Предполагам ще ви е интересно.
For readers who wonder what a late war Fuehrer conference was like, here is one which occurred on 27 Jan 1945. It was transcribed from "Document 3786-PS [translation]", in Nazi Conspiracy and Aggression. Volume VI: US Government Printing Office, District of Columbia: 1946. pp. 655-717. This is part 1 of 3.
Stenographic transcription in the Headquarters of the Fuehrer. Discussion on the Situation of 1/27/1945
First copy of second transcription No 24/25
Situation at noon of 1/27/1945 in Berlin
Present:
The Fuehrer
Reich Marshal Goering
Field Marshal Keitel
Col. General Jodl
Col. General Guderian
General Burgdorf
General Buhle
Ambassador Hewel
Lt. General Winter
General Koller
Vice Admiral Voss
SS Maj. General Fegelein
Maj. General Scherff
Rear Admiral v. Puttkamer
Colonel v. Below
Colonel v. Brauchitsch
Captain (naval) Assmann
Hauptbereichsleiter Zander
Direktor Dr. Schuster
Lt. Colonel Waizenegger
Major Buechs
Major v. Freytagh-Loringhoven
Major John v. Freyend
SS Major Goehler
SS Major Guensche
Beginning 16.20 hr. 655
Dr. Schuster: As far as the weather conditions are concerned, my Fuehrer, I have to report, the weather conditions are characterized by incoming depressions over the Atlantic all the way to France. They continue over Germany with snow and remain in the east, caused by a strata of cold air, which lies over Russia and which penetrates in the area of the province of East Prussia caused by strong winds from the east and south. An offshoot of this depression spreads all over Italy and this causes a considerable increase in difficulties in parachuting for the enemy.
A major change in the weather conditions cannot yet be expected. These depressions with some areas of precipitations will as before continue from the west; it is going to spread from west to east and stay longer here in this area, because a further advance to the east is barred.
For England that means, that the conditions for parachuting are deteriorating with these east winds, which blow here towards England. In the last 3 days the whole of the eastern counties and the Midlands, there were low-lying clouds with continuous falls of snow, accompanied by poor visibility and heavy icing in these clouds. But the weather in England is not so bad as to prevent all flying, because conditions over the west of England are better, when the wind is blowing off the land. There the clouds are sparse and visibility is good, i.e. better weather. Hence the complete lull in flying over England is not caused solely by the weather.
The Fuehrer: By what else?
Goering: Here there are no airfields; the latter lie in this direction.
Dr. Schuster (to the Reichsmarschall): We have further ascertained, that in December similar conditions existed over England and during 4 weeks the British flew under similar circumstances. They were compelled, within one month, to move 2800 aircraft to airfields in the North and the West of England.
Goering: They have also lost a lot in recent weeks through these changes.
Schuster: The fact remains, that the major part of the British airfields, approx. 90, are located in a territory of bad weather. England is reporting considerable snow fall and low temperatures.
New precipitations are coming over France and the western front. The whole territory from the Eifel to the south is covered today by snow with heavy clouds and very bad visibility.
The weather conditions over the Reich are very much different. Snow covered territories alternate with belts of fog, especially in the northern part of the Reich. Conditions improved somewhat in the territory south of Stettin as far as Breslau including the large territory of Posen. The clouds are dense, but at a height of 800-1200 m and below these clouds visibility is about 6-10 km, with the result that flying is possible today. This i.s the first day for some time
past, which show s somewhat more favorable conditions. Therefore the area of Pomerania and the Vistula, as far south as Cracow has very poor visibility the whole day owing to the snowfall. Here the units ar grounded. In East Prussia the clouds are dense, at a height of 300-500m with temperatures of 15 degrees. Yesterday there was a strong easterly wind with a velocity of about 40 km p.h. This strong east wind makes icing in the whole of this area worse. As far as Hungary conditions make for good flying over the whole Hungarian area with its heavy clouds at a height of about a 1000m. Budapest lies within the region of snowfalls. At nighttime: clouds at 400 m very heavy icing was recorded.
As regards to ice, I have to report that the Oder throughout the whole area, is completely covered with ice except in a few places. The ice is so thick, that people can walk over it and vehicles even drive across it. The ice is about 50cm thick. From 60 cm upwards armored vehicles can cross it. With regard to the Danube, there is ice in the neighborhood of Budapest.
Regarding Baltic ports I have further to report, that Pillau, even with these strong easterly winds and low temperatures, remains open the whole winter whereas Koenigsberg, at such low temperatures, has great difficulty to contend with as regards ice. The channel from Koenigsberg to the sea has to be kept open by ice-breakers. The Stettiner Haff(lagune) all freezes very hard, but Swinemuende is comparatively free from ice. The remaining Baltic ports, to the west of Swinemuende as far as the Mecklenburger Big already have heavy ice, particularly in the region of Ruegen and southeastwards.
As regards to Neisse I have to report, that it is frozen to the south of Ottmachau. The Neisse is only open in the town of Neisse itself. The situation is this: if we want to open the Oder by changing the water level, then very large quantities of water must be at our disposal.
The Fuehrer: Small quantities are not sufficient?
