Walther von Brauchitsch held the position of commander-in-chief of the German Army from 1938 to 1941, overseeing military operations during the early stages of World War II. Born in Berlin in 1881, he was an aristocratic career officer who rose through the ranks of the Prussian military tradition to achieve the grade of general field marshal.
Military Education and Early Career
Raised in the Prussian officer tradition, Brauchitsch attended the Französisches Gymnasium Berlin before moving to the military academy in Potsdam. Upon his 1900 commission as a lieutenant, he served in an infantry regiment before transferring to the Third Field Artillery Regiment. By 1909, he had reached the rank of first lieutenant while serving in the General Staff office in Berlin.
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During World War I, Brauchitsch served as a staff officer for the XVI Army Corps, the 34th Infantry Division, and the Guards Reserve Corps. He participated in the Battle of Verdun and the Battle of the Argonne Forest. Following the war, he remained in the military, focusing on artillery reorganization and teaching within the Ministry of the Reichswehr.
Commander-in-Chief and Second World War
Appointed commander-in-chief in 1938, Brauchitsch managed the invasions of Poland, Yugoslavia, Greece, and Western Europe. In 1941, he oversaw Operation Barbarossa, the invasion of the Soviet Union. After the failure of the Battle of Moscow in December 1941, Hitler relieved him of his command. He remained in retirement until the war concluded.
Fast facts
- Born: 1881, Berlin
- Died: 1948, Hamburg
- Highest Rank: General field marshal
- Commander-in-Chief tenure: 1938-1941
- Education: Französisches Gymnasium Berlin
- Burial site: Salzgitter
- Citizenship: Germany
Questions readers ask
What major military command did Brauchitsch hold?
He served as the commander-in-chief of the German Army from 1938 until 1941.
What happened to Brauchitsch after the war?
He was arrested on charges of war crimes but died of pneumonia in 1948 before prosecution could take place.
Achievements
- Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross
- Honorary Knight of the Order of St John
- Knights 1st class of the Friedrich Order
- Educated at Französisches Gymnasium Berlin
- Worked as military personnel and general field marshal
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