Attrition Defines War Losses

Most military losses during the Second World War were gradual and attritional rather than the result of singular catastrophic events. Throughout the war, forces experienced a steady decline in resources such as tanks and armored fighting vehicles, with significant daily losses that accumulate over time. The battle of Kursk, while notable, represented just a short-term spike in losses that did not significantly alter the overall attrition rate. Moreover, the inability of the Germans to secure a decisive victory against Britain underscores the strategic limitations that hindered their ability to win the war. The reliance on attrition emphasizes the nature of prolonged conflict where resources are gradually worn down rather than being lost all at once.