Page "Heinrich Himmler" Paragraph 60

On 25 January 1945, in spite of Himmler's lack of military experience, Hitler appointed him as commander of the hastily-formed Army Group Vistula ( Heeresgruppe Weichsel ) to halt the Soviet Red Army's Vistula – Oder Offensive into Pomerania.

Himmler established his command centre at Schneidemühl, using his special train, Sonderzug Steiermark, as his headquarters.

The train had only one telephone line, inadequate maps, and no signal detachment or radios with which to establish communication and relay military orders.

Himmler seldom left the train, only worked about four hours per day, and insisted on a daily massage and a lengthy nap afterwards.

He was unable to devise any viable plans for completion of the military objectives.

Under pressure from Hitler over the worsening military situation, Himmler became anxious and unable to give him coherent reports.

Hitler was unwilling to admit that his choice of commander had been inadequate.

After an intense argument with General Heinz Guderian, who insisted on a change of command of the Army Group Vistula, Hitler assigned General Walther Wenck to Himmler's headquarters to take over command of a limited counter-offensive ; Hitler then observed that it was not possible for him to move the troops needed for Guderian's planned double pincer attack from neighbouring regions.

When the counter-attack failed to stop the Soviet advance, Hitler held Himmler personally liable and accused him of not following orders.

Himmler's tenure as a military commander ended on 20 March, when Hitler replaced him with General Gotthard Heinrici as Commander-in-Chief of Army Group Vistula.

By this time Himmler, who had been under the care of his doctor since 18 February, had fled to a sanatorium at Hohenlychen.

Hitler sent Guderian on a forced medical leave of absence, and he resigned his post as chief of staff to Hans Krebs on 29 March.

Himmler's failure and Hitler's response marked a serious deterioration in the relationship between the two men.

By that time, the inner circle of people which Hitler trusted was rapidly shrinking.