Does Erich von Manstein have any living heirs?

It saddens me that there hasn't been any German Feldmarschall for 66 years. I'm fantasizing about the return of the Feldmarshchall and will write a skit based on Elrond's begging Aragorn to put aside the ranger from Lord of the Rings.

I definitely think Erich von Manstein was the best strategist. But does he have any living descendants? I see he had 2 sons, but surely they're in no shape to restore Deutschland to its former glory!

If you know of any other worthwhile heirs of a Feldmarshchall, please tell me. Thanks.

 

Maybe they're working for the ECB ?

 

Setting aside post-war politics (occupation, NATO) it would be odd if Germany had a Feldmarschall. Consider both the size of the army and the fact that they have had no combat deployment larger than a brigade. The US has not had a 5 Star since Korea, and we have fought 4 major wars and a slew of little ones. Besides Germany creating new Feldmarschall's would only give her neigbors the heebee geebee's!

 

Why do you think that? I searched some genealogy sites for Erich von Lewinski & von Manstein, and didn't find him.

belasar, good point, but I think Asia is more afraid of a militarily resurgent Japan than Eastern Europe is afraid of a resurgent Germany. If the European Union ever raises an army, maybe Germany can restore the rank of Feldmarschall and lead.

Actually my enthusiasm has been dampened. Apparently, von Manstein's decisive role in the battle of France is an exaggeration. His plan had the good ideas of surprise (going through Ardennes) and achieving mass (concentrated armor), but the execution was equally important, especially given its risk. It was Rommel & Guderian who struck hard and fast, before England & France could counter. And of course, the training & valor of landsers had to be a deciding factor.

 

Manstein, was an exceptional field commander, but human, so he made mistakes and had to rely on others to fullfill his operational plans. No reason to sour on him. In reguard to Asia I feel you will find that China with a vibrant economy, large cash reserves and a ever growing blue water navy is of creater concern to pacific rim nations. Indeed many smaller pac-rim nation's are looking to Japan to flex its military muscles to counter balance China.

 

Im not trying to be a jerk but, why would anyone fantasize about the Germans having another Field Marshal?

 

Some one who likes goose-stepping ?

 

But they had kick-a$$ uniforms!

 

Yes, especially to the tune of Alte Kameraden or Erika.

 

Now you know why I like collecting WWII German stuff so much ;-))

 

Interesting. Do you also like dressing up in mock up Allgemeine SS uniforms too?

 

LOL. No. Too pompous & vulgar. Probably why USMC & US Army rarely ever do marches, except for marching band. And I didn't literally mean I goose step, although I am trying to learn how to play Alte Kameraden on the keyboard (maybe harmonica too). Some of my other fantasies include wearing a stahlhelm when I go biking and singing Erika (like in Uprising) when out for a jog. Hmm, I wonder if that will attract good or bad attention.

Because I am a meglomaniac and get turned on by shows of overwhelming force

More seriously, I strive for excellence in most of what I do and the Wehrmacht and its Prussian predecessors definitely embodied strength, loyalty, & excellence. I admire how after being defeated by Napolean, the Prussian general staff was formed and vowed not to be defeated again. A century of trials, experience, victories, and evolution had created the best trained army in the world. It's just sad they were ruined by serving Hitler. Today, the German army is only a shadow of its former self, held back by some collective guilt for WW2. To me, the return of a Feldmarshchall will be a sign of redemption.

 

China in its entire 5000 years of history has never invaded any of her neighbors or conducted any wars of aggression.

 

Vietnam, Korea and Japan might disagree with you on that point.

 

They are surely getting ready.
If the U.S. owes China 1-2 trillion as economists claim. Then, when China asks us to back off while they re-acquire Taiwan. What do our leaders, in their finite wisdom do? Especially if China offers to forgive our many markers. Morally we should not roll over on this one but is it really worth a generation of our youth and maybe the whole enchilada (nuclear winter) for one island more or less? The Commies are still pissed that Chiang looted the treasury and as many antiquities as he could lay hands on when he bailed. Just saying. I wonder what kind of back room deals we make with China to keep Taiwan out of harms way this long?? Pretty chilling really as that is one heck of a balancing act.

Shek was a pretty weak ally if you believe what Gen. Stilwell said about him. I know I do. He reminds me of flippin' Karzai. Throw hundreds of millions at the guy and he still can't accomplish much/anything.

 

Yes, because he was very indecisive and refused to commit sufficient forces to overwhelm the enemy. He just kept hedging his bets. Also, I don't think his subjects were very loyal. I remember watching an interview with some of his soldiers and they complained Chiang's best troops were given meat rations, while they had to eat potatoes or something.

No, Vietnam, Korea, & Japan belong to China just as Poland is part of Prussia. No aggression - just taking back what was theirs