The Principles of War - Lessons from Military History on Strategy, Tactics, Doctrine and Leadership. 65 - Battle of France 1940
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May 10, 2021 Delve into the rapid and chaotic events of the Battle of France, where the German army's tactics outmaneuvered a numerically superior foe. Discover the nuances of the Arras counter-attack and the stark contrasts between Allied operations and German blitzkrieg strategies. The importance of surprise and tempo emerges as pivotal factors in gaining the initiative, revealing crucial lessons in military effectiveness. Explore innovative strategies of simultaneity that confused opponents and changed the course of warfare.
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German Center of Gravity
- The German center of gravity was Panzergruppe Kleist, heavily mechanized with armoured and motorised infantry units.
- Their critical vulnerabilities included the need for suitable terrain and robust logistics which could be disrupted to undermine their capability.
Shift from Poland to France Tactics
- The German invasion plan of France was fundamentally different than the invasion of Poland, shifting to a mechanized lead assault.
- This originality and speed delivered shock action unexpected by the French who anticipated traditional attack methods.
Methamphetamine to Boost Tempo
- German soldiers used Pervitin (methamphetamine) to sustain high tempo and go sleepless for extended periods.
- Despite some success, usage was limited due to side effects causing violence and reduced supply availability.