Guderian, Heinz Wilhelm (1888–1954)

German general in World War II. He created the Panzer (German ‘armour’) divisions that formed the ground spearhead of Hitler's Blitzkrieg attack strategy, achieving a significant breakthrough at Sedan in Ardennes, France 1940, and leading the advance to Moscow 1941.

His initial advance on Moscow was rapid but winter and determined Soviet resistance led him to make a partial withdrawal and Hitler dismissed him from his post. He was reinstated as inspector general of armoured troops 1943 and became Chief of Staff after the July plot against Hitler 1944, but was dismissed by Hitler March 1945.