Hurtgenwald Germany 1944

[michaelwhittmann]

Today is the unofficial end of the Battle of the Hurtgenwald (Hurtgen Forest) between US and Germany forces in 1944.

Pretty bloody and the US gained nothing of value.

[Son of a gun-ner]

Pretty bloody and the US gained nothing of value.

Hmmm, when the object is to either eliminate, or remove the threat from the other side, therefore halting the enemy forces from attacking/ambushing another allied force, depleting their numbers and ammunition without an adequate supply line, whilest also keeping them occupied. The U.S. forces gained the upper hand, allowed other forces to advance with less resistance.
There probably were better ways to go about it, but sadly, those in charge didn't see it that way, and the American GI's were deemed expendable.

Therefore they did gain a lot, by contributing to the bigger picture, even though they basically lost.

[tankme]

Hindsight is always 20/20.

[Tiger6]

Maybe not a 'great' movie, but still worth watching if only to see how quickly a man can go from hero to casualty - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oi4eo0GvgTw
The original book I read about this 'forgotten battle' was https://www.amazon.co.uk/Battle-Hurtgen ... 0330420518

If you wondered what the reference to "Eddie Slovik" was in the Band of Brothers series, he explains the context around why that specific soldier was executed for desertion.

[michaelwhittmann]

Son of a Gunner: If you aren't you should be a MP.

[jarndice]

SOG and I have not agreed on everything but insulting him in that manner is really not nice.

[Son of a gun-ner]

Son of a Gunner: If you aren't you should be a MP.

It's from all the times I played "Cannon Fodder" years ago, which made me interested in the way generals and higher ups view the lowly soldier. Which in turn explained the way they think, or rather, try to think.
General Sir Anthony Cecil Hogmany Melchett explains their mindset well.

phpBB [video]

[michaelwhittmann]

Hilarious video, thx. General Santa Anna, during the Alamo battle, said "what are the lives of soldiers but so many chickens?" Not so hilarious.

And of course, I meant no offence w/ the MP comment.

[Son of a gun-ner]

Hilarious video, thx.

You're welcome.

General Santa Anna, during the Alamo battle, said "what are the lives of soldiers but so many chickens?" Not so hilarious.

Sadly, many in power have seen soldiers like nothing more than that.

And of course, I meant no offence w/ the MP comment.

None taken, hence the jovial video, besides, I'm a moderator, we're quite thick skinned
Someone on the forum once stated that I was like the grit in the underpants of life. I now wear that comment like a trophy, and with pride within my signature

[jarndice]

The Duke of Wellington is famous for calling his soldiers "The Scum of the Earth". and of course there is "Cannon Fodder" and "PBI" (Poor Bloody Infantry).And not to forget the inter service name calling, Pongos, Brown Jobs etc.