Erwin Rommel

Rommel commanded the 7th Panzer Division during the invasion of France. His division advanced rapidly, earning the nickname 'Ghost Division' for its speed and surprise attacks. The campaign resulted in the capture of French forces and the fall of France.

Rommel's Afrika Korps besieged the Australian and British garrison at Tobruk. Despite repeated assaults, the garrison held out for 240 days, tying down German forces and preventing Rommel from advancing into Egypt.

Rommel launched an offensive against British forces at Gazala, outflanking the British line and capturing Tobruk. The victory was Rommel's greatest, earning him promotion to Field Marshal, but it overextended his supply lines.

Rommel's Afrika Korps attacked British defensive positions at El Alamein but failed to break through. The battle halted the German advance into Egypt and marked the beginning of the Axis retreat in North Africa.

Rommel was implicated in the July 20 plot to assassinate Hitler. Given the choice between a public trial and suicide with a state funeral, Rommel chose suicide. He was forced to take cyanide, and his death was officially reported as a heart attack.