Schuster: The waves subside very strongly on this long course down to the Oder and exceedingly strong thrust of water is required; the ice breaks up, the blocks of ice push over the cover of ice, but freeze very fast again. The temperature has to be close to zero, so that the structure of ice can change and that the ice can break up easier.
Guderian:
The Fuehrer:
Guderian: My Fuehrer, the situation changed somewhat at the army groups.
The Fuehrer: This has to be stopped at once! There is no sense in it anymore, they have to fight their way back; a defense line has to be built here and they have to repel that.
Guderian: The enemy has attacked here. Up till now he was repelled everywhere. However, it can be easily seen, that the XVIIIth panzer division is reinforced by the VIIth and there is a possibility Plijew will be placed here or down there.
The Fuehrer: It is obvious that position cannot be held with the forces at our disposal at this place.
Guderian: This is clear by now. The enemy achieved a dent up till here, and was repulsed in the center. He is further being repelled now. 10 tanks have been destroyed. The bridgehead is annihilated. Very strong attacks here. Strong attacks being made here from four directions, a total of 15 tanks were destroyed here.
A counter attack is made against the attack of the 23rd tank division.
The 356th division is arriving, the first transports are here already.
The Fuehrer: We cannot count upon it yet.
Guderian: The 23rd tank division is being taken out in order to build up replacements here. The advance of the 6th tank division came up till the red circle. An enemy attack was repulsed here.
The Fuehrer: This has to be discontinued. We have to change here to the defense, we have to retake that, the Werfercorps and the people's army artillery have to go on defense. The units have to be put in the line here in order to retake that.
Guderian: The situation in Budapest became more acute, because the enemy transferred his main effort in the center of the west section and penetrated up to the so-called "Blutwiese" (bloody field), on which up till now most of the parachuting took place. A counter-attack is in the making. Whether we will succeed with the available forces in improving the situation is questionable because our heavy losses increased considerably. He is attempting to build a bridge across the Margaretenwiese. The situation becomes more acute day by day.
On the rest of the front there are up here individual attacks: they were repulsed here, a small dent here, without any importance. An attack was repulsed here. Regrouping, replacement of Russian troops with Rumanian troops in this corner here. The Plijew corps is being withdrawn in this direction.
The Fuehrer: Here.
Guderian: Either he replaces the 6th guard tank army ....
The Fuehrer: No, he will succeed.
Guderian: Either he will succeed, or he goes over here.
The Fuehrer: No, he will succeed, in order to break through here. He knows, that the 20th is gone. Where is the 6th tank army now ?
Guderian: It departed in the direction of Vienna. I don't know exactly, where the transports stand at this time.
Keitel:6 trains have departed.
Winter: The forward elements of the 12th SS tank division are already in the train. The conditions are somewhat better and eased, because there is enough fuel on hand; the road conditions became better, because it did not snow; even the activities of the planes decreased in the afternoon. In spite of that the progress for which we hoped generally and which was ordered, could not be achieved. It can be assumed, that the rate of speed is slightly improving now.
The Fuehrer: I at once said: there is no sense in hypnotizing yourself and then saying: I need it here, consequently it must happen. After all, I must face facts as they are. The deployment of sufficient forces from the West is not feasible for another 6 to 8 weeks, because it just could not be done. Anyone who says the contrary is dreaming and lives in a state of wishful thinking, but not in reality. This is exactly the same, as when units were recalled from Greece. But that takes time; we can't help that. I shall be glad, if the 1st and 2nd corps get here, say in fourteen days, if they are able to come at all from so far away. If that can be done, it will be extraordinary. However, I believe, that at the most, combat units [Kampfstaffeln] will be here. But, there again, one cannot merely say, I entrain the Kampfstaffeln, whatever happens. And I cannot wait long, but I must see, that I get it done, otherwise everything that stays will also be destroyed.
Winter: There is a strict order that no consideration can be given to that, but they have to leave. It is quite clear, there is no other possibility; the must leave, otherwise everything will come to a standstill. All will be destroyed and afterwards nothing will get away. As far as can be foretold, the units which at least can be used here, will get away; those that have been farthest in the rear will arrive first.
Goering: How can he get out in such strength?
The Fuehrer: He assembled everything.
Guderian: He scraped everything together.
The Fuehrer: I believe he will start his next attack here. Now, I am not sure, whether the 44th division can stand up under it.
Guderian: There is still the 46th division which through its withdrawal moves the front farther back and shortens the lines.
The Fuehrer: Then they must be brought close to this position here, and not any farther back. We can't waste anymore time. Whatever breaks in front, cannot be repaired in the rear. Things must be tightened up. The attacks will most likely be in the direction of Kormon. That is quite clear. Then he also blocks the railroad.
Guderian: This is occupied by the 357th, which is going into position. The 271st is not so far advanced. Eventually it would be at our disposal for that.
Now we have to consider, whether we should bring the 356th here. In any case, the 46th Division must then come here.
The Fuehrer: What does the 46th division look like?
Guderian: It is a good division.
