veteran’s corner

Tom Krabbenhoft

Winters like this one are something to ponder.  Similar are responsible for armies like Napoleon’s Grande Army and the mighty German army in WW2 to grind to a dead halt and suffer defeat.

Napoleon was a living example of “Amateurs talk tactics, professionals talk logistics.” Napoleon fielded a force of 600,000 after a forced march through Europe. This campaign is a perfect study of logistic importance. The French were masters at foraging. This was possible in the densely populated and farm rich areas of central Europe. The bleak, sparsely populated Russian terrain did not support foraging operations. Almost 8,000 supply wagons divided into 20 battalions, several magazines were pre-established. The speed of the forced march and the lack of roads made keeping troops supplied difficult. He planned for 40 days of supplies and provisions. The planning and preparation shows Napoleon’s genius.

Napoleon engaged the Russians at the battle of Smolensk, a big French win. The next battle of Borodino fought in September, just 70 miles from Moscow was a narrow French victory. This led to French forces occupying Moscow. Moscow was empty and much of the city was torched. Napoleon having won two rapid victories made a fatal error. He waited five weeks for a peace offer that never came. During this wait the Russians never engaged the French. They knew reinforcements named winter was on its way.

When Napoleon decided to withdraw it was too late. The battles the French won cost them about 200,000 troops. It was a fighting retreat. Several battles along the way further diminished French manpower. Out of 600,000 troops the French were left with only 49,000 left to fight, their horses and artillery almost gone. Guerrilla attacks by Russian peasants and militant Cossacks further reduced numbers.  December it became a full on retreat. Russian winter 1- French 0.

The Germans almost identically repeated history with the battle of Stalingrad. A fall start, harsh winter and a strained supply line.

The Russians repeated history too using the same tactics and policies that led to a French retreat. An even harsher winter to receive help.

Germans casualties at Stalingrad were close to 800,000, the Russians around 1.2 million. 90,000 German troops surrendered, only 6,000 ever saw Germany again.

It’s the correct thing to do when something is going right for the veteran community to recognize it. A high five goes to the Cass County Veterans Service Office and its employee’s. I’ve personally seen them out at many veterans’ events. The accessibility of this office to veterans is very important. Recently I saw them at an event where they were speaking with a few Vietnam Veterans. The VVs were impressed with the interaction. To have these people passing on potential services and resources to our veterans is important. Job well done and it’s not gone unnoticed.

Story ideas or news about Veterans contact me at 11btwk@gmail.com.