Walther von Brauchitsch

Who was Walther von Brauchitsch?

Heinrich Alfred Hermann Walther von Brauchitsch was a German field marshal and the Commander-in-Chief of the German Army in the early years of World War II.

Born in 1881 into an aristocratic and notable military family, Brauchitsch joined the 3rd Guards Field Artillery Regiment in 1901. He was in the thick of World War I, serving with the XVI Corps and the German General Staff, before taking part in no fewer than 26 notable clashes on the Western Front, including the Battle of Verdun, the Battle of Armentières, the Battle at the Aisne, and the Battle of the Lys.

After Hitler's rise to power in 1933, Brauchitsch was put in charge of the East Prussian Military District, and became a very popular officer because of his kindness to civilian Prussian population. Although he personally disliked Nazism, he borrowed immense sums of money from Hitler and became dependent on his financial help.

During World War II, Brauchitsch primarily served as Commander-in-Chief of the German Army. He played a key role in the Battle of France and for his part was promoted to field marshal.