German Forces

Von Thoma surrenders.

General der Panzertruppe Wilhelm, Ritter von Thoma, following his surrender to General Bernard Montgomery. Von Thoma was captured following his command of the defence of a hill feature in which his force was reduced to a collection of smouldering scrap. It has been speculated that he may have exposed himself to this situation in an effort to commit "battlefield suicide" - though there is really no evidence on this point one way or the other. Glum though they look, it appears that Monty and von Thoma went on to enjoy dinner together. Von Thoma recorded afterwards how shocked he was at Monty's level of knowledge of the German situation and dispositions (derived, no doubt, from Ultra intercepts). Winston Churchill - who apparently developed a great respect for Von Thoma during his period of captivity - is said to have commented, "I sympathise with General von Thoma. Defeated, in captivity, and dinnery with Montgomery !" Best regards, JR.