organisation, command & control (WW2)

• How did the nature of war changing affect the command structures?

  The nature of warfare had again changed with the war fought over an even greater geographical spread than its predecessor. Despite this, there was some continuity in the command structures used, though this war does offer a key example of a rather flawed command system
• How can the command structure of Germany be viewed as the reason for defeat?

  Hitler refused to listen to the advice of subordinate commanders, eg Battle of Stalingrad in 1943, Hitler refused to allow his 6th Army to strategically retreat. Force of 200,000 men were defeated- contributed to defeat on EF. During D-Day German panzer divisions failed to respond quickly because Hitler was asleep- nobody dared wake him for permission. Loyalty to Nazis was viewed more important than being quality- Goring remained in charge of Luftwaffe despite bad leadership at Dunkirk/Battle of Britain/Stalingrad
• What was good about allied command compared to Germany?

  More flexible eg Western Front Allies appointed General Eisenhower as overall commander for the D-Day offensive, yet he allowed subordinates such as Montgomery, Bradley, Dempsey and Patton to use their initiative once positions had been secured