War Diaries - Bogged Down October 1941

History has shown that Japan was more favorable to the idea of bring USSR into the Axis but that was more for selfish reasons; easier trade with Germany.

Garg,

––Uh, um, sorry, Garg, but the Devils’ Brigade was a BRIGADE, not a Division.

----I knew you already required psychiatric help, but maybe we should add a math teacher to that(Grin).

“Tall Paul”

p.s.-You’ve been keeping too quiet lately. Your ‘interesting’ perspective on things always cracks me up.

@Razor:

I think Stalin sabotaged the Republicans cause since he was afraid of disturbing UK, they sure did not want a commy state as neighbour. Imagine UK joining up with Germany against communism in Europe.

I think that over-zealous Comintern agents and an NKVD infiltrated PCE (the communist part of Spain) are what really caused the most damage to the Spanish Republic. The wasting of men and material on useless “prestige” offensives in places like Brunete and Teruel, the lack of initiative shown the Soviet advisors and their communist promoted officers, and the persecution of Republic supporting groups like the CNT, UGT (anarchists) and the POUMS (Spain’s Marxist/trotskiest party) did the most damage.

Also, the other single biggest enemy of the Republic and the country that did the most to help the Nationalists and hurt the Republic was the United Kingdom. Their policy of “non-intervention” and the stupid committee they set up that did absolutely nothing. Even when given proof that both Germany AND Italy were blatantly ignoring their roles in this non-intervention committee, and actively helping Franco with troops and equipment, the UK did nothing. Also Britain keep France from helping the Republic by suggesting that they would not back France against the Germans if they did. It was part of the UK’s stupid policy of appeasement that did the most damage to the Republic and thrust them into the arms of the Soviets, and all the damage that caused.

I can certianly see why Canada would be at the tops of this list, the Canadian assault on Vimy ridge is one that has certianly deserves mention, Epic, simply epic. Of course, their counter attack in Belgium at Ypres in the face of a German gas attack, cant go unmentioned, full credit to them.

I think the German Sturmabteillung, and their descendants the Stormtroopers, were some of the best formations not only in the German amry, but in the world. However, I would be remiss if I did not mention Paul Von Lettow-Vorbeck and his determined group of east african (Tanzanian) Askari schutztruppen, who waged a very spirited and determined guerilla campagin against the Allies, and is the only German commander who was never defeated in battle.

Another very impressive allies was the American 93rd division and their black troopers, the Harlem Hellfighters of 369 regiment.

And this really only scratches the surface.

It can be everybody against everybody, unless you form alliances only to renig on a treaty and attack. one molment your in an allience with a country and then they are your enemy

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.

Is the version of All Quiet on the Western Front from 1979 film with Richard Thomas and Ernest Borgnine the version that you guys are talking about?

The best is one called “The Big Battles” B&W circa 1963 ish?

Playing that in the backround while playing is a must