Post by Desert Stallion on Mar 9, 2007 19:48:56 GMT -5
Hey, I just thought this would be a good place to put up information on good ol' Fritz Bayerlein, especially since we're going to be writing about him.
Concerning Africa...
In October 1941, Bayerlein was sent to North Africa.
October 5, 1941:Chief of the General Staff of the Afrikakorps
December 7, 1942:Chief of the General Staff of the German-Italian Panzer Army Afrika
He was sent to Italy on sick leave before the German troops in Tunisia surrendered on 12 May 1943.
Character...
I got this excerpt offline from "BAYERLEIN From Afrikakorps to Panzer Lehr. The Life of Rommel’s Chief-of-Staff Generalleutnant Fritz Bayerlein"
Written and edited by P.A. Spayd
"
From: Chapter 7: From Remagen to the Ruhr
Early in the day on April 3rd a series of reverses had already forced Bayerlein to move his command post back to Lenneplätz, west of Winterberg, and later in the day to a wood northwest of the town. Here Model came again, raved at him for having lost Winterberg, and ordered the town retaken. Bayerlein said he called attention to the large hospitals there filled with war wounded, but that Model said it made no difference to him; it must be retaken. Bayerlein was completely disgusted and merely answered, “Wird genommen” (it shall be taken); but on the night of the 4th, when he was supposed to attack, he simply failed to order the attack at all and sent in a report that the attack had been attempted but had failed.
“By command of the Corps, Winterberg was not defended. In the night the enemy marched into the town without being disturbed,” said Bayerlein, emphasizing his orders as LIII Corps Commander. “The Panzer Lehr Division occupied the positions in the hills west of the town. The Corps gave strict orders not to shell the enemy in the town of Winterburg. Not one shot was allowed to be fired in the town. The Corps put up with the disadvantages which this measure involved.”
With this order Bayerlein knew he was at risk considering Field Marshal Model’s blackening mood and erratic temper. Bayerlein knew he was insubordinate. Saving Winterberg and the lives of the people, as well as wounded soldiers in the many military hospitals, were nonetheless the more important decision. What the outcome of disobeying Model’s direct order would be if the Field Marshal discovered his disobedience, Bayerlein could only surmise. Model had ordered a similar court martial for General von Choltitz, who had effectually surrendered Paris. Bayerlein’s own fate could entail a quick trial by Hitler’s special court-martial and either hanging or execution by firing squad. He staked his own life on the line and sent Model the false Winterberg report."
So as you can see, he was a pretty decent guy. Of course, Rommel wouldn't have hung out with someone who wasn't. I'll get more up here about him as soon as possible.
Um, a picture. Let's see if this works...
And if that worked, there's Bayerlein. He looks pretty suave as well. If you know something about him, share it please please. I've got to write him one of these days. Actually, you folks will too, just not his mindset...
Concerning Africa...
In October 1941, Bayerlein was sent to North Africa.
October 5, 1941:Chief of the General Staff of the Afrikakorps
December 7, 1942:Chief of the General Staff of the German-Italian Panzer Army Afrika
He was sent to Italy on sick leave before the German troops in Tunisia surrendered on 12 May 1943.
Character...
I got this excerpt offline from "BAYERLEIN From Afrikakorps to Panzer Lehr. The Life of Rommel’s Chief-of-Staff Generalleutnant Fritz Bayerlein"
Written and edited by P.A. Spayd
"
From: Chapter 7: From Remagen to the Ruhr
Early in the day on April 3rd a series of reverses had already forced Bayerlein to move his command post back to Lenneplätz, west of Winterberg, and later in the day to a wood northwest of the town. Here Model came again, raved at him for having lost Winterberg, and ordered the town retaken. Bayerlein said he called attention to the large hospitals there filled with war wounded, but that Model said it made no difference to him; it must be retaken. Bayerlein was completely disgusted and merely answered, “Wird genommen” (it shall be taken); but on the night of the 4th, when he was supposed to attack, he simply failed to order the attack at all and sent in a report that the attack had been attempted but had failed.
“By command of the Corps, Winterberg was not defended. In the night the enemy marched into the town without being disturbed,” said Bayerlein, emphasizing his orders as LIII Corps Commander. “The Panzer Lehr Division occupied the positions in the hills west of the town. The Corps gave strict orders not to shell the enemy in the town of Winterburg. Not one shot was allowed to be fired in the town. The Corps put up with the disadvantages which this measure involved.”
With this order Bayerlein knew he was at risk considering Field Marshal Model’s blackening mood and erratic temper. Bayerlein knew he was insubordinate. Saving Winterberg and the lives of the people, as well as wounded soldiers in the many military hospitals, were nonetheless the more important decision. What the outcome of disobeying Model’s direct order would be if the Field Marshal discovered his disobedience, Bayerlein could only surmise. Model had ordered a similar court martial for General von Choltitz, who had effectually surrendered Paris. Bayerlein’s own fate could entail a quick trial by Hitler’s special court-martial and either hanging or execution by firing squad. He staked his own life on the line and sent Model the false Winterberg report."
So as you can see, he was a pretty decent guy. Of course, Rommel wouldn't have hung out with someone who wasn't. I'll get more up here about him as soon as possible.
Um, a picture. Let's see if this works...
And if that worked, there's Bayerlein. He looks pretty suave as well. If you know something about him, share it please please. I've got to write him one of these days. Actually, you folks will too, just not his mindset...
