It didn’t matter. The war in the Eastern front was all but over for Germany after the winter of 41’. Very few winter uniforms were issued to German soldiers because the High Command believed they would be drinking vodka in the Kremlin by the end of the year. One story recalls West of Moscow in mid-December that the frozen legs of 73 dead Russian soldiers were sawed off below the knee and put in ovens, to warm the boot off the foot so they could be taken off and given to 73 German soldiers. The German men and equipment were not ready for the shock of the winter.
You have to remember that this was an all or nothing more for Hitler, (Directive no. 21) and If he could not capture Moscow and only Moscow before 42’ the war was over. Subsequently, Hitler ended up being his own demise after continuing to contradict himself over his goals (Should I stay and siege Leningrad, should I capture Kiev, a should I move the South army north and pincer Moscow?) Now I understand the idea of capturing the oil fields in the Caucasus, but the heart, communications, and command of Russia ran from Moscow. Why cut off a hand, when you can cut off the head? Basically if you capture Moscow you could walk down to the oil fields with little resistance. Also, by the end of 41’ the Allies had fully committed themselves to helping Russia. America and the UK thought Russia was doomed, but after seeing the resistance the Russians put up, it would soon be a 3 v 1 battle.
I suppose if this Campaign has taken place in Midwest America, where there was little chance of a Russian winter then I have no doubt believing that Germany would have had time to capture Moscow.
