Chapter 003 Unexpected Adjustments

Esteemed Leader, Guderian set down his knife and fork, and candidly stated, Over the past few months, I have been removed from the front lines. Although I have still gathered some information, it may not necessarily reflect the actual situation, therefore, my judgment...

While speaking, Cäitzler quietly observed the Führer's expression. To be honest, he personally harbored great doubts about the Caucasus strategy. However, Schimont had previously warned him not to obstruct the southern wing strategy, which the Führer valued most. After consideration, he decided to comply, but he still intended to offer his opinions in a tactful manner

Hoffman was aware of his concerns and smiled as he waved his hand, "This is not a formal operational seminar, nor is there a need for meeting minutes to be distributed afterwards. It is merely the Supreme Commander seeking advisory opinions, so you need not have any reservations; being straightforward seems preferable—if it weren't for my generals speaking one way to my face and another behind my back at this time last year, we might very well be discussing post-war reconstruction by now"

Caitzler is still unable to discern Hoffmann's true intentions and does not dare to speak casually, fearing to provoke the Führer, who is said to have become somewhat neurotic recently. However, he cannot completely admit ignorance—this would only further incite the Führer's displeasure and might even implicate Schimont.

What? Now it was the turn of Hitler and Guderian to be astonished. Is this really the Führer who has consistently insisted on holding onto every inch of acquired territory? Such an adjustment almost twisted the strategic direction established at the turn of summer and autumn, the magnitude of which left them somewhat dumbfounded

General Cazler performed excellently in the Battle of Dieppe, however..." Hoffman paused, "I would like to hear your thoughts on the current situation on the Eastern Front."

Guderian was puzzled; from the words of the Führer, he was certain that he would be reinstated, which gave him considerable hope, although he did not dare to aspire to the position of Chief of Staff. A commander of an army group was always indispensable. Now it seemed that the situation was far more complicated than he had imagined. If someone like Zeitzler, a minor figure, could become Chief of Staff, why couldn't he, Guderian? He cast a complex glance at Zeitzler and, in a moment of reflection, began to feel a sense of uncertainty and apprehension. Now it seemed that the situation was far more complicated than he had imagined. If someone like Zeitzler, a minor figure, could become Chief of Staff, why couldn't he, Guderian? He cast a complex glance at Zeitzler and, in a moment of reflection, began to feel a sense of uncertainty and apprehension.

The situation on the eastern front is still relatively -- " Cai Cile thought for a long time and finally came up with a word, " positive! "

"General Guderian, what is your opinion?" Hoffman, after listening to Zeitzler's remarks, remained noncommittal and showed no signs of bias, simply turning his indifferent gaze towards Guderian, which left the latter feeling surprised—when had the Führer become so composed?

Cäitzler's confusion was no less than that of Guderian. If it were not for the clear directive telegram from the headquarters, he would not have been willing to fly from France to have dinner with the Führer

In the northern section of the front line, facing the Northern Army Group, we have besieged Leningrad and thwarted the Red Army's attack at Zhemiyansk; in the central section at the Rzhev salient, under the leadership of General Model, we have firmly held our defensive positions and inflicted significant casualties on the enemy; in the southern section of the front line, our forces have cleared the remaining enemies from the Crimean Peninsula, firmly securing Sevastopol and the Kerch Peninsula. After defeating the attack attempts by Timofeyev, we achieved victory in Kharkov, and the Sixth Army is now at the gates, creating a formidable deterrent against Stalingrad

Caitzler was taken aback, but Hoffman nodded slightly: "Please share your reasoning."

"Chief of General Staff?" Guderian asked in astonishment, turning to Zeitzler, "Are you going to replace Halder?"

Before the Battle of Moscow, the objective of the commanders of the various army groups on the Eastern Front was Moscow, while the Führer's goal was first Ukraine and then Moscow. He ordered the deployment of Guderian's armored group to support operations in the southern army group. As a result, Army Chief of Staff Brauchitsch, Chief of the General Staff Halder, and Central Army Group Commander Marshal Bock opposed this, using both overt and covert means to dilute the Führer's orders. The armored units of the Central Army Group prepared for the advance on Moscow while also diverting forces to support the direction of Ukraine.

Subsequently, von Brauchitsch was removed from the position of Army Commander, Bock was dismissed from the command of the Central Army Group, and Guderian was forced into reserve status; now it is finally Halder's turn.

I would like to make a correction. Based on the intelligence gathered from the front lines and my assessment, the Russian front-line troop strength is not the 4.5 million you estimated, but rather between 5.5 and 6 million. The estimate of 2 million reserves is also logical. Furthermore, the numerical advantage of the Russians in armored vehicles and artillery may be greater than you think—they not only exceed us in production numbers, but they also receive supplies from the British and Americans. Just in the first half of this year, Stalin received no less than 1,000 tanks from Churchill and Roosevelt.

