Taktyka i Strategia - Forum :: Zobacz temat - STALINGRAD 1942-43

Wojciech Zalewski · Szeregowy Dołączył: 15 Mar 2004 Posty: 446

Scenario:

Stalingrad
When we think about the battle of Stalingrad we always connect this with a winter. However the first encounters started at the end of July 1942. The two German armies (4th and 6th) attacked powerfully from the west and southwest. The experience of German troops and technical qualities of German tanks were crucial factors during the obstinate battles. However initiative and power of the attack – traditional German assets were not sufficient. Everyday Soviets gathered more and more troops and slowly gained an advantage. The only reason why they could not fight efficiently whit German armies was the famous 277th order “No step backwards”. Because of this order the whole divisions and armies died. Instead of retreating and regrouping they had to fight and die in senseless combats. But it did not worry Stalin. There was always another army. The people were not important, important was the success.

The operation Uran
The very carefully prepared operation of destroying German forces in Stalingrad started on the 18th November 1942. In the beginning the Soviets attacked the Rumanian divisions with a strong support of artillery and tanks. The first day these troops were smashed or made to retreat. When the Germans counter-attacked they were faced with an immense advantage of the Soviet armies. However they still did not see a real danger. The Soviets attacked many times and they always were defeated. It was always enough for the Germans to regroup their forces and then it was easy to smash the Soviets. But once again it was not a military issue. Hitler ordered the defence of Stalingrad even when the city was surrounded. This catastrophic order was the reason that the Germans could not defend efficiently. Today we can ask what could have happen if the Germans had started the retreat?

Winter Storm
In the military history it is common that surrounded armies could survive and when relieved they could defeat the enemy. However in Stalingrad the situation of the German 6th army was much more serious and sinister. The German army which was supposed to unblock Stalingrad had to choose one of the two roads to Stalingrad. The shorter one of about 50 km was strongly defended by the Soviets. Therefore they chose the longer one, of about 100 km. The task was very difficult because of the horrible weather with blizzards and of the poor road system. However the best opportunity to harm Soviets was to use the 6th German army blocked in Stalingrad. Instead of defend Stalingrad they should attack. As we know the Germans did not attack but lost a dozen of tank divisions, which could be used very effectively.