During World War II, a handful of men rose like titans on the battlefield. These German leaders defied the odds, devised bold strategies, and left an indelible legacy in military history.
For Adolf Hitler, these men were more than mere commanders; they were the architects of his vision, the swords that sought to expand his empire. From the early days of the conflict, Adolf Hitler realized the importance of surrounding himself with the best military strategists available. Aware of this, the Führer carefully chose a select group of generals to lead the German armed forces. But among them, a question arises that has intrigued historians and enthusiasts for generations.

"Who was the best German general of World War II?"

"Erich von Manstein: The Supreme Master of Military Strategy."

In the early days of the conflict, Von Manstein held the rank of Lieutenant General and commanded the 56th Infantry Division, showcasing his tactical prowess and his ability to coordinate troop movements on the battlefield. During the Battle of France in 1940 as Chief of Staff of Army Group A, Erich von Manstein developed and implemented the strategy known as the "Manstein Plan" or "Sickle Cut Plan." The plan involved diverting the attention of the Allied forces to the north, making it appear that the main German effort would be directed through Belgium, while the true main attack would be launched through the Ardennes, breaking through the French and British defensive lines and flanking them from the south. After the successful invasion of France in 1940, he was promoted to the rank of General der Panzertruppe (General of Armored Troops). This promotion reflected his prominent role and his ability in the use of armored units during the campaign.
A year later, during Operation Barbarossa in 1941, he commanded the LVI Panzer Corps during the initial phase of the German invasion of the Soviet Union and was responsible for directing the German armored forces in the advance towards Ukraine and Crimea. One of von Manstein's most significant achievements during the initial phase of the invasion was his role in the capture of the important port and naval base of the city of Sevastopol, in the Crimean peninsula. After German troops assaulted the Soviet defenses and surrounded the city, von Manstein implemented innovative tactics to reduce and eventually capture Sevastopol in July 1942.
In December 1942, amidst the harsh Russian winter, von Manstein devised a bold plan: Operation Winter Storm, known in German as Wintergewitter. With limited forces and facing fierce resistance, von Manstein led a desperate surge to break through the Soviet lines and open a corridor to Stalingrad, hoping to save the now besieged 6th Army. Despite achieving initial advances, the inhospitable terrain and fierce Soviet opposition thwarted German efforts. However, von Manstein's tenacity and leadership amidst the chaos of battle highlighted his ability as a consummate strategist. For his participation, he was promoted to the rank of Field Marshal in March 1943.
During the offensives in February 1943, the Red Army broke through the German defensive lines and recaptured Kursk on the 9th. Faced with the danger of encirclement of Army Groups B and Don, Manstein requested reinforcements.
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'Catalyst' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

'Goliath' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

'The Long Dark' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

'Discovery' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

'Emergent' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

'Rise Above' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

'This Too Shall Pass' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

'Chasing Daylight' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

'Vanguard' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

'Ignis' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

'The Vision' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

'The Spaces Between' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

'Ascension' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

'The Call' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

'Terminus' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

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