Hey all, Total amateur here. No history degree, just read a few books on the Second World War over the past three months and have found myself increasingly interested in the period, especially the lesser known battles and fronts that I've not seen (poorly represented I'm sure!) Many times before. I'm currently reading about the Fall Blau invasion and attempt to capture Stalingrad, but the history books I've read (primary source for me right now is Beevor - The Second World War) describe the what's but not the why. I'm guessing many of the target audience perhaps have a better grasp of war logistics than I do! (Which is almost none). My question is, there seemed to be a big push by the Germans to capture Vorenezh. I'm trying to understand the logic behind certain decisions - for example was this because it had a railroute through it which connects to Stalingrad, and (I'm guessing) to Moscow? Every battle fought seems to have some strategic significance that eludes me other than "it is between us and the big target (Moscow, Stalingrad for example). Though perhaps this is the only reason needed? I hope my question makes some sense.. Many thanks!
Voronezh controlled the remaining North-South railway line from Moscow to Rostov. See attached map. It also connected westward to Kyiv so would open up a good logistics route for the Germans. The Influence of Railways on Military Operations in the Russo-German War 1941–1945 — History of Military LogisticsHistory of Military Logistics All the best Andreas
Thank you very much for sharing this. Is it correct to think that a major strategic asset during a campaign (like, for example, Blau or Barbarosa) is the capture of railroads/stations? Building from this, I presume this is to potentially provide supply to your own armies, whilst denying the enemy theirs? Edit: Apologies, I just realised the link you shared is much more than just a map, it has a good analysis of the influence of railways, which is a direct answer to my previous question Thank you again
Aside from its importance as a rail hub (described by Andreas) Voronezh was wanted in 1942 as a convenient geographical place to link the left flank of Army Group B along the Don to the main front held by Army Group Center from that point northwards. If memory serves even Stalingrad was at first thought of by the German planners as a similar linchpin between Army Group B and Army Group A, the latter being entrusted with the main drive into the Caucasus and the former with a primarily defensive role.