Erwin Rommel quotes

Erwin Rommel was a German field marshal renowned for his leadership during World War II, especially in North Africa. Nicknamed the “Desert Fox”, his innovative tactics earned both respect and notoriety from allies and adversaries alike. He is remembered as one of the most skilled commanders of his era, with a complex legacy tied to the tumultuous events of his time. Here are 29 of his quotes:

But courage which goes against military expediency is stupidity, or, if it is insisted upon by a commander, irresponsibility.

Erwin Rommel

Anyone who has to fight, even with the most modern weapons, against an enemy in complete command of the air, fights like a savage against modern European troops, under the same handicaps and with the same chances of success.

Erwin Rommel

Good soldiers, bad officers; however don't forget that without them we would not have any Civilization.

Erwin Rommel

Mortal danger is an effective antidote for fixed ideas.

Erwin Rommel

The German soldier has astonished the world; the Italian Bersagliere has astonished the German soldier.

Erwin Rommel

In a man to man fight, the winner is he who has one more round within himself.

Erwin Rommel

The art of concentrating strength at one point, forcing a breakthrough, rolling up and securing the flanks on either side, and then penetrating like lightning deep into his rear, before the enemy has time to react.

Erwin Rommel

Sweat saves blood, blood saves lives, but brains saves both.

Erwin Rommel

In Tunisia the Americans had to pay a stiff price for their experience, but it brought rich dividends. Even at that time, the American generals showed themselves to be very advanced in the tactical handling of their forces, although we had to wait until the Patton Army in France to see the most astonishing achievements in mobile warfare.

Erwin Rommel

When there's no clear option, it's better to do nothing.

Erwin Rommel

I would rather be the hammer than the anvil.

Erwin Rommel

The future battle on the ground will be preceded by battle in the air. This will determine which of the contestants has to suffer operational and tactical disadvantages and be forced throughout the battle into adoption compromise solutions.

Erwin Rommel

I would rather he had given me one more division.

Erwin Rommel

Gentlemen, you have fought like lions and been led by donkeys.

Erwin Rommel

Winning the men's confidence requires much of a commander. He must exercise care and caution, look after his men, live under the same hardships, and-above all- apply self discipline. But once he has their confidence, his men will follow him through hell and high water.

Erwin Rommel

War without Hate.

Erwin Rommel

Thus the British lost the very able and adaptable commander David Stirling of the desert group SAS which had caused us more damage than any other British unit of equal strength.

Erwin Rommel

The military career of most of the people who aimed these accusations at us was notable for a consistent absence from the front, on the principle of "weit vom Schuss gibt alte Kreiger" - "far from the battle makes old soldiers."

Erwin Rommel

When I said that British fighter-bombers had shot up my tanks with 4O-mm. shells, the Reichsmarschall, who felt himself touched by this, said: «That s completely impossible. The Americans only know how to make razor blades.» I replied: «We could do with some of those razor blades, Herr Reichsmarschall.».

Erwin Rommel

Sweat saves blood.

Erwin Rommel

It is during the pursuit, when the beaten enemy is still dispirited and disorganised, that most prisoners are made and most booty captured.

Erwin Rommel

Be an example to your men in your duty and in private life.

Erwin Rommel