Gerd von Rundstedt
Gerd von Rundstedt
Karl Rudolf Gerd von Rundstedtwas a German Field Marshalduring World War II...
NationalityGerman
ProfessionSoldier
Date of Birth12 December 1875
CountryGermany
air crossing cut danger force forces german leading might protect sea sufficient supplies
The German Air Force was not sufficient to protect the sea crossing on its own. While the leading part of the forces might have landed, there was the danger that they might be cut off from supplies and reinforcements.
attempt cannot madness order repeat retreat second troops
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 I repeat that this order be rescinded or that you find someone else.
bringing increased lack railways
If was, increased by a lack of railways in Russia - for bringing up supplies to our advancing troops.
eyebrows way path
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.
assigned commanding fell invasion responsibility
The responsibility of commanding the invasion fell to me, and the task was assigned to my Army Group.