Germany's last Offenses 1944 to 1945: lessons for NATO and Ukraine

 

The German Army's last offences during World War II were characterized by various factors that impacted their effectiveness. The offensives took place in Arden, Nordwind, Conrad, and Boston, with each campaign posing unique challenges for the German forces.

In December 1944, the Germans launched a surprise attack in the Arden region of Belgium and Luxembourg, hoping to split the Allied forces and push them back. They modified divisions, created Volks Grenadiers, and utilized Lutheran project instructors for training untrained troops. They relied on the need for combat experience among the Allied forces to gain an advantage. However, the Germans were hindered by their inferior equipment, lower training levels, and little combat experience among their own troops. Additionally, many of the wounded German soldiers returned to the front lines, which resulted in a drop in the combat value of the units.

In January 1945, the Germans launched another offensive, this time in the Nordwind region of France. They used the same tactics as before, including on-the-job training on equipment and deploying lower-trained troops. However, their forces were still hindered by a lack of fuel, which was crucial to the maneuverability of the motorized units. The German high command believed a good defence was a good offence and sought to create gaps in the Allied lines that they could exploit.

In February 1945, the Germans launched another offensive, this time in the Conrad area of Germany. Their static forces made it difficult for them to make significant gains. They relied heavily on firepower to open gaps in the Allied lines but needed more airpower and maneuverability to sustain those gaps. As a result, the Germans suffered heavy losses, and their forces could not progress significantly.

In March 1945, the Germans launched an offensive to reunite the Balakin and take out the Third Ukrainian Front. They faced similar challenges, including a lack of fuel, inadequate training, and static units. Additionally, the Germans had lost 95% of their fuel production capability due to the bombing of synthetic fuel plants and the loss of small fields in Hungary. They could not sustain the gaps they created in the Allied lines, and their forces suffered heavy losses.

Finally, in April 1945, the Germans launched an offensive in the Boston area of Germany. Their forces needed more fuel, making sustaining gaps in the Allied lines impossible. The German high command believed that victories along the front could lead to negotiations for peace, but their inability to make any significant gains meant that they were ultimately unsuccessful.

Today, Ukraine faces similar challenges as the Germans did in World War II. The country relies on imports for its fuel needs, making it vulnerable to supply disruptions. Additionally, the Ukrainian military has struggled with a lack of modern equipment and insufficient training, which has limited its effectiveness in the conflict with Russia.

There are also significant differences between the two situations. The Ukrainian military has enjoyed the support of the international community, which has provided it with training and equipment. Additionally, Ukraine has been able to leverage the power of the internet and social media to disseminate information and garner support.

The German Army's last offences during World War II were characterized by various factors that impacted their effectiveness. The offensives were hindered by a lack of fuel, inadequate training, and the inability to sustain gaps in the Allied lines.

Today, Ukraine faces similar challenges, but it has been able to leverage the power of the international community and social media to support its efforts, not necessarily troops to close with the enemy. Still, the Ukrainian Army must overcome training, equipment and experienced troops, especially in the non-commissioned officer ranks. Climate-only interior roads can be used for offensive purposes, as solid freezing didn't occur this year. The Ukrainian Army will be targeted along roads if an offensive maneuver occurs. Ukraine has received maneuver vehicles from the United States, Germany and France. Each maneuver vehicle group will require its own set of training and logistics. Ukraine can break the gaps in the Russian line with the new equipment and training, but can the gap be sustained, or will the Ukrainian Army find itself in another strategic "kill zone." Kill Zones is something the Russian Army knows institutionally how to perform all too well. A diplomatic cease-fire is the only real option for Ukraine unless the World decides World War III is a more viable option.