Early Life
Rommel was born in Heidelheim in Wurrtemberg in 15th November, 1891. He was the son of a schoolmaster, and grew up under strict guidance from his parents. This imposed discipline was to help him earn respect among soldiers, friend and foe alike, and drive his soldiers far beyond their normal limits.
He had a elder sister and two younger brothers. One was to become an opera singer and the other returned from World War One seriously injured.
His family described him as afraid of nobody. He always preferred non-fiction to fictional works. He enjoyed skiing, bicycling and exploration. He was gifted both academically and athletically with a keen skill in mathematics. This skill led him to an interest in aviation and Erwin wanted to apply to the Zeppelin works at Friedrichshafen.
His father, Erwin senior, himself an ex-soldier, urged his eldest son to join the army. This Rommel did and, following tradition, joined the Wurrtemberg Army, being a Wurrtemberger. He first applied for the Artillery Corps, which was the most prestigious corps after cavalry. He received an extremely discouraging response from the local artillery commander. His second choice, the engineers, was equally discouraging.
He was directed to the 124th Wurrtemberg Infantry Regiment of the 26th Infantry Division in July of 1910 as a cadet. He served as a cadet until March 1911. He was then sent to the Konigliche Kreigsschule at Danzig. His spell at Danzig took eight months. He found the academic work easy and he took his duties very seriously. At Danzig, Rommel fell in love with Lucy, a Prussian language student who was studying there. Their love was to last until Rommel's last breath. They married in November, 1916.
� He was appointed Corporal in October and was a Sergeant by the end of the year. In January 1912, the 'monocled and dapper' young Lieutenant Erwin Rommel rejoined the 124th Regiment at Weingarten.
On the 4th of August, 1914, Rommel, with the 124th headed for the Western Front.
