When fascism reaches its mad frenzy it starts consuming its own flesh.
Erwin Rommel, Nazi Germany's most decorated Field Marshal, was facing it on October 14, 1944 when two of Hitler's aides have given him three choices in which suicide was on top. They have even brought a cyanide capsule for him.
Unlike the other generals of Wehrmacht (German Army) who mostly hailed from aristocracy, Rommel carved his way to become a military genius from humble background. His method of penetrating into enemy lines and quickly reaching flanks to throw surprise attack from rear has turned him a national hero by end of World War 1. His book on Infantry Attacks is famous text book in military schools.
Hitler had great admiration for Rommel and vice versa because they were aware that both of them came from streets.
Post WWI, while Hitler blamed Bolshevik and Jews for all the unrest, thereby fanning nationalism for his manipulation, Rommel knew it was the hungry stomachs causing that all.
In spite of admiring Hitler, its still doubtful how much Rommel imbibed his Fuhrer's ideology. Rommel's Africa Corps have a reputation of treating the Prisoners of War with dignity and not indulging in war crimes especially against Jews. Rommel still date is a discussion of complexity.
After the failed 'July Plot' to assassinate Hitler by Claus von Stauffenberg and team, Hitler and his aides initiated a largest purge and killed some 20000 Germans and the purge has come to Rommel's house. Though adored by his soldiers and subordinates, the Field Marshall had many enemies in high circle close to Führer. Couple of conspirators spurted out his name during interrogation though its widely believed Rommel had no role in the plot. There were numerous attempts on Hitler in the past and Wehrmacht staffers were aware of it.
He was given choices of committing suicide whereby his family and staff would be spared or he face 'Public Court' (our courts are actually heading here) for a 'trial'.
Rommel chose to kill self and save family and staff. For having missed to plan for Normandy action, he was expecting a suspension in fact (he returned home for wife's bday that day) and for all the adulation he had for Hitler, he could never believe he was given a death warrant. It is said the Field Marshall had a smile of contempt on his face post death, may be he knew where his Fuhrer was heading to.
No matter what, Rommel's legacy lives even today and so the notoriety of Hitler. For all the good skills Rommel had, he believed a wrong 'leader'.
Pic courtesy: Wikipedia. Rommel pushes his car caught in slush along with his staff. His leadership style was to lead from front and treat his subordinates with respect, a trait I aspire.
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