The Fuehrer: We must do it that way for the reason, that we come to a standstill here, so that I don't have to use the corps or the army here, but I have to use it in the south. But one sees how dangerous this is. Things must be cleared up. It is not quite clear to me, whether we can do it from here, because we have to expect frontal assaults, or whether we should come around from below. Because, once we are involved in long frontal assaults, this would not work. But with the strength of this army it can't be done. For that reason he must go into defensive positions as quickly as possible, before it is too late. He must build up a front between the Valances Lake and the Danube, and must cut his way through to the south.
Guderian: In the opinion of General Woehler and Balck, some bungling has occurred here. Turning to the west has been done too slowly. Certain complications in the passing of commands and communications have caused the delays.
The Fuehrer: I also think, it is too narrow again. The other one stood firm. Things are like this: if one pushes into an enemy, who is massed, then the meaning of a panzer division is of no value. A panzer division is then practically nothing else but an inferior infantry division with assault artillery support and panzer support. It is armored support artillery, nothing else. Here we have to learn from the British and the Americans. Now we must pay more attention to that. The panzers also, will then become more artillery support. For a break-through they are no longer useful, because of minefields, etc.
Guderian: Everywhere very close teamwork has been established between armored infantry, pioneers, and the armored forces.
The Fuehrer: I believe the training in firing of the armored forces at the present time is still limited to very short distances. Thus the panzers will be destroyed.
Guderian: No, my Fuehrer, I as Inspector General personally increased it to the highest possible range of our optical instruments.
The Fuehrer: The optical instruments must still be improved: for it is quite clear, if I advance them so far, they will then destroy the tanks and that through artillery fire. Thus the tanks will be destroyed. Our tanks, especially the old ones, with armored sideplates of 30- to 40-mm are hardly safe against heavy shrapnel. This must be decided upon today.
Guderian: This will be decided.
The Fuehrer: The pushing through has no sense any more. That doesn't help. How he stops it, doesn't make any difference. The right thing is for him to settle down here, go on the defensive, and try, through bringing up a unit, if necessary with the most combatable parts of both divisions and the 1st armored division, to take a good grip of the whole thing, and then sweep upwards, so that no space is lost any more.
Guderian: The XIIIrd armored corps, which up to now has been in reserve, has also turned up here.
The Fuehrer: So, that makes no more sense.
Guderian: Of course, he now has no tank-reserves.
The Fuehrer: I would no longer withdraw the 23rd from here.
Guderian: This is most likely taking place now. He will spread out the cavalry.
The Fuehrer: This is very serious. Once, Guderian, this is taken back, he will again push in here. He will make a strong attack in the direction of Stuhlweissenburg, because he is cutting up the whole business [Klumpatsch]. This must therefore be secured. That is the most important thing to do. The second one is here.
Guderian: Yes, that will be stressed later.
The Fuehrer: He will push in here with all his might. This is the first move.
Guderian: If that is withdrawn, certainly. The question is, whether this should be held here.
The Fuehrer: Then they will be destroyed here. It can't be done with the present forces. Here one line for the defense must be taken, and one here.
In this area he has to make the assault first against the weaker enemy; he can do that somehow. Otherwise he will get a defensive front here of such a length, that it can't be done with these forces. Then he must retreat. We must make decisions now with lightning speed. We have no time to try out anything like up there, but it must be done like lightning. Therefore I order that he immediately assumes the defensive and that he strengthens it with all possible means. Here he has the people's artillery corps. Here he must have other units, otherwise he can't do anything. Unfortunately one can not count on this division; this is an illusion.
Guderian: It will take a very long time.
The Fuehrer: Probably the rear echelon troops will arrive first. There is one train here?
Guderian: One train has arrived, six are due to arrive. There are combat units among them, but not many, some artillery and one battalion.
The Fuehrer: With cavalry I can't stop a tank assault, that will certainly happen here, and should he suddenly break-through here, then the whole thing is totally lost. Then I have to see, that I manage it somehow; there is nothing one can do about it. The whole assault came at a moment when he had the forces free here. That is too late already. It had to be carried out for a start, three weeks ago; perhaps at that time it would have been possible, that we would have come through with one push and establish a connection. It is also a question, whether one would have been able to hold that. I do not know. For, on the other hand, I do not overlook that one point, that the enemy would not have stood here, but here. This is also a questionable thing; if he pushes on farther here, then.... This must be put in hand right away.
Guderian: This will be done right away, my Fuehrer. At the Central Army Group movements are carried out smoothly. The other final position which is to be taken, is this line. The enemy has only pushed very slightly there. The withdrawal of the 208th division proceeds rather smoothly. The transport stopped due to various interruptions on the railroad. One part is being loaded in Briesen.
The Fuehrer: Is this the final position?
Guderian: Yes. It should be reached by 30 January.
The Fuehrer: Naturally, this would be good, because behind it we would still have the large Rochade Line.
