Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

To: CougarGA7; Homer_J_Simpson

This will be a recurring problem for the Germans throughout the war. The Panzers are very good at opening holes and dashing through them, but get exposed repeatedly because the foot infantry with their horse drawn artillery labor to catch up. In France it will lead to several “stop” orders to the Panzer units in the dash to the Channel and envelopment of Dunkirk.

In the USSR they will cut off entire groups of Soviet armies, but without enough infantry the cordon is too loose and many Soviet soldiers will infiltrate back to Soviet territory to fight again, or melt into the woods to become partisans.


16 posted on 09/06/2009 1:58:05 PM PDT by henkster (The frog has noticed the increase in water temperature)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 14 | View Replies ]


To: henkster

Problem that showed up clearly in Russia was the combination of distance, poor road net and largely ‘leg’ infantry formations [with largely horse drawn transport] comprising the bulk of the German Infantry Divisions. What is truly amazing is not that they failed to close the cauldrons, but that they achieved the marches they did, at speed.


23 posted on 09/06/2009 2:38:05 PM PDT by PzLdr ("The Emperor is not as forgiving as I am" - Darth Vader)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 16 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson