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To: X Fretensis

One of my college engineering profs (himself a WW2 former POW) told us “if the Germans would have had 0W20 (arctic) motor oil back then, they darn well might have beat the Russians”


115 posted on 11/11/2014 10:28:25 AM PST by nascarnation (Impeach, Convict, Deport)
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To: nascarnation

I suppose that may have had some influence. But I think other factors had a greater impact. The German army in front of Berlin suffered 130,000 frost bite casualties in Dec/Jan. The infantry was still in summer weight uniforms. The grease used as a lubricant on tank and artillery cases froze solid and the ammo could not be used. The grease in axle bearings, breach blocks and rifle bolts froze solid.
The Germans were completely unprepared, in all areas, for operations in weather reaching 20 below zero. The Russians on the other hand, were able to function militarily at such extreme temperatures.


116 posted on 11/11/2014 10:54:05 AM PST by X Fretensis (How)
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