Jump to content

Martinus Antonius Johannes Paap: Difference between revisions

From the Vrienden Universe, a fictional wiki
← Older editNewer edit →

Per.kuskan (talk | contribs)

4 user groups
1,137 edits
undo
VisualWikitext
Page revised
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit Advanced mobile edit
Page created
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit Advanced mobile edit
Line 94: Line 94:
}}
}}


'''Martinus Antonius Johannes Paap''' (8 November 1877 – 7 November 2000) was a German military officer, [[Generalfeldmarschall]] and convicted war criminal from the [[Paap family]]. He served in the German Army from 1893 until 1919 and again from 1933 until 1945. During the [[First World War]], he fought on the Western Front and received the [[Pour le Mérite]]. He later commanded formations from divisional to army-group level during the [[Second World War]].
'''Martinus Antonius Johannes Paap''' (8 November 1877 – 7 November 2000) was a German military officer, [[Generalfeldmarschall]] and convicted war criminal from the [[Paap family]]. He served in the German Army from 1893 until 1919 and again from 1933 until 1945. During the [[First World War]], he fought on the Western Front and received the [[Pour le Mérite]]. During the [[Second World War]], he held divisional, corps, army and army-group commands.


During the 1941 campaign in the Soviet Union, Martinus commanded the [[31. Infanterie-Division]] during the capture of [[Tula]] and [[Kashira]]. His forces reached the [[Vidnoye]] sector on 1 December, making his command the German force led by a general that advanced closest to central Moscow. He later commanded the [[2. Armee]] before being removed from the Eastern Front after ordering an unauthorized withdrawal during the [[Voronezh–Kastornoye offensive]]. In 1944, he commanded German forces during the later stages of the [[Normandy campaign]] and subsequently directed the recapture of [[Arnhem]] during [[Operation Market Garden]]. He was promoted to Generalfeldmarschall on 12 February 1945.
During the 1941 campaign in the Soviet Union, Martinus commanded the [[31. Infanterie-Division]] during the capture of [[Tula]] and [[Kashira]]. His forces reached the [[Vidnoye]] sector on 1 December, making his command the German force led by a general that advanced closest to central Moscow. He later commanded the [[2. Armee]], [[15. Armee]] and [[7. Armee]]. In September 1944, he directed German operations at [[Arnhem]] during [[Operation Market Garden]]. He was promoted to Generalfeldmarschall on 12 February 1945 and remained in senior command until the German surrender in northwestern Europe in May.


Martinus also served as the third [[Great Paap]] from 2 November 1940 until his conviction on 28 October 1948. He was sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment for war crimes connected to his Eastern Front commands and was released in 1954. He then settled in [[Vriendendam]], where he founded the [[Wehrmacht-Veteranenverein Vriendendam]]. Martinus died there on 7 November 2000, one day before his 123rd birthday.
Martinus was also the third [[Great Paap]], succeeding his father on 2 November 1940. His term ended following his conviction for war crimes on 28 October 1948, when [[Martin Paap I]] succeeded him. Martinus was sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment and released in 1954. He then settled in [[Vriendendam]], founded the [[Wehrmacht-Veteranenverein Vriendendam]] and remained active in local public life until old age. He died in Vriendendam on 7 November 2000 at the age of 122.


== Early life ==
== Early life ==
Line 104: Line 104:
Martinus was born in [[Kleve]] on 8 November 1877 to [[Antonius Martin Paap]] and [[Amalie Schroeter]]. His father worked as an architect and later became Great Paap.<ref name="antonius"/>
Martinus was born in [[Kleve]] on 8 November 1877 to [[Antonius Martin Paap]] and [[Amalie Schroeter]]. His father worked as an architect and later became Great Paap.<ref name="antonius"/>


In 1893, before his sixteenth birthday, Martinus enlisted in [[Infanterie-Regiment "Vogel von Falckenstein" (7. Westfälisches) Nr. 56|Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 56]]. He falsely stated that he was 18. He remained with the regiment and progressed through the enlisted ranks.
In 1893, Martinus enlisted in [[Infanterie-Regiment "Vogel von Falckenstein" (7. Westfälisches) Nr. 56|Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 56]] at the age of 15 after falsely claiming to be 18. He remained with the regiment and progressed through the enlisted ranks.


His actual age was discovered after he had turned 18, when he was caught having sexual intercourse with a 34-year-old civilian ''Kantinenwirtin'' at the barracks. His officers examined his enlistment information and discovered that he had falsified his age. Martinus was allowed to remain in the regiment.
His actual age was discovered after he had turned 18, when he was caught having sexual intercourse with a 34-year-old civilian ''Kantinenwirtin'' at the barracks. His officers examined his enlistment information and discovered that he had falsified his age. Martinus was allowed to remain in the regiment because of his service record.


He was later selected for an officer commission. Martinus became a ''Leutnant'' around 1906–1907 and had reached ''Oberleutnant'' by the beginning of the First World War.
He was later selected for an officer commission. Martinus became a ''Leutnant'' around 1906–1907 and had reached ''Oberleutnant'' by the beginning of the First World War.


== Military career ==
== Military career ==
Martinus spent most of his adult life in German military service. His first career began in the Imperial Army and ended after the First World War. He returned during the expansion of the German armed forces in 1933 and eventually commanded an army group during the final months of the Second World War.


=== First World War ===
=== First World War ===
Line 118: Line 116:
At the beginning of the [[First World War]], Martinus served with Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 56 on the Western Front. He fought during the [[Battle of Liège]] and later took part in the [[Battle of St. Quentin (1914)|Battle of St. Quentin]]. His service during the opening campaign resulted in the award of the Iron Cross, 2nd Class.
At the beginning of the [[First World War]], Martinus served with Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 56 on the Western Front. He fought during the [[Battle of Liège]] and later took part in the [[Battle of St. Quentin (1914)|Battle of St. Quentin]]. His service during the opening campaign resulted in the award of the Iron Cross, 2nd Class.


On 15 September 1914, Martinus was involved in fighting at [[Berry-au-Bac]]. French artillery struck buildings near his detachment, and a collapse separated him from the rest of his men. His direct route back to the German position was blocked.
On 15 September 1914, Martinus was involved in fighting at [[Berry-au-Bac]]. French artillery struck buildings near his detachment and a collapse separated him from the rest of his men. While moving through the damaged area, he encountered six French soldiers.


While moving through the damaged buildings, Martinus encountered six French soldiers. He shot several at close range before the fighting developed into hand-to-hand combat. During the final struggle, he lost his grip on his rifle and suffered a bayonet wound across his upper arm. He killed the final soldier and returned to the German line alone.
Martinus shot several of them at close range before the encounter developed into hand-to-hand fighting. During the final struggle, he lost his grip on his rifle and suffered a bayonet wound across his upper arm. He killed the final soldier and returned to the German line alone.


His officers initially doubted his account. German troops later searched the buildings and found the six French soldiers in the area Martinus had described. He subsequently received the Iron Cross, 1st Class. The wound was later recognized with the Wound Badge in Black.
His officers initially doubted his account. German troops later searched the buildings and found the six French soldiers in the area Martinus had described. He subsequently received the Iron Cross, 1st Class. His wound was later recognized with the Wound Badge in Black.


Martinus fought during the [[First Battle of Ypres]] later in 1914. He remained on the Western Front in 1915 and served in Champagne before taking part in the [[Second Battle of Ypres]].
Martinus fought during the [[First Battle of Ypres]] later in 1914. He remained on the Western Front during 1915, serving in Champagne and taking part in the [[Second Battle of Ypres]].


In 1916, his regiment fought at the [[Battle of Verdun]]. During operations around [[Mort-Homme]], Martinus's company came under heavy French artillery fire that included gas shells. The company commander was killed during the bombardment.
In 1916, his regiment fought at the [[Battle of Verdun]]. During operations around [[Mort-Homme]], Martinus's company came under heavy French artillery fire that included gas shells. The company commander was killed during the bombardment.
Line 130: Line 128:
Martinus assumed command as an ''Oberleutnant'' and reorganized the surviving troops. When French infantry attacked the damaged position, he directed the defence and organized a local counterattack. He was promoted to ''Hauptmann'' and received the Knight's Cross of the Royal House Order of Hohenzollern with Swords.
Martinus assumed command as an ''Oberleutnant'' and reorganized the surviving troops. When French infantry attacked the damaged position, he directed the defence and organized a local counterattack. He was promoted to ''Hauptmann'' and received the Knight's Cross of the Royal House Order of Hohenzollern with Swords.


Martinus continued serving on the Western Front in 1917 and fought during the [[Second Battle of the Aisne]]. In 1918, he took part in the [[German spring offensive]].
He continued serving on the Western Front in 1917 and fought during the [[Second Battle of the Aisne]]. In 1918, Martinus took part in the [[German spring offensive]].