Guderian: It should then connect with the 8th army at that point below. Over here the 100th Jaeger division is withdrawing; this is now almost accomplished Behind it is the Ski Jaeger division, of which the first two battalions already are in position up here. It isn't quite deployed as yet. Here is a part of the Ski Jaeger division, which had to be sent in, because the enemy had pressed heavily here. In the area of the 17th army very heavy battles have developed. The attacks have become static in one connecting line in the area from Richau to Auschwitz. However Auschwitz has been lost. Farther north the 371st division has been split into three fighting groups, between which only very loose connections exist. Five tanks have been shot up. The situation in the industrial area itself is serious. The enemy has encircled Mieslowitz from both sides in a break-through from the south and a breakthrough in the north, and has pushed through towards Kattowitz. There is fighting in Kattowitz. From the south enemy tanks have pushed into Kattowitz. Fighting groups, consisting of groups scraped together from other units, units of the 20th panzer division, have been committed to counter attacks in order to regain the loss. In various places farther north very heavy attacks and break-throughs have taken place, nevertheless General Schoerner decided to withdraw a further number of battalions here, in order to cut off the enemy break-through in the direction of Hindenburg and to the south of it which has taken place beyond Gleiwitz. In these battles, yesterday 30, and today again 10 tanks of the 20th panzer division have been shot up, altogether 40. However the 20th panzer division itself is engaged on a wide front in a very furious and unequal defense battle. The enemy once more has encircled us farther south. Three battalions of the 1st Ski Jaeger division are being sent up in order to counteract this move. The 8th armored division, now arrived in greater part (31 of 39 transports) is being assembled near Ratibor to be used in a counter-attack in the direction of Rauden.
The Fuehrer: Where is the principal coal district?
Goering: Rybnick and Maehrisch-Ostrau.
Buhle: That is a very important district.
Goering: High-grade steel and everything.
Guderian: As from this evening, regimental units from Gneisenau, now in the Protectorate will be put in marching order, to join the army group [Heeres-Gruppe] in Maehrisch-Ostrau overnight. Here the 3rd Russian guards-tank-army with its subordinate corps, a total of 5 tank corps is deployed, who are strongly pushing south, to surround this industrial district from the west. Here, the fighting is heavy and at present unequal.
To the north, within the region of the army group, fighting for the Oder-crossings developed. We succeeded at Kruppitz in throwing back the enemy yesterday. This morning, they advanced and recrossed the Oder. Counter-attacks are in progress to throw them back again. Here the 100th Jaeger division and the Stegmann group, which is an armored group of the 103rd panzer brigade are in the line.
The bridgehead which had formed a connecting link here, was broken into and split at this one place. Whether this situation will remain so permanent, is not quite certain.
To the north of Oppeln there is also an enlarging of the bridgehead, which will have to be diminished through counter-attacks of assembled combat groups under command of General Hoffmann. Here there was an advance as far as the river, likewise here in the middle.
The broad bridgehead south of Schurgast presents difficulties and anxieties.
The enemy also managed to cross the river between Brieg and Ohlau. Counter-attacks were started but did not succeed. Now, here in Zedlitz, where the enemy attack yesterday has progressed far beyond the street and the railroad, the enemy was thrown back into the street by combat elements under direction of the commanding officer Ohlau. We shall try today, by putting in the Pantherrabteilung I/39, to clear up the situation completely. So far 4 enemy tanks have been knocked out.
No change in the situation in the bend of the Oder southeast of Breslau. In spite of heavy attacks and a slight indentation of the lines, the 269th division has managed to maintain its position. The situation is difficult south of Steinau and at Koeben, where during the forenoon the enemy managed to accomplish deeper breakthroughs in the direction of Herzogswalde and Rauthen. Here combat elements of the LOS have been thrown in under the command of General Kirchner's LVIIth tank corps and here under the command of the staff of the 16th tank division which had already been withdrawn from the pocket, a counter-attack was made together with a number of SPW from the Glogau district about the result of which we have no reports. All we know is, that the attack has been ordered.
The Fuehrer: What does this mean?
Guderian: This is the objective of the Saucken and Juercorps. They have reached the district of Koppelstedt and are now to advance to Schmueckert; there they should turn south and beat the enemy forces in line. especially the 4th guards tank army and the two tank corps, which have advanced already as far as the river, thereby endangering the bridgehead, and thus relieving the sector north of Breslau.
The Saucken-corps was attacked today at Horle from the south. 16 tanks were destroyed in this sector. The northern flank of this corps is covered by the 19th armored div. which is deployed in the sector of Gosten and Storchnest and remains in fair fighting condition with a number of light artillery pieces and their own artillery, so that it is to be hoped that this screening is sufficient to cover the attack to the south.
The 9th army today moves into the Reichsfuehrer's sector of the Weichsel army group. The command in Glogau has already been taken over by the XXIVth tank corps under General Nehrung, who withdraws his forces, so far as they are still within his command, to form a new point of resistance on the Oder and if possible to extend this point eastwards from the Oder.
The enemy up here is at present advancing with tank corps. What has filtered through the line Glogau-Graetz, so far consists chiefly of reconnaissance elements, who are, up to Wollstein quite numerous but of negligible strength from there on. The Tirschtiegel position was held, and only a few patrols infiltrated there.
Fegelein: The Reichsfuehrer just ordered that the Tirschtiegel position be held by Volkssturm only, and all other elements were to advance.
The Fuehrer: That is the objective.
