Rundstedt was a brilliant military leader, quick to grasp the…

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.

About Rundstedt

Robert Edward Merriam

Other Gerd von Rundstedt Quotes

Von Rundstedt was a francophile, “extravagantly polite to women” and smoked too much. To those he disdained (and there were many) he was haughty, reserved and curt. - View Quote Details on Von Rundstedt was a francophile, “extravagantly polite to women” and…
The morale of the troops taking part was astonishingly high at the start of the offensive. They really believed victory was possible - unlike the higher commanders, who knew the facts. - View Quote Details on The morale of the troops taking part was astonishingly high…
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…
It was now just a question of time - and lives. - View Quote Details on It was now just a question of time - and…
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…
Make peace, you fools! - View Quote Details on Make peace, you fools!
Long before winter came the chances had been diminished owing to the repeated delays in the advance that were caused by bad roads, and mud. The ‘black earth’ of the Ukraine could be turned into mud by ten minutes rain - stopping all movement until it dried. That was a heavy handicap in a race with time. It was, increased by a lack of railways in Russia - for bringing up supplies to our advancing troops. Another adverse factor was the way the Russians received continual reinforcements from their back areas, as they fell back. It seemed to us that as soon as one force was wiped out, the path was blocked by the arrival of a fresh force. - View Quote Details on Long before winter came the chances had been diminished owing…
It is a pity that this faithful youth is sacrificed in a hopeless situation. - View Quote Details on It is a pity that this faithful youth is sacrificed…
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…