2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Jan 4, 2019 2:08:52 GMT -5
History often gets things wrong and subsequent books or articles continue the misinformation. What would you say are some of the things writers got wrong about the Ardennes Offensive?
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Post by CPL. Mills 2nd Rangers on Jan 4, 2019 10:58:26 GMT -5
While this isn't something written that I have seen wrong but in some reenacting circles the idea that after x date some price of gear, be it khaki color, leggings or some weapons like the 1928 Thompson was no longer used PERIOD. As if all of X was turned into the quarter master. And only the new stuff was used.
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Post by volkssturm on Mar 17, 2019 19:38:10 GMT -5
How did I miss this thread? I just noticed it. I really can't say that much. I'm not that well versed in the Bulge. It does seem like they maybe overemphasize the rout of American troops at the beginning of the offensive. A lot of units actually put up a pretty stiff resistance but were overwhelmed. Engineer units particularly did a good job blowing bridges in front of the Germans. It wasn't a walk over for the Germans. While everyone knows about the 101st at Bastogne, the 82nd defense of St. Vith was critical to holding the northern shoulder.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Nov 27, 2019 21:32:00 GMT -5
An interesting fact is that the Allies relied quite heavily on the code breaking conducted at Bletchy Park for their intelligence. Virtually all radio transmissions above regimental level were intercepted and decyfered. With it they knew of all large scale plans before the fact and often before German subordinate elements. Because Hitler did not trust his Generals (especially in the West) he kept the Ardennes Offensive secret from them and only briefed them in person. Although there were many signs of a pending attack in the absence of Inigma traffic discussing it, commanders at the highest level chose to ignore it. In keeping the plans secret from his own commanders Hitler was also keeping it secret from Eisenhower.
One of the few relatively high ranking intelligence officers who did pay attention was General Patrons G-2 (Col. Koch). They were preparing for their own offensive further South but Patton in his wisdom had his S-3 prepare an alternative plan to respond to a German offensive should it come. The result was the 3RD Armies incredible ability to react within 3 days.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Oct 17, 2020 21:48:56 GMT -5
Another misunderstanding was that the Germans Operation Grief lead by Skorzeny was full of soldiers who spoke excellent English and had perfect US Uniforms. In fact they struggled to accumulate enough Allied vehicles as German units with captured US vehicles refused to give them up and few of the members of the special brigade spoke fluently and very few had convincing accents. Their uniforms were significantly flawed but the saving grace was that GI uniforms were anything but uniform.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Nov 13, 2020 20:49:43 GMT -5
Another misconception was that German offensive came close to succeeding. In reality even with no resistance the German force did not have adequate logistical capability to make it to Antwerp and sustain itself. The operation was doomed from its outset. When the head of the German Airborne operation complained that he estimated a 10% chance of success. Von Rendered said "Vee shuut all be so lucky.". The 6th Armie Commander (no genius) knew that if he got to Meuse (let alone crossed it) it would be a miracle. Faced with a unwinnable situation in the East it was their only chance hence Hitler ordered it.
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Post by 2ndbat2 on May 23, 2021 22:01:12 GMT -5
Another misconception was that there was heavy snow throughout. In the opening days while there was snow in some areas most locations throughout the Ardennes was overcast with low clouds and cold rain for the first few days. After that a record cold snap hit the area with frigid cold temperatures and considerable snow.
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