Fegelein: That is correct.
For readers who wonder what a late war Fuehrer conference was like, here is one which occurred on 27 Jan 1945. It was transcribed from "Document 3786-PS [translation]", in Nazi Conspiracy and Aggression. Volume VI: US Government Printing Office, District of Columbia: 1946. pp. 655-717. This is part 1 of 3.
Stenographic transcription in the Headquarters of the Fuehrer. Discussion on the Situation of 1/27/1945
First copy of second transcription No 24/25
Situation at noon of 1/27/1945 in Berlin
Present:
The Fuehrer
Reich Marshal Goering
Field Marshal Keitel
Col. General Jodl
Col. General Guderian
General Burgdorf
General Buhle
Ambassador Hewel
Lt. General Winter
General Koller
Vice Admiral Voss
SS Maj. General Fegelein
Maj. General Scherff
Rear Admiral v. Puttkamer
Colonel v. Below
Colonel v. Brauchitsch
Captain (naval) Assmann
Hauptbereichsleiter Zander
Direktor Dr. Schuster
Lt. Colonel Waizenegger
Major Buechs
Major v. Freytagh-Loringhoven
Major John v. Freyend
SS Major Goehler
SS Major Guensche
Beginning 16.20 hr. 655
Dr. Schuster: As far as the weather conditions are concerned, my Fuehrer, I have to report, the weather conditions are characterized by incoming depressions over the Atlantic all the way to France. They continue over Germany with snow and remain in the east, caused by a strata of cold air, which lies over Russia and which penetrates in the area of the province of East Prussia caused by strong winds from the east and south. An offshoot of this depression spreads all over Italy and this causes a considerable increase in difficulties in parachuting for the enemy.
A major change in the weather conditions cannot yet be expected. These depressions with some areas of precipitations will as before continue from the west; it is going to spread from west to east and stay longer here in this area, because a further advance to the east is barred.
For England that means, that the conditions for parachuting are deteriorating with these east winds, which blow here towards England. In the last 3 days the whole of the eastern counties and the Midlands, there were low-lying clouds with continuous falls of snow, accompanied by poor visibility and heavy icing in these clouds. But the weather in England is not so bad as to prevent all flying, because conditions over the west of England are better, when the wind is blowing off the land. There the clouds are sparse and visibility is good, i.e. better weather. Hence the complete lull in flying over England is not caused solely by the weather.
The Fuehrer: By what else?
Goering: Here there are no airfields; the latter lie in this direction.
Dr. Schuster (to the Reichsmarschall): We have further ascertained, that in December similar conditions existed over England and during 4 weeks the British flew under similar circumstances. They were compelled, within one month, to move 2800 aircraft to airfields in the North and the West of England.
Goering: They have also lost a lot in recent weeks through these changes.
Schuster: The fact remains, that the major part of the British airfields, approx. 90, are located in a territory of bad weather. England is reporting considerable snow fall and low temperatures.
New precipitations are coming over France and the western front. The whole territory from the Eifel to the south is covered today by snow with heavy clouds and very bad visibility.
The weather conditions over the Reich are very much different. Snow covered territories alternate with belts of fog, especially in the northern part of the Reich. Conditions improved somewhat in the territory south of Stettin as far as Breslau including the large territory of Posen. The clouds are dense, but at a height of 800-1200 m and below these clouds visibility is about 6-10 km, with the result that flying is possible today. This i.s the first day for some time
past, which show s somewhat more favorable conditions. Therefore the area of Pomerania and the Vistula, as far south as Cracow has very poor visibility the whole day owing to the snowfall. Here the units ar grounded. In East Prussia the clouds are dense, at a height of 300-500m with temperatures of 15 degrees. Yesterday there was a strong easterly wind with a velocity of about 40 km p.h. This strong east wind makes icing in the whole of this area worse. As far as Hungary conditions make for good flying over the whole Hungarian area with its heavy clouds at a height of about a 1000m. Budapest lies within the region of snowfalls. At nighttime: clouds at 400 m very heavy icing was recorded.
As regards to ice, I have to report that the Oder throughout the whole area, is completely covered with ice except in a few places. The ice is so thick, that people can walk over it and vehicles even drive across it. The ice is about 50cm thick. From 60 cm upwards armored vehicles can cross it. With regard to the Danube, there is ice in the neighborhood of Budapest.
Regarding Baltic ports I have further to report, that Pillau, even with these strong easterly winds and low temperatures, remains open the whole winter whereas Koenigsberg, at such low temperatures, has great difficulty to contend with as regards ice. The channel from Koenigsberg to the sea has to be kept open by ice-breakers. The Stettiner Haff(lagune) all freezes very hard, but Swinemuende is comparatively free from ice. The remaining Baltic ports, to the west of Swinemuende as far as the Mecklenburger Big already have heavy ice, particularly in the region of Ruegen and southeastwards.
As regards to Neisse I have to report, that it is frozen to the south of Ottmachau. The Neisse is only open in the town of Neisse itself. The situation is this: if we want to open the Oder by changing the water level, then very large quantities of water must be at our disposal.
The Fuehrer: Small quantities are not sufficient?
