[Homer_J_Simpson]

Dietrich disobeyed the order and attacked across the canal, since the Allies had higher ground and were looking down on his positions.

A bad order disobeyed by a commander in the field. Happening this early in the campaign, not a good sign for future operations.

[CougarGA7]

If a situation is one of victory but the sovereign has issued orders not to engage, the general may decide to fight. If the situation is such that he cannot win, but the sovereign has issued orders to engage, he need not do so.

And therefore the general who in advancing does not seek personal fame, and in withdrawing is not concerned with avoiding punishment, but whose only purpose is to protect the people and promote the best interests of his sovereign, is the precious jewel of the state - Sun Tzu.

Looks like the ancients are on Dietrich's side.

[PzLdr]

What makes it interesting to me are two things: Dietrich was routinely condescended to by many of the professionals in their post-war memoirs, yet he made the right call here. And he was the only German officer I can think of who actually served with German armor in WW I.

Second, this was a Hitler order being disobeyed BY AN SS GENERAL, for the good of his troops, while the Army fell in line. Dietrich would do this again on July 17th, 1944, when he told Rommel that if Rommel ordered him one way [to surrender to the Allies and open the Western Front], and Hitler another [fight on to the death, etc.], he [Ditrich], and all his subordinate commanders [Bittrich, Monhke, Meyer,etc], would obey Rommel.