Tapping Hitler's Generals

CSDIC (UK) opinion: ‘Gave the impression of being by no means 100 per cent Nazi. Though he may be anti-Nazi he is not pro-British and out for himself.’

OBERST ERNST HERRMANN

Born Frankfurt an der Oder, 30.8.1896. WWI: Pioneer units; 7.5.1916 Leutnant; 1.4.1935 as Hauptmann transfer to Luftwaffe. WWII: Cdr, searchlight battery; 1.12.1939 Oberstleutnant; 1.12.1939–18.6.1941 CO, Flakartillerie-Schule IV; 3.7.1941 CO, Flak.Reg.30, Cherbourg; 1.3.1942 Oberst; 1.8.1944 awarded Knight’s Cross; 24.6.1944 PoW Cherbourg (US); 30.6.1944–23.8.1944 Trent Park. No further details available.

Assessed on 11.3.1944 as being of ‘good soldierly appearance. Mature, self-assured personality with serious, clean view on life… open honest character not afraid to say what he thinks, tactful before his superiors but puts his case firmly and with conviction. Stands on the ground of the National Socialist worldview and influences his men in this sense.’ Herrmann was further assessed on 17 September 1944 when he had already been three months in enemy captivity: ‘Imbued with National Socialism by which he has lived his life. It is thus beyond any doubt that he cannot be shaken by enemy propaganda. His high awards and previous record prove that he will commit no dishonourable or unmilitary conduct.’

CSDIC (UK) opinion: ‘Not really a Nazi, though afraid to come out in open opposition he criticised Hitler’s leadership and expressed the opinion that it was high time for Hitler to abdicate.’

OBERST DR FRIEDRICH AUGUST FREIHERR VON DER HEYDTE

Born Munich, 30.3.1907. RC. Reichswehr: 1.4.1925 entered Army; 31.8.1926 left Army as Ensign and studied Law at Innsbrück, Vienna, Graz and Berlin; 1932 Doctorate in Law; 1.3.1935 re-entered Army. WWII: at outbreak of war Oberleutnant, Comp. Cdr, Pz.Abwehr.Abt.6; French campaign with 246.Inf.Div.; 15.7.1940 transfer to Luftwaffe paratroops, Comp. Cdr in Fallschirmjäger-Reg.3; as Hauptmann and CO, 1.Bataillon in operations on Crete and Russia; 9.7.1941 awarded Knight’s Cross; July 1942–January 1943 Major, CO, Fallschirm-Lehr-Bataillon, North Africa; 15.1.1943 No. 1 Staff officer (1a), 2.Fallschirmjäger-Div.; 15.1.1944 CO, Fallschirmjäger-Div.6 which he led in the fighting at Normandy; 1.7.1944 Oberstleutnant; 18.10.1944 awarded Oak Leaves; 23.12.1944 CO, Fallschirmjäger battle group, PoW Ardennes (US); 23.2.1945 Trent Park. Repatriated 12.7.1947. After war entered politics (CSU 1947), Professor in Law, universities of Mainz and Würzburg (1951–54), Judge, Koblenz (1954–59). Died Aham, Landshut, 7.7.1994.

The only assessment is that of 15.11.1939: ‘Very impassioned officer characterised by flexibility, verve and a pronounced mental attitude for operations. Relishes independent decision making and responsibility. Open, decorous in opinions, reliable. To summarise, a personality of probably high warrior-like quality.’

CSDIC (UK) opinion: ‘Von der Heydte was an enthusiastic Nazi until he was disillusioned in 1933/34, when he became strongly anti-Nazi. He is believed to be genuinely anxious to cooperate with the Allies to bring the war to an end. He gave a lot of information on the German paratroops and their part in the Ardennes counter-attack.’

GENERALLEUTNANT RÜDIGER VON HEYKING

Born Rastenburg/East Prussia, 10.1.1894. Entered Army 22.3.1914. WWI: Platoon and comp. cdr, Inf.Reg.85; 1918 Leutnant, observer KG 2. Reichswehr: Kraftfahrt.Abt.4 (mot.); 1.4.1934 transferred Luftwaffe; 1.1.1939 Oberst. WWII: 3.2.1938–24.2.1940 CO, Fliegerausbildungs-Reg. 2 (aircrew training); 24.2.1940–1941 CO, KG zbV2; 1.11.1941 Generalmajor; 1.7.1943 Generalleutnant; 24.22.1942–4.11.1943 CO, 6.Luftwaffe-Feld-Div., then Führer-Reserve; 20.3.1944 awarded German Cross in Gold; 30.4.1944 CO, 6.Fallschirmjäger-Div.; 3.9.1944 PoW Mons (British); 26.9.1944 Trent Park; May 1945 to USA. Repatriated June 1947. Died Bad Godesberg, 18.2.1956.

Assessed on 14.4.43: ‘Generalmajor v. Heyking has led the Division since 26.11.1942. He is a strong, vigorous personality, commander-type. From the first day on has held the reins of his Division very tightly. Well-liked by his subordinates. Enjoys being at the front, always well forward, quick to adapt to new situations. Master of the principles of military tactics and is able to explain them in training. Proven National Socialist.’

CSDIC (UK) opinion: ‘Von Heyking is quite friendly and to a great extent cooperative in his attitude to Allied officers. He thinks the war is definitely lost and is disillusioned and disgusted by the commands of Higher HQ.’

GENERALLEUTNANT RUDOLF HOLSTE