Summary of Hans Schaufler's Panzer Warfare on the Eastern Front

By IRB Media

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book.

#1 The German-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact of 23 August 1939 had been well received at the time of its signing. It was seen as the end of German-Soviet enmity. However, the exchange of goods between the two countries had benefited Germany significantly since the autumn of 1939.

#2 The German and Soviet governments had become close friends following the invasion of Poland in September 1939, but political differences began to arise between them in 1940. The German government believed they could eliminate Russia as a potential ally of England by conducting a preemptive war against the Soviet Union.

#3 The German operations plan relied on sudden surprise, bold maneuver by motorized formations, and the establishment of a main effort. It was intended to break through the Russian forces with these armored wedges and then advance deep into the enemy’s rear area.

#4 Before every large operation, there is a lot of uncertainty. The most important question is how the new enemy will fight. Will the desired surprise be achieved despite the extensive build-up.

• Language: English
• Publisher: IRB Media
• Release date: Apr 12, 2022
• ISBN: 9781669385004

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Insights on Hans Schaufler's Panzer Warfare on the Eastern Front

Contents

Insights from Chapter 1

Insights from Chapter 2

Insights from Chapter 3

Insights from Chapter 4

Insights from Chapter 5

Insights from Chapter 6

Insights from Chapter 7

Insights from Chapter 8

Insights from Chapter 9

Insights from Chapter 10

Insights from Chapter 11

Insights from Chapter 12

Insights from Chapter 13

Insights from Chapter 14

Insights from Chapter 15

Insights from Chapter 16

Insights from Chapter 17

Insights from Chapter 1

#1

The German-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact of 23 August 1939 had been well received at the time of its signing. It was seen as the end of German-Soviet enmity. However, the exchange of goods between the two countries had benefited Germany significantly since the autumn of 1939.

#2

The German and Soviet governments had become close friends following the invasion of Poland in September 1939, but political differences began to arise between them in 1940. The German government believed they could eliminate Russia as a potential ally of England by conducting a preemptive war against the Soviet Union.

#3

The German operations plan relied on sudden surprise, bold maneuver by motorized formations, and the establishment of a main effort. It was intended to break through the Russian forces with these armored wedges and then advance deep into the enemy’s rear area.

#4

Before every large operation, there is a lot of uncertainty. The most important question is how the new enemy will fight. Will the desired surprise be achieved despite the extensive build-up.

#5

The landscape was dotted with farmsteads, which were isolated and scattered. The village on the horizon seemed like a Fata Morgana. The crows were the only signs of life.

#6

The first light of day allowed the nighttime apparitions to quickly evaporate. The woods appeared to be the height of quietude, but they were hiding millions of flies that were waiting to attack the soldiers.

#7

The attack was planned for the night of June 5, but the darkness was interrupted by the sounds of vehicles moving at a man’s pace. The soldiers deployed and pushed closer to the riverbank, using folds in the ground and the dense fields of grain.

#8

The first light of morning was becoming brighter. The outlines of hills and woods against the sky became sharper with every passing minute. We were completely drenched in sweat, and we could barely keep our teeth from chattering.

#9

The final minutes of the war were ticking away. We had to be prepared for any eventuality. The soldiers were ready for battle again, and the new soldiers pressed themselves to the ground in a somewhat fearful manner.

#10

The storm broke loose. The door had been kicked in. We rushed to the riverbank, and the first boats moved to the middle of the river. We were joined by increasing numbers. We had to brace against the streaming water with superhuman strength, but we got to the shore.

#11

The German army began a massive attack on the Russian front, and the artillery bombardment of the Russian positions along the Bug River began. The first few aircraft flew over, two long-range reconnaissance birds, and a batch of fighters moved along the Bug to the north.

#12

The road became better as we raced through the night. We were not moving forward, but still outside of Miedna. Our tanks had been in Kobrin for some time and had reached Avenue of Advance I. The entire division was literally stuck in the dirt.

#13

The advance into Russia was marked by signs of victory. The town of Bereza-Kartuska was