Gerd von Rundstedt was born in 1875 at
Aschersleben in Saxony, the son of a
Hussar Officer who later became a
Major General. At the tender age of
twelve Gerd entered the cadet military
academy, then rose to command the
German army.
Field Marshall Gerd Von Rundstedt
1875-1953
Twelve years of age his career began
quickly maturing from boy to man.
A junior ensign at just seventeen
quickly adapting to military routine.
Sardonic by nature, true to his line
inefficiency quick to malign.
Standard uniform studiously dressed
military know how his family blessed.
A Major General his father became
Gerd determined to better his game.
Gaining experience through the Great War
surviving this as Company Major.
Not a supporter of Nazi success
But government orders he would address.
In 'thirty two came Marshall Law
social democrats made to withdraw.
Conflicting earnestly with Hitlers men
calling Hitler a comedian.
Taking retirment in 'thirty eight
Hitler then would reinstate.
Making him commander of Army Group North
into Poland he immediately set forth.
Polands defeat a great success
But Rundstedt disliking the murderous SS.
Getting a move away from them
torture and cruelty he did condemn.
With Army Group South he took command
leading the invasion of Russian land.
Barbarossa initially a great success
but winters chill the Russians would bless.
Rundstedt requested to withdraw his men
to re-equip and attend to them.
Hitler refused and ordered them on
orchestrating his own swan song.
Sacking Rundstedt on the spot
Rundstedt lucky not to be shot.
Reinstated the very next year
Supreme Commander showing no fear.
Arguing with Hitler, Goering as well
Hitler again bid him farewell.
In 'fourty four reinstated again
as Supreme Commander he would remain
Hitler demanding Gurd stop the rot
at last conceding he’d lost the plot.
Never tried at Nuremburgh
a soldiers soldier, undeterred.
Sraight, honest, the thinking kind
one of the few that kept his mind.
jb
Aschersleben in Saxony, the son of a
Hussar Officer who later became a
Major General. At the tender age of
twelve Gerd entered the cadet military
academy, then rose to command the
German army.
Field Marshall Gerd Von Rundstedt
1875-1953
Twelve years of age his career began
quickly maturing from boy to man.
A junior ensign at just seventeen
quickly adapting to military routine.
Sardonic by nature, true to his line
inefficiency quick to malign.
Standard uniform studiously dressed
military know how his family blessed.
A Major General his father became
Gerd determined to better his game.
Gaining experience through the Great War
surviving this as Company Major.
Not a supporter of Nazi success
But government orders he would address.
In 'thirty two came Marshall Law
social democrats made to withdraw.
Conflicting earnestly with Hitlers men
calling Hitler a comedian.
Taking retirment in 'thirty eight
Hitler then would reinstate.
Making him commander of Army Group North
into Poland he immediately set forth.
Polands defeat a great success
But Rundstedt disliking the murderous SS.
Getting a move away from them
torture and cruelty he did condemn.
With Army Group South he took command
leading the invasion of Russian land.
Barbarossa initially a great success
but winters chill the Russians would bless.
Rundstedt requested to withdraw his men
to re-equip and attend to them.
Hitler refused and ordered them on
orchestrating his own swan song.
Sacking Rundstedt on the spot
Rundstedt lucky not to be shot.
Reinstated the very next year
Supreme Commander showing no fear.
Arguing with Hitler, Goering as well
Hitler again bid him farewell.
In 'fourty four reinstated again
as Supreme Commander he would remain
Hitler demanding Gurd stop the rot
at last conceding he’d lost the plot.
Never tried at Nuremburgh
a soldiers soldier, undeterred.
Sraight, honest, the thinking kind
one of the few that kept his mind.
jb
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