German field marshal who commanded the Stalingrad offensive
Maximilian von Weichs was a German professional officer shaped by the Bavarian and Reichswehr staff traditions who commanded corps and armies in Nazi Germany's wars of aggression. In 1942 he became commander of the newly formed Army Group B, placing the Sixth Army and Axis allies within the command structure of the southern offensive toward Stalingrad, where he advocated withdrawal after the encirclement but could not overcome Hitler's orders. He later commanded Army Group F and the German forces in the Balkans, where responsibility for reprisals against civilians and other war crimes was raised, and proceedings against him in the Hostages Trial were halted because of his failing health.
Career Timeline
- 1900Joined the Bavarian Army's 2nd Heavy Cavalry Regiment
- 1935Commanded the 1st Panzer Division
- 1937–1939Commander of XIII Army Corps and Military District XIII
- 1939–1942Commander of the 2nd Army
- 1942–1943Commander of Army Group B during the offensive toward Stalingrad
- 1943–1945Commander of Army Group F and OB Southeast
- 1947Released from the Hostages Trial proceedings on medical grounds