Who was Wilhelm Keitel?

Wilhelm Keitel was a German field marshal and the chief of the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht (OKW), the high command of Nazi Germany's armed forces, throughout World War II. He was responsible for signing numerous criminal orders that led to widespread war crimes.

What was Keitel's primary role during World War II?

As chief of the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht (OKW), Keitel was the head of Nazi Germany's armed forces. His primary role involved executing Adolf Hitler's military and political directives, which included signing orders that led to significant war crimes and atrocities.

What was the ultimate fate of Wilhelm Keitel after World War II?

Following the war, Wilhelm Keitel was indicted as a major war criminal by the International Military Tribunal in Nuremberg. He was found guilty on all counts and sentenced to death, being executed by hanging in 1946.

On what charges was Wilhelm Keitel convicted at the Nuremberg trials?

Wilhelm Keitel was convicted on all four counts of the indictment: conspiracy to commit crimes against peace, crimes against aggression, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. These charges stemmed from his direct involvement in issuing orders that resulted in widespread illegal actions and atrocities.

What nickname did Wilhelm Keitel acquire among his military colleagues, and why?

Keitel was reviled by many of his military colleagues and acquired the nickname "Lakeitel." This was a pun derived from the German word "Lakai" (meaning lackey or sycophant) and his surname, reflecting his perceived subservience to Adolf Hitler.

When and where was Wilhelm Keitel born?

Wilhelm Keitel was born on September 22, 1882, in Helmscherode, a village in the Duchy of Brunswick, Germany.

What were Wilhelm Keitel's early interests and initial career aspirations?

As a young man, Keitel was interested in hunting, riding horses, and farming. He initially planned to take over his family's estates but was prevented by his father's refusal to retire, leading him to pursue a military career.

When did Wilhelm Keitel begin his military career, and in which branch?

Keitel embarked on his military career in 1901, joining the Prussian Army as an officer cadet. Due to his commoner background, he entered a field artillery regiment rather than the cavalry.

What was Keitel's experience during World War I?

During World War I, Keitel served on the Western Front, participating in the fighting in Flanders. He sustained a severe wound during this period and was later posted to the staff of an infantry division.

What was Keitel's role in the post-World War I German military (Reichswehr)?

After World War I, Keitel was retained in the Reichswehr. He played a part in organizing paramilitary Freikorps units along the Polish border and later served in the Truppenamt (Troop Office), the disguised German General Staff, at the Ministry of the Reichswehr.

How did Keitel's career progress in the lead-up to World War II?

Keitel was assigned to the Ministry of the Reichswehr again in 1929, eventually heading the Organizational Department. He played a significant role in German rearmament and traveled to the Soviet Union to inspect secret training camps. He later held command positions in infantry divisions before his rise to the high command.

What health issues did Keitel experience in 1932?

In the autumn of 1932, Keitel suffered a heart attack and double pneumonia, from which he later recovered.

When was Wilhelm Keitel appointed Chief of the Armed Forces Office (Wehrmachtsamt)?

Wilhelm Keitel was appointed chief of the Reich Ministry of War's Armed Forces Office in 1935, at the recommendation of General Werner von Fritsch.

What role did Keitel play in the Blomberg-Fritsch affair?

Keitel received evidence that War Minister Werner von Blomberg's wife had a past as a prostitute. He forwarded this information to Hermann Göring, who used it to force Blomberg's resignation, paving the way for Hitler to take direct command of the Wehrmacht.

What was Keitel's official status when he became Chief of the OKW, and did he hold cabinet rank?

Although not officially appointed a Reich Minister, Keitel was granted cabinet-level rank when he became chief of the OKW, signifying his importance within Hitler's regime.

How did Keitel's appointment as Chief of the OKW surprise the German General Staff?

Keitel's appointment as chief of staff of the OKW, following Werner von Blomberg's recommendation, surprised many, including Keitel himself and the existing General Staff, as he was seen more as an administrator than a strategic leader.

What was the general perception of Wilhelm Keitel's capabilities among his peers?

Keitel was widely criticized by his military peers for his perceived lack of intellect and strategic acumen. He was often described as Hitler's "yes-man" and earned nicknames like "Lakeitel" (lackey) and was famously characterized by Hermann Göring as having "a sergeant's mind inside a field marshal's body."

