"Revision of the Western Campaign's Historical Narrative is Necessary"
Rebranding Manstein: Rewriting the Chronicles of a Wartime Strategist
Field Marshal Erich von Manstein, known as the embodiment of the flawless yet politically neutral strategist, continues to captivate minds, thanks to the allure of the "spotless Wehrmacht" myth. This stoic figure led German forces during the invasion of France and later tackled pivotal points on the Eastern Front, including Stalingrad, Kharkov, and Kursk. In 1944, despite repeated disagreements with Adolf Hitler, he was ousted from command. His stint as a British prisoner of war lasted 18 years, followed by a subsequent role as advisor to the Bundeswehr.
Historian Roman Töppell has unearthed Manstein's previously hidden wartime diaries and correspondence with his wife. In an exclusive interview with ntv.de, Töppell articulates why it's high time to dismantle the Manstein myth.
ntv.de: Hello, Mr. Töppell, congrats on your new book featuring Manstein's concealed wartime records. How did this project come to life?
Roman Töppell: The heritage of Erich von Manstein laid in the hands of his youngest son, Rüdiger, who extended access to just a select few. While conducting research for my book on the Battle of Kursk (2017), I reached out to Rüdiger and received a positive response. He then granted me materials from the war year of 1943. Towards the end of 2018, Rüdiger contacted me, proposing that I work with the entire collection. I established contractual conditions to ensure my utter independence from the family in the process.
What were the obstacles you faced in your research?
To my surprise, the sheer volume of data was the main challenge. Manstein's diary spans around 250 Word pages. The couple exchanged around 2,400 letters between 1939 and 1944, with approximately 2,200 that still exist. Boxes full of military papers and Manstein's distinctive handwriting added to the challenge.
Are there any signs of self-censorship and self-aggrandizement?
Definitely. I believe Manstein kept diaries and amassed documents to author his memoirs later. In his love letters, a clear sense of self-censorship is discernible. He appears to soften his descriptions in an attempt to spare his wife's feelings. Self-aggrandizement occurs in Manstein's memoirs.
How does it manifest?
In his memoirs, Manstein oversights, misrepresents, or rearranges facts differently than he'd recorded in his diaries. For instance, Manstein never doubted Hitler's leadership at any point in his diaries, but criticized him in his memoirs.
As per your earlier statement, your research will "flip the Western Campaign on its head." Could you elaborate on that?
The most prevalent myth is that the Wehrmacht followed Manstein's modified operations plan during the invasion of France. However, that is untrue. The so-called "Sickle Cut Plan” doesn't originate from Manstein, but rather Hitler. My research reveals that Halder, the Chief of Staff, poorly drafted the plan, which was successful only due to the Allies’ tactical and operational pitfalls. Conversely, Manstein developed more refined and sophisticated strategies.
Is a Rewrite of the History of the Western Campaign Necessary?
Possibly, yes. The individuals instrumental in the campaign planning and execution appear to be different from the previously held image. The legend of Manstein emerged after the war, as many former generals attempted to portray a capable, honorable Wehrmacht. One might argue that Halder was the professional strategist, while Hitler was a rookie responsible for all the errors and atrocities.
How did Manstein Perceive the Wehrmacht Leadership and Hitler?
He criticized Army High Command, especially Halder, in his diaries multiple times - not Hitler. In fact, it's intriguing as it contradicts his later depiction in his memoirs. Other officers sharing his insights painted a bleak picture of Halder. Manstein occasionally criticized Hitler, but solely on military matters. He never rebelled politically.
What was His Attitude Towards National Socialism?
Manstein came across as a naive, apolitical soldier. In a letter dated November 1939, he lamented to his wife that the Allies had made defeating National Socialism their stated goal. He seemed unaware that National Socialism represented a criminal ideology.
Have Your Views of Manstein Changed Throughout this Process?
Undoubtedly. Prior to this, Manstein was in my mind as a cool, detached military planner. However, his letters reveal a caring husband and father who adored his family, while his diaries underscore his strategic prowess. I found myself asking: "How could Manstein anticipate so far ahead in his planning?" Remarkable talent indeed.
Did Manstein Also Address German War Crimes and the Holocaust?
Not in his diaries. However, a letter from June 1943 exists where he discusses a conversation with the Army Group South's priest. The clergyman implies that God will punish the German people for their crimes against the Jews. Manstein responds: "The Jews are to blame for themselves; they started the war." Evidently, Manstein absorbed Nazi propaganda propaganda narrative.
Interviewed by Janis Peitsch
Source: ntv.de
- Cool-Headed Strategist
- Jutta-Sibylle von Manstein
- World War II Battlegrounds
- Nazi Ideology
- Adolf Hitler
- The Wehrmacht
- Germany
- Roman Töppell's research on Erich von Manstein's wartime diaries and correspondence with his wife has uncovered evidence that challenges the myth of Manstein as a politically neutral cool-headed strategist, revealing self-censorship, self-aggrandizement, and a naive attitude towards Nazi ideology.
- The historical narrative surrounding Manstein's role in the Western Campaign is questioned by Töppell's findings, as it seems the "Sickle Cut Plan” was not his creation but a poorly drafted plan by Halder, and Manstein may have actually developed more sophisticated strategies.
