The Remarkable Life of General Wilhelm Emanuel Burgdorf in World War II

In the annals of World War II history, one name stands out — General Wilhelm Emanuel Burgdorf. Born on February 15, 1895, and passing away on May 2, 1945, Burgdorf was a prominent figure in the German Army during the war. This article delves into his military career, his pivotal role in the forced suicide of In the annals of World War II history, one name stands out — General Wilhelm Emanuel Burgdorf. Born on February 15, 1895, and passing away on May 2, 1945, Burgdorf was a prominent figure in the German Army during the war. This article delves into his military career, his pivotal role in the forced suicide of Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, and his final days during the Battle of Berlin.

Military Career of General Wilhelm Emanuel Burgdorf

Wilhelm Emanuel Burgdorf’s journey in the military began at the outbreak of World War I when he joined the Prussian Army as an officer cadet. He was subsequently commissioned as an infantry officer in Grenadier Regiment 12 in 1915. Post-World War I, he continued his service in the Reichswehr, where he steadily climbed the ranks.

In 1930, Burgdorf was promoted to the rank of captain. His expertise in tactics led him to become an instructor at the military academy in Dresden in 1935, with the rank of major. His commitment and skills caught the eye of the military leadership, and in 1937, he was appointed as an adjutant on the staff of the IX corps. Promotions followed swiftly, with Burgdorf attaining the rank of lieutenant colonel in 1938.

From May 1940 to April 1942, General Burgdorf assumed command of the 529th Infantry Regiment, a position where his leadership qualities shone. In May 1942, he took on the role of Chief of Department 2 of the Army Personnel Office. A significant promotion came in October 1942 when he was named Deputy Chief and promoted to the rank of Generalmajor.

General Burgdorf’s career reached its zenith in October 1944 when he was appointed as the chief of the Army Personnel Office and chief adjutant to Adolf Hitler. His unwavering commitment to the National Socialist state and his staunch belief in the German final victory were evident in his decrees during this period.

Burgdorf’s Role in the Tragic Fate of Field Marshal Erwin Rommel

One of the darkest chapters in General Burgdorf’s career was his role in the death of Field Marshal Erwin Rommel. Rommel, a highly esteemed figure in Germany and implicated in the 20 July plot to assassinate Hitler, faced a pivotal moment in his life.

On October 14, 1944, General Burgdorf, accompanied by General Ernst Maisel, arrived at Rommel’s residence. Burgdorf informed Rommel of the charges and presented him with three choices: report to Hitler and plead not guilty, admit guilt, take poison, and receive a state funeral with immunity for his family, or face a trial for treason. Rommel chose the second option, leaving behind a grieving family and a nation in shock.

General Burgdorf’s Final Days in the Battle of Berlin

As the Battle of Berlin raged on, General Burgdorf found himself in the midst of chaos. In the lead-up to the city’s fall, he made a disturbing remark, revealing his deep-seated prejudices. It was an ominous sign of the turmoil that gripped Berlin as the Soviet forces closed in.

On April 29, 1945, Burgdorf, alongside other high-ranking officials, witnessed and signed Hitler’s last will and testament. After Hitler’s suicide on April 30, Joseph Goebbels assumed the role of chancellor, and the city was in ruins.

In the early hours of May 2, 1945, following the suicides of Hitler and Goebbels, General Burgdorf, along with Chief of Staff Hans Krebs, took their own lives. Their bodies were discovered in the bunker complex by Soviet forces.

Awards and Decorations

General Wilhelm Emanuel Burgdorf’s military career was punctuated by numerous awards and decorations, a testament to his dedication and service to his country. Some of his notable honors included the Iron Cross, Knight’s Cross of the Royal House Order of Hohenzollern with Swords, and the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross, which he received in 1941 for his role as the commander of Infanterie-Regiment 529.

In conclusion, General Wilhelm Emanuel Burgdorf’s life was marked by unwavering loyalty to his country, even in the darkest hours of World War II. His role in the tragic fate of Field Marshal Erwin Rommel and his ultimate decision to end his own life in the waning days of the war make his story a compelling and sobering chapter in history.