During the [[Third Battle of the Aisne]], his battalion commander became a casualty. Martinus assumed temporary command and reorganized the battalion before leading it across the Aisne under fire. The battalion captured a fortified French position on the opposite bank and continued the advance.
During the [[Third Battle of the Aisne]], his battalion commander became a casualty. Martinus assumed temporary command, reorganized the battalion and led it across the Aisne under fire. The battalion captured a fortified French position on the opposite bank and continued the advance.


Martinus retained temporary command during the remainder of that phase of the offensive. He received the [[Pour le Mérite]] for his conduct.
Martinus retained temporary battalion command through the remainder of that phase of the offensive. He received the [[Pour le Mérite]] for his conduct.


=== Interwar period ===
=== Interwar period ===


Martinus resigned from military service in 1919. He regarded the reduction of the German Army and the military restrictions imposed after the war as a disgrace. He did not seek a place in the reduced [[Reichswehr]].
Martinus resigned from military service in 1919. He regarded the reduction of the German Army and the military restrictions imposed after the war as a disgrace and did not seek a position in the reduced [[Reichswehr]].


He remained outside the military until 1933. Following the change of government in Germany, Reichswehr Minister [[Werner von Blomberg]] sent Martinus a personal letter asking him to return as the Army began expanding. Martinus accepted and was recommissioned as a ''Major''.
He remained outside military service until 1933. Reichswehr Minister [[Werner von Blomberg]] sent Martinus a personal letter asking him to return as the German Army expanded. Martinus accepted and was recommissioned as a ''Major''.


In 1935, [[Paul Hausser]] approached Martinus about transferring to the [[SS-Verfügungstruppe]]. Martinus rejected the offer and remained in the Army.
In 1935, [[Paul Hausser]] approached Martinus about joining the [[SS-Verfügungstruppe]]. Martinus rejected the offer and remained in the Army.


By March 1936, Martinus had reached the rank of ''Oberstleutnant'' and was commanding a battalion. During the [[Remilitarization of the Rhineland|remilitarization of the Rhineland]] on 7 March, he pushed the battalion forward without waiting for unnecessary pauses.
By March 1936, Martinus had reached the rank of ''Oberstleutnant'' and commanded a battalion during the [[Remilitarization of the Rhineland|remilitarization of the Rhineland]]. Company commander [[Bruno van Noord]] argued that the advance should be slowed because of the possibility of French intervention. Martinus ordered him to continue.


Company commander [[Bruno van Noord]] argued that the advance should be slowed because of the possibility of a French military response. Martinus ordered him to continue. Bruno refused the order and was immediately relieved of company command. He retained the rank of ''Hauptmann'' but was placed in a subordinate battalion staff position until later in 1936.
Bruno refused the order and Martinus immediately relieved him of company command. Bruno retained the rank of ''Hauptmann'' but was placed in a subordinate battalion staff position until he returned to company command later in 1936.


In March 1938, Martinus commanded I./[[Infanterie-Regiment 61]] during the [[Anschluss]]. The regiment entered Austria through Tyrol. When road congestion stopped part of his battalion's column, Martinus left his staff vehicle and went forward through the halted formation. He reorganized the movement until the road was cleared.
In March 1938, Martinus commanded I./[[Infanterie-Regiment 61]] during the [[Anschluss]]. His battalion entered Austria through Tyrol. When road congestion stopped part of the column, Martinus left his staff vehicle and went forward through the halted formation to reorganize its movement.


He remained with the battalion during the occupation of the [[Sudetenland]] in October 1938. Martinus was promoted to ''Oberst'' in November.
He remained with the battalion during the occupation of the [[Sudetenland]] in October 1938. Martinus was promoted to ''Oberst'' in November.
Line 154: Line 152:
=== Second World War ===
=== Second World War ===


Martinus served during the [[Invasion of Poland]] in September 1939 and received the Clasp to the Iron Cross, 2nd Class. After the campaign, German formations were rapidly redeployed west while France and Britain remained at war with Germany.
Martinus served during the [[Invasion of Poland]] in September 1939 and received the Clasp to the Iron Cross, 2nd Class.


From 30 September until 30 November 1939, Martinus temporarily commanded the [[7. Infanterie-Division]] during its transfer from Poland to the Lower Rhine. He remained on the Western Front during the winter.
From 30 September until 30 November 1939, he temporarily commanded the [[7. Infanterie-Division]] during its transfer from Poland to the Lower Rhine. He remained on the Western Front during the winter of 1939–1940.


==== France and Soviet Union ====
==== France ====


On 1 March 1940, Martinus was promoted to ''Generalmajor'' and appointed commander of the [[31. Infanterie-Division]]. When the German western offensive began on 10 May, the division crossed Belgium and advanced toward [[Liège]]. It subsequently fought around the Dyle near Wavre before continuing west. The division later fought along the Scheldt and Lys before moving into France.
On 1 March 1940, Martinus was promoted to ''Generalmajor'' and appointed commander of the [[31. Infanterie-Division]]. When the German offensive in the west began on 10 May, the division crossed Belgium and advanced toward [[Liège]]. It later fought around the Dyle near Wavre, continued toward the Scheldt and Lys, and entered France.


During the June fighting on the [[Aisne]], the division's first attempt to establish a crossing failed under French resistance. Martinus went forward to the regimental command posts and changed the attack plan. He shifted artillery support and concentrated the renewed assault at another crossing point.
During fighting on the [[Aisne]] in June, the division's first attempt to establish a crossing failed under French resistance. Martinus went forward to the regimental command posts, altered the crossing point and shifted the available artillery support.


The second attempt established a bridgehead. Martinus committed additional infantry across the river and expanded the position before continuing the advance. He received the Clasp to the Iron Cross, 1st Class and was awarded the [[Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross]] following the campaign.
The renewed attack established a bridgehead. Martinus committed additional infantry across the river and expanded the position before continuing the advance. He received the Clasp to the Iron Cross, 1st Class and was awarded the [[Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross]].


After the French armistice, Martinus visited [[Julien van Noord]] in [[Paris]]. The two had known each other since the beginning of the century and had remained close through visits and correspondence.<ref name="julien"/>
After the French armistice, Martinus visited [[Julien van Noord]] in [[Paris]]. Julien had been his closest friend since the beginning of the century, and the two had maintained their friendship through visits and correspondence.<ref name="julien"/>


Martinus was promoted to ''Generalleutnant'' on 1 September 1940. Later that month, the 31st Division was transferred by rail from France to occupied Poland.
Martinus was promoted to ''Generalleutnant'' on 1 September 1940. Later that month, the 31st Division was transferred by rail from France to occupied Poland.


The division remained under Martinus when [[Operation Barbarossa]] began on 22 June 1941. Its infantry regiments were supported by Artillerie-Regiment 31 and Panzerjäger-Abteilung 31. The division advanced from occupied Poland and participated in the fighting associated with the [[Battle of Białystok–Minsk]].
==== Soviet Union ====


During a Soviet breakout attempt near the [[Zelvianka]] in late June, Martinus moved forward from divisional headquarters to a threatened regiment. He then continued to a battalion command post close to the fighting. Soviet infantry penetrated far enough to threaten the headquarters.
The division remained under Martinus when [[Operation Barbarossa]] began on 22 June 1941. It participated in the opening advance associated with the [[Battle of Białystok–Minsk]].


Two Soviet soldiers reached the position. Martinus shot both with his service pistol before returning to command of the local defence. German reserves subsequently restored the line.
During a Soviet breakout attempt near the [[Zelvianka]] in late June, Martinus moved forward to a threatened battalion command post. Soviet infantry penetrated far enough to threaten the headquarters itself. Martinus shot two Soviet soldiers with his service pistol before returning to the direction of the local defence.


During the [[Battle of Smolensk (1941)|Battle of Smolensk]], a Soviet attack on 25 July broke through part of the sector held by Infanterie-Regiment 82. The penetration reached the regiment's rear and disrupted communications with some of its battalions.
During the [[Battle of Smolensk (1941)|Battle of Smolensk]], a Soviet attack on 25 July broke through part of the sector held by Infanterie-Regiment 82 and disrupted contact between several positions.


Martinus rejected a broad withdrawal. He redirected divisional artillery against the penetration and committed reserves against its flank. Panzerjäger-Abteilung 31 was moved against Soviet armour. Martinus went forward to Infanterie-Regiment 82's headquarters and later reached one of the battalion positions while the counterattack was underway. By the end of the fighting, contact within the regiment had been restored.
Martinus rejected a broad withdrawal. He redirected divisional artillery against the penetration, moved reserves against its flank and committed Panzerjäger-Abteilung 31 against Soviet armour. He went forward to Infanterie-Regiment 82's headquarters while the counterattack was underway. By the end of the fighting, the penetration had been contained and contact between the regiment's battalions restored.