Why was Keitel considered a "yes-man" by his colleagues?

Keitel was known for his unwavering loyalty and subservience to Adolf Hitler, readily agreeing with and implementing Hitler's directives without significant challenge. This willingness to act as Hitler's mouthpiece, rather than his own strategic judgment, led to his promotion and his reputation as a "yes-man."

What was Keitel's role in the Council of Ministers for the Defense of the Reich?

On August 30, 1939, immediately before World War II began, Keitel was appointed as one of the six members of the Council of Ministers for the Defense of the Reich, which functioned as a war cabinet.

What significant military event did Keitel help negotiate the terms for?

Keitel conducted the negotiations for the French armistice following Germany's swift defeat of France in the Battle of France in 1940.

When was Wilhelm Keitel promoted to the rank of Field Marshal (Generalfeldmarschall)?

Keitel was promoted to the rank of Generalfeldmarschall on July 19, 1940, shortly after the successful conclusion of the Battle of France.

What was Keitel's involvement in the planning of Operation Barbarossa?

Keitel was present at key conferences discussing the invasion of the Soviet Union (Operation Barbarossa) in July 1940. He dismissed concerns raised by Georg Thomas regarding fuel and rubber supplies, ensuring that studies presented to Hitler offered a favorable outlook on the invasion.

What was the "Committee of Three," and what was Keitel's role in it?

In January 1943, a three-man committee was formed to centralize control of the war economy and the home front. Keitel, along with Hans Lammers (Chief of the Reich Chancellery) and Martin Bormann (Chief of the Party Chancellery), were its members. However, the committee had little autonomy and ultimately proved ineffective.

How did Keitel participate in the aftermath of the 20 July plot in 1944?

Following the failed assassination attempt on Hitler, Keitel served on the army's "court of honour." This court was responsible for handing over numerous officers implicated in the plot, including Field Marshal Erwin von Witzleben, to Roland Freisler's People's Court for trial.

What was Keitel's role in the final days of World War II in Europe?

During the Battle of Berlin in April and May 1945, Keitel called for counterattacks that were impossible due to insufficient forces. After Hitler's suicide, he remained a member of the short-lived Flensburg Government under Grand Admiral Karl Dönitz.

When and where did Keitel sign the German Instrument of Surrender?

Wilhelm Keitel signed the German Instrument of Surrender on May 8, 1945, in Karlshorst, a suburb of Berlin. This marked the official end of World War II in Europe.

What was Keitel's knowledge and role regarding the invasion of Poland and subsequent atrocities?

Keitel had full knowledge of the criminal nature of the invasion of Poland, which included plans for mass arrests, population transfers, and murder. He did not contest the regime's actions or the role of the Einsatzgruppen in the killings, and he continued to ignore protests from within the officer corps.

When did Keitel begin issuing criminal orders, and what was their general nature?

Starting in April 1941, Keitel issued a series of criminal orders. These directives went beyond standard military conduct, broadly permitting the execution of Jews, civilians, and non-combatants without fear of prosecution for those carrying out the acts.

How did Keitel respond to military lawyers who questioned the treatment of Soviet prisoners of war?

When military lawyers argued that Soviet prisoners of war should be treated according to the Geneva Conventions, Keitel rebuffed them, stating that such concerns reflected outdated "wars of chivalry" and that their job was to suppress a way of life.

What was the significance of Keitel's September 1941 order regarding the Eastern Front?

In September 1941, Keitel issued an order emphasizing the need for "ruthless and energetic action against the Jews, the main carriers of Bolshevism," on the Eastern Front. He also issued a directive for commanders to use "unusual severity" against resistance, suggesting executions of 50 to 100 "Communists" for each German soldier lost.

What was the "Night and Fog" Decree, and what was Keitel's role in its implementation?

The "Night and Fog" Decree was a directive issued by Hitler in December 1941, which Keitel signed. It aimed to suppress resistance in occupied territories by making perceived offenders disappear without a trace, either through execution or imprisonment in concentration camps, thereby creating an atmosphere of terror.

What did the "Commando Order," signed by Keitel, authorize?

