Ardennes-1944: An Analysis Of The Operational Defense

Nonfiction, History, Germany, European General, Military, United States
Cover of the book Ardennes-1944: An Analysis Of The Operational Defense by Major Francis M. Cain III, Lucknow Books
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Major Francis M. Cain III ISBN: 9781782895039
Publisher: Lucknow Books Publication: August 15, 2014
Imprint: Lucknow Books Language: English
Author: Major Francis M. Cain III
ISBN: 9781782895039
Publisher: Lucknow Books
Publication: August 15, 2014
Imprint: Lucknow Books
Language: English

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.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

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.

More books from Lucknow Books

Cover of the book Biography Of A Battalion: The Life And Times Of An Infantry Battalion In Europe In World War II by Major Francis M. Cain III
Cover of the book Assignment To Catastrophe. Vol. 1, Prelude To Dunkirk. July 1939-May 1940 by Major Francis M. Cain III
Cover of the book General George S. Patton, Jr.: Master of Operational Battle Command. What Lasting Battle Command Lessons Can We Learn From Him? by Major Francis M. Cain III
Cover of the book Fighting Warsaw: The Story of the Polish Underground State, 1939-1945 by Major Francis M. Cain III
Cover of the book Battle At St. Vith, Belgium, 17-23 December, 1944 [Illustrated Edition] by Major Francis M. Cain III
Cover of the book A Soldier Unafraid - Letters From The Trenches On The Alsatian Front by Major Francis M. Cain III
Cover of the book From Private To Field-Marshal by Major Francis M. Cain III
Cover of the book Above The French Lines; Letters Of Stuart Walcott, American Aviator. by Major Francis M. Cain III
Cover of the book Go, Get ‘Em! —The True Adventures Of An American Aviator Of The Lafayette Flying Corps - [Illustrated Edition] by Major Francis M. Cain III
Cover of the book Bombing To Surrender: The Contribution Of Air Power To The Collapse Of Italy, 1943 by Major Francis M. Cain III
Cover of the book Ambulance No. 10. Personal Letters Of A Driver At The Front [Illustrated Edition] by Major Francis M. Cain III
Cover of the book An Application Of The Principles Of War To The Schweinfurt Raids On 17 August 1943 And 14 October 1943 by Major Francis M. Cain III
Cover of the book A Subaltern On The Somme In 1916 by Major Francis M. Cain III
Cover of the book Gliders of World War II: ‘The Bastards No One Wanted’ by Major Francis M. Cain III
Cover of the book ANZIO BEACHHEAD (22 January-25 May 1944) [Illustrated Edition] by Major Francis M. Cain III
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy