A Small Part of History · Follow
4 min read · Aug 3, 2023
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Gotthard Heinrici, a German general during World War II, may not be as widely known as some of his contemporaries, but his strategic brilliance and unwavering moral compass set him apart as a remarkable military leader. Born on December 25, 1886, in Gumbinnen, East Prussia, Heinrici hailed from a family with a rich history of theologians, but he chose a different path, joining the army in 1905. Throughout his career, he displayed exceptional dedication and skills, eventually earning a reputation as the premier defensive expert of the Wehrmacht.
World War I and Early Military Career
Heinrici’s military career began in earnest during World War I. He fought in the German invasion of Belgium and earned the Iron Cross 2nd Class in September 1914. His service then took him to the Eastern Front, where he fought in battles such as the First Battle of the Masurian Lakes and the Battle of Łódź, receiving the Iron Cross 1st Class in July 1915. During the war, he served in various staff positions, and his exceptional abilities were recognized with awards such as the Prussian Knight’s Cross of the Royal House Order of Hohenzollern with Swords.
A Man of Faith and Family
Heinrici’s personal life was characterized by his unwavering faith as a devout Lutheran. Despite being a military man in a time when Nazi ideology was on the rise, Heinrici refused to join the Nazi party, making him unpopular with the Nazi hierarchy. His commitment to his beliefs also extended to his family. His wife Gertrude had a Jewish parent, making their children classified as “Mischlinge” under Nazi racial law. However, Heinrici managed to obtain a “German Blood Certificate” from Hitler himself, which protected his children from discrimination.
World War II: A Defensive Genius
During World War II, Heinrici’s strategic genius came to the fore. He commanded the XII Army Corps during the Battle of France, successfully breaking through the Maginot Line south of Saarbrücken in June 1940. In 1941, during Operation Barbarossa, he served in the 4th Army, participating in significant battles such as the Battle of Białystok–Minsk, the Battle of Kiev, and the Battle of Moscow. Heinrici’s defensive capabilities earned him the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross in 1941.
The Defensive Specialist
Late in January 1942, Heinrici was appointed to lead the 4th Army, and he received the Oak Leaves to his Knight’s Cross for his leadership during the Battle of Orsha. He further solidified his reputation as a defensive specialist when, during the 4th Army’s retreat, he inflicted heavy losses on the advancing Red Army, skillfully stalling their progress.
Clashes with Nazi Leadership
Heinrici’s refusal to blindly adhere to Nazi policies and his moral objections to certain actions led to clashes with Hitler and Hermann Göring. However, his strategic brilliance and the respect he garnered from his troops kept him in key positions.
A Time of Retreat and Dismissal
In 1944, as the Red Army achieved successes in Ukraine, Heinrici advocated for the retreat of Army Group Center to shorten the front line. However, Hitler rejected these plans, and Heinrici was relieved of command in June 1944. Despite this setback, he was later assigned to command the 1st Panzer Army in Hungary and displayed his defensive prowess during the Battle of the Dukla Pass.
The Final Days of the War
In the waning days of the war, Heinrici was appointed as Commander-in-Chief of Army Group Vistula, tasked with defending Berlin from the advancing Soviet armies. Despite his strategic brilliance, he was dismissed by Keitel in April 1945 for disobeying orders. He refused to defend Berlin and instead withdrew his troops westward to preserve them.
A Moral and Tactical Leader
Heinrici’s legacy is one of a brilliant strategist who held firm to his moral convictions. While his military achievements were significant, it is his refusal to conform to the more reprehensible aspects of Nazi ideology that distinguishes him as a man of integrity. In his personal writings from the Eastern Front, he expressed his concerns about Hitler’s strategy and the atrocities committed by the Wehrmacht.
Post-War Years and Legacy
After the war, Heinrici was held as a prisoner of war in Britain until his release in 1948. He later contributed to the United States Army Center of Military History, sharing his operational knowledge and experience. Heinrici’s reputation as a defensive genius endured, and historians admired his tactical skills and ability to lead from the front.
In conclusion, Gotthard Heinrici was more than just a skilled military commander; he was a man who navigated the treacherous waters of Nazi Germany while remaining steadfast in his principles. His legacy serves as a reminder that even in the darkest times, individual actions can make a difference, and moral courage can shine through amid the chaos of war.
