Generalfeldmarschall Erwin Rommel
|
|
Generalfeldmarshcall Rommel If there was one name of a German
military General from WWII that is still commonly known worldwide, it would
be that of Erwin Rommel, the “Desert Fox”. He needs no introduction to those in
the hobby, nor anyone interested in WWII history. Rommel
achieved this worldwide notoriety as commander of the Afrikakorps,
where he gained a reputation as a clever tactician and relentless frontline
leader. His military achievements
led to a quick promotion up the ladder rising through the ranks. Within a space of 15 months, he was
promoted upwards four times, from Generalmajor to Generalfeldmarschall. He became a national hero in Germany
and a respected foe by the Allies. Implicated as being part of the
plot to kill Hitler, Rommel was given the choice of ending his life by taking
poison or facing a public trial resulting in certain execution and his family
being subject to persecution.
Rommel ended his life on October 14, 1944, and is still honored in
Germany today having military bases, streets and a ship named after him. |
Generalfeldmarschall Rommel Display
(Haus der Geschicte
Baden-Württemberg)
|
|
|
Rommel’s formal baton and vehicle flag for the rank
of Generalfeldmarschall, his dress medal bar and
the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross with Oakleaves, Swords and Diamonds. |
Knights Cross
of the Iron Cross with Swords and Diamonds (B-type wear award)
(Haus der Geschicte
Baden-Württemberg)
|
|
|
This is Rommel’s “B-Type” Knights Cross of the Iron Cross with Swords and Diamonds. It’s the award he wore on a daily basis with his uniform, and exhibits the expected wear as a result. |
Rommel’s Pour le Merite
(Blue Max)
(Haus der Geschicte
Baden-Württemberg)
|
|
|
As with the above Knights Cross with Oakleaves, Swords and
Diamonds, this Pour le Merite is the neck award
that Rommel regularly wore on his uniform and exhibits various scratches,
scuffs and small chips from the many years of wear (Rommel was awarded the
Pour le Merite in 1917 and wore it proudly for 27
years). |
Greatcoat
Shoulderboard
|
|
|
This is Rommel’s shoulderboard
insignia from one of his surviving greatcoats, constructed in three cord gold
bullion with Heer pattern batons in dark silver finish metal. This coat was acquired by U.S. army
personnel when they entered Rommel’s house. (private collection). |
|
|
|
A close-up look at the features of the greatcoat shoulderboard baton devices. This is one of two known die patterns,
and from a recent study of Rommel’s insignia that remains with his
family estate, we know that his surviving insignia had batons utilizing both
patterns. (private collection) |
Generalfeldmarschall Collar Tabs
|
|
|
Rommel went against regulation and preferred wearing
standard pattern General Officer collar tabs on his tunics, though late in
the war he began to convert some of his tunics to wear the regulation Generalfeldmarschall collar tabs, as shown above. These are very distinct and different
from the Generalfeldmarschall collar tabs the other
holders of this rank wore. The
firm that embroidered these is unknown, but the only photographically
documented use of these was by Rommel, and only two photographs taken the
same day exist. This is a uniform-removed example. (Rommel Estate) |
If you enjoy
the study of Generalfeldmarschall Rommel Insignia and
Artifacts;
In January of 2025, David Bunch (collector/author/historian on the Afrikakorps and Rommel) and I were asked by the Rommel
family to help them identify, document and photograph a large group of his
surviving insignia and personal effects that were recently discovered by the
family.
This discovery included a large variety of his General rank and Generalfeldmarschall insignia, a greatcoat, a visor cap and
many other items. In response,
David and I authored two articles on this material that are published in
Dietrich Maerz’s International Militaria Collector magazine. Within these articles we explore these
amazing finds in great detail and have included
photographs and detailed descriptions of each piece. We made some very interesting and
revealing discoveries that will provide new insight to both insignia and senior
ranks collectors as well as “Desert Fox” historical aficionados.
If you want an all-inclusive, in-depth look at the treasure-trove
of newly discovered Rommel artifacts you will have to acquire a copy of the
magazine, which is now available (as of July 11, 2025). Between the two articles there are 36
pages of detailed coverage of artifacts which have never been seen before.
For shipment within the USA: International
Militaria Collector Vol.13/2 - B&D Publishing LLC
For shipment Internationally: International
Militaria Collector Vol.13/2 Special Issue - B&D Publishing LLC
|
|
|
|
|
|