In August, the division took up positions southwest of [[Roslavl]]. During the [[Roslavl–Novozybkov offensive]], Martinus concluded that the Soviet attacks opposite his sector had exhausted themselves. Around 10–12 September, he received authorization for a limited pursuit.
During the [[Roslavl–Novozybkov offensive]] in September, Martinus received authorization for a limited pursuit after Soviet attacks opposite his sector had weakened. His division advanced approximately 40–50 kilometres beyond its previous positions and established an exposed salient west of [[Bryansk]].


The 31st Division advanced approximately 40–50 kilometres beyond its previous positions and established an exposed forward salient west of [[Bryansk]]. Higher headquarters ordered Martinus to halt. He argued that abandoning the newly captured ground would allow Soviet forces to rebuild their defensive positions and received permission to remain there until neighbouring formations caught up.
Higher headquarters ordered him to stop. Martinus argued against abandoning the captured ground and received permission to hold the position until neighbouring formations caught up.


When [[Operation Typhoon]] began on 30 September, Martinus resumed the advance from this position. His division forced a crossing of the [[Bolva]] before continuing east.
When [[Operation Typhoon]] began on 30 September, Martinus resumed the advance. His division crossed the [[Bolva]] and continued east.


Around 19–20 October, Martinus reached [[Belyov]] and began operations against the [[Oka]]. Assault infantry crossed during the night using boats and improvised crossing points. Engineers then improved the route across the river.
Around 19–20 October, Martinus reached [[Belyov]] and began operations against the [[Oka]]. Assault infantry crossed during the night using boats and improvised crossings before engineers expanded the route.


Martinus continued through [[Odoev]] toward the southwestern approaches to [[Tula]]. His advance reached the [[Krapivna]] sector around 23–24 October. The distance from the divisional supply system had become increasingly difficult to support, and higher headquarters ordered him to halt while artillery and supplies were brought forward.
His command continued through [[Odoev]] and the [[Krapivna]] sector toward [[Tula]]. By 29 October, Martinus had reached the western approaches to the city.


The advance resumed toward Tula. Martinus established a bridgehead across the [[Upa]] and reached the western approaches to the city by 29 October. His division attacked from the west when the wider German assault began the following day.
His division attacked from the west when the wider German assault began on 30 October. By 1 November, Martinus had established a foothold in western Tula. He expanded the penetration over the following days, and forces under his command captured the city on 6 November 1941.
 
By 1 November, Martinus had established a foothold in western Tula. He expanded the penetration over the following days and committed additional infantry through it. On 6 November 1941, forces under his command captured the city.


Following the capture of Tula, Martinus permitted [[Sonderkommando 7b]] to enter the city and did not interfere with its arrests and killings. His command also implemented the [[Commissar Order]] against captured Soviet political commissars. These actions later formed part of the case brought against him after the war.
Following the capture of Tula, Martinus permitted [[Sonderkommando 7b]] to enter the city and did not interfere with its arrests and killings. His command also implemented the [[Commissar Order]] against captured Soviet political commissars. These actions later formed part of the case brought against him after the war.


Martinus resumed the northern advance on 8 November. The division captured [[Kashira]] on 15 November despite growing losses and increasingly difficult supply conditions.
Martinus resumed the northern advance on 8 November. His forces captured [[Kashira]] on 15 November despite growing losses and deteriorating supply conditions.


After a command conference at Kashira on 17 November, Martinus's advance was coordinated with German armoured formations operating on the same axis. His troops moved through [[Stupino]] and fought through the [[Mikhnevo]] sector as Soviet resistance increased closer to Moscow.
After a command conference at Kashira on 17 November, his advance continued through [[Stupino]] and the [[Mikhnevo]] sector. Martinus captured [[Domodedovo]] on 29 November.


Martinus captured [[Domodedovo]] on 29 November. He then formed a reinforced forward grouping from the least depleted parts of his command and continued north.
On 1 December 1941, his leading formations reached the [[Vidnoye]] sector south of Moscow. Martinus went forward with the leading regimental headquarters. His command had advanced closer to central Moscow than that of any other German general during the campaign.


On 1 December 1941, Martinus reached the [[Vidnoye]] sector south of Moscow. He moved forward with the leading regimental headquarters. His command had advanced closer to central Moscow than that of any other German general during the campaign.
Martinus was promoted to ''General der Infanterie'' on 2 December and given temporary control of an enlarged formation known as ''Gruppe Paap'', centred on the 31st Division and reinforced with supporting units.


Martinus was promoted to ''General der Infanterie'' on 2 December. He was also given temporary control of an enlarged formation known as ''Gruppe Paap'', which was centred on the 31st Division and reinforced by attached supporting units.
The Soviet counteroffensive forced him to abandon the southern approach to Moscow several days later. Martinus organized a phased withdrawal through Domodedovo, Mikhnevo, Stupino and Kashira toward Tula. Most of the organized force escaped the exposed salient without being encircled.


The Soviet counteroffensive forced him to abandon the southern approach to Moscow several days later. Martinus began a phased withdrawal before the exposed force could be encircled. Rearguards protected the retreat through Domodedovo before his formations continued through Mikhnevo and Stupino.
He received the Oak Leaves to his Knight's Cross in December 1941.
 
The withdrawal then passed through Kashira toward Tula. Despite continued Soviet attacks and severe winter conditions, most of Martinus's organized force escaped the salient. He received the Oak Leaves to his Knight's Cross in December 1941.


==== Higher command ====
==== Higher command ====


On 20 January 1942, Martinus left the 31st Division and became commanding general of the [[XXXXIII. Armeekorps]]. He took over while the German front remained under pressure from the Soviet winter offensive.
On 20 January 1942, Martinus became commanding general of the [[XXXXIII. Armeekorps]]. He inherited the corps during the continuing Soviet winter offensive.


Martinus directed a withdrawal toward the [[Yukhnov]] and [[Spas-Demensk]] area. He shortened positions that could no longer support each other and concentrated the corps around routes needed to supply and extract its formations. Local counterattacks were used when Soviet penetrations threatened the roads behind the corps. By April, he had stabilized the front around Spas-Demensk.
Martinus directed a withdrawal toward the [[Yukhnov]] and [[Spas-Demensk]] area, shortening positions that could no longer support one another and using local counterattacks to keep important roads open. By April, the corps front had stabilized around Spas-Demensk.


On 15 July 1942, Martinus was appointed commander of the [[2. Armee]]. He took command during the fighting around [[Voronezh]]. After the immediate operations there, he concentrated on the army's positions along the Don.
On 15 July 1942, Martinus was appointed commander of the [[2. Armee]]. He took command during the fighting around [[Voronezh]] and later organized the army's positions along the Don.


Martinus retained part of the army as an operational reserve. During the following months, these formations were used against Soviet penetrations along the army front. He opposed attempts to remove the final mobile reserves from his command as German forces farther south became increasingly committed around Stalingrad.
Martinus retained part of the army as an operational reserve and opposed attempts to remove the final mobile formations from his command while German forces farther south became increasingly committed around Stalingrad.


In late October 1942, two Soviet partisans attempted to assassinate Martinus while he was travelling through the army rear. They opened fire on his staff car and killed his driver. Martinus was grazed by a bullet during the attack.
In late October 1942, two Soviet partisans ambushed Martinus's staff car in the army rear. His driver was killed and Martinus was grazed by a bullet. He left the vehicle and shot both attackers with his service pistol. His wound was treated without removing him from command.


He left the vehicle and returned fire with his service pistol, killing both attackers. The wound was treated without removing him from command.
During the [[Voronezh–Kastornoye offensive]] in January 1943, Martinus concluded that existing stand-fast orders threatened to trap substantial parts of 2. Armee. He began withdrawing exposed formations before receiving authorization for a general retreat.


After [[Operation Uranus]] began in November, Martinus continued resisting the removal of his remaining mobile formations. In January 1943, the [[Voronezh–Kastornoye offensive]] threatened to encircle large parts of 2. Armee.
The reserves he had retained were used to hold open withdrawal routes. The army lost substantial equipment, but much of its personnel escaped the developing encirclement. Martinus was relieved of command on 3 February 1943 because he had ordered the withdrawal without authorization.


Martinus concluded that the existing stand-fast orders would leave substantial parts of the army trapped. He began withdrawing exposed formations before receiving authorization for a general retreat. The reserves he had retained were used to hold open the withdrawal routes.
After several weeks in the ''Führerreserve'', Martinus returned to field command on 20 March as commander of the [[15. Armee]] in France.


