Origins & Early Life

Walter Karl Gustav August Ernst von Reichenau (8 October 1884 – 17 January 1942) was a German Generalfeldmarschall (Field Marshal) in the Heer (Army) of Nazi Germany during World War II. He was nicknamed "The Bull" (German: Der Bulle). Reichenau commanded the 6th Army during the invasions of Belgium and France. During Operation Barbarossa, the invasion of the Soviet Union, he continued to command the 6th Army as part of Army Group South as it captured Ukraine and advanced deep into the USSR.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

While in command of the 6th Army during Operation Barbarossa in 1941, he issued the notorious Severity Order which encouraged German soldiers to murder Jewish civilians on the Eastern Front. Reichenau's troops cooperated with the Schutzstaffel (SS) Einsatzgruppen in the commission of the massacre of over 33,000 Jews at Babi Yar, and assisted with other crimes against humanity that occurred in areas under his command during the Holocaust. The son of Prussian Lieutenant General Ernst August von Reichenau (1841–1919), Walter von Reichenau was born in 1884 in Karlsruhe. One of his brothers was Ernst von Reichenau. Walter joined the Prussian Army as an artillery officer cadet...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Amedeo Modigliani — Contemporary (Born in 1884) (1884): Italian painter and sculptor known for elongated, modern portraits and nudes.
• Auguste Piccard — Contemporary (Born in 1884) (1884): Swiss physicist, inventor, and pioneer of stratospheric and abyssal exploration.
• Bronisław Malinowski — Contemporary (Born in 1884) (1884): Pioneering anthropologist known for intensive fieldwork and functionalist theory.
• Ama Ata Aidoo — Contemporary (Born in 1942) (1942): Pioneering Ghanaian writer, poet, and academician celebrated for feminist themes.
• Amitabh Bachchan — Contemporary (Born in 1942) (1942): Iconic figure of Hindi cinema, celebrated for versatility and enduring stardom.
• Anita Roddick — Contemporary (Born in 1942) (1942): Pioneering activist and founder of The Body Shop, championing ethical consumerism.
• Anne-Marie Duff — Shared historical date (10-08 · Born) (1970): Acclaimed British actress known for roles in Shameless and The Virgin Queen.
• Bruno Mars — Shared historical date (10-08 · Born) (1985): Pop icon known for retro showmanship and versatile songwriting.
• Al Capone — Shared historical date (01-17 · Born) (1899): Notorious American gangster and businessman during the Prohibition era.
• Alain Badiou — Shared historical date (01-17 · Born) (1937): Influential French philosopher known for 'Being and Event' and universalism.
• 1884 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1884
• October 8 (10-08) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on October 8
• 1942 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1942
• January 17 (01-17) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on January 17