Deaths on February 5

Johannes Blaskowitz, German general (b. 1883)

Johannes Albrecht Blaskowitz (10 July 1883 – 5 February 1948) was a distinguished German general who served with distinction during World War II. Recognized for both his military prowess and his unique moral stance, he was a highly decorated officer, notably a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords. This prestigious award was the highest military decoration for bravery or outstanding leadership in Nazi Germany, with the Oak Leaves and Swords signifying an exceptional degree of valor and strategic acumen.

His Stand in Occupied Poland

Blaskowitz first came to prominence as the commander of the German 8th Army during the swift and brutal Invasion of Poland in September 1939. Following the country's conquest, he was appointed Commander in Chief of Occupied Poland, a critical administrative and military role he held from 1939 to 1940. It was in this capacity that Blaskowitz distinguished himself by actively opposing the pervasive and horrific atrocities committed by the SS and various other Nazi organizations against the Polish civilian population and Jewish communities.

The Conscience of the Wehrmacht: Protests Against SS Atrocities

Deeply disturbed by the systematic mass executions, widespread torture, forced labor, and other barbaric acts, Blaskowitz took extraordinary personal and professional risks. He meticulously documented these crimes, dispatching a series of at least six detailed memoranda to the German High Command, including Army Commander-in-Chief Walther von Brauchitsch, and even directly to Adolf Hitler. These courageous reports not only condemned the brutal excesses of the SS, the Gestapo, and other police units but also argued that such barbarism undermined military discipline and irreparably tarnished the Wehrmacht's honor. Furthermore, in an almost unprecedented act of defiance within the Nazi hierarchy, he initiated court-martial proceedings against SS members for crimes committed against civilians, even going so far as to hand out death sentences, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to justice.

Dismissal and Re-appointment: A Tumultuous Career

Blaskowitz's principled stand, however, inevitably drew the fierce ire of powerful figures like Heinrich Himmler, the head of the SS, and ultimately Adolf Hitler himself, who reportedly dismissed his documented reports as "childish" and refused to acknowledge the extent of the atrocities. Consequently, Blaskowitz was relieved of his command in Poland in May 1940. Despite this dismissal, his undeniable military capabilities proved too valuable for the regime to permanently sideline. He was subsequently re-appointed to various crucial field commands. Notably, he led Army Group G during the challenging Allied invasion of Southern France in August 1944. He also commanded forces during Operation Nordwind in January 1945, which marked the last major German offensive of World War II on the Western Front, a desperate attempt to break through American lines in the Alsace-Lorraine region.

Post-War Accusations and Posthumous Acquittal

After the collapse of Nazi Germany, Johannes Blaskowitz was among the high-ranking officers indicted for war crimes in the High Command Trial (Case 12 of the Subsequent Nuremberg Trials), which commenced in 1947. Ironically, many of the charges against him related to command responsibility, despite his well-documented and courageous efforts to prevent and punish the very war crimes committed by others under Nazi authority. While in custody and awaiting the verdict of his trial, Blaskowitz died on 5 February 1948. His death was officially attributed to suicide, though the circumstances surrounding it have been a subject of historical debate and speculation. Crucially, and perhaps as a final vindication of his moral stance and actions, he was posthumously acquitted on all counts, a ruling that recognized his unique and active opposition to the atrocities perpetrated by the SS and other Nazi organizations during the war.

Frequently Asked Questions About Johannes Blaskowitz

What was Johannes Blaskowitz's primary contribution during World War II?

Blaskowitz is primarily known for his command of the 8th Army during the Invasion of Poland and, more significantly, for his courageous and unprecedented protests against the atrocities committed by the SS and other Nazi forces against civilians in occupied Poland.

Why was Blaskowitz considered unique among German generals?

Unlike many of his contemporaries, Blaskowitz repeatedly lodged formal complaints and memoranda with the German High Command, including Hitler, detailing and condemning SS war crimes. He even initiated court-martial proceedings against SS members, a highly dangerous and rare act of defiance within the Nazi system.

What was the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords?

This was one of the highest military decorations awarded by Nazi Germany for exceptional bravery or outstanding leadership. The addition of Oak Leaves and Swords indicated a distinguished level of merit beyond the basic Knight's Cross.

Was Johannes Blaskowitz prosecuted for war crimes?

Yes, he was charged with war crimes in the High Command Trial at Nuremberg after the war. However, he died while in custody before the trial concluded. Notably, he was posthumously acquitted on all charges, a decision that acknowledged his efforts to oppose Nazi atrocities.

What happened to Blaskowitz during the Nuremberg trials?

He was an indicted defendant in the High Command Trial (Case 12). He died on 5 February 1948, officially by suicide, while awaiting trial. Following his death, the tribunal posthumously acquitted him on all counts, effectively clearing his name.