Ardennes 1944 An Analysis Of The Operational Defense
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| Author | : Major Francis M. Cain III |
| Publisher | : Pickle Partners Publishing |
| Total Pages | : 61 |
| Release | : 2014-08-15 |
| Genre | : History |
| ISBN | : 1782895035 |
This study examines the nature of the defense at the operational level of war by analyzing the Battle of the Bulge in Dec. 1944 using the concepts of blitzkrieg and "web" defense. The monograph begins by discussing the influence of defensive theory on the operational concepts of blitzkrieg and "web" defense. The German concept of blitzkrieg incorporates Clausewitz’s theory of the offense by emphasizing surprise, speed, and concentration at the decisive point. The counter to the blitzkrieg offense is found in COL F.O. Miksche’s concept of "web" defense. The Battle of the Bulge provides an excellent example of a "web" defense pitted against a blitzkrieg offense. The German blitzkrieg in the Ardennes in 1944 failed for many reasons: 1) Army Group B did not concentrate its strength against the most vulnerable section of the Allied line; 2) The rugged Ardennes terrain could be easily defended against attacks by mechanized forces; 3) Key American commanders (Eisenhower, Gerow, and Middleton) quickly recognized the value of holding several key road junctions (St. Vith, Malmedy, Bastogne, Marche, and Rochefort) which dominated movement through the Ardennes; 4) The Allies held the shoulders of the German penetration; 5) The Allies quickly concentrated armored and motorized units to blunt the German penetration; and 6) Army Group B lacked operational reserves and adequate logistic support. The analysis of the Ardennes shows that the defense is indeed the stronger form of war and that a "web" defense can be employed effectively against a blitzkrieg offense...The Allies effectively used a "web" defense to counter these threats. If NATO is to defeat a Soviet attack without resorting to the use of nuclear weapons, it must adopt a viable operational defensive concept. "Web" defense is such a concept.
| Author | : Francis M Cain (III.) |
| Publisher | : |
| Total Pages | : 58 |
| Release | : 1986 |
| Genre | : |
| ISBN | : |
This study examines the nature of the defense at the operational level of war by analyzing the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944 using the concepts of blitzkrieg and web defense. The monograph begins by discussing the influence of defensive theory on the operational concepts of blitzkrieg and web defense. The German concept of blitzkrieg incorporates Clausewitz's theory of the offense by emphasizing suprise, speed, and concentration at the decisive point. The counter to the blitzkrieg offense is found in COL F.O. Miksche's concept of web defense. This concept incorporates Clausewitz's theory of the defense by emphasizing the advantages of terrain, time, and counterattack. The Battle of the Bulge provides an excellent example of a web defense pitted against a blitzkrieg offense. The Ardennes provides an excellent example of many important German operational concepts which are very similar to Soviet offensive concepts. The use of COL Otto Skorzeny's 150th Panzer Brigade is very similar to the anticipated Soviet employment of Spetsnaz units into NATO's rear area. German panzer divisions were employed in a role similar to Soviet Operational Maneuver Groups (OMG). The Allies effectively used a web defense to counter these threats. If NATO is to defeat a Soviet attack without resorting to the use fo nuclear weapons, it must adopt a viable operational defensive concept. Web defense is such a concept.
| Author | : Francis M. Cain |
| Publisher | : |
| Total Pages | : 51 |
| Release | : 1986 |
| Genre | : Ardennes, Battle of the, 1944-1945 |
| ISBN | : |
| Author | : Major Jeffrey Jarkowsky |
| Publisher | : Pickle Partners Publishing |
| Total Pages | : 197 |
| Release | : 2014-08-15 |
| Genre | : History |
| ISBN | : 1782894993 |
This study is a historical analysis of the German special operations conducted in support of their overall Ardennes offensive. It focuses on the two major special operations of the German offensive, Operations “Greif” and “Stoesser.” Operation Greif was the German attempt to infiltrate a commando unit behind American lines disguised as American soldiers. Operation Stoesser, the last German airborne operation of the war, was designed to secure a key cross-roads behind American lines. These special operations failed because of faulty planning, inadequate preparation, and a lack of coordination between the special and conventional forces. These problems, exacerbated by a lack of preparation time, resulted in a pair of ad-hoc units that were unable to accomplish their primary missions, although the operations were characterized by boldness, initiative, and improvisation. This study also examines the strategic setting, planning, preparations, and conduct of these operations, as well as their impact on the overall campaign. This study also examines the key lessons-learned that can be derived from both operations. Lastly, the study explores the implications of these lessons for the U.S. military of today.
| Author | : Hugh Marshall Cole |
| Publisher | : |
| Total Pages | : 772 |
| Release | : 1994 |
| Genre | : Ardennes, Battle of the, 1944-1945 |
| ISBN | : |
| Author | : Thomas M. McGinnis |
| Publisher | : |
| Total Pages | : 68 |
| Release | : 1988 |
| Genre | : Ardennes, Battle of the, 1944-1945 |
| ISBN | : |
This paper examines the applicability of the theories of the 19th Century military theorist, Baron Antoine Henri Jomini, to modern 20th century mid- to high intensity conflict. To do this it briefly reviews the core of Jomini's most famous work, The Art of War. It then tests two key Jominian concepts, lines of operation and decisive points, against the reality of a major 20th century operation, the German counteroffensive in the Ardennes in December 1944. The study first sets the strategic and operational setting then traces the general conduct of the operation from the corps and army perspective. The first phase studied is the German offensive and American defensive from 16 December to 26 December 1944. The second is the American offensive and German defensive from 22 December 1944 to 28 January 1945. In the theoretical analysis of these two phases, the paper examines the applicability of lines of operation and decisive points for planning and conduct of major offensive and defensive operations. It concludes that both armies and their commanders applied these two concepts throughout the planning and conduct of their operations. Such extensive application indicates that these two Jominian concepts still have utility for the modern operational commander.
| Author | : Major James L. Kennedy Jr. |
| Publisher | : Pickle Partners Publishing |
| Total Pages | : 162 |
| Release | : 2015-11-06 |
| Genre | : History |
| ISBN | : 178625056X |
This study investigates the role that logistics played in the failure of the German Offensive in the Ardennes in 1944. The thesis explains that despite the incredible build-up of forces and supplies, the inability of the German strategic and operational logistics systems to properly equip, fuel, arm, and move forces caused the failure of the Ardennes Offensive. The concept of this thesis starts with the overall strategic military and political situation of Germany in the fall of 1944 that Hitler used to base his decision to conduct the offensive in December 1944. The study then examines in detail the strategic capabilities during the build-up of supplies and the operational level organization and planning for the offensive. An analysis of the details on the impact of terrain, climate, allied air interdiction, and Operation Point Blank is included in this chapter. Then it examines the first weeks of the offensive and looks at the failure of the fuel and arm and move tactical logistics functions. An analysis of the impact of logistics on supporting operations is included in this chapter.
| Author | : Dale R. Nelson |
| Publisher | : |
| Total Pages | : 201 |
| Release | : 1981 |
| Genre | : Ardennes, Battle of the, 1944-1945 |
| ISBN | : |
The study examines the defensive battles fought from 16 December to 26 December 1944 during the conduct of the German counteroffensive in the Ardennes. This analysis of the first ten days of the 'Battle of the Bulge' concentrates on the actions of Allied fighting units from corps to platoon level with emphasis on the actions of the companies and platoons which bore the brunt of the attacks by three German armies. The study reveals that the keys to the Allied defensive effort lay with the determined actions of isolated small units, normally of company or platoon level, and with the flexible and swift response of the Allied command structure to the German attacks. The analysis further concludes that the overall success of the defensive battles resulted from the cumulative effects of numerous smaller battles which ultimately doomed the German counteroffensive to failure.
| Author | : Antony Beevor |
| Publisher | : Penguin |
| Total Pages | : 480 |
| Release | : 2015-11-03 |
| Genre | : History |
| ISBN | : 0698411498 |
The prizewinning historian and bestselling author of D-Day, Stalingrad, and The Battle of Arnhem reconstructs the Battle of the Bulge in this riveting new account On December 16, 1944, Hitler launched his ‘last gamble’ in the snow-covered forests and gorges of the Ardennes in Belgium, believing he could split the Allies by driving all the way to Antwerp and forcing the Canadians and the British out of the war. Although his generals were doubtful of success, younger officers and NCOs were desperate to believe that their homes and families could be saved from the vengeful Red Army approaching from the east. Many were exultant at the prospect of striking back. The allies, taken by surprise, found themselves fighting two panzer armies. Belgian civilians abandoned their homes, justifiably afraid of German revenge. Panic spread even to Paris. While some American soldiers, overwhelmed by the German onslaught, fled or surrendered, others held on heroically, creating breakwaters which slowed the German advance. The harsh winter conditions and the savagery of the battle became comparable to the Eastern Front. In fact the Ardennes became the Western Front’s counterpart to Stalingrad. There was terrible ferocity on both sides, driven by desperation and revenge, in which the normal rules of combat were breached. The Ardennes—involving more than a million men—would prove to be the battle which finally broke the back of the Wehrmacht. In this deeply researched work, with striking insights into the major players on both sides, Antony Beevor gives us the definitive account of the Ardennes offensive which was to become the greatest battle of World War II.
| Author | : Colonel Ralph M. Mitchell |
| Publisher | : Pickle Partners Publishing |
| Total Pages | : 118 |
| Release | : 2014-08-15 |
| Genre | : History |
| ISBN | : 1782893792 |
[Includes 53 photos/illustrations and 11 maps] The defense of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II is one of the supreme achievements of American arms. Bastogne is deservedly identified with the finest characteristics of the American soldier, and the name Bastogne symbolizes a heroic battle. Bastogne has long held the attention of students of war, yet the battle offers new insights for soldiers with modern concerns. Colonel Ralph M. Mitchell’s study, The 101st Airborne Division’s Defense of Bastogne, reveals how a light infantry division, complemented by key attachments, stopped an armor-heavy German corps. Using original documents and reports, Colonel Mitchell traces the fight at Bastogne with emphasis on the organization, movement and, employment of the 101st Airborne Division. Although a variety of factors influenced the outcome at Bastogne, the flexibility of the 101st to reconfigure for sustained operations and to defeat strong opposition forces even when surrounded shows how properly augmented light infantry can fight and win.
