Three factors defeated us in the West where I was…
Three factors defeated us in the West where I was in command. First, the unheard-of superiority of your air force, which made all movement in daytime impossible. Second, the lack of motor fuel - oil and gas - so that the Panzers and even the Luftwaffe were unable to move. Third, the systematic destruction of all railway communications so that it was impossible to bring one single railroad train across the Rhine.
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Quoted in “The Battle of the Bulge: Hitler’s Final Gamble” - by Patrick Delaforce - History - 2004
Other Gerd von Rundstedt Quotes
- Make peace, you fools! - View Quote Details on Make peace, you fools!
- We should have known better after the first war. - View Quote Details on We should have known better after the first war.
- 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…
- 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.
- 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…
- 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…
- 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…
- 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…













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