Personal Life

Born in Gumbinnen, Germany , on Christmas Day, 1886. There are few details about Heinrici's personal life. He was married to Gertrude Henrici, a half-Jew, though the family recieved a German Blood Certificate from Adolf Hitler himself.

A note should be made that Heinrici was on two-month Leave of Absence twice during the war, from June 6th 1942 to July 13th, and then a year later from June 1st 1943 to July 31st

Early Army Career

Heinrici joined the German army on March 8th 1905 at the age of 19, and saw duty in the first World War where he was awarded the Black Verwundetenabzeichen for being wounded in battle. He also earned both the Second Class and First Class Iron Cross, in 1914 and 1915 respectively.

In the Great War, Heinrici participated in;

• Battle of Tannenberg

Second World War

By this time, Heinrici was considered one of the best Defensive Tacticians in the Germany Army and had gained reknown for his tactics.

Retreat from the Oder

On March 20th 1945, Heinrici replaced Heinrich Himmler as Commander-in-Chief of the Weichsel Army on the Eastern Front, and ordered the retreat of the army from Wollin back across the Oder River, despite Hitler's orders to the contrary. It proved an unpopular command to his superiors, and on April 29th, he was relieved of his command by Field Marshall Wilhelm Keitel. His post was then offered to Hasso von Manteuffel, who declined the promotion citing protest of the treatment of Heinrici. Kurt von Tippelskirch was then named interim replacement until General Student could arrive and assume control.

Ranks Held

• Fahnenjunker-Unteroffizier (19 Jul 1905)
• Fähnrich (19 Dec 1905)
• Leutnant (18 Aug 1906)
• Oberleutnant (17 Feb 1914)
• Hauptmann (18 Jun 1915)
• Major (01 Feb 1926)
• Oberstleutnant (01 Aug 1930)
• Oberst (01 Mar 1933)
• Generalmajor (01 Jan 1936)
• Generalleutnant (01 Mar 1938)
• General der Infanterie (01 Jun 1940)
• Generaloberst (30 Jan 1943)