All,
Stalingrad was a turning point.
However, German efforts, at great costs, in occupying Stalingrad carried on even into November.
The danger period was around 14 October, among other danger periods.
My good theory is that there must have been a point where it should have been stopped and the effort turned to something else. When was that point in time?
If 6th army had been pulled back in September, October or November (before Manstein), at a time where it was possible to actually do it, what would have been the consequences?
1) What would have happened to the Don Bend?
2) Could a withdrawal have been used to avoid the trap later on in the form of Uranus
3) Would Caucasus automatically have had to be evacuated as well?
4) Could Germany have used the winter months to “beef up” 6th army and try again in spring 1943?
5) Would the results have been any different?
6) Would 1943 have been different without Stalingrad losses, a more fresh army, a better strategic position?
7) How would USSR have used the winter months? An offensive against German defences (even rudimentary) West of the Don bend does not come across as a good suggestion.
Insofar as Stalin was convinced that the German 1942 campaign would be against Moscow again, the door was somewhat opened for a drive South. Kharkow was an eye-opener according to Werth.
Now, Uranus planning was starting in September and October. But what would have happened if Germany had pulled out of the Don Bend in September or October?
The thing is with Stalingrad: It looked as though that just one extra push and it would be fine.
November looks awfully late in the day to me to have been carrying on.
Of course Hitler might have taken some convincing in terms of a strategic retreat and a new attempt in 1943.
Another factor is Torch. What if Germany had pulled back in October 1942. Torch is going ahead. Will the German divisions freed up in Russia be used in Africa (stopping Monty and Torch) or will it be as OTL?
Comments?