The army lost substantial equipment during the retreat, but a large part of its personnel escaped the developing encirclement. Martinus was relieved of command on 3 February 1943 because he had begun the withdrawal without authorization. He was placed in the ''Führerreserve''.
The Pas-de-Calais sector contained a particularly dense concentration of coastal defenses. Martinus nevertheless considered the available mobile reserve insufficient for responding to a successful Allied landing. He spent much of 1943 inspecting defensive positions and reorganizing forces behind the coast.


On 20 March, Martinus returned to field command as commander of the [[15. Armee]] in France. His transfer kept him at army level but removed him from the Eastern Front.
In December 1943, Martinus accompanied [[Erwin Rommel]] during an inspection of the defenses. They agreed on further strengthening of coastal positions but differed over how much strength should remain mobile behind the beaches. Martinus and Rommel nevertheless developed a close working relationship.
 
The Pas-de-Calais sector under 15. Armee contained a heavier concentration of coastal defenses than Normandy. Martinus nevertheless found that many formations were understrength and that the defensive system lacked the mobile reserves needed to respond to a successful landing. He spent much of 1943 inspecting the coast and reorganizing the forces available behind the immediate beach positions.
 
In December, Martinus accompanied [[Erwin Rommel]] during an inspection of the defenses. He supported further work on the coastal positions while continuing to keep part of his army available away from the beaches. Martinus and Rommel developed a close working relationship despite differences over the placement of reserves.


Martinus was promoted to ''Generaloberst'' on 1 January 1944.
Martinus was promoted to ''Generaloberst'' on 1 January 1944.


During the first months of 1944, he became increasingly suspicious that the Allied invasion would take place in [[Normandy]]. He believed the concentration of German strength around the Pas-de-Calais could be used to keep 15. Armee away from the actual landing area.
During the first months of 1944, Martinus became increasingly convinced that the Allied invasion might take place in [[Normandy]]. When the [[Normandy landings]] began on 6 June, he considered them the main invasion and requested permission to release formations from the Pas-de-Calais. The [[346. Infanterie-Division]] began moving toward Normandy on 7 June.


When the [[Normandy landings]] began on 6 June, Martinus concluded that Normandy was the main invasion and requested permission to release formations from his sector. The [[346. Infanterie-Division]] began moving toward Normandy on 7 June.
==== Normandy ====


==== Normandy and Netherlands ====
On 28 June 1944, following the death of [[Friedrich Dollmann]], Martinus was appointed commander of [[7. Armee]].


On 28 June 1944, following the death of [[Friedrich Dollmann]], Martinus left 15. Armee and became commander of [[7. Armee]] in Normandy.
During July, he concentrated on the deteriorating German position around [[Saint-Lô]]. By 17 July, Martinus considered the most exposed positions untenable and began preparations for a controlled withdrawal before the town fell on 18 July.


During July, he concentrated on the deteriorating position around [[Saint-Lô]]. By 17 July, he considered the exposed German positions there untenable and requested a controlled withdrawal. The most threatened formations began evacuating their positions before Saint-Lô fell on 18 July.
On 24 July, American bombers struck the [[Panzer-Lehr-Division]] sector during the aborted opening of [[Operation Cobra]]. Martinus regarded the bombardment as preparation for a larger offensive and authorized the movement of headquarters elements and part of the reserve away from the most exposed area.


On 24 July, American bombers struck the [[Panzer-Lehr-Division]] sector during the aborted opening of [[Operation Cobra]]. Martinus treated the bombardment as evidence that a larger attack was imminent. He authorized the movement of headquarters elements and part of the local reserve out of the most exposed area during the night.
The main bombardment on 25 July still caused heavy losses. Martinus used the surviving formations to establish another defensive line and concentrated available mobile forces around the approaches to [[Villedieu-les-Poêles]]. The immediate American drive toward [[Avranches]] was temporarily contained.


The main bombardment on 25 July still inflicted heavy losses. The surviving command structure allowed Martinus to establish another defensive line while damaged formations withdrew from the breakthrough area.
As Allied pressure increased, Martinus ordered a planned withdrawal from Avranches on 10 August. By 12 August, he had concluded that continued resistance farther west threatened to trap 7. Armee around Falaise.


During the following days, he concentrated remaining mobile forces on the approaches to [[Villedieu-les-Poêles]]. The immediate American drive toward [[Avranches]] was temporarily contained.
Transport, headquarters elements and other rear formations began moving east before a general withdrawal had been authorized. Combat formations followed. By the time wider authorization for retreat was issued on 16 August, much of Martinus's army was already moving toward the remaining routes out of the threatened area.


Martinus retained his armoured forces for local counterattacks against Allied penetrations. By early August, increasing pressure elsewhere in Normandy made the Avranches position difficult to maintain. On 10 August, he ordered a planned withdrawal from the town.
Heavy equipment was lost during the withdrawal, but most of the surviving personnel of 7. Armee avoided entrapment inside the [[Falaise Pocket]].


By 12 August, Martinus had concluded that continued resistance farther west risked the encirclement of 7. Armee around Falaise. He began moving transport and headquarters elements east before a general withdrawal had been authorized. Combat formations followed over the next two days.
==== Netherlands ====


By the time wider authorization for retreat was issued on 16 August, much of Martinus's army was already moving toward the remaining routes out of the threatened area. Heavy equipment was lost during the withdrawal, but most of the surviving personnel of 7. Armee avoided entrapment inside the [[Falaise Pocket]].
On 5 September 1944, Martinus was appointed [[Wehrmachtbefehlshaber in den Niederlanden]].


On 5 September 1944, Martinus was transferred to the Netherlands as [[Wehrmachtbefehlshaber in den Niederlanden]]. He took command while German forces were attempting to establish another defensive line after the retreat from France and Belgium.
When [[Operation Market Garden]] began on 17 September, he identified the bridge at [[Arnhem]] as the immediate objective of the British airborne force and directed available German units toward the city.


When [[Operation Market Garden]] began on 17 September, Martinus identified the bridge at [[Arnhem]] as the immediate objective of the British airborne force. He directed available troops toward the city and moved his own headquarters closer to Arnhem.
During 18–20 September, Martinus coordinated attacks against the British position around the northern end of the bridge. Reinforcements were moved into Arnhem while the isolated British force became increasingly difficult to supply.


During 18–20 September, Martinus coordinated the attacks against the British position around the northern end of the bridge. German reinforcements were brought into Arnhem as the British force became increasingly isolated.
On 21 September, forces under Martinus fully retook Arnhem and cleared the remaining British position around the bridge. He then redirected available forces toward the British perimeter at [[Oosterbeek]]. The remaining British airborne troops withdrew during the night of 25–26 September.


On 21 September, forces under Martinus fully retook Arnhem and cleared the remaining British position around the bridge. He then redirected available units toward the British airborne perimeter at [[Oosterbeek]], which remained in place until the evacuation of the surviving British forces during the night of 25–26 September.
After Arnhem had been retaken, Martinus inspected German positions north of the city on 21–22 September. Houses were being constructed behind the defenses for fathers attached to an SS armoured division. These buildings later became the first houses of [[Vriendendam]].<ref name="vriendendam"/>


After Arnhem had been retaken, Martinus inspected German defenses north of the city on 21–22 September. Houses were being constructed behind the defensive position for fathers attached to an SS armoured division. These buildings later became the first houses of [[Vriendendam]].<ref name="vriendendam"/>
On 10 November 1944, Martinus was appointed commander of [[Army Group H]], covering the Netherlands and the northwestern approaches to Germany.
 
On 10 November 1944, Martinus was appointed commander of [[Army Group H]]. His command covered the Netherlands and the northwestern approaches to Germany.


==== Final months ====
==== Final months ====


In February 1945, the Allied [[Operation Veritable]] opened against the German positions around the Reichswald. The advance brought the fighting directly toward [[Kleve]], Martinus's birthplace.
In February 1945, [[Operation Veritable]] brought the Allied advance toward [[Kleve]], Martinus's birthplace.


Martinus went to the Kleve sector after the offensive began on 8 February. During 9–11 February, he remained close to the front as the defenders were forced back toward the town.
Martinus went directly to the Kleve sector after the offensive began on 8 February and remained near the front as German troops were forced back toward the town. By this stage of the war, he regularly carried an [[MP 40]] during visits to forward positions.


By this point in the war, Martinus carried an [[MP 40]] during visits to forward positions. When the local German line began breaking, he entered the fighting with the infantry while staff officers continued passing his orders.
When part of the local German line began to collapse, Martinus joined the infantry at the position while continuing to issue orders through nearby staff personnel. During the fighting on 10–11 February, he was struck in the upper torso by a shell fragment.


