The WW2 Podcast 102 - D-Day Through German Eyes
41 snips
Oct 15, 2019 
Join Jonathan Trigg, a renowned World War II historian and author, as he unveils the German perspective of D-Day. He discusses Hitler's misguided defense strategy and how his directives contributed to the Wehrmacht's struggles. Discover the reality behind the Atlantic Wall's illusion of strength and the challenges faced by German troops on the beach. Perspectives from German generals reveal their attempts to assign blame while grappling with defeat. Trigg's insights shed light on the complexities of leadership and military decision-making during this pivotal event.
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Hitler's Overextended Defense
- Hitler's Directive 51 demanded defending all Western Europe from Norway to the Pyrenees, which was an impossible stretch for Germany.
- This defense strategy spread German forces too thin, weakening their ability to respond effectively to the Allied invasion.
Atlantic Wall Was Illusory
- The Atlantic Wall was more a psychological barrier than a solid defensive line, with only scattered bunkers and minimal actual fortifications.
- Troops often faced a sparse and fragile defense, which made it less formidable than its name suggested.
German Divisions Were Smaller but Heavier Armed
- German divisions on D-Day had fewer men but were more heavily armed than earlier units, trading manpower for increased automatic firepower.
- In attritional combat like Normandy, fewer men meant losses were more impactful and harder to replace, especially with supply shortages.
