Historical The biggest strength of Wehrmacht which is rarely mentioned

[Nilgiri]

From my reading the biggest weakness of Panzer Divisions were the Panzer Grenadiers or 'tank infantry'. In combat most Panzer Division would run out of Panzer Grenadiers thus leaving the tanks insufficient infantry support.

Interesting discussion on the failings of Operation Barbarossa. Some bullet points -

• insufficient reserves
• underestimating the size and ability to re-form of the Red Army
• poor logistics
• planning for a quick war rather than a long war of attrition in which Russians having greater manpower and industrial resources would prevail

In summary the Wehrmacht tried to bite a enemy that was too large to chew.

That channel is a worthy one in general.

 

[500]

From my reading the biggest weakness of Panzer Divisions were the Panzer Grenadiers or 'tank infantry'. In combat most Panzer Division would run out of Panzer Grenadiers thus leaving the tanks insufficient infantry support.

Interesting discussion on the failings of Operation Barbarossa. Some bullet points -

• insufficient reserves
• underestimating the size and ability to re-form of the Red Army
• poor logistics
• planning for a quick war rather than a long war of attrition in which Russians having greater manpower and industrial resources would prevail

In summary the Wehrmacht tried to bite a enemy that was too large to chew.

The biggest blinder is that Germans already in august 41 understood that they grossly underestimated Red army size and especially reserves. Yet they did not send any additional reinforcements. More over in november 41 before the last push they sent 2nd airfleet to Malta.

 

[500]

I translated this table from Russian. The source is "History of WW2 1939-1945" USSR MoD publishing.

Even in 1944 Germany produced about 2 times more gunpowder than USSR.

 

[Nilgiri]

I translated this table from Russian. The source is "History of WW2 1939-1945" USSR MoD publishing.


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Even in 1944 Germany produced about 2 times more gunpowder than USSR.

Not surprising seeing the firing rate of MG42 and MG 34....and its role in squad doctrine and setup Germans had...given this is the bread and butter demand for ammunition.

I would assume if you do total yearly ammunition production comparison by class (small arms, heavy arms) you would see this especially reflected in the former.

However this high-fire rate squad doctrine was only so relevant in the end to the war effort strategy as a whole.