The Commando Order, signed by Keitel in October 1942, directed German forces to kill Allied commandos and saboteurs immediately upon capture, even if they were in uniform and had surrendered. This order violated international laws of war.

What was Keitel's stance on the deportation of Jews for extermination?

In September 1942, Keitel formally endorsed the ongoing deportations of Jews, stating that their "evacuation... must be carried out thoroughly and its consequences endured, despite any trouble it may cause over the next three or four months." This demonstrated his acceptance and facilitation of the Holocaust.

What medical conditions did Keitel suffer from prior to his trial?

Before his trial at Nuremberg, Keitel was reported to be suffering from high blood pressure, varicose veins, and dysentery.

What was the primary basis for the prosecution's case against Keitel at the Nuremberg trials?

The majority of the case against Keitel at the Nuremberg trials was based on the numerous orders he signed that called for the killing or "disappearance" of soldiers and political prisoners.

Did Keitel admit to knowledge of illegal orders during his trial?

Yes, during his trial at Nuremberg, Keitel admitted that he was aware that many of Hitler's orders were illegal.

What was Keitel's primary defense strategy at the Nuremberg trials?

Keitel's defense strategy relied heavily on the argument that he was merely following orders, acting in accordance with the Führerprinzip (leader principle) and his personal oath of loyalty to Hitler. This is commonly known as the "superior orders" defense.

Did the Nuremberg Military Tribunal accept Keitel's defense of "following orders"?

No, the International Military Tribunal (IMT) rejected Keitel's defense. They found that his crimes were so egregious that "superior orders" could not be considered a mitigating factor, especially since he consciously and ruthlessly carried out shocking and extensive crimes without military justification.

What did the IMT judgment state about Keitel's issuance of illegal orders?

The IMT judgment noted that Keitel had issued several illegal orders on his own authority, further undermining his defense of merely following orders.

What was Keitel's statement regarding the atrocities committed during the war?

In his statement to the Tribunal, Keitel claimed that the atrocities developed "one from the other, step by step, and without any foreknowledge of the consequences, destiny took its tragic course." This statement suggested a lack of personal responsibility or foresight.

Why was Keitel denied his request for execution by firing squad?

The Allies denied Keitel's request to be executed by firing squad to underscore the criminal nature of his actions, rather than treating him as a soldier merely carrying out military duties. He was executed by hanging.

Who performed Wilhelm Keitel's execution?

Wilhelm Keitel was executed by hanging by U.S. Army Master Sergeant John C. Woods at Nuremberg Prison.

What were Keitel's last words before his execution?

Keitel's last words were: "I call on God Almighty to have mercy on the German people. More than two million German soldiers went to their death for the fatherland before me. I follow now my sons – all for Germany."

What issues arose during the execution of Keitel and other condemned men?

The trap door used for the executions was reportedly too small, causing Keitel and several other condemned men to suffer head injuries upon falling. Additionally, the drop was insufficient for some, leading to prolonged convulsions, which for Keitel lasted 24 minutes.

What happened to the remains of Keitel and the other executed Nazi leaders?

Following their execution, the bodies of Keitel and the other nine executed men were cremated at Ostfriedhof in Munich, and their ashes were scattered into the Isar River. This was done to prevent their graves from becoming sites of pilgrimage.

What were the titles of Wilhelm Keitel's published memoirs?

Before his execution, Keitel published his memoirs, titled "In the Service of the Reich," which was later re-edited and published as "The Memoirs of Field-Marshal Keitel."

What other work by Keitel was published in English?

Another work by Keitel published in English was titled "Questionnaire on the Ardennes Offensive."

What was Wilhelm Keitel's familial connection to J. Robert Oppenheimer's wife?

Wilhelm Keitel was the uncle of Katherine "Kitty" Oppenheimer, the wife of physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, who directed the Los Alamos Laboratory during the Manhattan Project. The Manhattan Project was the World War II effort that developed the first atomic bombs.

How has Wilhelm Keitel been depicted in films?

Wilhelm Keitel has been frequently depicted in films about World War II. Notable portrayals include Dieter Mann in "Downfall" and Gerd Michael Henneberg in several Soviet-East German co-productions.

What was the purpose of the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht (OKW)?

