Siege of Bastogne - Art of War: Defense
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 ก.ย. 2024
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Its December of 1944 and the Second World War is drawing to a close. All thought that the German Army was finished. But then, it launched a full scale surprise attack into the Ardennes where it had won its famous victory in 1940. In the center of that attack was the town of Bastogne which would be surrounded and outnumbered. Yet it show how managed to hold on.
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#bastogne #battle #bulge
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I love your work. Your video are so interesting. I will try to answer to the three questions. I love hystory and specialy ww II.
I readed many books about this battle and i am a wargamer (i simulate many times this battle)
1) The defense was made with the resources they had. That was not good nor bad. The defense was very effective because US army had good material, good moral. The 101st airborne is one of the best unit. Despite the encerclement, the supply can come when the sky was clear. For the german forces, the lack of supply was a big deal.
2) For the german command there was a dilema. The german forces had to rush toward the river Meuse because the allies was able to gather many units in a short time. In a second time, juste surround Bastogne without occupied it is not conceivable because it fix too many german units arround it.
3) This operation was impossible for the german command. The german command had to protect the its left flanc (the south) threatened by Patton 3rd army. Its had to reach the meuse river and attack the right flank (the north) to fix US units. Even if he could do this in a short, time the Allies air supperiority and the British reserves could not be broken to attack Anvers. All of this without enough gazolin.
In most wargme and simulation i tried, taking bastogne and just capture some towns beyond bastogne is concidered a major victory for the german side.
Thank you for your video and i am looking forward to discover the next one.
Too much panzer praise as if the only tanks used were panzers. Allied tanks did well. Panthers were vulnerable from the sides and I didn't hear about the US scout vehicle armed with 37mm gun knocking out a tiger from the rear...rare event...but it did happen. The statements about logistics is right on time.
That the allies responded well is to their credit. It wasn't a rout. Small unit actions saved the day...the generals helped to but the acclimation of delays created by small allied units made Germany's bad implementation much worse.
Insofar as ardennes 1, the defeat of France...I'd like to see a video on that as well as kursk etc.
The French lost because they fought ww2 as ww1...and the wehrmact did to except that the wehrmact were lucky...it was not a sure thing until Sedan...
@@mqcapps Nicely said - I wanted to add more about the Shermans, the Grants, and the Lees - but only so much time. Spot on about the French - they wanted a repeat of WW1
The port of Antwerp was 90% intact when occupied by the British Army. The reason the Port of Antwerp was unusable, is because the Scheldt Estuary connecting the port to the sea, was controlled by strong German fortifications! Montgomery thought that taking the Scheldt would cause to many casualties and came up with Market- Garden as an alternative. There are other additional reasons for Market-Garden, but that's another discussion.👍
@@mikenorton632 yep
Awesome. This is personal to me, my great uncle Art Shaffrick was a medic at the battle of the Bulge. Thank you.
Fantastic video style.
Absolutely well done.
Speaking as a history nut, a Second World War history nut, you have put this information in to terms that most people can understand.
You don’t have to be a “historian” to understand what’s going on.
The graphics presentation is also on par.
Well done sir…
Well done indeed.
Really appreciate that Troy! I think I've already got another WW2 video in mind
Credit where it’s due sir.
In this digital age, the more that can be put forth and understood?
So much the better.
I really appreciate your efforts here.
Such a great style of storytelling. Could Listen to you describing famous battles for hours
Glad you enjoyed it! Take a listen to some of my longer form content if you like
I can sure my heritage back that far but I’m betting I’m the only member of your audience who just randomly said that to you for no apparent reason. I really dig this channel. Great voice!
I have thoughts ... The strategic situation prior to the "Bulge" is very similar to the situation that Napoleon in the days leading up to Waterloo. He was outnumbered, the Prussian commander had outmaneuvered Napoleon's number two, and Napoleon was physically sick. But imagine if Napoleon had won. According to some historians, Napoleon was still outnumbered by more than 1 million men in the continental armies. After his losses at Waterloo, Napoleon had virtually no opportunity for victory. The same was true for Germany. Even by taking Antwerp, Hitler would be only delaying the inevitable. Victory at "bulge" also did nothing to slow the Soviets.
yeah Napoleon was in what he called "the Middle position" - two incoming armies - he had the ability to take them out in piecemeal, if he could move fast enough. Rain slowed him down and so instead he got sandwiched
Napoleon Bonaparte is easily one of the best military minds in human history, right up there with Alexander the great imo
Exactly. The Soviet war machine was a brutal juggernaut. Hitler's only hope was if Britain and the US both joined him against Stalin.
@@joebombero1 Interesting what if scenario
I think Hitler was hoping that if the US had a major defeat in Europe they would pull out of the war entirely and leave Hitler to only have the Soviets and UK to fight. In this way he could've moved troops to the east without having to worry about major western opposition
I think the VT (proximity) fuse does not get enough credit in the telling of this story. This was absolutely devastating to the German units that were being hit with nearly perfect airbursts every time.
Good shout, this.
Fantastic content. My grandfather fought in the 75th which I believe to be on the northern side of the bulge. Was awarded two bronze stars in the action. Unbelievable fortitude by so many.
Wow - your grandfather was a hero
I love the details that other channels miss regarding this battle.
We owe so very much to the battered bastards of Bastogne. Thank you gentlemen. You are the embodiment of honor and bravery!
The few - those band of brothers
Not really
@@gibhacker8121 whats do u mean? Do you have a point?
@@gibhacker8121 please elaborate on your nebulous denial.
@@t16205 no he doesn't ..just dumbshit he doesn't know
Having had the honor of speaking to veterans of the WW2 European theater, I had a vet explain the Battle of the Bulge to me “ before the Malmedy massacre it was a job fighting the Germans , after it was a god damn crusade . “. He still after decades got a fire in his eyes .
I met a bunch of WW2 vets in St. Louis - at the VA hospital - it was aways awesome to see men that had never met realize that someone else fought on the same front or was in the same place - they'd check in on each other in the hospital and make sure they were all recovering. Those memories of what they went through were always a part of them. It was a bonding experience that no one who wasn't there could understand
Paton saw it coming. "Brad could get in a lot of trouble up there. I want three different plans ready in case he does."
Eisenhower: We need a plan.
Patton: Here's three plans, I can have two Corp on the move in 48 hours, and two more right behind it.
Eisenhower: Don't mess with me George.
Patton: I'm not.
Small note on the Market Garden part. It was not the 2nd SS Panzer division, it was the 2nd SS Panzer Corps consisting of the 9th and 10th SS Panzer Division refitting at Arnhem. The 9th stayed and fought at Arnhem and the 10th went to Nijmegen to fight there and hold the bridge long enough against the 82nd Airborne division.
Pretty small detail since both divisions were smaller than 1 fully equipped Panzer division.
Your pronunciation of Dutch cities is perfectly fine by the way! Thank you for all the podcasts you've made. Greetings from The Netherlands.
Uitstekend.
They had roughly the right number of men ~12000, although the quality was the not the best. But they were short on tanks - 50 rather than the preferred 150-200.
Yeah - even more reason that the 1st British para would fail
The 9th and 10th SS at Arnhem were at less than half strength and didn't have any available tanks to throw against British 1st Airborne when they dropped on the 17th. There were no German tank attacks against British 1st Airborne until the German army's Kompanie Mielke arrived from Germany late on the 18th, soon to be joined on the 19th by the Stug IIIs of Brigade 280 and the Tiger Is of Kompanie Hummel.
In Market Garden it was not so much the German forces that were already there at the time, but rather the German forces they were able to send in during the following days, particular armour.
@@lyndoncmp5751 I suggest that the armor was over emphasized in the video but putting what few professional soldiers, i.e. the Panzer units at any level, they had available in the right location right before the attack may have been key to buying enough time for Germany to bring those other forces to theatre. Maybe.
I remember reading where Steven E. Ambrose interviewed Dwight Eisenhower and asked him if he thought Operation market garden was a good idea. Eisenhower said he would do it all over again. If you look at a map you can understand what he was saying. If they could have crossed the Rhine and gotten to the Ruhr valley; Germany's industry would have been crippled. Add that it was a straight shot to Berlin from there, and I can understand what he was talking about.
One of your questions you asked if the general should have taken Bastogne or bypassed it like he did: Hitler gave them strict orders to keep on moving if they encountered stiff resistance. He was just following orders. Hindsight is 20/20.
This is very well done and your research is thorough. I look forward to seeing more of your videos. This is the first one I've seen and I enjoyed it very much.
I really like your insight. Never knew that about Eisenhower. He was more a politician than a general at this point. But he thought that MG was a good idea = mind blown- btw happy you liked my video
An old story but the best telling I've heard yet
Nah I think their 'high-water mark', or 'dirty bath ring' as we call it, was definitely more than they deserve credit for.
Good presentation.
Just a few things need to be tweaked: 1) Paris wasn't liberated on August 19th, 1944, however that is the day Parisians took to the streets to take on the German forces in the city. American and French troops wouldn't enter the city suburbs until the evening of the 24th.2) It wasn't the 2nd SS Panzer Division posted at Arnhem at the start of Market-Garden, but the II SS Panzer Corps (9th SS and 10th SS Panzer Divisions) under General Wilhelm Bittrich. 3) The map showing the overall situation in the West in December has the US XII and XX Corps switched.
Second hardest part of capturing an emery city as a gift for your president is wrapping the damn thing. 🎉😅🎁
hahahaha
11:10 Actually, Antwerp's port was captured intact. The reason it couldn't be used was that the Germans still held the Scheldt estuary and thus controlled the entrance to the port. After Market Garden failed, the First Canadian Army had to clear the Germans from the Scheldt in October.
Yes thats true as well
I believe the Scheldt was also heavily mined and wasn't cleared until early December.
I just discovered your channel and as a double major in history and geography in uni, and a big fan of history of warfare and military strategy, I really appreciated your well explained video alongside the map supporting your words.
Your video made me get really interested in the whole line of logistics aspect of warfare, I hope that you'll someday make a video about that !
Greetings from France 😊
Really happy that you liked my video and I hope you enjoy the other videos on my channel. I’ve heard it said that amateurs talk about tactics, masters talk about logistics. Btw I’ll be in Normandy to hike Cherbourg to Caen later this year!
@@FlashPointHx I'll definitely enjoy all the quality content I've seen on your channel, and your video definitely sparked a thirst for more knowledge about logistics because I never took that aspect as seriously as it deserved. I also hope that you'll enjoy Caen ! I've been there once to visit the memorials and I'm going back in Brittany in a month so I'll make sure to look at all the history facts I can find there !
Excellent video as always
I look forward to every one you post
This video was amazing! You did a fantastic job providing a thorough introduction that nicely set the stage for the seige. I'm glad you mentioned the Soviet contribution; love them or loathe them, the price they paid in casualties (27 million) was essential to hastening the conflict to its successful conclusion. The Russians justifiably refer to WWII as the Great Patriotic War.
As someone who has experienced two military deployments, your astute explanation of the critical, and often overlooked, role of logistics in warfare had me grinning. Omar Bradley and Napolean both had incredible quotes that truly encapsulate the value of logistics: "amateurs talk strategy, professionals talk logistics" and "an Army marches on its stomach." As far as Bastogne is concerned, being of paratrooper stock, General McAulife was one poised and cool character that truly had incredible ability to think clearly, seemingly impervious to the fog of war, if you will. In this way, he reminds me of Ulysses S. Grant.
This video produced a full spectrum of emotions from joy and laughter -- courtesy of your logistics explanation and your repeated derisive pronunciation of Monty's name -- to envy. A true masterpiece brother!
PS: the envy came from seeing your grandfather's incredible hairline! Lol
Chris - love this comment. When I was a kid my mom took me to a Napoleon exhibit at the museum in NYC. She was entrance by him. I remember her telling me those exact same lines - 'An Amy marches on its stomach' - those words have forever stuck with me. Bradley was right - only a true professional in warfare thinks in terms of logistics. Happy to see your comments as aways my friend. As for grandpa - yes I thank him everyday for the hairline =)
@@FlashPointHx thanks man. I'm super excited about this new series. Hopefully, you don't forget some of the critical Naval battles (i.e. Midway and Coral Sea) wink wink 😉
The Band of Brothers’ episode covering this battle was really well done. The whole series, as you say, is definitely worth watching.
I’m doing a series where my friend and I hiked across Normandy - we hit up St Mere Eglise, St Marie du Mont, and Carentan - along with all the drop zones of the 101st - including a walk through brentcourt manor - you might like that
@@FlashPointHx I saw that! It’s got to be surreal walking thru those places now, so quiet and “normal”, and try to imagine what it was like then. I’ll probably head over there now before continuing the rest of this series
@@dragnflei that’s exactly right - we once walked through a field on the outskirts of Carentan than had all these ponds that the cows were grazing about. Those were holes made by a naval bombarment called in by the 101st airborne.
@@FlashPointHx That reminds me of Vicksburg and the trenches that are still there, silent witnesses.
@@dragnflei I’ve been there - saw the USS Cairo - it’s haunting to walk among the old trenches
As mentioned, the Allied supply line came all the way from Cherbourg, while Antwerp(en) was already liberated. Not mentioned, in December 1944 the estuary of the Schelde river into the North Sea was still in German hands. Check out the battle of Walcheren, where Canadian, British and Polish troops fought hard for my (grand-)parents freedom.
You're right - When I was creating the maps for this video I made it a point to leave the northern portion of the estuary in German hands - another reason they couldn't use Antwerp
@@FlashPointHx
Not many people are aware that more V-2's hit Antwerp than hit London. As you stated Hitler was aware of its importance to the allies hence the Bulge.
Thoroughly enjoyed this video glad i found your channel. Subscribed 👍
Excellent point- most films ignore the Estuary.
Was Calais equally useless due to German sabotage in retreat?
@@Egalitare While it was the closest points between England and France - I don't think it had the port facilities that would have satisfied Allied demand
I'm so glad the community voted for this video topic. This is such a nice call back to the early days of flash point history while still being fresh with the topic choice. I've been obsessed with the battle of bastogne since I saw band of brothers when I was younger. The choice to simply the video format, with a reduction in the music, really let's that amazing narration shine through. What can I say I haven't said before about this channel. Great job as always, and a I certainly can't wait for the next video in this style.
Yeah definitely want to try another one like this
@@FlashPointHx can't wait to see. WW2 has such a large selection of things you can do videos on.
Sir as a history nut myself i am most impressed with all the info u just gave on this event in the history of our world. To answer one of your question I believe the general in charge of bastogne did his best in the situation he was in. Just like general patton he keep as calm as he could for his men who looked to him for courage in a hard time. Because of his courage and those famous words of NUTS just says it all. Keep bring more I look forward to hearing more.
Happy that you liked the video Quba - yes agree MccAullife did an amazing job imo
Just saw this on 10/5/22...Because - TH-cam. Anyway: fantastic, as always. A couple of points:
1. The Bulge was a desperation throw on Hitler's part. By that point, he was trapped in a corner, and had to do something, _anything,_ on both major fronts, or give up....and that was not on his agenda. But it couldn't work. Hitler needed at least another 200K or so troops, and he wasn't going to get them from anywhere, and the necessary logistical structure was in the same place. It was a no-go from Square One.
2. On Hitler ignoring his generals: You have to remember that while Hitler overruling his generals is seen as a bone-headed case of (insert _pride, stupidity, arrogance, megalomania_ or all of the above), there were plenty of reasons for him to overrule them:
a. The generals told him that the Anschluss would fail; it didn't.
b. They told him that Czechoslovakia would be a disaster; it wasn't.
c. They told him that Poland would never work; it did.
d. They told him that his attack into France would result in WW1 2.0. That didn't happen.
e. The only reason Hitler stumbled in _Barbarossa_ - was because he listened to his generals and lost focus on what he needed to do. (Barbarossa was always going to fail, of course (unless Stalin suddenly dropped dead), but that's beside the point).
f. Hitler lost the Battle of Britain why? Because he listened to his "expert" Air Marshal, Goering.
g. The 6th Army was destroyed at Stalingrad why? Because Goering assured Hitler that the Luftwaffe could keep the 6th supplied via air (In winter. With nowhere near the requisite lift capacity.), so Hitler didn't see any point in ordering von Paulus to try and retreat or break out.
h. _Operation Merkur_ was a disaster, because Kurt Student was so confident of his insane plan, and....Goering backed him to the hilt. Because of that operation, Hitler refused to authorize any other major parachute assault operations for the rest of the war.
You can't count Yugoslavia, Greece or North Africa - Those were never on Hitler's agenda. He went into those arenas to save Mussolini's butt (and, being completely honest, he won 2 out of 3). Basically, after France, there was pretty much zero reason for Hitler to listen to his generals at all.
Germany was never going to win (unless the Allies just quit). For a fantastic breakdown of the economics of the war you should check out Jon Parshall's articles at: combinedfleet(dot)com/economic.htm and combinedfleet(dot)com/guadoil1.htm. Also, while rather a controversial type, you should chek out TIK's relevant video's on YT: youtube(dot)com/watch?v=kVo5I0xNRhg, youtube(dot)com/watch?v=1Oc_lFmp6vQ and youtube(dot)com/watch?v=CvHd1b20wdc
As to what to do next for the series? The Pacific campaigns...check out _Montemayor_ for his WW2 videos, and _Strategy Stuff_ for his videos on Japan and naval theory, in general.
Wow - impressive response. You hit on a bunch of interesting points.
My family goes back to 350 AD. Ireland. Nial of the 9 Hostages. They were the most famous cattle rustlers of their time ;-)
This completely made my week!!!!! I honestly don’t know this story yet. I don’t know much about battles generally (except im named after one), so I cannot wait to listen to this. Plus my grandfather was on the beaches of Normandy and I really should know more.
I'm planning a trip with a buddy to hike Normandy to see those beaches that your grandfather arrived at. The world owes him.
US civil war battle.
I think, if memory serves correctly, Band of Brothers has an episode focusing on this battle. Actually, the entire series is just amazing from start to finish! The Pacific is also very good.
@@TK-tcbk1 Yes you're right - I liked that show a lot
Your grandfather risked his life for Europe and the west to be filled with minorities and internal enemies. He must be so proud of what he did
Bastogne was important because it was the crossroads. To control the town was crucial for victory.
Ah yes been waiting for this one! great as always FPH!
Enjoy KHK!
One thing I have always thought about the Bulge was Hitler was so certain the line would be easy to take that he failed to think the logistics of a three army surge. The movie Hollywood produced played on the elitism that the leadership felt and the different point of view of the man on the ground. He failed to read about Napoleon and Waterloo. Great presentation too, thank you.
Hitler was a victim of his own success - after he pushed for the offensive in France and won, he was convinced he’d always be right. Then he made one massive mistake after another.
General McAuliffe definitely has some Spartan heritage.
It's rather amazing that the Germans got as far as they did, with as little supplies. They had no chance of winning it, the commanding officers and generals knew it.
The little man with the funny mustache plan of reaching the designated objective of two days? I believe, blew up on his face, even though the allies were caught off guard the rally themselves with tenacity, and resolve that slowed the plan to a failrd halt! Our boys put up a "NUTISH" attack, and even though it was winter weather the skies clearance gave the whole battle a much needed break by getting allied planes into motion for much needed action! I guess you can say that Santa showed up with a bag of goodies for the good guys!
This attack was doomed to fail
Gen. McAuliffe's famous answer, "NUTS" carved his name into American history forever. He was the ad hoc commander of the 101st Airborne Div. at the time. The regular commander , Gen. Maxwell Taylor was in Washington attending a military conference. The original answer to the intimidating German demand for surrender was , "Aw, nuts". It was McAuliffe's standard way of not using more profane language. The staff officers led by Lt. Col. Kinnard (of later Vietnam airmobile fame) suggested that "Nuts" was the best reply to German surrender demand. The confused German commander asked the 101 Airborne 's messenger (Col. Joseph Harper) what that meant. Harper further clarified the message by saying , "It means go to hell". Gen. McAuliffe brilliantly represented his Irish roots & will forever be classified as a prolific SON OF ST. PATRICK !!!!!! TY Flash Point History 4 giving me an opportunity to pay homage to my favorite saint, the insurmountable St. Patrick.
I can tell by the way you write just how passionate you are about history. You're right - The American Army had the right man for the job in this story
It was Forth Down and Goal. Bases were loaded. Shot clock is nearing ZERO and our Five minute penalty with two men in the box has just began.
We got this.
hahahah - Piece of cake
The germans all knew it was a gamble but it could have gone better for them but for the bravery and strategy of the allies. McCaulif turned his advantages into a fortress. Once the skies cleared, the Germans were facing a strong headwind since the allies ruled the skies by this point. Can you imagine being a German officer watching hundreds of transports dropping supplies to your enemy with zero opposition? Logistics, logistics, logistics!!!
As always… good job! Great video!
Hey F Missy!! So good to see you here!! You're posts on twitter crack me up!
This was very well done. The American defense of Bastogne relied on good weather. Brandenburg strategy was a defensive one at first. A great deal of the SS went on to try to reach the Muese river. So that left a great many Volksgrenadiers to attack Bastogne. A lot of those units had veterans and combat support groups who were not used to combat. Patton was always concerned about the Ardennes. But he dud not think the Germans could mount any kind of offensive. When he heard about the attack he started moving his 4th Armored division north. He also had to keep his eyes on Strasbourg. Which would also see a German Offensive which failed. Lots of luck for the allies,but a lot of guts too.
I don't think the German plan would ever have worked - even if they did make it to Antwerp - they wouldn't have held it for long
1. I'm kind of surprised you didn't make a bigger deal about who McAuliffe was before Bastogne. He wasn't the CO of the 101st, that was General Taylor who was all the way in Washington attending a conference ( a sign of how completely the operation caught the Allies by surprise ) nor was he the second in command of the division, who I believe was in London at the time. He was the commander of the Division artillery. Basically he's the 2nd Assistant Manager of your local grocery store, about to be in charge when the store catches on fire. Considering that, I think he did a remarkable job, for a number of reasons.
A: The 101st had just done a rest and refit deployment following coming off the line after market garden. In short it was still in the middle of being resupplied, and so he had a shortage of just about everything at the beginning. Nevertheless the 101st ( and the 82nd to their south who was in the same situation, and of course was also a paratrooper division ) were the among the first divisions after getting the order to the front to actually begin aggressive maneuvering. They weren't stationed at Bastogne and it got surrounded, they advanced to Bastogne and got surrounded. So stellar leadership throughout the Division, and the aggressive confidence of paratroops probably had a lot to do with it, but still a bold move.
B: He basically copied ( albeit probably unknowingly ) Walter Modal's defensive model consisting of strong points manned with infantry and heavy guns supported by a mobile offensive unit to counter attack the enemy with that had stopped the Russians so effectively the year before when Army Group Center collapsed on the Eastern Front. This is not something that is easy to do, again I'm sure the elite nature of paratroopers helped in this, but as Arnhem shows elite paratroops can be overrun if not properly supported like anyone else.
C: His particular nature of caring for the soldiers Morale during the Siege, especially the elements of the 10th Armor that had had a pretty bad couple of days
2. I mean maybe, but that would have quite literally gone against German doctrine established since at least 1939, the armor always bypasses any hardpoints of resistance and leave the mopping up to the infantry, and up till now it had worked mostly quite well. However the truth was that the Germans couldn't afford to leave behind enemy strongpoints and they couldn't afford to take the time to properly neutralize them, which is one of the reasons the plan was bonkers in the first place, which everyone but Hitler saw, and ironically why it was so initially successful as well
3 Here's the thing about this entire battle to me. Even if the German's were WILDLY successful, say they eventually overrun Bastogne and capture Antwerp, it is meaningless. At most they buy themselves another 6 months. In reality, they probably don't have the industrial capacity, reserves, or fuel to even reduce the now encircled British Troops, much less retake the offensive against the Americans. Allied Air Power would roam the sky at will, even supposing German factories weren't bombed night and day, it would take over a year to build the planes to even threaten the Allied Air Force. Sustained Offensive operations without at least Air Parity is simply suicide at this point, and German High Command knew this too. I think the only thing the "Best" option wins for the Germans in the end here is that the entirety of Germany becomes Communist after the war, instead of Half, and probably not even that.
At the end of the day this plan was always bonkers, and the only reason it succeeded at first was because of how bonkers it is.
Nice response! Yeah this was almost an hour long - only so much I can fit into that time about McAuliffe. You're other points are spot on - especially the last one. For Germany this was truly a no win scenario
Market Garden didn’t even look good on paper. There were many who thought it was lunacy from the get go.
Sitting by the fire here in Ireland and smoking my pipe while listening to the best voice on TH-cam. You're channel is gold
Appreciate that ! I need to get out to your country one of these days. I've heard the hiking out there is phenomenal
@@FlashPointHx yes look up West Cork Mizzen Head and also my area, Killaloe, Lough Derg, Cliffs of Moher. Also amazing history.
All the Generals did exactly what they should have in my opinion. I'm no expert. My father was with Patton's 3rd army during this time. They called the defenders," the battling bastards of Bastogne, no mama, no papa, no Uncle Sam." Then Patton turned north to relieve them. My Dad was with the 70th infantry division and spent 80 days on the line before and during that fight and the cleanup.
Thank you for sharing - I bet your dad saw some horrific things. I've talked to other WW2 vets who came in after the Bulge and the consensus was that same - moving into Germany was no cakewalk
Volkswagen with treads that's pretty good too hahaha
Mccauliff's Christmas message to the troops. Parts of it were presented on "Band of Brothers:"
Headquarters 101st Airborne Division
Office of the Division Commander
24 December 1944
What's so Merry about all this, you ask? We're fighting-it's cold-we aren't home. All true but what has the proud Eagle Division accomplished with its worthy comrades of the 10th Armored division, the 705th Tank Destroyer Battalion and all the rest? Just this: we have stopped cold everything that has been thrown at us from the North, East, South and West. We have identifications from four German Panzer Divisions, two German Infantry Divisions and one German Parachute Division. These units, spearheading the last desperate German lunge, were headed straight west for key points when the Eagle Division was hurriedly ordered to stem the advance. How effectively this was done will be written in history; not alone in our Division's glorious history but in World history. The Germans actually did surround us, their radio's blared our doom. Their Commander demanded our surrender in the following impudent arrogance.
December 22nd, 1944
To the U.S.A Commander of the encircled town of Bastogne.
The fortune of war is changing. This time the U.S.A forces in and near Bastogne have been encircled by strong German armored units. More German armored units have crossed the river Ourthe near Ortheuville, have taken Marche, and reached St. Hubert by passing through Hombres Sibret-Tillet. Libramont is in German hands.
There is only one possibility to save the encircled U.S.A Troops from total annihilation: that is the honorable surrender of the encircled town. In order to think it over a term of two hours will be granted beginning with the presentation of this note.
If this proposal should be rejected one German Artillery Corps and six heavy A.A Battalions are ready to annihilate the U.S.A Troops in and near Bastogne. The order for firing will be given immediately after this two hours term
All the serious civilian losses caused by this Artillery fire would not correspond with the well known American humanity.
The German Commander
The German Commander received the following reply:
22 December 1944
To the German Commander:
NUTS!
The American Commander
Allied troops are counterattacking in force. We continue to hold Bastogne. By holding Bastogne we assure the success of the Allied Armies. We know that our Division commander, General Taylor, will say: Well Done!
We are giving our country and our loved ones at home a worthy Christmas present and being privileged to take part in this gallant feat of arms are truly making ourselves a Merry Christmas.
A.C. McAuliffe
Commanding.
this was awesome! Thanks for posting all this
I have read that the unsung heros of the battle of the buldge were American enginers who took down bridges right and left delaying the german advance until the weather cleared. The germans were behind schedule with in 24 hours of the beginning of the attack and it only got worse because they couldn't get ahead of the American engineers and their high explosives.
Yeah absolutely! One broken bridge would have been critical hours to regroup
It's pretty simple to trace your heritage these days and it's a fascinating thing to do. If you're English as I am, Anglo-American, Canadian or Australian you're almost guaranteed to find that you have a royal connection if you go far enough back. I found I was a descendant of one of the daughters of Edward I then when my son did his we discovered my ex-wife, his mother, was descended from one of Edward I's other daughters. Small world which gets even smaller the further back you go.
Surprised but glad to see you cover modern military history as well. I’m eating well this week, I just discovered Hardcore History and now this is released 🎉❤
Dan Carlin is the man!
OH HELL YES BASTOGNE
I've been a couple of times. The 101st Airborne museum is incredible.
Need to get out there one of these days. I've seen in on google maps and it looks like a quaint little town now
@@FlashPointHx it's adorable. Full of lovely little restaurants, cafes, and chocolatiers. Also, they love Americans there, so that was fun 😂
From what I understand,the allies could have killed Hitler But,as the war progresses they see how insane the man has become tacticaly making insane moves on the chess board.They didn't want anybody else taking over,which could have extended the war.Let him keep making blunders buy not falling back and regrouping.
Dear Flash Point History, I will happily compliment you on your efforts to pronounce the Dutch names. It's good beyond workable. You are not the Louis van Gaal of Dutch names. If you do not know that football/soccer coach or the memes about him, look his fails up and enjoy.
Appreciate that - I''ll look up this man that you mentioned as well.
@@FlashPointHx I can offer you this link: th-cam.com/video/AD1hJCYcpEs/w-d-xo.html He's very good in litteral translations of Dutch sayings
@@opperbuil He's kind of funny- he's trying so hard to get his point across
didnt get a notification.. . youtubes trash, but i stay hunting that flashpoint page for such situations. siege of __________ , im sold.
hahah - Enjoy wink
nICLY DONE, THANKS, lEONA
Outstanding work
Thank you so much 😀
Still recall watching the old school movie “battle of the bulge” - the German commander is dismayed when they find freshly made cake from America noting that they (the allies) have enough planes and fuel to fly cake over for its troops whereas Germany is struggling to have enough fuel for this attack
I remember this scene!! The enemy has no concept of defeat
@@FlashPointHx yes! exactly- shattering for the German commander mentality going in- think this is after they all break into song next to their tanks to display they are fighting men.
I think we also need to mention two very important events that led to the narrow victory of the americans in this battle. Firstly , the 101th and the 82 airborne where not yet in the positions mentioned when the German Operation began. It was the sole decision of Eisenhower to send these troops without approval by the Council. Secondly, had the 99th failed to hold their line (when all the rest were retreating) Patton would not have been able to reach Bastogne on time to save it.
Exactly - the elite division had yet to be deployed
Just as important to the Bulge as a whole was Eisenhower asking Montgomery to come down and take over command of all American forces in the north of the Bulge. Montgomery took over command of US 1st and 9th Armies on the 20th December and immediately started tidying the American lines up, moving them back to superior defensive positions and to refrain from pointless piecemeal counter attacks.
Hodges, commander of US 1st Army, had a near nervous breakdown when the Germans attacked. He literally abandoned his HQ at Spa and retreated to Leige, while Bradley dithered and did very little. Eisenhower knew someone had to get a grip on the situation very very quickly and he knew that man was Montgomery, even though it wasn't Montgomerys fight. This was the only time in WW2 when a western allied commander was brought in to take over the running of a fellow allied army's ongoing battle. Naturally, it didn't sit well with some American generals, even though it was completely the correct decision. Bradley was bitter about it for the rest of his life and was never able to live it down.
@@lyndoncmp5751 wow - did not know that
Flash Point History
No worries. Its certainly a fascinating period. Its all true too. Bradley was very upset that Eisenhower have two of his armies to Montgomery to command, but he couldn't really argue with the decision. Bradley was cut off down in Luxembourg City and completely lost touch with what was going on in the north. Eisenhower very quickly recognised that he needed Montgomery to get down there ASAP. The first thing Montgomery did was to pull the American forces out of St Vith before they got cut off and surrounded. General Hasbrouck of the US 7th Armored Division said this saved his division from annihilation, while General Gavin of the US 82nd Airborne said that although he hated to retreat, he knew that the new defensive positions west of St Lo were far superior and gave his division much more possibilities.
Cheers.
@@lyndoncmp5751 He (Montgomery) had told Eisenhower's deputy chief of operations, the British officer Jock Whitley, that Eisenhower should put him in command of all troops north of the German penetration. Somebody, Montgomery added, meaning either the Combined Chiefs of Staff, of which Brooke was a member, or the British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, should give Eisenhower "a direct order ... to do so."
page 416 A Time For Trumpets MacDonald
39:37 McAuliffe was probably aware of the Malmedy massacre. He should have offered to accept the Nazi's surrender instead.
A wonderful introducing & explaining what occurred in Bastogne during WW2 at 1944....1- it seems to me that Field American General Orchestrated Best Defense lines & troops under his commander they Did best they could 2- German Offensive efforts also they did best they could when accounting their Miserable Circumstances at 1944.3- American Military efforts at 1944 Obviously proved its quantity capability superiority which Orchestrated best logistic supports in Bastogne operation
Hey mohammed - thanks for the responses - I agree I think that the defense was superb - same for the 2nd - I actually think the Germans got further than they should have considering the situation. Well said of the 3rd.
Yes yes, My Man, mentioned the hype of subsequent fans and commentators..and counter commentators .
Thanks for that.
Churchill Care must be taken in telling our proud tale not to claim for the British Army an undue share of what is undoubtedly the greatest American battle of the war and will, I believe, be regarded as an ever famous American victory. below 416
Hansard WAR SITUATION AND FOREIGN POLICY HC Deb 18 January 1945 page
I feel like if the Germans would have kept pushing west, ignored bastogne, and focused on their mission of crossing the river, they could have had a chance to get to Antwerp
The trick, if you're circled in war. Everyone ducks when the enemy shoots. They just hit each other. Pretty sure it's in The Art of War.
Don't know if anyone has noticed but the chapter starting at 35:30 minutes says "Siege of Bastille", not Bastogne
Bastogne was given so much publicity because it was the only area in the larger Battle of the Bulge were Americans were in Command. The town had been bypassed by the bulk of the German forces, its relief was inconsequential. But its defense and rescue by Patton was given all the publicity far exceeding its military value. Though General Montgomery commanded his own 21st Army Group on the Meuse River, he was ordered by Eisenhower to replace Bradley in command of the US 15th Army Group for the duration of the battle. It was the US 1st and 9th Armies under Monty that defeated the German advance. However the Americans gave no credit at all to these men as they were commanded by a British General. The Americans loved to belittle Monty but at this pivotal battle he was given command of all US troops North and West of Bastogne. Bradley who should have commanded all US forces was sidelined, he had just lost 100,000 casualties at Metz and the Hertgen Forrest against a vastly inferior enemy. Eisenhower kept him in the rear until the battle was won, some weeks later promoting him to stop his protests.
Bradley never lived it down
@@FlashPointHx Very true and Bradley got some revenge is his role as military advisor to movies and documentaries 1950-70. Bradley was incompetent, his casualties for 15th AG were enormous, some estimates say over 250,000. But as Eisenhower had appointed him, this was all hushed up. Eisenhower did realize Bradley could never have stopped the Germans, so Monty was put in command and the episode whitewashed over as if it never happened.
Love listening to this while playing Hearts of Iron 4 ! Total immersion haha
That’s a good combo
Excellence, thank you very much indeed.
I have always been interested in the battle of the Bulge and the Siege of Bastogne and I found this video very interesting. Some sources have quoted that the battle of Elsenborn Ridge, which you have briefly mentioned, is a less known battle but a much more significant factor than the battle of Bastogne. As you mentioned, Bastogne was only to protect the flanks of the German attack whereas the main thrust was in the north to reach Antwerp. And it was at Elsenborn Ridge that the Americans stopped the Sixth Panzer division under Peiper and he was stopped dead there and forced to divert to alternative routes, greatly affecting the tight schedule of the German attack. This was brief mentioned in your video as well. Given the importance of this segment of the Battle of the Bulge, I hope that maybe you could highlight this in a separate video, especially since it is relatively unknown to most and probably deserves more credit. If the theSixth Panzer had not been stopped at Elsenborn Ridge, it is possible that the Germans might have reached Antwerp despite being held up at Bastogne.
You may have a point - the 6Th army was to be the tip of the spear of the advance and it got stopped from the beginning. I'd need to find a decent book on this however
@@FlashPointHx Thank you for your reply....just want to clarify that I should not take credit for this point as is was not my deduction but something I read somewhere but can't remember the exact reference.
Thanks!
Hey CJ - thank you so much! Very much appreciated!
Your pronunciation of the Dutch cities in Operation Market Garden was very good.👍
Thanks! 😃
Afaik in German records, the southern and western fronts in the end were always seen as a side show that needed to be fought to help delay a collapse to allow to delay the Soviets in the east and hopefully get a conditional peace treaty with the western allies (which they did not want at this point).
There needs to be much more historical research considering conducted into Eisenhower’s decision he made in November 1944 in completely halt General Jake Devers’ U.S. 6th Army Group in it’s tracks. Had he allowed 6th Army Group to complete it’s successful thrust across the Sauer and Rhine Rivers and beyond and roll up the German 19th Army from the south, the Battle of the Bulge would probably never have had occurred. Unfortunately, Eisenhower’s intense dislike of Jake Devers may have contributed to his decision to continue to cater to Montgomery and Bradley, and ignore the “Southern Option.”
Wasn't there some compromise that the Russians were allowed to take Berlin and so American and British forces were called to a halt?
Superb quality all around - especially with those maps! I can't wait to see what else you have to offer!
The Battle of Shiloh is coming up in a bit
I remember when I found your channel many years ago and how You started a Punic War Podcast with a story about Patton. Little things like that are all that matter.
Yeah I used to like starting off with a ramble - happy that you've followed along for such a long time. Love the avatar as always
When you look at tanks, one of the things that mattered the most to German supremacy early on, is the use of radio communications, allowing for air support to be called in and coordinated movements to be achieved.
The odds were completely stacked against the Germans this time. You might want to look into the French defeat and French high command in 1940 for more context. :)
They didn't stand a chance with such competent US commanders opposing them, aside from the supplies and I4m sure the weather didn't help in the end.
Keep it up, I'm loving it!
Such a good point!! I totally forgot to add the part about Radios in each tank. If Robert E Lee had radio communication, he would have won Gettysburg
Thank you.
Welcome!
Well done!
Wow that was great. As always thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Whoa let’s go!! Bastogne is such an interesting story
Oh yeah! Trying something new here - let me know what you think when you get to the end
The allies were fortunate that PATTON was the leader who broke through to Bastogne, instead of Monkey.
You mean monty?
The Mark V Panther tank would have been considered the “all-around best tank” of WWII by military historians, *if* it had not been so notoriously mechanically unreliable. By the time Germany was able to produce the Panther, Tiger, and King Tiger in some quantity, it was struggling to find the *RAW MATERIALS* needed to make these “mechanical marvels.”
As compared to the T34 which was like producing a lunchbox. Who cares if you have technological superiority if you can only produce one to the enemies 50
When I was in high school I used to go to the library and take out books on ww2. The lady who worked there told me her husband was in the battle of the bulge and at the time I was just learning so I had no clue what she meant. Wish I had been wiser to the subject back then so I could have asked questions. Anyways, great video. Thanks
Now nearly all of the WW2 gen have passed
I just watched this on my big screen, but I had to make a comment. Very interesting content and well done. This is a great analogy of military strategies along with the moves that show the thought that goes into these campaigns. I'm going to take a look at what other battles you have covered on your site.
Cool - let me know what you think Don
The way you keep saying Bernard Montgomery , cracks me up laughing.
hahaha
The 15th Panzer army was correct to go around Bastogne, their objective was Antwerp. McAuliffe fought an straightforward but determined defense, he could have surrendered and maybe that would have been enough for the Germans could have pushed through to Meuse and beyond. His dtermination bled the Germans men and materiel. Ultimately, the Germans did not have enough fuel. Hitler's plans called for too much luck, you take luck serendipitously, but never as a key element of the plan.
Very good presentation but the King Tiger never had a 100 mm gun. It was the Jagdtiger that had 128 mm gun of which few were built.
Great content another thx from the Netherlands
Thanks for watching! I've mentioned this to others that have commented - traveling to your country is high on my bucket list
Super video, well done!!
Thank you very much!
"If you kill your enemy, you win" -Sun Tzu
But to win without fighting is best
Appreciate you pointing that it was not Russians in soviet army. Azerbaijan with its 3 mln population and as a main function being oil production had 300 000 military casualties. More than US or France. When saying Russians 'even' brought Mongolians, be carefull there may also be more Mongolians casualties compared to US
I agree - that needed to be said
Yes great vid and I look forward to seeing more. Thanks
Nuff love
Terry Briggs
Much appreciated
Dec 16 1944 at Luexemburg my father was awarded a bronze star for actions there...He was in Patton's 3rdArmy (687th FAB battery C?).....He was part of the "relief" at Bastogne..........Years later (1960's?) we were watching a movie about it on TV... He started laughing and said "BULL SH*T".....It was because the actors were standing and aiming ....He said that in real life EVERYONE was behind every log or deep in the bottom of the deepest hole and firing their weapons blindly over the rim of the hole....Because if you stuck your head out it would get shot off....They all knew that the army that did not run out of ammo was going to win...PERIOD.....That and a clearing sky (Along with the US 3rd army 8th air corps) proved him correct.....
At the end of the video you asked three questions, I'll address the second, ‘was Manteuffel correct in bypassing Bastogne or should he have stopped and reduced Bastogne’?
Manteuffel was correct in bypassing Bastogne. Notwithstanding German experience in WW1 with Heutier tactics (bypassing strongpoints and leaving them for units to ‘mop up’), and blitzkrieg doctrine, any delay in the German advance would have been disastrous for the German strategic plan. The Germans had two interdependent logistical disadvantages, time and fuel. Delays would burn more fuel and risk stalling the entire offensive for lack of fuel, costing them time. The more time the Germans took to achieve their objectives, would give the Allies more time to respond. Additionally, the cloud cover, which protected the Germans from Allied air attacks, would not last forever. Given enough TIME, the cloud cover would clear. German planning depended heavily on the tactical use of cloud cover to protect them from allied air attacks. Indeed, the tactical use of cloud cover took on strategic importance. Protection from allied air superiority, ‘leveled the playing field’ for the Germans. (It is important to note that at this stage of the war, from the standpoint of grand strategy, the Germans did not have superiority in men, material, supply, or weapons. However, in the Ardennes sector of the Western Front, the Germans had created local superiority in everything except air power.)
However, an offensive in winter with its long nights and short days, would ordinarily work more to the defenders’ advantage than the attackers’. Furthermore, bad weather also would work more for the defender than the attacker. So why did the Germans deliberately choose bad weather AND a winter offensive? The Germans knew that they had no chance to succeed in the face of Allied air power, so they welcomed the bad weather. Allied airpower would cost the Germans the two things they couldn’t afford: Time & Fuel.
Finally, the short days of winter were mitigated somewhat by a tactic the Germans had used in North Africa: shine aircraft searchlights on the bottom of clouds, and the entire area for miles can be light enough to read newspapers.
In summary, the Germans needed the cloud cover for a lot of reasons. They only had limited time and fuel to take advantage of it. Bypassing Bastogne was precisely the right thing to do.
This was a really insightful comment. Thank you for that. Yes on the eastern front bypassing strong points to achieve the overall objective was made the initial phases of Barbarossa so successful. It makes sense that they would have gone around Bastogne. But lack of logistics had doomed the entire offensive to failure.
At 20:30, to answer the question: imo I believe the whole German plan was dependent (too much indeed) on the weather - which in itself unpredictable and, therefore, not dependent. So, as soon as the weather improved, the Germans would have lost anyway and they would have been devastaded by allied air power; and the majority of the german officers knew that... However, they did anyway, and the results speak for themselves!!!
I loved this one. Keep making history videos.
Will do Marc
1st you may not have had time to mention that at the time of this attack the US had come up with a sophisticated interacting artillery system that allowed them to concentrate fire with 'every gun within range' every German attack near Bastogne was greeted by effective coordinated counterfire including the use of proximity fused shells bursting over the heads of infantry at the correct height to do maximum damage. 2 nd the atrocities that were so much the German way of war caused results at the bulge the same as their cruelty had kept them out of Stalingrad. Soldiers who think that they will be murdered if they surrender are very likely to dig in and fight all the way down to bayonets before they quit. 3) Mccollough's response was brilliantly timed, his troops were dug in and relatively well supplied in defensible terrain and he appealed to their spirit. Then every time the Germans attacked and accomplished little the allied morale grew. 4) The sun comes out and the thunderbolts and DC3s came in. The US soldiers in Bastogne can celebrate they are now well supplied and can SEE the Germans suffering under the aircraft, Now the Germans have to hide, air support is a morale tool even more than a real weapon 5) I have never been a fan of Patton but his turning of the 3rd army to strike North 100 miles through a blizzard was a manoeuvre that was a gut blow to the Germans. Not only were they being chewed up by the defenders of Bastogne but now they grew by an army. A crushing morale blow to the Wehrmacht. 6) perhaps not of the scale of the first 5 but here the US tank destroyers were able to appear as an effective force. More mobile in those conditions than the German tanks and able to use their guns in terrain and conditions that cut into the German's advantage of more powerful weapons that could destroy at longer ranges. With the allied armor counter-attacking on internal lines of movement this was a force multiplier of serious value.
You asked if we felt that the Germans erred by trying to take Bastogne. I don't think so, with the 3rd army to the South leaving Bastogne would simple have allowed the allies to use that as a centerpiece of a huge trap. If Eisenhower could have sprung that cutting off the bulk of a German army corp it might have ended the war right there. The Germans were not going to win if they were not able to sweep through, once they failed at Bastogne and in the fighting further North they had to withdraw. As it was numerous German units had to basically disband and sneak back to the Rhine, if those units had been further West they could not have escaped that trap.
I believe McAuliffe put up a successful tactical defense of Bastogne. No wonder the defenders said years later they never needed to be rescued due to their supplies. If I were Manteuffel, I would have just bypassed the town and pushed on as fast as possible to the Meuse. As for Patton disengaging from one front and moving to another with no rest at all, something somewhat similar happened at the Battle of Wagram in 1809 when Austrian forces got Napoleon's rear and was forced to disengage Massena's Corps from their position on the French left and move it to secure his rear. Patton still achieved a remarkable feat and it was his finest hour of the war and his career.
Very well said - I'm curious - what is your take on Khalid ibn al-Walid?
@@FlashPointHx I'm sorry but I don't read military history that far back but I have no doubt he was one of the greats. Here is something else, Massena, Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte, Jean Lannes, Sir Arthur Wellesley, Sir Garnet Wolesley, William Rosecrans, Benjamin Cheathem, and Patrick Cleburne. These and others like them have something in common: to have been good as soldiers without attending a military academy and/or even a formal education. Incredible isn't it?!
@@nathanappleby5342 he’s the great general that no one’s heard of - I cover him in my first episode of the war of the worlds series
Pretty sure "Nuts" is a short version of Nuts to you. It was a common retort in the 20's and early 30's. Many people including myself, have wondered about the response. I finally found the story in an early 30's movie or 2. I guess it didn't transfer to the youth of the day.
In 1944 the Germans attacked using 250.000 men, one third of the 1918 Spring Offensive. They had no chance to achieve the goals of their plan in 1944
What to know why the Nazis failed to reach Antwerp? It's the simplest reason, they just RAN OUT OF GAS. And, they literally walked back to Germany because they had no choice.
I think the need for the 99th to hold their line was critical over all other points because of the type of fire power the 99th were holding back. Patton and Eisenhower knew that if it broke, Runstedt would then redirect this armored force towards bastogne to crush it and this would decide the outcome of the battle in favor of the germans.
Elsenborn Ridge was the key to the Allied victory on this one I think - stopped the 6th in its tracks. 99th was a big part of that