Posted on 10/17/2014 4:37:38 AM PDT by Homer_J_Simpson
Something we’re all battling, one way or the other - the Bulge.
Ding! Ding! Ding!
We have a winner!
As Herr Scharf correctly pointed out, the notation around those units shows “replenishment.” The units are 1st and 12th SS Panzer and Panzer Lehr divisions. Parts of 1st and 12th SS Panzer are still identified on the line in the Ardennes, which causes me to believe that the map notation is administrative. But the most important item on the map selection is “AOK 6.” This is the first appearance on the German map of the 6th Panzer Army, sometimes known as 6th SS Panzer Army, although I don’t think it was ever officially known as such.
As a consequence of the stalemate in the west, for the last time in the war Hitler has the luxury of being able to pull units out of the line to assmble a strategic reserve. So far it’s only three panzer divisions. These units will play key roles in the Ardennes Offensive almost exactly two months from from now. And there will be more of them.
Today we see for the first time the seeds of that offensive, which were planted in the fertile soil of the Scheldt Estuary.
I like your statement about Japan having to go to war. I have the same opnion about Germany’s invasion of the USSR in 1941. Both Germany and Japan took on much more powerful enemies, but really had few alternatives. They had to attack when they did because while the time was never going to be good, it was also never going to be better.
Great find.
All three divisions will participate in Wacht am Rhein, so it appears all three have been pulled out of the line for refitting after the mauling they took in Northern France to refit and absorb replacements.
1st SS Panzer Division Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler, which styled itself Hitler's personal bodyguard, will lead the charge of the northern prong for Sixth Army.
I have been wondering for several days when some of these characters would begin to appear.
Keep the maps coming!
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