The Oberkommando der Wehrmacht (OKW) was the high command of Nazi Germany's armed forces during World War II. It was established by Adolf Hitler in 1938, replacing the previous Reich Ministry of War, and Keitel served as its chief. The OKW was responsible for coordinating the army, navy, and air force under Hitler's overall command.

Wilhelm Keitel Wiki: Wilhelm Keitel: The Field Marshal's Burden of Command

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Early Life and Career

Origins

Wilhelm Bodewin Johann Gustav Keitel was born on 22 September 1882, in Helmscherode, Duchy of Brunswick. Initially interested in farming and taking over his family's estates, his path diverged when his father did not retire. This led him to pursue a military career, joining the Prussian Army as an officer cadet in 1901.

Military Foundation

Keitel served in an artillery regiment and later as an adjutant. His early career included service on the Western Front during World War I, where he was wounded. Post-war, he was retained in the Reichswehr, participating in the organization of Freikorps units and serving in the Truppenamt, the disguised German General Staff.

Ministry and Rearmament

By 1929, Keitel was back in the War Ministry, heading the Organizational Department. He played a crucial role in German rearmament, traveling to the Soviet Union to inspect secret training camps. After recovering from illness, he held field commands before his significant promotion in the mid-1930s.

Rise to Supreme Command

Armed Forces Office

In 1935, Keitel was appointed chief of the Armed Forces Office (Wehrmachtsamt) within the Reich Ministry of War. This position gave him oversight of the army, navy, and air force, marking a significant step in his ascent within the German military hierarchy.

Chief of OKW

Following the Blomberg-Fritsch affair in 1938, Adolf Hitler dissolved the Ministry of War and established the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht (OKW), the Supreme Command of the Armed Forces. Keitel was appointed its chief, effectively becoming Hitler's principal military advisor and the highest-ranking officer in the Wehrmacht, despite lacking significant strategic acumen.

Hitler's Instrument

Keitel's loyalty to Hitler was absolute. He was known for his subservience, earning him the nickname "Lakeitel" (a pun on "lackey"). His primary function became relaying Hitler's directives and ensuring their execution, often bypassing established military protocols and channels.

Peer Assessment

Limited Intellect

Keitel was widely criticized by his military peers for his perceived lack of strategic depth and his sycophantic behavior towards Hitler. Field Marshal Ewald von Kleist famously dismissed him as a "stupid follower of Hitler."

"Sergeant's Mind"

Hermann Göring's description of Keitel as having "a sergeant's mind inside a field marshal's body" reflected a common sentiment among senior officers. His promotions were largely attributed to his unwavering obedience rather than military brilliance.

Loyalty Over Competence

Hitler valued Keitel's diligence and obedience, seeing him as a loyal "dog." This personal loyalty, coupled with his willingness to act as Hitler's mouthpiece, secured his position despite his limitations, leading many officers to bypass him and appeal directly to Hitler.

World War II Operations

Pre-War and Invasion Planning

Keitel was instrumental in planning the invasion of Poland and subsequent campaigns. He was appointed to the Council of Ministers for the Defense of the Reich, acting as a key figure in Hitler's war cabinet. His role involved translating Hitler's strategic visions into operational orders.

Field Marshal Promotion

Following the swift victory in the Battle of France in 1940, Keitel was promoted to Field Marshal. He personally negotiated the armistice terms with France, further solidifying his position within the Nazi regime.

Operation Barbarossa and Beyond

Keitel played a significant role in the planning and execution of Operation Barbarossa, the invasion of the Soviet Union. He dismissed concerns about logistical challenges, prioritizing Hitler's directives. He also participated in committees attempting to centralize war economy control, though these efforts proved largely ineffective.

Complicity in Atrocities

Criminal Orders

Keitel's signature appeared on numerous criminal orders and directives that facilitated widespread war crimes and crimes against humanity. These included orders authorizing the execution of civilians, prisoners of war, and Jews, often with impunity for perpetrators.

Guidelines for the Conduct of the Troops in Russia (1941): Explicitly linked Jews with Bolshevism and sanctioned ruthless action against them.
Commando Order (1942): Authorized the immediate execution of captured enemy special operations troops, even when in uniform.
Night and Fog Decree (1941): Mandated the disappearance of political dissidents from occupied territories, transferring them to Germany for secret trials or direct handover to the Gestapo.

