Who was Erich von Manstein? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

German Celebrities Born In November

Also Known As: Fritz Erich Georg Eduard von Lewinski

Died At Age: 85

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Jutta Sibylle von Loesch (m. 1920–1966)

father: Eduard von Lewinski (1829–1906)

mother: Helene von Sperling (1847–1910)

Born Country: Germany

Military Leaders German Men

Died on: June 9, 1973

place of death: Irschenhausen, Icking, Germany

Cause of Death: Stroke

City: Berlin, Germany

More Facts

awards: Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords

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1

What role did Erich von Manstein play in World War II?

Erich von Manstein was a German field marshal known for his strategic military leadership during World War II. He is best known for his successful campaigns in the Eastern Front.
2

What military strategies were implemented by Erich von Manstein during World War II?

Erich von Manstein developed and executed the "Manstein Plan" during the Battle of France, a strategic encirclement plan that led to the rapid defeat of French forces. He also employed innovative defensive tactics on the Eastern Front.
3

How did Erich von Manstein influence German military tactics during World War II?

Erich von Manstein was known for his emphasis on mobile warfare and the use of combined arms tactics. He believed in flexibility and surprise to achieve decisive victories on the battlefield.
4

What was the impact of Erich von Manstein's actions on the outcome of World War II?

Erich von Manstein's military leadership played a significant role in several key victories for the German army in the early years of World War II. His strategies and tactics had a substantial impact on the course of the war.
5

What controversies surround Erich von Manstein's military career?

Erich von Manstein faced criticism for his involvement in war crimes, particularly in relation to the treatment of civilians and prisoners of war. Despite his military acumen, his actions during the war remain a subject of debate and controversy.

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German Military Leaders

Childhood & Early Life

Erich von Manstein was born as Fritz Erich Georg Eduard von Lewinski in Berlin, German Empire, on 24 November 1887. He was the tenth son of Eduard von Lewinski, a Prussian aristocrat and artillery general, and Helene von Sperling. He was adopted by his childless aunt Hedwig von Sperling and her husband Lieutenant General Georg von Manstein.

He completed his primary education at Strasbourg. As both his biological father and adoptive fathers were army generals, Manstein also attended military cadet training at Ploen and Berlin.

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Military Career

Erich von Manstein was commissioned into the Third Foot Guards Regiment. He was later promoted to lieutenant in January 1907. He began his three-year officer training program at the Prussian War Academy in October 1913. However, he could only complete his first year.

In August 1914, the First World War began, and all students of the academy were ordered to report for active service. He could not complete the rest of his training.

During the war, he served on the German Western as well as Eastern Fronts. He was promoted to the rank of lieutenant and he participated in the invasion of Belgium, with the 2nd Guard Reserve Infantry Regiment.

He suffered injuries to the left shoulder and left knee on 16th November 1914, during a Russian counterattack. This left him in the hospital for six months.

Manstein was eventually reassigned as general staff officer and soon promoted to captain. He also learned to plan and conduct operations as the Tenth Army undertook successful attacks on Poland, Lithuania, Montenegro, and Albania.

Even after the war ended, his skills and experience ensured that he continued to rise through the ranks. He was eventually promoted to major general in 1936, and later to lieutenant general in 1938.

During the beginning of the Second World War, Manstein was appointed the chief of staff to Gerd von Rundstedt’s Army Group South, for the invasion of Poland. The conquest of Poland was completed in October 1939.

While planning for the strategy for invading France, Manstein got into arguments with other officials. Eventually, he was summoned to brief Adolf Hitler on the plans. He was able to convince the Fuhrer with his strategy that eventually led to the fall of France. He next took part in the invasion of Russia.

He developed a strategy for capturing the city of Sevastopol, whose defenses had held off the Germans for months. Therefore, instead of focusing on the city, Manstein decided to fight around it. After the surrounding Russian forces were defeated, massive siege guns were brought to attack the city, leading to the fall of Sevastopol. For his success, he was promoted to field marshal.

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Hitler felt Manstein was the right man to command the forces at Leningrad, which was under siege by the Soviets for quite some time. Since Manstein lacked the proper forces to storm the city, he planned Operation Nordlicht, which was a plan to cut off Leningrad’s supply line at Lake Ladoga. The Soviet army launched their counterattack. After a series of heavy battles, the Soviets were eventually forced to lift the siege in January 1944.

Manstein next joined the action around Stalingrad. The German troops were reeling under pressure due to the superior capability of the Russian forces and lack of supplies. Though he asked Hitler to retreat and launch another offensive, Hitler refused. Manstein didn’t contradict the Fuhrer’s orders, and refused to give the order to break out.

During the winter, when the Soviets launched a new offensive, Manstein again found his views contradicting Hitler’s. Hitler, however, let Manstein fight in his own way. His tactics eventually forced the Russian offensive to come to a halt.

His forces recaptured Kharkov, marking the most successful German counteroffensive of the war. However, he was forced to retreat after that and was eventually dismissed by Hitler in March 1944.

Post War

Erich von Manstein was captured by the British in 1945. Due to pressure from the Soviet Union, the British cabinet decided to prosecute him for war crimes. He faced seventeen charges and was found guilty of nine. He was sentenced to eighteen years in prison, though he was released early due to his poor health.

Family & Personal Life

Erich von Manstein married Jutta Sibylle von Loesch, the daughter of a Silesian landowner, in 1920. They had three children named Gisela, Gero and Rudiger. His wife passed away in 1966.

At the age of 85, Erich von Manstein died due to a stroke on the night of 9th June 1973. He was buried with full military honors.

Facts About Erich von Manstein

Erich von Manstein was known for his strategic brilliance on the battlefield, often referred to as one of the most talented military commanders of World War II.

Von Manstein was fluent in multiple languages, including French and Russian, which helped him in his military career and diplomatic negotiations.

He had a reputation for being a strict disciplinarian, with a keen attention to detail and a focus on meticulous planning in his military campaigns.

Von Manstein's military successes were often attributed to his ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances on the battlefield, earning him respect among his peers and subordinates.

Erich von Manstein Biography

You wanted to know

What role did Erich von Manstein play in World War II?

What military strategies were implemented by Erich von Manstein during World War II?

How did Erich von Manstein influence German military tactics during World War II?

What was the impact of Erich von Manstein's actions on the outcome of World War II?

What controversies surround Erich von Manstein's military career?