If I had had my way the English would not…
If I had had my way the English would not have got off so lightly at Dunkirk. But my hands were tied by direct orders from Hitler himself. While the English were clambering into the ships off the beaches, I was kept uselessly outside the port unable to move. I recommended to the Supreme Command that my five Panzer divisions be immediately sent into the town and thereby completely destroy the retreating English. But I received definite orders from the Führer that under no circumstances was I to attack, and I was expressly forbidden to send any of my troops closer than ten kilometres from Dunkirk. At this distance I sat outside the town watching the English escape, while my tanks and infantry were prohibited from moving. This incredible blunder was due to Hitler’s personal idea of generalship.
Other Gerd von Rundstedt Quotes
- Von Rundstedt was a soldier through and through, always keeping himself clear of politics. - View Quote Details on Von Rundstedt was a soldier through and through, always keeping…
- Rundstedt was a brilliant military leader, quick to grasp the significance of any particular operation, to analyze the obstacles, and then in turn successfully and oftentimes brilliantly to overcome these barriers. - View Quote Details on Rundstedt was a brilliant military leader, quick to grasp the…
- In appearance, Rundstedt was a man of more than average height. His head was large and well formed; his nose was of the classic Prussian boldness, which gave him a distinguished look. His thinning hair was gray and cut close to his head. His aloof air gave the impression that he was impervious to ordinary matters, men or problems. He moved with a certain mechanical precision. A puritanical Prussian. - View Quote Details on In appearance, Rundstedt was a man of more than average…
- Just as the defending force has gathered valuable experience from…Dieppe, so has the assaulting force…He will not do it like this a second time. - View Quote Details on Just as the defending force has gathered valuable experience from…Dieppe,…
- The vast-ness of Russia devours us. - View Quote Details on The vast-ness of Russia devours us.
- Moreover, Gerd von Rundstedt was a gentleman to the core. His natural dignity and good manners inspired the respect even of those who differed widely from him in views. - View Quote Details on Moreover, Gerd von Rundstedt was a gentleman to the core…
- I strongly object to the fact that this stupid operation in the Ardennes is sometimes called the ‘Rundstedt Offensive’. This is a complete misnomer. I had nothing to do with it. It came to me as an order complete to the last detail. Hitler had even written on the plan in his own handwriting “not to be altered.” - View Quote Details on I strongly object to the fact that this stupid operation…
- Nothing would have been changed for the German people, but my name would have gone down in history as that of the greatest traitor. - View Quote Details on Nothing would have been changed for the German people, but…
- Make peace, you fools! - View Quote Details on Make peace, you fools!
- We are in no position to withstand a prolonged static war. Wherever the allies concentrate their forces they will break through. For us there can be no question of military victory or of winning the war. Our only hope is to hold on long enough to allow some development on the political front to save Germany from complete collapse. - View Quote Details on We are in no position to withstand a prolonged static…
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