# Erich von Manstein

> German field marshal (1887-1973)

**Wikidata**: [Q57135](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q57135)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erich_von_Manstein)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/erich-von-manstein

## Summary
Erich von Manstein was a German field marshal and one of the most prominent military leaders of Nazi Germany during World War II. Known for his strategic brilliance, he played a key role in major campaigns such as the invasion of France (1940) and the Eastern Front battles, including the Siege of Sevastopol and the Battle of Stalingrad. His contributions to military strategy, particularly the Manstein Plan, significantly influenced the early successes of the German war effort.

## Biography
- **Born**: November 24, 1887
- **Nationality**: German
- **Known for**: Military leadership during World War II, including the Manstein Plan and key battles on the Eastern Front
- **Employer(s)**: German Army (Wehrmacht), 11th Army
- **Field(s)**: Military strategy, warfare

## Contributions
Erich von Manstein is best known for his strategic contributions during World War II. He developed the **Manstein Plan**, a pivotal strategy that led to the rapid defeat of France in 1940. As commander of the **11th Army**, he oversaw the **Siege of Sevastopol** (1941–1942) and played a critical role in the **Battle of Stalingrad** (1942). His leadership was instrumental in the **Third Battle of Kharkov** (1943) and the **Battle of Kursk** (1943), two of the largest tank battles in history. Additionally, he was involved in the **Battle of the Dnieper** (1943) and the **Siege of Leningrad** (1941–1944).

## FAQs
### What was Erich von Manstein's role in World War II?
Erich von Manstein was a field marshal in the German Army (Wehrmacht) and one of the most influential military strategists of World War II. He is best known for the **Manstein Plan**, which led to the swift conquest of France in 1940, and his leadership in major Eastern Front battles, including the **Siege of Sevastopol** and the **Battle of Stalingrad**.

### What was the Manstein Plan?
The **Manstein Plan** was a strategic military operation devised by Erich von Manstein during the **Battle of France** (1940). It involved a bold armored thrust through the Ardennes Forest, bypassing the heavily fortified Maginot Line and encircling Allied forces, leading to a decisive German victory.

### Which major battles did Erich von Manstein command?
Manstein commanded forces in several key battles, including the **Siege of Sevastopol** (1941–1942), the **Battle of Stalingrad** (1942), the **Third Battle of Kharkov** (1943), and the **Battle of Kursk** (1943). He also played a role in the **Siege of Leningrad** (1941–1944) and the **Battle of the Dnieper** (1943).

### What awards did Erich von Manstein receive?
Manstein received numerous military decorations, including the **Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross**, the **Hanseatic Cross**, the **Honour Cross of the World War 1914/1918**, the **Eastern Medal**, and the **Wehrmacht Long Service Award**.

### When did Erich von Manstein die?
Erich von Manstein died on **June 10, 1973**, at the age of 85.

## Why They Matter
Erich von Manstein was one of the most skilled military strategists of World War II, shaping the course of major campaigns through innovative tactics like the **Manstein Plan**. His leadership in battles such as **Stalingrad** and **Kursk** demonstrated his ability to adapt to changing battlefield conditions, influencing modern military doctrine. While controversial due to his association with Nazi Germany, his strategic brilliance remains a subject of study in military history.

## Notable For
- **Manstein Plan**: The decisive strategy that led to Germany's victory in the **Battle of France** (1940).
- **Commander of the 11th Army**: Led the **Siege of Sevastopol** (1941–1942) and other key Eastern Front battles.
- **Field Marshal**: One of the highest-ranking military leaders in Nazi Germany.
- **Military Decorations**: Recipient of the **Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross**, **Hanseatic Cross**, and other prestigious awards.
- **Strategic Influence**: His tactics and leadership continue to be studied in military academies worldwide.

## Body
### Early Life and Military Career
Erich von Manstein was born on **November 24, 1887**, into a noble Prussian military family. He began his military career in **1906** and served in **World War I**, earning the **Hanseatic Cross** for his service. After the war, he remained in the German Army, rising through the ranks during the interwar period.

### World War II and Key Campaigns
Manstein's most significant contributions came during **World War II**. He is best known for the **Manstein Plan**, which led to the rapid defeat of France in **1940**. As commander of the **11th Army**, he oversaw the **Siege of Sevastopol** (1941–1942), a brutal but successful campaign against Soviet forces. He also played a crucial role in the **Battle of Stalingrad** (1942), though the battle ultimately ended in a catastrophic German defeat.

In **1943**, Manstein led German forces in the **Third Battle of Kharkov**, a major counteroffensive against the Soviet Red Army. He also participated in the **Battle of Kursk**, one of the largest tank battles in history, and the **Battle of the Dnieper**, where German forces attempted to halt Soviet advances.

### Awards and Recognition
Manstein received numerous military honors, including:
- **Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross** (highest military award of Nazi Germany)
- **Hanseatic Cross** (awarded during World War I)
- **Honour Cross of the World War 1914/1918** (for service in World War I)
- **Eastern Medal** (for service on the Eastern Front)
- **Wehrmacht Long Service Award** (for prolonged military service)

### Later Life and Legacy
After the war, Manstein was captured by British forces and convicted of war crimes in **1949**, though he was later released. He died on **June 10, 1973**, leaving behind a complex legacy as one of Germany's most brilliant military strategists, despite his association with the Nazi regime. His tactics and leadership continue to be analyzed in military history and strategy studies.

## References

1. Source
2. Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija Online
3. BnF authorities
4. Integrated Authority File
5. Genealogics
6. TracesOfWar
7. International Standard Name Identifier
8. CiNii Research
9. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
10. SNAC
11. Find a Grave
12. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
13. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
14. Croatian Encyclopedia
15. Munzinger Personen
16. [Nuremberg Trials Project](https://nuremberg.law.harvard.edu/documents/151682-title-page-table-of-contents?q=laternser#p.1)
17. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
18. Virtual International Authority File
19. CONOR.SI
20. Quora
21. [Source](http://purl.org/pressemappe20/beaconlist/pe)
22. LIBRIS. 2013
23. Sejm-Wielki.pl
24. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands
25. Regional Database of the Central Bohemian Research Library in Kladno
26. Catalogo of the National Library of India