Schuster: The waves subside very strongly on this long course down to the Oder and exceedingly strong thrust of water is required; the ice breaks up, the blocks of ice push over the cover of ice, but freeze very fast again. The temperature has to be close to zero, so that the structure of ice can change and that the ice can break up easier.
Guderian:
The Fuehrer:
Guderian: My Fuehrer, the situation changed somewhat at the army groups.
The Fuehrer: This has to be stopped at once! There is no sense in it anymore, they have to fight their way back; a defense line has to be built here and they have to repel that.
Guderian: The enemy has attacked here. Up till now he was repelled everywhere. However, it can be easily seen, that the XVIIIth panzer division is reinforced by the VIIth and there is a possibility Plijew will be placed here or down there.
The Fuehrer: It is obvious that position cannot be held with the forces at our disposal at this place.
Guderian: This is clear by now. The enemy achieved a dent up till here, and was repulsed in the center. He is further being repelled now. 10 tanks have been destroyed. The bridgehead is annihilated. Very strong attacks here. Strong attacks being made here from four directions, a total of 15 tanks were destroyed here.
A counter attack is made against the attack of the 23rd tank division.
The 356th division is arriving, the first transports are here already.
The Fuehrer: We cannot count upon it yet.
Guderian: The 23rd tank division is being taken out in order to build up replacements here. The advance of the 6th tank division came up till the red circle. An enemy attack was repulsed here.
The Fuehrer: This has to be discontinued. We have to change here to the defense, we have to retake that, the Werfercorps and the people's army artillery have to go on defense. The units have to be put in the line here in order to retake that.
Guderian: The situation in Budapest became more acute, because the enemy transferred his main effort in the center of the west section and penetrated up to the so-called "Blutwiese" (bloody field), on which up till now most of the parachuting took place. A counter-attack is in the making. Whether we will succeed with the available forces in improving the situation is questionable because our heavy losses increased considerably. He is attempting to build a bridge across the Margaretenwiese. The situation becomes more acute day by day.
On the rest of the front there are up here individual attacks: they were repulsed here, a small dent here, without any importance. An attack was repulsed here. Regrouping, replacement of Russian troops with Rumanian troops in this corner here. The Plijew corps is being withdrawn in this direction.
The Fuehrer: Here.
Guderian: Either he replaces the 6th guard tank army ....
The Fuehrer: No, he will succeed.
Guderian: Either he will succeed, or he goes over here.
The Fuehrer: No, he will succeed, in order to break through here. He knows, that the 20th is gone. Where is the 6th tank army now ?
Guderian: It departed in the direction of Vienna. I don't know exactly, where the transports stand at this time.
Keitel:6 trains have departed.
Winter: The forward elements of the 12th SS tank division are already in the train. The conditions are somewhat better and eased, because there is enough fuel on hand; the road conditions became better, because it did not snow; even the activities of the planes decreased in the afternoon. In spite of that the progress for which we hoped generally and which was ordered, could not be achieved. It can be assumed, that the rate of speed is slightly improving now.
The Fuehrer: I at once said: there is no sense in hypnotizing yourself and then saying: I need it here, consequently it must happen. After all, I must face facts as they are. The deployment of sufficient forces from the West is not feasible for another 6 to 8 weeks, because it just could not be done. Anyone who says the contrary is dreaming and lives in a state of wishful thinking, but not in reality. This is exactly the same, as when units were recalled from Greece. But that takes time; we can't help that. I shall be glad, if the 1st and 2nd corps get here, say in fourteen days, if they are able to come at all from so far away. If that can be done, it will be extraordinary. However, I believe, that at the most, combat units [Kampfstaffeln] will be here. But, there again, one cannot merely say, I entrain the Kampfstaffeln, whatever happens. And I cannot wait long, but I must see, that I get it done, otherwise everything that stays will also be destroyed.
Winter: There is a strict order that no consideration can be given to that, but they have to leave. It is quite clear, there is no other possibility; the must leave, otherwise everything will come to a standstill. All will be destroyed and afterwards nothing will get away. As far as can be foretold, the units which at least can be used here, will get away; those that have been farthest in the rear will arrive first.
Goering: How can he get out in such strength?
The Fuehrer: He assembled everything.
Guderian: He scraped everything together.
The Fuehrer: I believe he will start his next attack here. Now, I am not sure, whether the 44th division can stand up under it.
Guderian: There is still the 46th division which through its withdrawal moves the front farther back and shortens the lines.
The Fuehrer: Then they must be brought close to this position here, and not any farther back. We can't waste anymore time. Whatever breaks in front, cannot be repaired in the rear. Things must be tightened up. The attacks will most likely be in the direction of Kormon. That is quite clear. Then he also blocks the railroad.
Guderian: This is occupied by the 357th, which is going into position. The 271st is not so far advanced. Eventually it would be at our disposal for that.
Now we have to consider, whether we should bring the 356th here. In any case, the 46th Division must then come here.
The Fuehrer: What does the 46th division look like?
Guderian: It is a good division.
