I've been reading this book, by Peter Tsouras, this week. 10 incidents are seperately described, modified and lead to a different outcome of this famous battle. It describes real actions and characters (on both sides), and shows how different choices or minor incidents could have led to entirely new chains of events. - What if the Germans successfully prevented Patton from relieving the seige of Bastogne?
- Or if the Allies had suffered a major setback in the Ardennes, allowing the Red Army to overrun Berlin and drive on to the Rhine?
- What if Hitler had not launched the battle, and retained the forces to defend Reich territory instead?
http://www.amazon.com/Battle-Bulge-Hitlers-Alternate-Scenarios/dp/1853676071
I love what if's.....this sounds like a good read.
ReplyDeleteWhat if the Germans successfully prevented Patton from relieving the seige of Bastogne?
ReplyDeleteDoubtful, really. The Germans were already short on fuel and found it hard to press the advantage. Even if they had maintained the seige of Bastogne, it would has simply resulted in a slight reduction in America's fighting force. However, once the skies cleared the Allies were free to bomb the Germans. It would have had a negligible effect on the eventual outcome.
Or if the Allies had suffered a major setback in the Ardennes, allowing the Red Army to overrun Berlin and drive on to the Rhine?
It would have to have been a serious setback. The Allies were operating at a very plodding pace at that time and its likely that they could have (and should have) stepped up the pressure on the Germans facing them. As was made clear after the war, there was virtually nothing between the Allies and Berlin at that stage of the war.
What if Hitler had not launched the battle, and retained the forces to defend Reich territory instead?
Hitler made a desperate move for Antwerp and in doing so simply hastened the end of the war. It is clear that if he had used those troops against - say - the Russians then the war may well have extended into August / September 1945.
Looks fun,
ReplyDeleteJ.
But Phil what if...
ReplyDelete- Patton and his HQ were targeted for a SS Commando raid by Skorzeny and in the wake his his death (and no Army staff) his army was delayed in their march to bastogne?
- The Germans invite the Western Alleis into Germany ahead of the advancing Soviets?
- The war indeed extends, giving time for a secret weapon to come on line...
The joy of 'what ifs'!