German High Command During World War II - Oberkommando Der Wehrmacht, Oberkommando Des Heeres, Oberkommando Der Luftwaffe, Waffenamt (Paperback)

Purchase includes free access to book updates online and a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Chapters: Oberkommando Der Wehrmacht, Oberkommando Des Heeres, Oberkommando Der Luftwaffe, Waffenamt, Oberkommando Der Marine, Ob West, Ob Sd. Not illustrated. Excerpt: The Oberkommando der Wehrmacht (OKW) (English: "Supreme Command of the Armed Forces") was part of the command structure of the armed forces of Nazi Germany during World War II. The OKW was formed on 4 February 1938 following the Blomberg-Fritsch Affair, which led to the dismissal of Generalfeldmarschall (and Reich War Minister) Werner von Blomberg and the dissolution of the Reichskriegsministerium (Reich War Ministry). The OKW replaced the War Ministry. The appointments made to the OKW and the motive behind the reorganization are commonly thought to be Adolf Hitler's desire to consolidate power and authority around his position as Fhrer and Reich Chancellor (Fhrer und Reichskanzler), to the detriment of the military leadership of the Wehrmacht. Command Flag for the Chief of the OKW 19381941By June 1938, the OKW comprised four departments: The WFA replaced the Wehrmachtsamt (Armed Forces Office) which existed between 19351938. During this time Wilhelm Keitel had headed the ministry and Hitler promoted Keitel to head OKW under the title Chef des OKW, or Chief of the Supreme Command of the Armed Forces. As head of the WFA, Keitel appointed Max von Viebahn although after two months he was removed from command and the post was not filled again until the promotion of Alfred Jodl. To replace Jodl at Abteilung Landesverteidigungsfhrungsamt (WFA/L), Walther Warlimont was appointed. The WFA was renamed as the Wehrmachtfhrungsstab (Wfst) in August 1940. In December 1941 further changes took place with Abteilung Landesverteidigungsfhrungsamt (WFA/L) being merged into the Wehrmacht-Fhrungsamt... More: http://booksllc.net/?id=53892