I tried at that time to relieve the Sixth Army, of which I was supreme commander, above Paulus, by counterattacks - but it was not possible. I gave the order finally for the Sixth Army to break out, but then Paulus said it was too late and not possible. Hitler did not want the Sixth Army to break out at any time, but to fight to the last man. I believe that Hitler said if the Sixth Army tried to break out, it would be their death.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Manstein recounts being unable to relieve the Sixth Army at Stalingrad because Paulus refused to break out, and Hitler forbade it, preferring to fight to the last man.
- In plain terms
- He could not save the Sixth Army because Hitler ordered them to fight to the death instead of retreating.
- What can you take from it?
- Strict orders from a distant authority can prevent necessary military maneuvers.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Was Hitler's order strategically sound or political?
- How do commanders handle impossible orders?
Another view
The account relies on memory and may omit strategic details about the feasibility of a breakout.
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