During the fighting on 10–11 February, a shell fragment struck Martinus in the upper torso. He received field treatment and remained in the Kleve sector until the German position in the town was abandoned.
Martinus received field treatment and remained in the Kleve sector until the German position in the town was abandoned.


On 12 February 1945, Martinus was promoted to [[Generalfeldmarschall]]. He also received the Swords to his Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves.
On 12 February 1945, he was promoted to [[Generalfeldmarschall]] and received the Swords to his Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves.


After the loss of Kleve, Martinus began withdrawing vulnerable headquarters and equipment toward the Rhine. Combat formations remained west of the river to delay the Allied advance while the rear organization of Army Group H was moved across.
After the loss of Kleve, Martinus began withdrawing rear formations and equipment toward the Rhine while combat troops continued delaying the Allied advance. [[Wesel]] became one of the principal crossing areas for Army Group H.


By early March, [[Wesel]] had become one of the principal crossing areas for his command. Martinus accelerated the evacuation as the remaining German bridgehead west of the Lower Rhine contracted. He crossed to the eastern bank on 9 March after most organized rearguards had withdrawn.
Most organized formations crossed the Rhine during the first week of March. Martinus remained west of the river until 9 March, when he crossed after the principal rearguards had withdrawn.


When [[Operation Plunder]] began on 23 March, Army Group H was already badly depleted. It had no more than about 200 tanks and assault guns available across its broad front, while its principal armoured reserve had only a small number of operational tanks. Martinus therefore avoided committing every remaining reserve to an attempt to destroy the Allied bridgeheads.
[[Operation Plunder]] began on 23 March. Army Group H was severely depleted by this stage and had only a limited number of tanks and assault guns available across its broad front. Martinus avoided committing every remaining mobile unit to a general counterattack against the Allied bridgeheads.


He established a forward command post in the Wesel sector during the opening bombardment. On 24 March, [[Operation Varsity]] placed Allied airborne troops behind the Rhine defenses around the Wesel and Hamminkeln area.
He established a forward command post in the Wesel sector. On 24 March, [[Operation Varsity]] placed Allied airborne forces east of the Rhine around Wesel and Hamminkeln.


Airborne troops cut a road being used by Martinus and his staff. Martinus was already carrying his MP 40 and joined nearby German troops trying to reopen the route. His staff group was temporarily isolated before German forces regained access to another command position.
Airborne troops cut a road being used by Martinus and his staff. Martinus joined nearby German troops attempting to reopen the route, using the MP 40 he carried during the inspection. His staff group was temporarily isolated before contact with the rest of the German position was restored.


After resuming contact with Army Group headquarters, Martinus concluded that the Allied bridgehead could no longer be eliminated. He ordered a further withdrawal into northwestern Germany.
Martinus concluded that the Allied Rhine bridgehead could no longer be eliminated and ordered another withdrawal into northwestern Germany.


On 7 April 1945, Martinus became [[Oberbefehlshaber Nordwest]], giving him overall command of the remaining German forces in northwestern Germany and the Netherlands.
On 7 April 1945, he became [[Oberbefehlshaber Nordwest]], giving him overall command of the remaining German forces in northwestern Germany and the Netherlands.


By the beginning of May, Martinus considered further organized resistance in the northwest impossible. On 4 May, he personally attended the surrender at [[Lüneburg Heath]] and signed for the forces under his command. He returned to his headquarters afterward and transmitted the ceasefire orders.
On 4 May, Martinus personally attended the surrender at [[Lüneburg Heath]] and signed for the forces under his command. He returned to his headquarters afterward and transmitted the ceasefire orders.


The surrender took effect at 08:00 on 5 May 1945. Martinus's military service ended more than 51 years after his first enlistment.
The surrender took effect at 08:00 on 5 May 1945, ending Martinus's military career more than 51 years after his first enlistment.


== Great Paap ==
== Great Paap ==
Line 306: Line 294:
[[Antonius Martin Paap]] died on 2 November 1940. Martinus succeeded his father as [[Great Paap]] on the same day and inherited responsibility for the [[Book of Paap]].
[[Antonius Martin Paap]] died on 2 November 1940. Martinus succeeded his father as [[Great Paap]] on the same day and inherited responsibility for the [[Book of Paap]].


Martinus intended his younger son, [[Jan Paap]], to succeed him. Jan did not believe the prophecy contained in the Book of Paap and rejected the religious responsibility attached to the title.<ref name="book-rejection"/>
Martinus intended his younger son, [[Jan Paap]], to succeed him. Jan rejected the prophecy contained in the Book of Paap and the religious responsibilities associated with the position.<ref name="book-rejection"/>


During the Second World War, Jan severed ties with Martinus and rejected the wider Paap family. He later left Europe and established his own political organization in Tanoa.<ref name="jan-early-life"/>
Jan later severed ties with Martinus and rejected the wider Paap family.<ref name="jan-early-life"/> Martinus remained Great Paap despite Jan's refusal.


Martinus remained Great Paap after Jan's rejection. When Martinus was convicted and sentenced to imprisonment on 28 October 1948, [[Martin Paap I]] succeeded him as Great Paap.
Following Martinus's conviction on 28 October 1948, [[Martin Paap I]] succeeded him as Great Paap. Martinus accepted the succession and did not attempt to reclaim the position after his release.


Martinus accepted the succession and did not attempt to reclaim the title after his release. He remained close to Martin Paap I, who continued consulting him about family matters.
He remained close to Martin Paap I, who continued consulting him about Paap family matters. Martinus repeatedly attempted to restore contact with Jan through letters and relatives, but Jan rejected the attempts.


== Personal life ==
== Personal life ==
Line 318: Line 306:
While still a young soldier, Martinus had a sexual relationship with the 34-year-old civilian ''Kantinenwirtin'' whose presence at his barracks led to the discovery of his false enlistment age. She later gave birth to his daughter. Martinus continued to support and see the child after ending his relationship with her mother.
While still a young soldier, Martinus had a sexual relationship with the 34-year-old civilian ''Kantinenwirtin'' whose presence at his barracks led to the discovery of his false enlistment age. She later gave birth to his daughter. Martinus continued to support and see the child after ending his relationship with her mother.


Around 1901–1902, Martinus met [[Julien van Noord]] in [[Paris]] through a French reading group. Julien became his closest friend. They continued visiting each other after Martinus returned to the Dutch-German border region. Their correspondence sometimes contained prolonged disagreements over Julien's writing.<ref name="julien"/>
Around 1901–1902, Martinus met [[Julien van Noord]] in [[Paris]] through a French reading group. Julien became his closest friend. The two continued visiting each other and corresponded regularly. Their disagreements over Julien's writing sometimes continued for months by letter.<ref name="julien"/>


Around 1903, Martinus met [[Elsbeth Kranz]] while eating alone at a restaurant in [[Cologne]]. After meeting Elsbeth, he ended personal contact with his daughter's mother except for matters concerning the child.
Around 1903, Martinus met [[Elsbeth Kranz]] while eating alone at a restaurant in [[Cologne]]. After meeting Elsbeth, he ended personal contact with his daughter's mother except for matters concerning the child.


The woman later arrived at Martinus's home demanding to see him. Elsbeth had not previously been told about either the relationship or Martinus's daughter and became angry after learning about them. She later accepted Martinus's continued relationship with his daughter.
The woman later arrived at Martinus's home demanding to see him. Elsbeth had not previously known about the relationship or Martinus's daughter and became angry after learning about them. She later accepted Martinus's continued relationship with his daughter.


Martinus and Elsbeth married approximately two years after meeting. In 1905, they stayed temporarily in [[Rotterdam]], where their son [[Martin Paap I]] was born on 3 September.<ref name="martin-early-life"/> They returned to Germany in 1906.
Martinus and Elsbeth married approximately two years after meeting. In 1905, they stayed temporarily in [[Rotterdam]], where their son [[Martin Paap I]] was born on 3 September.<ref name="martin-early-life"/> They returned to Germany in 1906.
Line 328: Line 316:
Their younger son, [[Jan Paap]], was born in [[Warendorf]] on 21 January 1919.<ref name="jan-early-life"/>
Their younger son, [[Jan Paap]], was born in [[Warendorf]] on 21 January 1919.<ref name="jan-early-life"/>


Martinus repeatedly attempted to contact Jan after their relationship ended. He sent letters and tried to reach him through relatives for years. Jan refused the attempts and maintained his separation from Martinus and the Paap family.
== Imprisonment and later life ==


== Imprisonment and later life ==
After the surrender in May 1945, Martinus was taken into British custody as a senior German commander. He was later held at [[Island Farm|Special Camp XI]] in Bridgend, Wales, with other high-ranking German officers.


After the surrender in May 1945, Martinus was taken into British custody as a senior German commander. He was later held at [[Island Farm|Special Camp XI]] in Bridgend, Wales, which was used for high-ranking German officers who could be required for war-crimes proceedings.
Investigators examined his Eastern Front commands, including implementation of the Commissar Order and his conduct following the capture of Tula.


Investigators examined Martinus's Eastern Front commands. The implementation of the Commissar Order and his conduct after the capture of Tula became central parts of the case against him.
Martinus was subsequently tried in the [[High Command Case]] at Nuremberg. On 28 October 1948, he was convicted of war crimes and sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment.


Martinus was subsequently transferred for proceedings in the [[High Command Case]] at Nuremberg. On 28 October 1948, he was convicted of war crimes and sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment.
He did not serve the full sentence and was released in 1954 at the age of 76. Martinus moved to [[Vriendendam]], an area he had previously visited during the Battle of Arnhem while the first buildings of the settlement were still under construction.<ref name="vriendendam"/>


The conviction ended his term as Great Paap. [[Martin Paap I]] assumed the title while Martinus remained imprisoned.
Later in 1954, Martinus founded the [[Wehrmacht-Veteranenverein Vriendendam]], known in Dutch as the ''Vriendendamse Wehrmachtveteranenvereniging''. He became its first chairman. The association provided former servicemen with a meeting place and assisted members with veterans' affairs, correspondence and administrative matters.


Martinus did not serve the full sentence. He was released in 1954 at the age of 76 and moved to [[Vriendendam]]. He had previously inspected the area during the Battle of Arnhem while the buildings that formed the first settlement were still under construction.<ref name="vriendendam"/>
Martinus regularly met former soldiers through the association and attended its commemorative gatherings. He remained chairman until 1965, when he stepped down from day-to-day leadership and became honorary chairman for life. Younger members subsequently handled the association's routine administration, while Martinus continued attending important meetings and events.


Later in 1954, Martinus founded the [[Wehrmacht-Veteranenverein Vriendendam]], known in Dutch as the ''Vriendendamse Wehrmachtveteranenvereniging''. He became its first chairman. The association provided a local organization for former Wehrmacht personnel and assisted members with veterans' affairs.
He also became regularly involved with the [[Martinoskerk]], which had been built by his father in 1887. Martinus attended services there and participated in memorial services connected to the veterans association.


Martinus remained chairman until 1965. He then became honorary chairman and retained the position for the rest of his life.
Martinus remained close to [[Martin Paap I]] throughout his later life. Martin visited him during his imprisonment when possible and assisted him after his release. Martinus continued to be consulted on family matters despite no longer holding the Great Paap title.


After settling in Vriendendam, Martinus also became regularly involved with the [[Martinoskerk]]. The church had been built by his father in 1887. Martinus continued attending the church during his later life and took part in memorial services connected to the veterans association.
Motor racing became another regular part of Martinus's life in Vriendendam. He frequently attended races at the [[Vriendendam Racetrack]] as a spectator. Because he was highly respected in Vriendendam, he was given a VIP viewing place at the circuit and became a familiar presence at major race meetings. He continued attending races into old age.


His relationship with [[Martin Paap I]] remained close throughout the post-war period. Martin visited him during his imprisonment when possible and assisted him after his release. Martinus continued to be consulted on Paap family matters despite no longer holding the Great Paap title.
Martinus remained active in public life for many years after leaving the chairmanship of the veterans association. His activities gradually decreased as he aged, although he continued to appear at association events, church services and races when his health allowed.


== Death ==
== Death ==


Martinus remained in [[Vriendendam]] for the rest of his life. His public activity decreased with age, although he retained the honorary chairmanship of the [[Wehrmacht-Veteranenverein Vriendendam]] and remained associated with the [[Martinoskerk]].
Martinus died in [[Vriendendam]] on 7 November 2000 at the age of 122, one day before his 123rd birthday.
 
His funeral was attended by members of the [[Paap family]], former soldiers and members of the [[Wehrmacht-Veteranenverein Vriendendam]]. Several of his grandchildren were present. [[Jan Paap]], who had remained estranged from Martinus and the wider Paap family, did not attend.


He died in Vriendendam on 7 November 2000 at the age of 122 years and 364 days. He died one day before his 123rd birthday.
As part of the funeral procession, the vehicle carrying Martinus's coffin was driven for one lap around the [[Vriendendam Racetrack]], where veterans and other attendees gathered before the procession continued.


== See also ==
== See also ==

Revision as of 05:55, 15 August 2026

Martinus Antonius Johannes Paap
Born(1877-11-08)November 8, 1877
Kleve, German Empire
DiedNovember 7, 2000(2000-11-07) (aged 122)
Vriendendam, Netherlands
OccupationMilitary officer
Era
TitleGreat Paap
Term2 November 1940 – 28 October 1948
PredecessorAntonius Martin Paap
SuccessorMartin Paap I
Criminal penalty12 years' imprisonment
Criminal statusReleased in 1954
SpouseElsbeth Kranz
Children3, including Martin Paap I and Jan Paap
Parents
FamilyPaap family
Military career
Allegiance
BranchArmy
Service years
  • 1893–1919
  • 1933–1945
RankGeneralfeldmarschall
UnitInfanterie-Regiment Nr. 56
Commands
Conflicts
Awards

Martinus Antonius Johannes Paap (8 November 1877 – 7 November 2000) was a German military officer, Generalfeldmarschall and convicted war criminal from the Paap family. He served in the German Army from 1893 until 1919 and again from 1933 until 1945. During the First World War, he fought on the Western Front and received the Pour le Mérite. During the Second World War, he held divisional, corps, army and army-group commands.

During the 1941 campaign in the Soviet Union, Martinus commanded the 31. Infanterie-Division during the capture of Tula and Kashira. His forces reached the Vidnoye sector on 1 December, making his command the German force led by a general that advanced closest to central Moscow. He later commanded the 2. Armee, 15. Armee and 7. Armee. In September 1944, he directed German operations at Arnhem during Operation Market Garden. He was promoted to Generalfeldmarschall on 12 February 1945 and remained in senior command until the German surrender in northwestern Europe in May.

Martinus was also the third Great Paap, succeeding his father on 2 November 1940. His term ended following his conviction for war crimes on 28 October 1948, when Martin Paap I succeeded him. Martinus was sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment and released in 1954. He then settled in Vriendendam, founded the Wehrmacht-Veteranenverein Vriendendam and remained active in local public life until old age. He died in Vriendendam on 7 November 2000 at the age of 122.

Early life

Martinus was born in Kleve on 8 November 1877 to Antonius Martin Paap and Amalie Schroeter. His father worked as an architect and later became Great Paap.[1]

In 1893, Martinus enlisted in Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 56 at the age of 15 after falsely claiming to be 18. He remained with the regiment and progressed through the enlisted ranks.

His actual age was discovered after he had turned 18, when he was caught having sexual intercourse with a 34-year-old civilian Kantinenwirtin at the barracks. His officers examined his enlistment information and discovered that he had falsified his age. Martinus was allowed to remain in the regiment because of his service record.

He was later selected for an officer commission. Martinus became a Leutnant around 1906–1907 and had reached Oberleutnant by the beginning of the First World War.

Military career

First World War

At the beginning of the First World War, Martinus served with Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 56 on the Western Front. He fought during the Battle of Liège and later took part in the Battle of St. Quentin. His service during the opening campaign resulted in the award of the Iron Cross, 2nd Class.

On 15 September 1914, Martinus was involved in fighting at Berry-au-Bac. French artillery struck buildings near his detachment and a collapse separated him from the rest of his men. While moving through the damaged area, he encountered six French soldiers.

Martinus shot several of them at close range before the encounter developed into hand-to-hand fighting. During the final struggle, he lost his grip on his rifle and suffered a bayonet wound across his upper arm. He killed the final soldier and returned to the German line alone.

His officers initially doubted his account. German troops later searched the buildings and found the six French soldiers in the area Martinus had described. He subsequently received the Iron Cross, 1st Class. His wound was later recognized with the Wound Badge in Black.

Martinus fought during the First Battle of Ypres later in 1914. He remained on the Western Front during 1915, serving in Champagne and taking part in the Second Battle of Ypres.

In 1916, his regiment fought at the Battle of Verdun. During operations around Mort-Homme, Martinus's company came under heavy French artillery fire that included gas shells. The company commander was killed during the bombardment.

Martinus assumed command as an Oberleutnant and reorganized the surviving troops. When French infantry attacked the damaged position, he directed the defence and organized a local counterattack. He was promoted to Hauptmann and received the Knight's Cross of the Royal House Order of Hohenzollern with Swords.

He continued serving on the Western Front in 1917 and fought during the Second Battle of the Aisne. In 1918, Martinus took part in the German spring offensive.