Holocaust Involvement

Keitel's directives actively contributed to the Holocaust. He endorsed the SS's control over Jewish forced labor and reiterated that the "evacuation of the Jews must be carried out thoroughly." His orders radicalized occupational policies and deeply enmeshed the Wehrmacht in the genocide.

Justification and Denial

Despite his direct involvement, Keitel later attempted to justify his actions by citing Hitler's "leader principle" and his personal oath of loyalty. However, the International Military Tribunal rejected this defense, noting his conscious, ruthless, and unexcused participation in shocking crimes.

Nuremberg Trials and Execution

Indictment and Conviction

Following the war, Keitel was indicted on all four counts at the Nuremberg trials: conspiracy to commit crimes against peace, war crimes, crimes against aggression, and crimes against humanity. His defense of "following orders" was deemed insufficient given the scale and nature of the crimes he knowingly facilitated.

Sentence and Execution

The International Military Tribunal found Keitel guilty on all charges. The tribunal explicitly stated that his crimes were so egregious that "there is nothing in mitigation." He was sentenced to death and executed by hanging on 16 October 1946.

Keitel's final words expressed a prayer for the German people and a sense of following his sons. The execution was carried out by hanging, and the Allies denied his request for a firing squad, emphasizing the criminal rather than military nature of his offenses. The execution process itself was reportedly flawed, causing physical injury.

Historical Footprint

Memoirs

Before his execution, Keitel published his memoirs, later re-edited and published as "The Memoirs of Field-Marshal Keitel." He also provided a questionnaire on the Ardennes Offensive.

Portrayals

Keitel has been depicted in numerous films and documentaries about World War II and the Nazi era, often portrayed as the archetypal obedient but morally compromised military functionary. Notable portrayals include those in "Downfall" and various Soviet-East German co-productions.

Family Connection

Interestingly, Keitel was the uncle of Katherine "Kitty" Oppenheimer, the wife of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the scientific director of the Manhattan Project.

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References

Kane 2004, p. 708.

Railton, Nicholas M. "Henry Gerecke and the Saints of Nuremberg". Kirchliche Zeitgeschichte, vol. 13, no. 1, 2000, pp. 112â137. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/43750887. Accessed 8 February 2021.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Wilhelm Keitel Wikipedia page

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This is not a historical justification or endorsement. The information provided on this website details the actions and consequences related to historical figures and events. It is crucial to approach this content with critical historical perspective, recognizing the profound suffering caused by the actions described.

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Wilhelm Keitel: The Burden of Command

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Early Life and Career 📜

🏡 Origins

⚔️ Military Foundation

🏛️ Ministry and Rearmament

Rise to Supreme Command ⭐

⬆️ Armed Forces Office

👑 Chief of OKW

🤝 Hitler's Instrument

Peer Assessment 🗣️

👎 Limited Intellect

🤔 "Sergeant's Mind"

🐶 Loyalty Over Competence

World War II Operations 🌍

📜 Pre-War and Invasion Planning

🎖️ Field Marshal Promotion

➡️ Operation Barbarossa and Beyond

Complicity in Atrocities ⚖️

🚫 Criminal Orders

🔥 Holocaust Involvement

🛡️ Justification and Denial

Nuremberg Trials and Execution ⛓️

⚖️ Indictment and Conviction

💀 Sentence and Execution

Historical Footprint ⏳

📖 Memoirs

🎬 Portrayals

🔗 Family Connection

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Early Life and Career

Origins

Military Foundation

Ministry and Rearmament

Rise to Supreme Command

Armed Forces Office

Chief of OKW

Hitler's Instrument

Peer Assessment

Limited Intellect

"Sergeant's Mind"

Loyalty Over Competence

World War II Operations

Pre-War and Invasion Planning

Field Marshal Promotion

Operation Barbarossa and Beyond

Complicity in Atrocities

Criminal Orders

Holocaust Involvement

Justification and Denial

Nuremberg Trials and Execution

Indictment and Conviction

Sentence and Execution

Historical Footprint

Memoirs

Portrayals

Family Connection

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice