@Imperious:
Zhukov was not a German. Soviet generals always won battles with quantity. If both sides switched equipment and numbers, Germany would have won.
Excellent point. In the key year of 1942, the Soviet Union produced three to four times as much as Germany in nearly every major category of land weapons; and almost twice as many military aircraft as Germany. Germany’s pre-war population was 69 million, compared to 169 million for the Soviet Union. A much larger portion of German strength was tied down in the west, to deal with potential British or American threats, than the Soviets had tied down in the east to counter the threat of Japan.
In 1940, von Manstein, working together with Guderian, developed the plan which would allow Germany to take France. In 1941 von Mannstein was given only minor commands by his jealous superiors; who resented the fact that his bold, successful plan to take France had been chosen over their own uncreative plans–plans which offered no real hope of victory on Germany’s western front. Von Manstein did well in the commands he was given. In the summer of 1942, he was the mastermind behind a German attack which captured 170,000 Soviet soldiers for a loss of fewer than 10,000 Germans.
After the Battle of Stalingrad, von Manstein launched a series of counter attacks in which he achieved a favorable exchange ratio; and in which he prevented the entire German southern front from collapsing. He successfully took advantage of Soviet clumsiness in exploiting the advantages their Stalingrad victory had given them.
In July and August 1943, forces under von Mannstein’s command inflicted 1.6 million casualties on the Soviets; with only one tenth as many Germans becoming casualties. (Earlier in ‘43 von Manstein advised against attacking the Soviets’ prepared positions at Kursk.) In early 1944 he was dismissed from command due to disagreements with Hitler. Von Manstein insisted that encircled German forces should attempt to break out to the west. Hitler demanded that no one retreat.
Overall, von Manstein was right about just about everything; and very skillful in putting his plans into action. A great general to have on your side; and a very intimidating opponent for those unlucky enough to face him.
