The Last Prussian

Von Rundstedt's military career was a turbulent one. A Prussian aristocrat and member of the General Staff in World War I, he helped to modernize the German armed forces before policy disagreements led to his premature retirement in 1938. Frequently sacked and reinstated, von Rundstedt was a controversial figure. He was recalled to take part in the Blitzkrieg campaigns of 1939-41 and was responsible for the land element of Sealion, the planned invasion of the British mainland. After service on the Eastern Front, he became Commander-in-Chief West until being sacked for the last time in March 1945. Only ill-health prevented him from being tried as a war criminal after arraignment by the British in 1948. In this book, the author examines this enigmatic officer - his attitude to Hitler as leader and tactician, his standing as a field commander, his possible war trial and his position as one of the last members of the Prussian military elite.