The Fuehrer: We must do it that way for the reason, that we come to a standstill here, so that I don't have to use the corps or the army here, but I have to use it in the south. But one sees how dangerous this is. Things must be cleared up. It is not quite clear to me, whether we can do it from here, because we have to expect frontal assaults, or whether we should come around from below. Because, once we are involved in long frontal assaults, this would not work. But with the strength of this army it can't be done. For that reason he must go into defensive positions as quickly as possible, before it is too late. He must build up a front between the Valances Lake and the Danube, and must cut his way through to the south.
Guderian: In the opinion of General Woehler and Balck, some bungling has occurred here. Turning to the west has been done too slowly. Certain complications in the passing of commands and communications have caused the delays.
The Fuehrer: I also think, it is too narrow again. The other one stood firm. Things are like this: if one pushes into an enemy, who is massed, then the meaning of a panzer division is of no value. A panzer division is then practically nothing else but an inferior infantry division with assault artillery support and panzer support. It is armored support artillery, nothing else. Here we have to learn from the British and the Americans. Now we must pay more attention to that. The panzers also, will then become more artillery support. For a break-through they are no longer useful, because of minefields, etc.
Guderian: Everywhere very close teamwork has been established between armored infantry, pioneers, and the armored forces.
The Fuehrer: I believe the training in firing of the armored forces at the present time is still limited to very short distances. Thus the panzers will be destroyed.
Guderian: No, my Fuehrer, I as Inspector General personally increased it to the highest possible range of our optical instruments.
The Fuehrer: The optical instruments must still be improved: for it is quite clear, if I advance them so far, they will then destroy the tanks and that through artillery fire. Thus the tanks will be destroyed. Our tanks, especially the old ones, with armored sideplates of 30- to 40-mm are hardly safe against heavy shrapnel. This must be decided upon today.
Guderian: This will be decided.
The Fuehrer: The pushing through has no sense any more. That doesn't help. How he stops it, doesn't make any difference. The right thing is for him to settle down here, go on the defensive, and try, through bringing up a unit, if necessary with the most combatable parts of both divisions and the 1st armored division, to take a good grip of the whole thing, and then sweep upwards, so that no space is lost any more.
Guderian: The XIIIrd armored corps, which up to now has been in reserve, has also turned up here.
The Fuehrer: So, that makes no more sense.
Guderian: Of course, he now has no tank-reserves.
The Fuehrer: I would no longer withdraw the 23rd from here.
Guderian: This is most likely taking place now. He will spread out the cavalry.
The Fuehrer: This is very serious. Once, Guderian, this is taken back, he will again push in here. He will make a strong attack in the direction of Stuhlweissenburg, because he is cutting up the whole business [Klumpatsch]. This must therefore be secured. That is the most important thing to do. The second one is here.
Guderian: Yes, that will be stressed later.
The Fuehrer: He will push in here with all his might. This is the first move.
Guderian: If that is withdrawn, certainly. The question is, whether this should be held here.
The Fuehrer: Then they will be destroyed here. It can't be done with the present forces. Here one line for the defense must be taken, and one here.
In this area he has to make the assault first against the weaker enemy; he can do that somehow. Otherwise he will get a defensive front here of such a length, that it can't be done with these forces. Then he must retreat. We must make decisions now with lightning speed. We have no time to try out anything like up there, but it must be done like lightning. Therefore I order that he immediately assumes the defensive and that he strengthens it with all possible means. Here he has the people's artillery corps. Here he must have other units, otherwise he can't do anything. Unfortunately one can not count on this division; this is an illusion.
Guderian: It will take a very long time.
The Fuehrer: Probably the rear echelon troops will arrive first. There is one train here?
Guderian: One train has arrived, six are due to arrive. There are combat units among them, but not many, some artillery and one battalion.
The Fuehrer: With cavalry I can't stop a tank assault, that will certainly happen here, and should he suddenly break-through here, then the whole thing is totally lost. Then I have to see, that I manage it somehow; there is nothing one can do about it. The whole assault came at a moment when he had the forces free here. That is too late already. It had to be carried out for a start, three weeks ago; perhaps at that time it would have been possible, that we would have come through with one push and establish a connection. It is also a question, whether one would have been able to hold that. I do not know. For, on the other hand, I do not overlook that one point, that the enemy would not have stood here, but here. This is also a questionable thing; if he pushes on farther here, then.... This must be put in hand right away.
Guderian: This will be done right away, my Fuehrer. At the Central Army Group movements are carried out smoothly. The other final position which is to be taken, is this line. The enemy has only pushed very slightly there. The withdrawal of the 208th division proceeds rather smoothly. The transport stopped due to various interruptions on the railroad. One part is being loaded in Briesen.
The Fuehrer: Is this the final position?
Guderian: Yes. It should be reached by 30 January.
The Fuehrer: Naturally, this would be good, because behind it we would still have the large Rochade Line.
