Originally Posted by Balderdasher

The History Channel here had a new series on Stalingrad.
I know you criticised using such as a source and I am sceptical too, though I like that they interview veterans including the aide-de-camps of the officers on both sides(assuming they are who they say they are).

But it just pointed out the futility of the German position there, and although there was no doubt the Germans could have done better, the theme of the program seemed to be it was a 'personality' conflict over a strategically sound decision for both sides. That Hitler literally saw the name 'Stalin' and that became more important than Moscow etc.

Fascinating program. I wonder if it is based on the new book?

You come away from the series wondering what the hell Hitler was thinking and that the battle was, however costly, a godsend for the Soviet side strategically speaking. Though to be fair, it does criticise Stalin and Soviet decision making and motives too.