Hermann Röchling emerged from the industrial landscape of Völklingen to oversee a steel empire that became critical to German military production. Born in 1872, he transitioned from a family-run steelworks to an influential role in the coordination of national iron resources, eventually facing legal consequences for his actions during the twentieth century's global conflicts.
Industrial Ascendance
Röchling was the seventh son of industrialist Carl Röchling and Alwine Vopelius. After completing his education at the Ludwigsgymnasium Saarbrücken in 1891, he undertook practical training at Hüttenwerken in Peine and the Ilseder Hütte. Following studies at the University of Heidelberg and the Technische Hochschule in Charlottenburg, he joined the family business. By 1898, he assumed management of the Völklinger Hütte, a site that would soon become a key industrial complex. His early management style was paternalistic, marked by the construction of factory hospitals and social support systems for his 6,000 employees.
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During World War I, Röchling served as a Rittmeister in the 7th Dragoon Regiment and advocated for German territorial expansion. His factories produced essential military hardware, including shells and armor plate. Following the armistice, he faced accusations of destroying French factories, leading to a 1919 conviction by a war council in Amiens. Although this sentence was later annulled, the seizure of his French assets instilled a deep-seated hostility toward France, fueling his subsequent nationalist political activities in the Saar territory.
Total War Coordination
Following Hitler's rise to power, Röchling integrated his industrial operations into the national policy, joining the Nazi Party in 1935. As a member of the Reich's Armament Advisory Board, he acted as a confidant to Hitler, authoring memoranda regarding war strategy. During World War II, he was tasked with coordinating the iron and steel industry across occupied territories and Germany. This period saw the systematic use of forced labor, involving prisoners of war within his steel plants.
Post-War Prosecution
He was convicted of crimes against humanity. Despite the gravity of the charges, his incarceration was limited due to his advanced age, and he was released prior to serving his full sentence. He died in 1955 in Mannheim, having received several awards earlier in his career, including the Adlerschild des Deutschen Reiches and the Werner von Siemens Ring.
Fast facts
- Born: 1872, Völklingen
- Died: 1955, Mannheim
- Education: Ludwigsgymnasium Saarbrücken
- Known for: Völklingen Ironworks management
- Member of: VDI – The Association of German Engineers
- Award: Werner von Siemens Ring (1953)
- Award: Rudolf-Diesel-Medaille (1953)
- Award: Grashof Commemorative Medal (1934)
Questions readers ask
What was Hermann Röchling's role during World War II?
He was responsible for coordinating the iron and steel industry in occupied Lorraine and throughout Germany, utilizing prisoners of war for forced labor.
Why was Röchling prosecuted after the war?
He was convicted of crimes against humanity, specifically regarding his use of forced labor in his steel works.
Achievements
- Grashof Commemorative Medal — 1934
- Educated at Ludwigsgymnasium Saarbrücken
