What are the four types of soldiers?
I distinguish four types. There are clever, hardworking, stupid, and lazy officers. Usually two characteristics are combined.
Who led the Wehrmacht?
Adolf Hitler
| Wehrmacht | |
|---|---|
| Supreme Commander | Adolf Hitler (first) Karl Dönitz (last) |
| Commander-in-chief | Werner von Blomberg (first) Adolf Hitler (last) |
| Minister of War | Werner von Blomberg |
| Chief of the Wehrmacht High Command | Wilhelm Keitel |
Who was General Kurt Zeitzler in World War 2?
Hitler further diminished the stature of the General Staff by choosing a comparatively junior officer, Lieutenant-General Kurt Zeitzler, as Halder’s successor. Zeitzler was born in 1895, one of the younger generals. He was the son of a Protestant pastor, had been an infantry subaltern in the Great War, and had transferred to the tank arm in 1934.
When did Kurt Zeitzler become Chief of staff?
In September 1942, he was selected by Adolf Hitler as Chief of the Army General Staff, replacing Franz Halder. In early 1943 he was one of the key figures in the decision to launch Operation Citadel, the last major German attack on the Eastern Front, which ended in defeat.
Why did Kurt Zeitzler want to replace Franz Halder?
In assuming this position he replaced Franz Halder, who had argued with Hitler over the wisdom of extending German forces deep into southern Russia. Ultimately Zeitzler had similar disagreements with Hitler, and asked on several occasions to be allowed to resign.
Why was Kurt Zeitzler ordered to stop his diet?
In a gesture of solidarity with the starving troops in Stalingrad, Zeitzler reduced his own rations to their level. Hitler was informed of these actions by Martin Bormann. After two weeks and the visible loss of some 12 kilos (26 pounds) in weight, Hitler ordered Zeitzler to stop the diet and return to normal rations.