Gerd von Rundstedt Quotes
- 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. - View Quote Details on Three factors defeated us in the West where I was…
- We should have known better after the first war. - View Quote Details on We should have known better after the first war.
- 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…
- 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…
- 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…
- The vast-ness of Russia devours us. - View Quote Details on The vast-ness of Russia devours us.
- 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 I repeat that this order be rescinded or that you find someone else. - View Quote Details on It is madness to attempt to hold. In the first…
- 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…
- 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…
- 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…
- 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…
- 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,…
- 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…
- Make peace, you fools! - View Quote Details on Make peace, you fools!
- 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…
About Gerd von Rundstedt
Karl Rudolf Gerd von Rundstedt (December 12, 1875 - February 24, 1953 ) was a Generalfeldmarschall of the German Army during World War II. He held some of the highest field commands in all phases of the war. Ultimately he never faced trial, allegedly because of his poor health. He was released in July 1948, and lived in Hanover until his death.
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