In his memories marshal Zhukov has told, that in his opinion , if soviet troops attacked only central german groups of armies, we would reach smolensk-is it possible?
Reaching that far west would leave quite a salient, wouldn't it?
Zhukov might have believed it possible--but did he believe it desirable to have such a bulge into the enemy's line so long before OTL's final Kursk campaign?
Reaching that far west would leave quite a salient, wouldn't it?
Zhukov might have believed it possible--but did he believe it desirable to have such a bulge into the enemy's line so long before OTL's final Kursk campaign?
But RA could defeat german group "Centre"-maybe there wont be german offencive in 1942 in this case.Indeed they'd be pitifully exposed from the south. In the north, taking the Valdai (that is Demjansk) would be critical, otherwise in spring they'd have to withdraw back from Smolsensk to October 1941 positions.
I thought it is clear, that in 1941\42 Stalingrad was safeThat would be stupid. Instead of an offensive aimed at Stalingrad, there would be an offensive encircling the salient that the Soviets have just created. There is not enough time for the Soviets to build adequate defenses in their salient in time for the coming German spring offensive. I can see the Soviets losing 750,000-1,000,000 men killed or captured. By the time this massive battle is finished it will be too late to attempt a Case Blue on the German's part. The line will therefore remain stagnant throughout 1942. Leningrad can perhaps be taken with much needed German reinforcements which will now be present in the North.
End result: by the end of 1942 the Germans will be in a much better strategic situation then in OTL. The allies seeing this will probably attempt a D-day in early 1943. Depending on whether a beachhead will manage to be stabilized or not, I can see two things happening. If a beachhead is achieved, the Germans will rush forces into France from Russia and create a long drawn out battle for the country. In that case an Atom bomb will probably be dropped on Berlin in 1945, killing Hitler's government and some form of peace will be achieved. If the beachhead fails, then I can see the Allies agreeing to some kind of peace where Norway, France, and the other western European countries gain back their freedom. The end result of this is that the Soviets will be in Berlin by late 1946/early 1947. The allies' disgust of the Germans will prevent them from helping the Germans fight the Soviets.
I thought it is clear, that in 1941\42 Stalingrad was safe
Their troops hasnt enough mobility in winter, and in summer it is heavy to do-in reality iyt would be a very big problem to survive for german troops in the centreI meant that the Germans sending forces North and encircling the Soviets would prevent the the Germans from attempting a Case Blue in mid 1942.
Their troops hasnt enough mobility in winter, and in summer it is heavy to do-in reality iyt would be a very big problem to survive for german troops in the centre
They would lost troops in Rzhev "ledge" before.I said that the Germans would pile troops for spring and conduct their offensive then. It would still work.
They would lost troops in Rzhev "ledge" before.
Rzev-VyazmaWhat Rzhev "ledge"? I have nor heard of that...