During the Third Battle of the Aisne, his battalion commander became a casualty. Martinus assumed temporary command, reorganized the battalion and led it across the Aisne under fire. The battalion captured a fortified French position on the opposite bank and continued the advance.

Martinus retained temporary battalion command through the remainder of that phase of the offensive. He received the Pour le Mérite for his conduct.

Interwar period

Martinus resigned from military service in 1919. He regarded the reduction of the German Army and the military restrictions imposed after the war as a disgrace and did not seek a position in the reduced Reichswehr.

He remained outside military service until 1933. Reichswehr Minister Werner von Blomberg sent Martinus a personal letter asking him to return as the German Army expanded. Martinus accepted and was recommissioned as a Major.

In 1935, Paul Hausser approached Martinus about joining the SS-Verfügungstruppe. Martinus rejected the offer and remained in the Army.

By March 1936, Martinus had reached the rank of Oberstleutnant and commanded a battalion during the remilitarization of the Rhineland. Company commander Bruno van Noord argued that the advance should be slowed because of the possibility of French intervention. Martinus ordered him to continue.

Bruno refused the order and Martinus immediately relieved him of company command. Bruno retained the rank of Hauptmann but was placed in a subordinate battalion staff position until he returned to company command later in 1936.

In March 1938, Martinus commanded I./Infanterie-Regiment 61 during the Anschluss. His battalion entered Austria through Tyrol. When road congestion stopped part of the column, Martinus left his staff vehicle and went forward through the halted formation to reorganize its movement.

He remained with the battalion during the occupation of the Sudetenland in October 1938. Martinus was promoted to Oberst in November.

Second World War

Martinus served during the Invasion of Poland in September 1939 and received the Clasp to the Iron Cross, 2nd Class.

From 30 September until 30 November 1939, he temporarily commanded the 7. Infanterie-Division during its transfer from Poland to the Lower Rhine. He remained on the Western Front during the winter of 1939–1940.

France

On 1 March 1940, Martinus was promoted to Generalmajor and appointed commander of the 31. Infanterie-Division. When the German offensive in the west began on 10 May, the division crossed Belgium and advanced toward Liège. It later fought around the Dyle near Wavre, continued toward the Scheldt and Lys, and entered France.

During fighting on the Aisne in June, the division's first attempt to establish a crossing failed under French resistance. Martinus went forward to the regimental command posts, altered the crossing point and shifted the available artillery support.

The renewed attack established a bridgehead. Martinus committed additional infantry across the river and expanded the position before continuing the advance. He received the Clasp to the Iron Cross, 1st Class and was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross.

After the French armistice, Martinus visited Julien van Noord in Paris. Julien had been his closest friend since the beginning of the century, and the two had maintained their friendship through visits and correspondence.[2]

Martinus was promoted to Generalleutnant on 1 September 1940. Later that month, the 31st Division was transferred by rail from France to occupied Poland.

Soviet Union

The division remained under Martinus when Operation Barbarossa began on 22 June 1941. It participated in the opening advance associated with the Battle of Białystok–Minsk.

During a Soviet breakout attempt near the Zelvianka in late June, Martinus moved forward to a threatened battalion command post. Soviet infantry penetrated far enough to threaten the headquarters itself. Martinus shot two Soviet soldiers with his service pistol before returning to the direction of the local defence.

During the Battle of Smolensk, a Soviet attack on 25 July broke through part of the sector held by Infanterie-Regiment 82 and disrupted contact between several positions.

Martinus rejected a broad withdrawal. He redirected divisional artillery against the penetration, moved reserves against its flank and committed Panzerjäger-Abteilung 31 against Soviet armour. He went forward to Infanterie-Regiment 82's headquarters while the counterattack was underway. By the end of the fighting, the penetration had been contained and contact between the regiment's battalions restored.

During the Roslavl–Novozybkov offensive in September, Martinus received authorization for a limited pursuit after Soviet attacks opposite his sector had weakened. His division advanced approximately 40–50 kilometres beyond its previous positions and established an exposed salient west of Bryansk.

Higher headquarters ordered him to stop. Martinus argued against abandoning the captured ground and received permission to hold the position until neighbouring formations caught up.

When Operation Typhoon began on 30 September, Martinus resumed the advance. His division crossed the Bolva and continued east.

Around 19–20 October, Martinus reached Belyov and began operations against the Oka. Assault infantry crossed during the night using boats and improvised crossings before engineers expanded the route.

His command continued through Odoev and the Krapivna sector toward Tula. By 29 October, Martinus had reached the western approaches to the city.

His division attacked from the west when the wider German assault began on 30 October. By 1 November, Martinus had established a foothold in western Tula. He expanded the penetration over the following days, and forces under his command captured the city on 6 November 1941.

Following the capture of Tula, Martinus permitted Sonderkommando 7b to enter the city and did not interfere with its arrests and killings. His command also implemented the Commissar Order against captured Soviet political commissars. These actions later formed part of the case brought against him after the war.

Martinus resumed the northern advance on 8 November. His forces captured Kashira on 15 November despite growing losses and deteriorating supply conditions.

After a command conference at Kashira on 17 November, his advance continued through Stupino and the Mikhnevo sector. Martinus captured Domodedovo on 29 November.

On 1 December 1941, his leading formations reached the Vidnoye sector south of Moscow. Martinus went forward with the leading regimental headquarters. His command had advanced closer to central Moscow than that of any other German general during the campaign.

Martinus was promoted to General der Infanterie on 2 December and given temporary control of an enlarged formation known as Gruppe Paap, centred on the 31st Division and reinforced with supporting units.

The Soviet counteroffensive forced him to abandon the southern approach to Moscow several days later. Martinus organized a phased withdrawal through Domodedovo, Mikhnevo, Stupino and Kashira toward Tula. Most of the organized force escaped the exposed salient without being encircled.

He received the Oak Leaves to his Knight's Cross in December 1941.

Higher command

On 20 January 1942, Martinus became commanding general of the XXXXIII. Armeekorps. He inherited the corps during the continuing Soviet winter offensive.

Martinus directed a withdrawal toward the Yukhnov and Spas-Demensk area, shortening positions that could no longer support one another and using local counterattacks to keep important roads open. By April, the corps front had stabilized around Spas-Demensk.

On 15 July 1942, Martinus was appointed commander of the 2. Armee. He took command during the fighting around Voronezh and later organized the army's positions along the Don.

Martinus retained part of the army as an operational reserve and opposed attempts to remove the final mobile formations from his command while German forces farther south became increasingly committed around Stalingrad.

In late October 1942, two Soviet partisans ambushed Martinus's staff car in the army rear. His driver was killed and Martinus was grazed by a bullet. He left the vehicle and shot both attackers with his service pistol. His wound was treated without removing him from command.

During the Voronezh–Kastornoye offensive in January 1943, Martinus concluded that existing stand-fast orders threatened to trap substantial parts of 2. Armee. He began withdrawing exposed formations before receiving authorization for a general retreat.

The reserves he had retained were used to hold open withdrawal routes. The army lost substantial equipment, but much of its personnel escaped the developing encirclement. Martinus was relieved of command on 3 February 1943 because he had ordered the withdrawal without authorization.

After several weeks in the Führerreserve, Martinus returned to field command on 20 March as commander of the 15. Armee in France.

The Pas-de-Calais sector contained a particularly dense concentration of coastal defenses. Martinus nevertheless considered the available mobile reserve insufficient for responding to a successful Allied landing. He spent much of 1943 inspecting defensive positions and reorganizing forces behind the coast.

In December 1943, Martinus accompanied Erwin Rommel during an inspection of the defenses. They agreed on further strengthening of coastal positions but differed over how much strength should remain mobile behind the beaches. Martinus and Rommel nevertheless developed a close working relationship.

Martinus was promoted to Generaloberst on 1 January 1944.

During the first months of 1944, Martinus became increasingly convinced that the Allied invasion might take place in Normandy. When the Normandy landings began on 6 June, he considered them the main invasion and requested permission to release formations from the Pas-de-Calais. The 346. Infanterie-Division began moving toward Normandy on 7 June.

Normandy

On 28 June 1944, following the death of Friedrich Dollmann, Martinus was appointed commander of 7. Armee.

During July, he concentrated on the deteriorating German position around Saint-Lô. By 17 July, Martinus considered the most exposed positions untenable and began preparations for a controlled withdrawal before the town fell on 18 July.

On 24 July, American bombers struck the Panzer-Lehr-Division sector during the aborted opening of Operation Cobra. Martinus regarded the bombardment as preparation for a larger offensive and authorized the movement of headquarters elements and part of the reserve away from the most exposed area.

The main bombardment on 25 July still caused heavy losses. Martinus used the surviving formations to establish another defensive line and concentrated available mobile forces around the approaches to Villedieu-les-Poêles. The immediate American drive toward Avranches was temporarily contained.

