Second World War
Heinrici served throughout World War II. As in World War I, he served on both fronts. Heinrici built up a reputation as the best defensive tactician in the German Army (Wehrmacht Heer) and was renowned for his tenacity. For this reason, his officers and men nicknamed him Unser Giftzwerg, literally "our poison dwarf", meaning "our tough little bastard" in recognition of his character and lack of physical stature. Heinrici was considered reserved and quiet, popular among his staff and men who served under him. He was also well noted in the German Army for his wearing of World War I boots and muddy leather leggings instead of the spit and polish German Jack boots of the Nazi era. In addition, he wore the "old style" field cap, and either the issue pattern camouflaged jacket given to regular soldiers or a worn and dirty padded winter jacket with rank on his sleeve instead of the popular Nazi collar rank. "
Read more about this topic: Gotthard Heinrici
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