Erwin von Witzleben

ModernGeneralGermany1881 — 1944

Field marshal in the July 20 plot, hanged.

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Quick Facts

Born

1881

Died

1944

Country

Germany

Era

Modern

Occupation

General

Score Overview

Military (10%)50

Political (20%)29

Influence (20%)51

Legacy (20%)47

Leadership (15%)40

Strategy (15%)42

Total Score44.1

Erwin von Witzleben — Complete Timeline

1940 AD

Promoted to Field MarshalPolitical Action◆ Major

Witzleben was promoted to Generalfeldmarschall (Field Marshal) on July 19, 1940, after the German victory over France. He commanded Army Group D in France and was one of the highest-ranking officers in the German army.

World War IIField MarshalFrance

Impact: national

1942 AD

Retired from Active ServicePolitical Action◆ Major

Witzleben was retired from active service on March 15, 1942, after being relieved of his command for criticizing Hitler's war strategy. He was placed in the F

World War IIRetirementCriticism of Hitler

Impact: national

1944 AD

Designated Commander-in-Chief of the Wehrmacht in the July 20 PlotPolitical Action◆ Major

Witzleben was designated by the conspirators to become the Commander-in-Chief of the Wehrmacht after the coup. He arrived at the Bendlerblock on July 20 but was unable to take effective command due to the plot's failure.

July 20 PlotCommander-in-ChiefCoup Plan

Impact: national

Hanged at Plötzensee PrisonPolitical Action◆ Major

Witzleben was arrested after the July 20 plot. He was tried by the People's Court and sentenced to death. He was hanged at Pl

July 20 PlotExecutionPlötzensee

Impact: nationaltragic