The result of this approach was that the troops neither advanced directly to Moscow as envisioned by the generals, nor did they swiftly capture Ukraine and then turn to attack Moscow as the Führer had imagined. The best five weeks of weather quietly slipped away in meaningless debates, leading to the defeat in the Battle of Moscow

The reasons are mainly twofold. The first is the issue of troop strength mentioned earlier by General Zeitzler. The Eastern Front Army has approximately 3 million troops, and with the addition of Allied forces, the total is at most 3.5 million. However, the enemy we face has at least 4.5 million troops. On the Western Front, in the Balkans, and in North Africa, we have an additional 1 million troops, but we are confronted with even more British and American forces. Stalin is estimated to have over 2 million reserves, and he does not have to worry about the Japanese behind him.

Indeed, there are many issues. The first is the severe shortage of troops. After enduring last winter's offensive and this year's summer defense, many divisions have nearly exhausted their strength. I have observed a significant shortage of troops in the western front, with many units adjusted from the eastern front for rest, facing shortages of as much as one-third to one-quarter. These forces cannot be utilized again until they are replenished. The second issue is the excessive dispersion of forces. I agree with the strategic directions of advancing towards the Caucasus and Stalingrad, but currently, the troop strength on the eastern front is far from sufficient to support such strategies.

He thought for a moment, carefully choosing his words, and slowly said: "Führer, as you know, I only received the telegram this afternoon and rushed here. Until yesterday, I was still serving as the Chief of Staff of the D Army Group on the Western Front, busy dealing with the aftermath of the Dieppe operation. My understanding of the Eastern Front was entirely limited to the reports sent from the headquarters, and my knowledge is rather superficial..." Until yesterday, I was still serving as the Chief of Staff of the D Army Group on the Western Front, busy dealing with the aftermath of the Dieppe operation. My understanding of the Eastern Front was entirely limited to the reports sent from the headquarters, and my knowledge is rather superficial...

Upon hearing that the Führer had summoned him and that he was to dine with the Führer, Caizler felt a headache coming on, yet he had no choice but to attend. He had initially thought that the Führer merely wanted to understand the specifics of the Dieppe raid, and he had made ample preparations. However, upon disembarking from the plane, Schimont subtly informed him that he was about to be appointed Chief of the General Staff. Although he was unsure how this close friend had recommended him to the higher-ups, such astonishing news still left him feeling somewhat apprehensive.

Guderian continued: "In terms of the next strategy on the Eastern Front, my thoughts may... may be somewhat passive—I believe that this year we should conserve our strength, focusing on a defensive posture to wear down the Russian forces, and wait to launch a full-scale offensive in another year"

The second issue is equipment. Whether it is artillery or armored forces, the Russians have at least one and a half times more than we do. Although they are clumsy in their use, this numerical advantage is difficult to ignore. What is even more critical is that in the crucial area of armored forces, we not only lack a numerical advantage but have also lost our qualitative edge. We find it very challenging to deal with the Russian T-34 and KV-1. I have heard that the Panzer V (Panther) has basically completed development, and the Panzer VI (Tiger) has also been successfully manufactured. If we could have a year for large-scale re-equipping, the Empire's armored forces could regain the upper hand. The same applies to our air power.

Caitzler's expression was somewhat awkward, but being well-versed in the ways of the world, he quickly adjusted his mindset

It is well known that the leader lives a frugal life, with a very simple diet and daily routine, which makes it difficult for the high-ranking officers who are accustomed to luxury to adapt. Moreover, the leader often delivers lengthy speeches during meals, incessantly peddling those clichéd topics, causing the listeners to feel as if their ears are about to develop calluses, yet they still have to pretend to listen attentively.

Hoffman said leisurely: "We have eliminated 400 to 500 of Stalin's divisions, but he still has at least 500 divisions. I believe your assessment is correct; we should shift to a strategic defense. The offensives in the directions of the Caucasus and Stalingrad can be selectively halted, and if necessary, several salient points in the northern and central sections of the current Eastern Front can also be leveled to conserve forces"

"Please take a seat, my armored hero—General Guderian, my Chief of Staff—General Zeitzler, it is a pleasure to dine with both of you." Hoffman made every effort to adapt to the Führer's speaking style

Looking back calmly now, the Führer's initial decision was indeed wise; it is just unfortunate that we encountered deviations in communication and execution. The commander of the armored forces, who was at the forefront of the situation, was none other than Guderian himself. However, from his words now, no complaints can be discerned. Zeitzler couldn't help but give him a thumbs up in his heart; the months of preparation were certainly not wasted, and the often disliked Guderian has indeed improved his speaking skills.

Caitzler, with a face full of apology, said: "To be honest, I only just received the verbal notification from General Schmont, and I am not aware of the specific circumstances"

Guderian expressed his views in one breath, then anxiously awaited Hoffmann's verdict

Cäitzler was taken aback for a moment. Is the Führer preparing to listen to my thoughts? But I am not prepared at all!

Guderian's face flushed; he certainly understood what the Führer meant by "one set of words in front and another behind"

Hoffman interrupted him mercilessly: "Do not be modest, get to the point!"