As Allied pressure increased, Martinus ordered a planned withdrawal from Avranches on 10 August. By 12 August, he had concluded that continued resistance farther west threatened to trap 7. Armee around Falaise.

Transport, headquarters elements and other rear formations began moving east before a general withdrawal had been authorized. Combat formations followed. By the time wider authorization for retreat was issued on 16 August, much of Martinus's army was already moving toward the remaining routes out of the threatened area.

Heavy equipment was lost during the withdrawal, but most of the surviving personnel of 7. Armee avoided entrapment inside the Falaise Pocket.

Netherlands

On 5 September 1944, Martinus was appointed Wehrmachtbefehlshaber in den Niederlanden.

When Operation Market Garden began on 17 September, he identified the bridge at Arnhem as the immediate objective of the British airborne force and directed available German units toward the city.

During 18–20 September, Martinus coordinated attacks against the British position around the northern end of the bridge. Reinforcements were moved into Arnhem while the isolated British force became increasingly difficult to supply.

On 21 September, forces under Martinus fully retook Arnhem and cleared the remaining British position around the bridge. He then redirected available forces toward the British perimeter at Oosterbeek. The remaining British airborne troops withdrew during the night of 25–26 September.

After Arnhem had been retaken, Martinus inspected German positions north of the city on 21–22 September. Houses were being constructed behind the defenses for fathers attached to an SS armoured division. These buildings later became the first houses of Vriendendam.[3]

On 10 November 1944, Martinus was appointed commander of Army Group H, covering the Netherlands and the northwestern approaches to Germany.

Final months

In February 1945, Operation Veritable brought the Allied advance toward Kleve, Martinus's birthplace.

Martinus went directly to the Kleve sector after the offensive began on 8 February and remained near the front as German troops were forced back toward the town. By this stage of the war, he regularly carried an MP 40 during visits to forward positions.

When part of the local German line began to collapse, Martinus joined the infantry at the position while continuing to issue orders through nearby staff personnel. During the fighting on 10–11 February, he was struck in the upper torso by a shell fragment.

Martinus received field treatment and remained in the Kleve sector until the German position in the town was abandoned.

On 12 February 1945, he was promoted to Generalfeldmarschall and received the Swords to his Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves.

After the loss of Kleve, Martinus began withdrawing rear formations and equipment toward the Rhine while combat troops continued delaying the Allied advance. Wesel became one of the principal crossing areas for Army Group H.

Most organized formations crossed the Rhine during the first week of March. Martinus remained west of the river until 9 March, when he crossed after the principal rearguards had withdrawn.

Operation Plunder began on 23 March. Army Group H was severely depleted by this stage and had only a limited number of tanks and assault guns available across its broad front. Martinus avoided committing every remaining mobile unit to a general counterattack against the Allied bridgeheads.

He established a forward command post in the Wesel sector. On 24 March, Operation Varsity placed Allied airborne forces east of the Rhine around Wesel and Hamminkeln.

Airborne troops cut a road being used by Martinus and his staff. Martinus joined nearby German troops attempting to reopen the route, using the MP 40 he carried during the inspection. His staff group was temporarily isolated before contact with the rest of the German position was restored.

Martinus concluded that the Allied Rhine bridgehead could no longer be eliminated and ordered another withdrawal into northwestern Germany.

On 7 April 1945, he became Oberbefehlshaber Nordwest, giving him overall command of the remaining German forces in northwestern Germany and the Netherlands.

On 4 May, Martinus personally attended the surrender at Lüneburg Heath and signed for the forces under his command. He returned to his headquarters afterward and transmitted the ceasefire orders.

The surrender took effect at 08:00 on 5 May 1945, ending Martinus's military career more than 51 years after his first enlistment.

Great Paap

Antonius Martin Paap died on 2 November 1940. Martinus succeeded his father as Great Paap on the same day and inherited responsibility for the Book of Paap.

Martinus intended his younger son, Jan Paap, to succeed him. Jan rejected the prophecy contained in the Book of Paap and the religious responsibilities associated with the position.[4]

Jan later severed ties with Martinus and rejected the wider Paap family.[5] Martinus remained Great Paap despite Jan's refusal.

Following Martinus's conviction on 28 October 1948, Martin Paap I succeeded him as Great Paap. Martinus accepted the succession and did not attempt to reclaim the position after his release.

He remained close to Martin Paap I, who continued consulting him about Paap family matters. Martinus repeatedly attempted to restore contact with Jan through letters and relatives, but Jan rejected the attempts.

Personal life

While still a young soldier, Martinus had a sexual relationship with the 34-year-old civilian Kantinenwirtin whose presence at his barracks led to the discovery of his false enlistment age. She later gave birth to his daughter. Martinus continued to support and see the child after ending his relationship with her mother.

Around 1901–1902, Martinus met Julien van Noord in Paris through a French reading group. Julien became his closest friend. The two continued visiting each other and corresponded regularly. Their disagreements over Julien's writing sometimes continued for months by letter.[2]

Around 1903, Martinus met Elsbeth Kranz while eating alone at a restaurant in Cologne. After meeting Elsbeth, he ended personal contact with his daughter's mother except for matters concerning the child.

The woman later arrived at Martinus's home demanding to see him. Elsbeth had not previously known about the relationship or Martinus's daughter and became angry after learning about them. She later accepted Martinus's continued relationship with his daughter.

Martinus and Elsbeth married approximately two years after meeting. In 1905, they stayed temporarily in Rotterdam, where their son Martin Paap I was born on 3 September.[6] They returned to Germany in 1906.

Their younger son, Jan Paap, was born in Warendorf on 21 January 1919.[5]

Imprisonment and later life

After the surrender in May 1945, Martinus was taken into British custody as a senior German commander. He was later held at Special Camp XI in Bridgend, Wales, with other high-ranking German officers.

Investigators examined his Eastern Front commands, including implementation of the Commissar Order and his conduct following the capture of Tula.

Martinus was subsequently tried in the High Command Case at Nuremberg. On 28 October 1948, he was convicted of war crimes and sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment.

He did not serve the full sentence and was released in 1954 at the age of 76. Martinus moved to Vriendendam, an area he had previously visited during the Battle of Arnhem while the first buildings of the settlement were still under construction.[3]

Later in 1954, Martinus founded the Wehrmacht-Veteranenverein Vriendendam, known in Dutch as the Vriendendamse Wehrmachtveteranenvereniging. He became its first chairman. The association provided former servicemen with a meeting place and assisted members with veterans' affairs, correspondence and administrative matters.

Martinus regularly met former soldiers through the association and attended its commemorative gatherings. He remained chairman until 1965, when he stepped down from day-to-day leadership and became honorary chairman for life. Younger members subsequently handled the association's routine administration, while Martinus continued attending important meetings and events.

He also became regularly involved with the Martinoskerk, which had been built by his father in 1887. Martinus attended services there and participated in memorial services connected to the veterans association.

Martinus remained close to Martin Paap I throughout his later life. Martin visited him during his imprisonment when possible and assisted him after his release. Martinus continued to be consulted on family matters despite no longer holding the Great Paap title.

Motor racing became another regular part of Martinus's life in Vriendendam. He frequently attended races at the Vriendendam Racetrack as a spectator. Because he was highly respected in Vriendendam, he was given a VIP viewing place at the circuit and became a familiar presence at major race meetings. He continued attending races into old age.

Martinus remained active in public life for many years after leaving the chairmanship of the veterans association. His activities gradually decreased as he aged, although he continued to appear at association events, church services and races when his health allowed.

Death

Martinus died in Vriendendam on 7 November 2000 at the age of 122, one day before his 123rd birthday.

His funeral was attended by members of the Paap family, former soldiers and members of the Wehrmacht-Veteranenverein Vriendendam. Several of his grandchildren were present. Jan Paap, who had remained estranged from Martinus and the wider Paap family, did not attend.

As part of the funeral procession, the vehicle carrying Martinus's coffin was driven for one lap around the Vriendendam Racetrack, where veterans and other attendees gathered before the procession continued.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Personal life and death". Antonius Martin Paap. Vrienden Universe Wiki.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Friendships". Julien van Noord. Vrienden Universe Wiki.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Battle of Arnhem". Vriendendam. Vrienden Universe Wiki.
  4. ↑ "Belief and rejection". Book of Paap. Vrienden Universe Wiki.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Early life". Jan Paap. Vrienden Universe Wiki.
  6. ↑ "Early life". Martin Paap (father). Vrienden Universe Wiki.
Retrieved from "https://vriendenuniverse.org/wiki/index.php?title=Martinus_Antonius_Johannes_Paap&oldid=10894"