Leadership Suicide in the Luftwaffe –Udet, Jeschonnek, etc.

[Rob Romero]

It is my understanding that Ernst Udet committed suicide [Nov 41] due to his realization that German Fighter production could not keep up with the demands of a two front war. It is also my understanding that Generaloberst Hans Jeschonnek killed himself after the failure of the Luftwaffe to prevent the twin destruction of Hamburg [Aug 43] –perhaps from a profound realization that ultimately the Luftwaffe would be unable to stem the tide.

Can anyone provide further insight into these events? What exactly were the roles of these two leaders? Were there any other leaders who felt a profound sense of personal responsibility for the impending doom of the Luftwaffe and even the Germany military in a wider sense?

As always thanks.

[Josh Osborne]

Have your read "The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich" by William Shirer? I don't remember if these particular leaders were mentioned, but if you want to know about the personalities and culture of the Nazi military/political leadership, this would be a good place to start.

[Rob Romero]

Yes I have read Shirer's "The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich" -athough an excellent work, he paints with a bit too broad a stroke to adress the specific questions I have raised hear. For instance his treatment of Operation Zitadelle -Germany's last great Ostfront offensive is cursory at best.