Why was Rundstedt well respected by the Allied despite the fact that Hitler underplay his appointment?

Answer 1

I think the Allies respected Rundstedt's professionalism. He was the prototypical German general officer coming from the Prussian aristocracy, fighting in WW1 and then remaining a professional soldier during the inter-war years. He was a pragmatic soldier who was willing to fall back when necessary and had he been allowed to fight his battles free of Hitler's interference he would have given the Allies considerably more trouble than he did.

Despite his military professionalism Rundstedt collaborated with Nazi party directives, particularly on the Eastern Front. He was complicit in the infamous Commissar Order and he is said to have cooperated with the SS Einsatzgruppen (anti-jewish death squads) who operated behind the front line areas under his command.

Answer 2

He was a Nazi general so I don't know if he was well respected-perhaps he was seen as the more moderate face of Nazism and as a potential means of getting the German high command to rid themselves of Hitler. Getting rid of Hitler was always the key goal for the allies.

Answer 3

I'm not sure you could say he was well respected. His performance was certainly erratic. And he did support the Einsatzgruppen who were tasked with annihilating the Jews, Gypsies and political commissars. He supported Hitler in preference to the army, turning on those who did plot against Hitler. He was incredibly lucky not to stand trial for war crimes.