Heinz Guderian

Date of Birth: June 17, 1888

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: May 14, 1954

Biography

Heinz Wilhelm Guderian was a German general during World War II, known for his significant contributions to the development of armored warfare tactics and strategies. Born on June 17, 1888, in Kulm, West Prussia (now Chełmno, Poland), Guderian was the son of Friedrich Guderian, a Prussian officer. He followed in his father’s footsteps, joining the military in 1907. Guderian’s rise to prominence began in the interwar period when he became a strong advocate of mechanized warfare, publishing influential works on the subject. His book “Achtung – Panzer!” laid out his theories on armored warfare and was instrumental in the development of the Blitzkrieg strategy. During World War II, Guderian commanded several panzer (tank) corps and played a pivotal role in the invasions of Poland, France, and the Soviet Union. Notably, he led the 2nd Panzer Group during Operation Barbarossa, the invasion of the Soviet Union, and was later appointed Chief of the General Staff of the Army. Guderian’s career was not without controversy; he frequently clashed with higher command, including Adolf Hitler. Despite this, his tactical genius earned him respect and a lasting legacy in military history. After the war, he was held by the Allies but was released in 1948 without being charged with war crimes. He spent his later years writing and lecturing on military history until his death on May 14, 1954, in Schwangau, West Germany.

5 Interesting Facts about Heinz Guderian

1. Heinz Guderian is often referred to as the father of modern tank warfare.

2. His book “Achtung – Panzer!” is considered a seminal work on armored warfare.

3. Guderian played a key role in the development of the Blitzkrieg strategy used by Nazi Germany during World War II.

4. He was temporarily relieved of his command in 1941 after disagreeing with Hitler’s strategic decisions during the invasion of the Soviet Union.

5. Post-war, Guderian was not prosecuted for war crimes and was released by the Allies in 1948.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Heinz Guderian

1. “If the tanks succeed, then victory follows.”

2. “Logistics is the ball and chain of armored warfare.”

3. “There are no desperate situations, there are only desperate people.”

4. “It is sometimes tougher to fight my superiors than the French.”

5. “The engine of the Panzer is a weapon just as the main-gun.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As a military officer in Nazi Germany, Heinz Guderian did not amass a notable personal fortune. Therefore, his net worth was not substantial or well-documented.

Children

Heinz Guderian had two sons: 1. Heinz Günther Guderian (1914 – 2004): Like his father, Heinz Günther Guderian pursued a military career and served as a German officer during World War II. He later became a noted military historian. 2. Kurt Guderian (1918 – 1984): Less is known about Kurt Guderian’s life, and he did not achieve the same level of public recognition as his father or brother.