It is madness to attempt to hold. In the first…

It is madness to attempt to hold. In the first place the troops cannot do it and in the second place if they do not retreat they will be destroyed. I repeat that this order be rescinded or that you find someone else.

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November 30, 1941. “Operation Barbarossa” in Russia. Rundstedt sent this wire message that resulted in him being dismissed from office. (He also had a heart attack.) Quoted in “The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich: A History of Nazi Germany” - Page 861 - by William Lawrence Shirer - Germany - 1990

Other Gerd von Rundstedt Quotes

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…
This war with Russia is an absurd idea that will have a disastrous outcome for sure. But if for political reasons the conflict is unavoidable, then we must be convinced that we will not gain victory in one simple summary campaign. Thoughts on the distances to cover. We cannot absolutely defeat the enemy and occupy entire western Russia, from the Baltic Sea to the Black, in mere months. We would have to prepare ourselves for one long war and to proceed with shrewdness. First of all, a strong army group towards the North would have to conquer Leningrad and its surrounding territories. This would allow us to join the Finnish, in order to eliminate the red fleet from the Baltic Sea and to increase our infuence on Scandinavia. For the moment the armys of the center-south would have to only be left over until a line that connects Odessa-Kiev-Orsa-Lago Ilmen. Then, if sufficient time remains, the Armed North group could be left over for south-east from Leningrad towards Moscow, while the army group Center moves to the east. All the upcoming operations would have to be held back until 1942, when we would have to elaborate new plans based on the situation which will arise from that moment. - View Quote Details on This war with Russia is an absurd idea that will…
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,…
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. - View Quote Details on If I had had my way the English would not…
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…
It was now just a question of time - and lives. - View Quote Details on It was now just a question of time - and…
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…
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…
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…
The vast-ness of Russia devours us. - View Quote Details on The vast-ness of Russia devours us.