E.127- Generalfeldmarschall Erwin Rommel

(1891 – 1944) Rommel was a soldier, the most well-known German field marshal during the Second World War. 

He was given the nickname Desert Fox (Wüstenfuchs) because of his skill in commanding the Deutsches Afrika Korps during its military campaigns in North Africa, from 1941 to 1943. 

Later he was given command of the German units stationed in France in order to contain the anticipated Allied invasion, which finally occurred in Normandy. 

Rommel is often remembered not merely for his distinguished military exploits, but also for his gentlemanly behaviour towards his enemies. He was one of the German commanders who refused to obey the Kommandobefehl, the order to summarily execute every enemy commando captured. 

After the attempt on Adolf Hitler’s life on 20 July 1944 (Operation Valkyrie), he was accused of being a participant, and committed suicide to avoid reprisals against his family and immediate staff.