Guderian: It should then connect with the 8th army at that point below. Over here the 100th Jaeger division is withdrawing; this is now almost accomplished Behind it is the Ski Jaeger division, of which the first two battalions already are in position up here. It isn't quite deployed as yet. Here is a part of the Ski Jaeger division, which had to be sent in, because the enemy had pressed heavily here. In the area of the 17th army very heavy battles have developed. The attacks have become static in one connecting line in the area from Richau to Auschwitz. However Auschwitz has been lost. Farther north the 371st division has been split into three fighting groups, between which only very loose connections exist. Five tanks have been shot up. The situation in the industrial area itself is serious. The enemy has encircled Mieslowitz from both sides in a break-through from the south and a breakthrough in the north, and has pushed through towards Kattowitz. There is fighting in Kattowitz. From the south enemy tanks have pushed into Kattowitz. Fighting groups, consisting of groups scraped together from other units, units of the 20th panzer division, have been committed to counter attacks in order to regain the loss. In various places farther north very heavy attacks and break-throughs have taken place, nevertheless General Schoerner decided to withdraw a further number of battalions here, in order to cut off the enemy break-through in the direction of Hindenburg and to the south of it which has taken place beyond Gleiwitz. In these battles, yesterday 30, and today again 10 tanks of the 20th panzer division have been shot up, altogether 40. However the 20th panzer division itself is engaged on a wide front in a very furious and unequal defense battle. The enemy once more has encircled us farther south. Three battalions of the 1st Ski Jaeger division are being sent up in order to counteract this move. The 8th armored division, now arrived in greater part (31 of 39 transports) is being assembled near Ratibor to be used in a counter-attack in the direction of Rauden.
The Fuehrer: Where is the principal coal district?
Goering: Rybnick and Maehrisch-Ostrau.
Buhle: That is a very important district.
Goering: High-grade steel and everything.
Guderian: As from this evening, regimental units from Gneisenau, now in the Protectorate will be put in marching order, to join the army group [Heeres-Gruppe] in Maehrisch-Ostrau overnight. Here the 3rd Russian guards-tank-army with its subordinate corps, a total of 5 tank corps is deployed, who are strongly pushing south, to surround this industrial district from the west. Here, the fighting is heavy and at present unequal.
To the north, within the region of the army group, fighting for the Oder-crossings developed. We succeeded at Kruppitz in throwing back the enemy yesterday. This morning, they advanced and recrossed the Oder. Counter-attacks are in progress to throw them back again. Here the 100th Jaeger division and the Stegmann group, which is an armored group of the 103rd panzer brigade are in the line.
The bridgehead which had formed a connecting link here, was broken into and split at this one place. Whether this situation will remain so permanent, is not quite certain.
To the north of Oppeln there is also an enlarging of the bridgehead, which will have to be diminished through counter-attacks of assembled combat groups under command of General Hoffmann. Here there was an advance as far as the river, likewise here in the middle.
The broad bridgehead south of Schurgast presents difficulties and anxieties.
The enemy also managed to cross the river between Brieg and Ohlau. Counter-attacks were started but did not succeed. Now, here in Zedlitz, where the enemy attack yesterday has progressed far beyond the street and the railroad, the enemy was thrown back into the street by combat elements under direction of the commanding officer Ohlau. We shall try today, by putting in the Pantherrabteilung I/39, to clear up the situation completely. So far 4 enemy tanks have been knocked out.
No change in the situation in the bend of the Oder southeast of Breslau. In spite of heavy attacks and a slight indentation of the lines, the 269th division has managed to maintain its position. The situation is difficult south of Steinau and at Koeben, where during the forenoon the enemy managed to accomplish deeper breakthroughs in the direction of Herzogswalde and Rauthen. Here combat elements of the LOS have been thrown in under the command of General Kirchner's LVIIth tank corps and here under the command of the staff of the 16th tank division which had already been withdrawn from the pocket, a counter-attack was made together with a number of SPW from the Glogau district about the result of which we have no reports. All we know is, that the attack has been ordered.
The Fuehrer: What does this mean?
Guderian: This is the objective of the Saucken and Juercorps. They have reached the district of Koppelstedt and are now to advance to Schmueckert; there they should turn south and beat the enemy forces in line. especially the 4th guards tank army and the two tank corps, which have advanced already as far as the river, thereby endangering the bridgehead, and thus relieving the sector north of Breslau.
The Saucken-corps was attacked today at Horle from the south. 16 tanks were destroyed in this sector. The northern flank of this corps is covered by the 19th armored div. which is deployed in the sector of Gosten and Storchnest and remains in fair fighting condition with a number of light artillery pieces and their own artillery, so that it is to be hoped that this screening is sufficient to cover the attack to the south.
The 9th army today moves into the Reichsfuehrer's sector of the Weichsel army group. The command in Glogau has already been taken over by the XXIVth tank corps under General Nehrung, who withdraws his forces, so far as they are still within his command, to form a new point of resistance on the Oder and if possible to extend this point eastwards from the Oder.
The enemy up here is at present advancing with tank corps. What has filtered through the line Glogau-Graetz, so far consists chiefly of reconnaissance elements, who are, up to Wollstein quite numerous but of negligible strength from there on. The Tirschtiegel position was held, and only a few patrols infiltrated there.
Fegelein: The Reichsfuehrer just ordered that the Tirschtiegel position be held by Volkssturm only, and all other elements were to advance.
The Fuehrer: That is the objective.
Fegelein: That is correct.
Comment