Interesting quote from Marshal Koniev

Gotthard Heinrici · 18-03-2008, 11:16 PM

I am reading (and enjoying) Robin Cross's book "The Battle of Kursk" and he includes an interesting quote. "It is very likely that it was teh only occasion in Military History when the stronger side, having the capability for offensive action, went over to the defense. The future course of events affirmed that, in the given instance, the correct decision was made".

Pretty ingenious if you ask me. Let the other side exhaust themselves and then just as they are faltering, throw your own forces against them!

Za Rodinu · 24-04-2008, 10:52 PM

Yes, Marshal V.D.Sokolovsky's wrote in "Military Strategy: Soviet Doctrine and Concepts" that:

Quote:

The transition to strategic defense in 1943, unlike the previous years, was planned. The Soviet Command was in possession of the strategic initiative and, by this time, had large reserves (nine combined and two tank armies as well as a number of separate formations ...); it was thus able to forestall the enemy and take the offensive. However it was decided to embark on a temporary defense so as to force the enemy to initiate an offensive and to exhaust and weaken his schock group in defensive battles; subsequently, it was intended to introduce fresh strategic reserves and to start a decisive counteroffensive.

4th wilts · 25-04-2008, 03:35 PM

it seems like koniev studied the battle of medenine well,yours.lee.

18-03-2008, 11:16 PM	#1 (permalink)
Gotthard Heinrici Ostfront is where its at! Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 3,468	Interesting quote from Marshal Koniev I am reading (and enjoying) Robin Cross's book "The Battle of Kursk" and he includes an interesting quote. "It is very likely that it was teh only occasion in Military History when the stronger side, having the capability for offensive action, went over to the defense. The future course of events affirmed that, in the given instance, the correct decision was made". Pretty ingenious if you ask me. Let the other side exhaust themselves and then just as they are faltering, throw your own forces against them! __________________ *"The Eastern front is like a house of cards. If the front is broken through at one point all the rest will collapse."* - General Heinz Guderian "With amazement and disappointment, we discovered in late October and early November that the beaten Russians seemed quite unaware that as a military force they had almost ceased to exist." - General Blumentritt "In all my years as a soldier, I have never seen me fight so hard." Lieutenant General Wilhelm Bittrich - Commander of II SS Panzer Korps - (Commenting on the British Paratroopers at Arnhem) - September 1944 "Had Clark given more heed to Juin's views...the savage battles of Cassino would probably never have been fought and the venerable house of St Benedict would have been unscathed" Rudolf Böhmler - 1st Fallschirmjäger Division - 1944 (After the bombing of Monte Cassino)

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25-04-2008, 03:35 PM	#3 (permalink)
4th wilts Discharged Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: wessex Posts: 1,043	it seems like koniev studied the battle of medenine well,yours.lee.

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