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Failure of German logistics during the German Ardennes Offensive of 1944.

Discussion in 'Western Europe 1943 - 1945' started by Za Rodinu, Jun 21, 2008.

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  1. Za Rodinu

    Za Rodinu Aquila non capit muscas

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    Failure of German logistics during the German Ardennes Offensive of 1944.

    This study investigates the role that logistics played in the failure of the German Offensive in the Ardennes in 1944. The thesis explains that despite the incredible buildup of forces and supplies, the inability of the German strategic and operational logistics systems to properly equip, fuel, arm, and move forces caused the failure of the Ardennes Offensive. The concept of this thesis starts with the overall strategic military and political situation of Germany in the fall of 1944 that Hitler used to base his decision to conduct the offensive in December 1944. The study then examines in detail the strategic capabilities during the buildup of supplies and the operational level organization and planning for the offensive. An analysis of the details on the impact of terrain, climate, allied air interdiction, and Operation Point Blank is included in this chapter. Then it examines the first weeks of the offensive and looks at the failure of the fuel and arm and move tactical logistics functions. An analysis of the impact of logistics on supporting operations is included in this chapter.

    http://cgsc.cdmhost.com/cgi-bin/showfile.exe?CISOROOT=/p4013coll2&CISOPTR=519&filename=520.pdf

    6.13 Mb pdf
     
    Za Rodinu, Jun 21, 2008
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  2. Kai-Petri

    Kai-Petri Kenraali

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    Must have a look at some point. Interesting thing to study actually. I think there was alot more that destroyed the offensive than the German logistics. I do think the German commanders themselves did not really trust this offensive to create much in the first place, just ask Gerd von Rundstedt....
     
    Kai-Petri, Jun 21, 2008
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  3. John Dudek

    John Dudek Member

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    It's a testimony to failed Nazi ideology that Hitler insisted on this last ditch offensive. Had the Germans carefully preserved their reconstituted infantry and panzer divisions, while making use of their well maintained, interior lines of communication to ferry reinforcements from one threatened sector to another, they may have been able to stave off defeat for another year or more.
     
    John Dudek, Jun 28, 2008
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