Despite the best efforts of a number of historians; many aspects of the ferocious struggle between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union during the Second World War remain obscure or shrouded in myth. One of the most persistent of these is the notion - largely created by many former members of its own officer corps in the immediate postwar period - that the German Army was a paragon of military professionalism and operational proficiency whose defeat on the Eastern Front was solely attributable to the amateurish meddling of a crazed former Corporal and the overwhelming numerical superiority of the Red Army. A key pillar upon which the argument of German numerical-weakness vis-Ã -vis the Red Army has been constructed is the assertion that Germany was simply incapable of providing its army with the necessary quantities of men and equipment needed to replace its losses. In consequence; as their losses outstripped the availability of replacements; German field formations became progressively weaker until they were incapable of securing their objectives or; eventually; of holding back the swelling might of the Red Army. This work seeks to address the notion of German numerical-weakness in terms of Germany's ability to replace its losses and regenerate its military strength; and assess just how accurate this argument was during the crucial first half of the Russo-German War (June 1941-June 1943). Employing a host of primary documents and secondary literature; it traces the development and many challenges of the German Army from the prewar period until the invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941. It continues on to chart the first two years of the struggle between Germany and the Soviet Union; with a particular emphasis upon the scale of German personnel and equipment losses; and how well these were replaced. It also includes extensive examinations into the host of mitigating factors that both dictated the course of Germany's campaign in the East and its replacement and regeneration capabilities. In contrast to most accounts of the conflict; this study finds that numerical-weakness being the primary factor in the defeat of the Ostheer - specifically as it relates to the strength and condition of the German units involved - has been overemphasized and frequently exaggerated. In fact; Germany was actually able to regenerate its forces to a remarkable degree with a steady flow of fresh men and equipment; and German field divisions on the Eastern Front were usually far stronger than the accepted narratives of the war would have one believe.
#6175513 in Books #File Name: 1907417427
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great Napoleonic ResourceBy Elliott W. JamesThe work covers the Spanish infantry during the period 1798 and 1808. This is the period immediately prior to the French invasion and the start of the War of Liberation.The Book clearly explains the organisation and recruitment of the Spanish infantry covers the Line – both native and foreign regiments – light infantry; and militia.The book is lavishly illustrated with numerous illustrations; the majority of which are in colour. For the line infantry the uniforms of 1797 and 1802 are discussed in outline and for the 1805 and 1808 patterns every unit is described in detail with not just tables but with stylised pictures of each. We also have descriptions of uniforms for the 'New Units' of 1808-1809 as resistance against the French stiffened.For light infantry; we have the 1800 uniform; the 1802 and two versions of the 1805 uniform. Again the all these are clearly described.Finally we have the militia units in the uniforms of 1790; 1802;1805 and the later period of 1808-9.For the line and foreign units we have service histories and flags. For the lights and the militia units not every individual flag is shown but plenty of details are given.Comments.The Spanish were on of the most underestimated foes of Napoleonic France. The troops suffered from appalling leadership and a bad press from both British and French sources.This is a great introduction to the Old Army prior to the later units of the Junta period and the supplies from Britain.A great resource and must have for the Peninsular library. Excellent value for money.
