Blaskowitz, Colonel General Johannes von

1883–1948

   Blaskowitz was a German General who served in 1940 in France and afterwards became Commander of the Army of Occupation in Poland. He was very independent-minded and prepared two memos protesting against SS brutality and treatment of the Jews. In 1944 Blaskowitz was given command of Army Group G covering the Biscay area and the Mediterranean coast of France. After the success of Operation Dragoon he was relieved in September 1944. HITLER complained about his childish attitudes but reappointed him in March 1945 in a last minute attempt to save the Netherlands. The task was hopeless and in May 1945 he surrendered to Canadian and Dutch troops led by Prince BERNHARD. He was put on trial at Nuremberg but committed suicide before the trial.