Erwin Rommel.
Oct 1942 - Nov 1942
The Second Battle of El Alamein in North Africa between Allied forces led by Bernard Montgomery and Axis forces led by Erwin Rommel.
Oct 1942 - Nov 1942
The Allies led by Bernard Montgomery win the Second Battle of El Alamein against Axis forces led by Erwin Rommel.
Nov 1942 - May 1943
The Tunisia Campaign, where the Allies definitively defeat the Axis forces in North Africa.
18 Feb 1943 - 22 Feb 1943
Axis forces led by Erwin Rommel defeat the Allies at the Battle of Kasserine Pass.
Jul 1943
Erwin Rommel is appointed Commander-in-Chief Southeast.
Aug 1943
Erwin Rommel is appointed Inspector General of the Atlantic Wall.
17 Jul 1944
Erwin Rommel is seriously injured when RAF fighters attack his staff car.
14 Oct 1944
Adolf Hitler, suspecting his involvement in an assassination plot, obliges Erwin Rommel to commit suicide.
18 Oct 1944
The state funeral of Field Marshal Erwin Rommel in Ulm.