Erich von Manstein Biography

Erich von Manstein was a lifelong professional soldier who rose to become one of the most prominent commanders within Germany's World War II armed forces. Esteemed by his peers as one of the Wehrmacht's sharpest military minds, he was instrumental in planning and executing significant offensives and victorious battles. His career was marked by strategic disagreements with Hitler, ultimately leading to his dismissal from service. Post-war, he faced trial for war crimes, and while claiming ignorance of the Holocaust, his actions indicated a disregard for the plight of Jewish populations. Following his release from prison, he served as a military advisor to the West German government.