Judith Rommel Strengths And Weaknesses

Erwin Rommel

Explain the strengths and weaknesses of your chosen commander.

Erwin Rommel fought as a German lieutenant in France, Romania, and Italy in World War I. Rommel’s courage, strong understanding of his troops, and great leadership showed potential for a glorious career. He also was a very talented military teacher who was appointed to posts at a range of military academies after WW1. (Gorlitz, Encyclopedia Britannica) During Rommel’s six-week campaign on the invasion of France (1940), he achieved his goal of establishing himself as a great commander, and was promoted to lieutenant general (Gorlitz, Encyclopedia Britannica). In February 1941, Rommel was appointed commander of the German troops sent to aid the Italian army in Libya. His efforts in commanding the Afrika Korps led to his promotion to field marshal by Adolf Hitler. It was here in the deserts of Northern Africa that Rommel established himself as the best-known German general of World War II. (Barr, BBC History website) The Battle of Gazala is seen as Rommel’s greatest victory, and highlights his strengths as military commander. The significant strengths of Rommel was his logical and daring plans for battle, his clear
His plan addressed many elements such as the requirement of a force to distract the enemy to allow his flanking force to move relatively easily and stealthily. Using troops to cut off reinforcements was a common tactic in WWII, which would result in Rommel having to fight less enemy forces. The creation of a supply route created an influx of food, water, ammunition, and fuel, which in turn strengthened Rommel’s troops and aided their mobilty. Rommel’s plan was well thought out and intelligent. Sun Tzu wrote, “Now, the general who wins a battle makes many calculations in his temple ere the battle is fought. The general who loses a battle makes but few calculations beforehand.” (Sun Tzu, The Art of War, Ch 1, Pt