Written by: Thomas Blackwood

Erich von Manstein: The Architect of the Sichelschnitt

Erich von Manstein, a German Generalfeldmarschall, is best known for his innovative military strategy, the Sichelschnitt, which played a crucial role in the German army's rapid advance through France and the Low Countries during World War II. His bold and unconventional plan, which involved a surprise attack through the Ardennes forest, caught the Allies off guard and led to a decisive German victory.

Early Life and Military Career

Born on November 24, 1887, in Berlin, Germany, Erich von Manstein was born into an aristocratic Prussian family with a long history of military service. He joined the army at a young age and saw service on both the Western and Eastern Fronts during World War I, rising to the rank of captain by the end of the war.

In the interwar period, Manstein played an active role in helping Germany rebuild its armed forces. In 1939, he served as Chief of Staff to Gerd von Rundstedt's Army Group South during the invasion of Poland, which marked the beginning of World War II.

The Sichelschnitt: A Masterstroke of Military Strategy

In 1940, Manstein devised an innovative operation to invade France, later known as the Sichelschnitt or the "sickle cut." This plan called for an attack through the woods of the Ardennes and a rapid drive to the English Channel, thus cutting off the French and Allied armies in Belgium and Flanders.

Manstein's plan was initially met with skepticism by his superiors, but Adolf Hitler eventually chose it as the basis for the German invasion of France. The plan's success was unprecedented, with German forces advancing rapidly through France and the Low Countries, leading to a decisive German victory.

Rise to Prominence and Military Achievements

Manstein's success in France led to his promotion to general, and he went on to play a key role in several major military campaigns, including the invasion of the Soviet Union and the siege of Sevastopol. He was promoted to field marshal on July 1, 1942, after which he participated in the siege of Leningrad.

In December 1942, during the catastrophic Battle of Stalingrad, Manstein commanded a failed relief effort, Operation Winter Storm. However, he later led a successful counteroffensive in the Third Battle of Kharkov, regaining substantial territory and earning him recognition as one of Germany's most skilled military commanders.

Post-War Life and Conviction

After Germany's defeat in World War II, Manstein was arrested and charged with war crimes. He was convicted and sentenced to 18 years imprisonment, but was released in 1953 due to ill health.

Manstein spent the remainder of his life writing his memoirs, which were published in 1958. He died on June 9, 1973, at the age of 85.

Erich von Manstein's military career was marked by innovation and boldness, and his plan for the invasion of France remains one of the most significant military achievements of World War II. While his legacy is also marked by controversy and criticism, there is no doubt that he was a skilled and influential military commander who played a significant role in shaping the course of World War II.

• Manstein's memoirs, Lost Victories, provide a unique insight into his military career and the decision-making process of the German high command during World War II.
• Manstein's legacy has been the subject of much debate among historians, with some arguing that his military genius was overshadowed by his complicity in Nazi war crimes.
• Despite his conviction for war crimes, Manstein remained a respected figure in Germany, and his funeral was attended by many prominent military officers and politicians.

In conclusion, Erich von Manstein was a complex and multifaceted figure, whose military achievements continue to be studied and debated by historians and military strategists today. While his legacy is marked by controversy, there is no doubt that he was a skilled and influential military commander who played a significant role in shaping the course of World War II.