If you look at the location of Stalingrad on an atlas, you have to wonder what were Hitler and the German General Staff thinking about trying to take Stalingrad and the Caucasus.
I realize the intention was to seize the Caucasus oil fields, but if you look at the supply lines involved; especially in light of the fact the German army was primarily supplied by horse and cart, the thought of being able to take and hold this vast area is just ridiculous. Especially in the dead of winter.
With their only flank protection being lightly armed Hungarians, Romanians, and Italians, you can see how the Soviet Generals must have been salivating to begin their attack and surround Paulus and the 6th Army.
Manstein should have done the honorable thing and ignored Hitler's order and launched an immediate breakout of the 6th Army after the initial Soviet offensive. Manstein owed it to his troops.
I realize the intention was to seize the Caucasus oil fields, but if you look at the supply lines involved; especially in light of the fact the German army was primarily supplied by horse and cart, the thought of being able to take and hold this vast area is just ridiculous. Especially in the dead of winter.
With their only flank protection being lightly armed Hungarians, Romanians, and Italians, you can see how the Soviet Generals must have been salivating to begin their attack and surround Paulus and the 6th Army.
Manstein should have done the honorable thing and ignored Hitler's order and launched an immediate breakout of the 6th Army after the initial Soviet offensive. Manstein owed it to his troops.
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