Erwin Rommel (1891-1944) was a German field marshal who gained fame as a tank commander in the Fall of France in 1940 and then as the commander of the Afrika Korps in North Africa, where he gained numerous victories. Known as the 'Desert Fox' for his daring tactics, Rommel was obliged to commit suicide when suspected of involvement in the plot to kill the leader of Nazi Germany Adolf Hitler (1889-1945).
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Definition
Timeline
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15 Nov 1891Erwin Rommel is born in Heidenheim an der Brenz, Germany.
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Jul 1910Erwin Rommel joins the 6th Württemberg/124th Infantry Regiment.
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1912Erwin Rommel completes his officer's training at the War Academy of Danzig.
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1916Erwin Rommel marries Lucia 'Lucie' Maria Mollin.
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Oct 1917Erwin Rommel captures Monte Matajur in the Italian Alps and is awarded the Pour le Mérite decoration.
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1928Erwin Rommel's son Manfred is born.
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1937Erwin Rommel publishes his 'Infantry Attacks' on military tactics.
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1938Erwin Rommel commands Adolf Hitler’s personal security detachment.
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Feb 1940Erwin Rommel is appointed commander of Germany's 7th Panzer Division with which he wins several victories during the Fall of France.
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19 Jun 1940The port of Cherbourg surrenders to Erwin Rommel.
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Feb 1941 - Aug 1941Erwin Rommel leads Germany's Afrika Korps in North Africa.
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Mar 1941Germany's Afrika Korps wins the Battle of El Agheila.
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Apr 1941 - Dec 1941The failed siege of Tobruk by Axis forces commanded by Erwin Rommel.
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1 Apr 1941Germany's Afrika Korps wins the battle of Mersa Brega.
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4 Apr 1941Germany's Afrika Korps captures Benghazi.
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May 1942 - Jun 1942The Battle of Gazala in Libya between Allied and Axis forces led by Erwin Rommel, the victor.
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May 1942 - Jun 1942Axis forces, including the Afrika Korps, win the Battle of Bir Hakeim.
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1 Jul 1942 - 27 Jul 1942The Allies win the First Battle of El Alamein in North Africa against Axis forces led by Erwin Rommel.
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Oct 1942 - Nov 1942The Second Battle of El Alamein in North Africa between Allied forces led by Bernard Montgomery and Axis forces led by Erwin Rommel.
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Oct 1942 - Nov 1942The Allies led by Bernard Montgomery win the Second Battle of El Alamein against Axis forces led by Erwin Rommel.
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Nov 1942 - May 1943The Tunisia Campaign, where the Allies definitively defeat the Axis forces in North Africa.
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18 Feb 1943 - 22 Feb 1943Axis forces led by Erwin Rommel defeat the Allies at the Battle of Kasserine Pass.
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Jul 1943Erwin Rommel is appointed Commander-in-Chief Southeast.
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Aug 1943Erwin Rommel is appointed Inspector General of the Atlantic Wall.
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17 Jul 1944Erwin Rommel is seriously injured when RAF fighters attack his staff car.
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14 Oct 1944Adolf Hitler, suspecting his involvement in an assassination plot, obliges Erwin Rommel to commit suicide.
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18 Oct 1944The state funeral of Field Marshal Erwin Rommel in Ulm.
