Mariscal Von Manstein, Erich

 

(1887) - (1973). Adopted by the general von Manstein, the future Marshall was born on November 24 of 1887. Sub lieutenant in 1901, took part in the Great War where he turned out to be wounded. Objected at first to the ascent of the National Socialism, he promotes general in 1936 and takes part in the preparation of the assaults directed against Poland and France.

Great strategist directs one army corps in the Soviet Union's campaign. In November 1941, he occupies the totality of the Crimea Peninsula, with the exception of Sevastopol, which will conquer in the following month of July.

Already Marshall, Manstein was one of few German chiefs with clear ideas before the German winter collapse of 1942. He takes charge of the South Armies, counter-attacks and achieves some successes. During 1943 he must direct the retreat of the South Armies pushed by the Soviet ones. In April 1944, reaching his disagreements with Hitler and he was dismissed.

In 1945 he was imprisonment by the British forces. Condemned to 18 years of jail, he was reprieved and left the prison in 1953.

During the battle of Stalingrad he was leading the Winter Storm Operation for get freedom for Stalingrad's troops.