Biggest Mistake of WWII

[spidge]

[quote name='Alebyzakis Vaggelis' date='Nov 4 2005, 01:11 AM' post='18292']

I didn't say that British military didn't fought and died with Greek Mens but we should say that UK sent troops not to keep Greece safe but their bases at Egypt.

From your point of view perhaps however if those troops had stayed in North Africa and continued the route of the Italians instead of sending most of the British, Australian & New Zealand troops to Greece the bases would have been secured all the way to Tripoli, received the Italian surrender and Rommel would have had to fight his way on to the beaches there if at all.

Wavell was forced to send the 6th Australian Division, along with part of 7th Armoured Division and most of the supplies and air support, for this ultimately doomed operation. O'Connor was now forced to hold the line at El Agheila with a single understrength division, negligible air cover and over-extended supply lines.

Yes they fought but they fought well at Crete Battle

I am glad their presence here at least was respected and appreciated.

the British that go at Main Greece(Macendonia e.t.c) was a small troops just to say British come

In early 1941 there were not the troops to send. Do you read history or just listen to your grandfather and people who did not appreciate what help was sent to Greece. It may have been political, what wasn't in those times and now for that matter. The fact remains that many thousands of lives were lost in North Africa in 1942-1943 taking back the lost ground, due in part to the sending of 70% of the North African forces to Greece to just "Fly the British Flag" as you have so ungratefully stated.

My GrandFather had told me many historical things about British and Cretans British helped too much at Crete. I can't say something different their help here offer much. Also don't forgot that when Cretans Ask for weapons from British bases they Didn't have so think unprapered help was.

There was a huge shortage of weapons however most of everything that was available at the time was sent to Greece with the troops from North Africa. Manufacture was increasing but not quickly enough in those early days. The Australian divisions had to be supplied with weapons by Britain as did the New Zealanders and so on.

Most Cretan Men/Child/Woman fight with agricultural tools.

Maybe you should be venting some of your anger at the German & Bulgarian invaders who slaughtered your men, women & children not the people who at least tried to help in those early days and eventually assisted in the liberation of Greece.

I live in Melbourne, Australia which is the 2nd largest Greek city in the world and has the 3rd largest population of Greeks in the world. Only Athens and Thessalonki boast larger Greek populations. I can assure you that most of them would not share your sentiments.

[spidge]

[quote name='adamcotton' date='Nov 1 2005, 02:50 AM' post='18105']
Morse, I love it!

The original question, I believe, related to the biggest blunders of WW2.....

How about the British defeat in Singapore/Maylaya? Assigning only inadequate Brewster Buffaloes for air defence

Worse than that I have read was that most were not even unpacked out of their crates!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Gotthard Heinrici]

Indeed Singapore was a complete disaster in every way. Another one was sending the Repulse and Prince of Wales out without any air cover. Given the damage caused by the British at Taranto you'd think they would have learnt the power of aircraft and the need for adequate defense from it.

[Kitty]

What about th efailure to follow up on the Dams raids in May 43? Aftewards the German commanders said that they could not have stopped the RAF from returning the next night to finish the job, and therefore create even more mayhem in Happy Valley? However, because 8 of the 19 Lancs of 617 Sq were lost on the raid, it was decided not to follow it up because of the great loss of life. Just think what would have happened to Germay's industrial heartland if they had gone back.

[Kiwiwriter]

One thing about the guns at Singapore...they didn't face the wrong way. They had the wrong ammunition, AP rounds instead of HE.

[Lt. Winters]

I say the biggest mistake of ww2 is Operation Market garden

[Vabadusjaiseseisvus]

Biggest mistakes of WWII!
Al in all etire WWII was a big mistake!
Soviet Union and Natzi Germany were mistake!
The world would be nice place without Stalin and Hitler!

But if about Hitler!
He should gave the command for Paulus to came out from the Stalingrad as soon as possible!
In Stalingrad Hitler lost many good solders! Who would help him to hold the frontline against
Soviets.
Maybe he could won then time. That he need for his V1 and V2 weapons and other new weapon´s projects too!

[spidge]

(Flakfire @ Dec 4 2005, 08:59 PM) [post=42600]Biggest mistakes of WWII!
Al in all etire WWII was a big mistake!
Soviet Union and Natzi Germany were mistake!
The world would be nice place without Stalin and Hitler!

But if about Hitler!
He should gave the command for Paulus to came out from the Stalingrad as soon as possible!
In Stalingrad Hitler lost many good solders! Who would help him to hold the frontline against
Soviets.
Maybe he could won then time. That he need for his V1 and V2 weapons and other new weapon´s projects too!
[/b]

Welcome Flakfire, which country do you come from?

[Vabadusjaiseseisvus]

Welcome Flakfire, which country do you come from?
[/quote]



I come from Estonia

[spidge]

[quote name='Flakfire' date='Dec 4 2005, 10:23 PM' post='19870']
Welcome Flakfire, which country do you come from?
[/quote]



I come from Estonia
[/quote]

It is good to have members from many countries.

Please enter your country and flag in the profile section.

It is sometimes easier to understand your posts when we know your contry of origin.


Regards


Geoff