Smashing Hitler's Panzers - The Battle of the Bulge

[@WW2TV]

A Tour de Force by Steven Zaloga - Wow! If you have enjoyed this show, please don't forget to click like, leave a comment for other viewers and if you have not done so already please SUSBSCRIBE so you don't miss our next streams. You can also become a member of this channel and support me financially here kzbin.info/door/UC1nmJGHmiKtlkpA6SJMeA. Links to any books discussed, WW2TV merchandise, our social media pages and other WW2TV shows to watch can all be found in the full KZbin description. Lastly, my own book Angels of Mercy is always available online - more info here www.ddayhistorian.com/angels-of-mercy.html

[@billwilson3609]

The comedian/writer Mel Brooks was there as an 18 year old fresh out of training school for disarming unexploded ordinance. His unit was positioned where the Panzers came pouring thru and said he was happy do as ordered and run away to safety. He became part of an ad hoc unit that blew up bridges and culverts to slow down the advancing German forces. Mel described the fighting as a living nightmare and was surprised that he survived.

[@dutchhoke6555]

Did not not know Mel Brooks was one of "those damned engineers". a priceless perspective on his parody films and career.

[@billwilson3609]

@@dutchhoke6555 I watched Mel talk about that twice on TV. First time was on Johnny Carson where he complained that the captain that stopped him didn't care if blowing up bridges wasn't part of his job description. The second time was in a WW2 documentary where he went into more detail about their initial shock and terror then getting down to business after being calmed down in the rear.

[@stevenvassalli2408]

The unit he fought with were the engineers. They played a MAJOR role in slowing down & stopping the assault. They went backwards to attack & destroy all the bridges the Germans needed to get to Antwerp. This also stopped the Germans from getting to the fuel depots they were depending on getting. Getting to the U S fuel supplies was the only way the Nazis could even possibly achieve their goal. Instead, after a few weeks, they could never amount an offensive attack again.

[@foxtrotromeo25]

Absolute masterclass presentation by Steven Zaloga! Paul definitely needs to get him back for more shows. Excellent episode!

[@tonyvart7068]

Just re watched this...brought back memories of being stood on a snow-covered Rollbahn A a couple of years ago. Outstanding presentation.

[@johndeboyace7943]

President McKinley, veteran of the Civil War, his nephew fights in WW2. Did not know this, very interesting. Also, a FO’s dream calling in 9 battalions of artillery. Surprised, never heard of this, went to Arty OCS Ft Sill. Listening to your programs you’ll know every minute detail of WW2. You are very busy, with very good authors.

[@step4024]

Thank you genial host. Steve was a great guest. Great to listen to as ever Paul.

[@jeffreybaker4399]

Excellent presentation. Particularly enjoyed the way Mr. Zaloga explained the situation prior to the first shot.

[@HotRodMolina]

Another in-depth study on WW2TV is much appreciated. Stephen Zaloga provides information essential to understanding the battle.

[@petervanravensteijn8392]

I enjoyed this presentation to the fullest! What a details! I’ve been to the Krinkelt area two years ago and walked through the woods on rollbahn A. It’s not a huge area to the east of the twin village till the forest as I can remember. It’s unbelievable that these German soldiers had to go through the woods to attack and you can understand that with the brave fighting of the 2nd and 99th Division they couldn’t get passed the villages. I will go to the area again within a few days and thank you for the great presentations on the subject!

[@WW2TV]

Enjoy your trip there Peter

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Missed the live feed on this one and had to catch it later. Man, outstanding! Really enjoyed this one.

[@WW2TV]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@blueboats7530]

I'd always thought the action in the northern sector has been inadequately presented. I'm grateful for this, in particular the action around Rocherath which I could never get enough insight into in the resource I was looking at.

[@TheVigilant109]

Excellent presentation by Steven. Clear, comprehensive and very well illustrated with appropriate maps. Thank you

[@davidlavigne207]

Just finished watching this fine bit of work. What a treat to have such a speaker. I have read "Smashing Hitler's Panzers" and his excellent "Armored Thunderbolt: The US Army Sherman in WW2" as well. I consider Steven Zaloga the dean of WW2 armored history in the US. I wish I had been watching live as I wanted to ask him his opinion on this: If the Germans had launched both the 15th Army in the north and Operation Nordwind in the south as diversionary attacks at the start of the offensive, would it have pinned down the reinforcements that the Americans were able to send? I never have understood how the German High Command did not see this as necessary. It was one of the reasons their attack in 1940 through the Ardennes was a success. Brilliant points made by you Paul and the members during the discussion. There are some very astute people watching WW@TV. "Good show" everyone.

[@Chiller01]

I’m late commenting on this episode but I’m constantly amazed by the quality of the content on this channel. To attract someone of Steven Zaloga’s stature is pretty impressive. Many of your lesser known guest historians provide information of equal quality but Zaloga is so widely recognized and is quoted incessantly (rightfully so). I’m not certain why you don’t have more subs but they surely will come if quality of content is of any value.

[@WW2TV]

Yes indeed. To be honest, if you look at all our guests, it's rather like a Who's Who of Military history, something I'm very proud of

[@Gideonthestargazer]

I literally just finished reading this book today. It was a very good read. I was glad to learn a part of The Battle of the Bulge that I didn't hear that much about. Thank you Woody for doing this podcast, I probably would not have read the book without seeing this. Keep up the great work.

[@WW2TV]

Thank you Gideon

[@peek101]

Another master class. This is an outstanding military history channel, a constant stream of guests of the highest caliber and your skills as host are second to none.

[@WW2TV]

Thank you

[@TerryDowne]

A very illuminating segment, gives a new and very convincing interpretation of the battle. Thanks to Mr. Zaloga.

[@erikverstrepen3373]

Going to buy this book ASAP. Could listen to you guys for hours ! Visited the twin villages (K & R), so small, yet such a huge impact ! Thx Woody, you keep history alive, while guarding the respect for all fallen.

[@WW2TV]

Thank you vert much Erik

[@twoheart7813]

This is by far the best presentation on the Battle of the Bulge I have ever watched, learned so much, particularly how much US infantry played a roll in knocking out tanks.

[@WW2TV]

Thanks for sharing that nice comment, I hope you have subscribed and that you will consider becoming a member of Patron at some point

[@eliasmiguelfreire8965]

I'm 2 years late here, but that's a point which impressed me as well, on that map of the Rocherath-Krinkelt battle, if you stop and counts how much of these 67 panzers (or AFVs) were knocked out by bazookas, it blows anyone's mind, it was 25, in other words, 38% of the AFVs were not knocked out by tanks, tank destroyers or AT guns, it was infantryman with their bazookas, it's just impressive, and it gives you a whole new appreciation for this weapon.

[@georgecooksey8216]

Yet another fantastic discussion and presentation. Thank you Steven and Woody.

[@jTheN77]

I have ripped on some of Zaloga's work for picky technical errors, yet continue to look for and buy them. I think some have been butchered (or at least hacked at) by editors with their own prejudices. Much of his work is of the caliber that "makes the stupid go away." It often reveals the facts depite the smokey fog of fantasy nonsense. Which is sometimes lacking in "history" books.

[@steveyi2859]

Christer Bergstrom version is best

[@FilipDePreter]

A fantastic presentation to end this year's show. See you all next year.

[@edmundlibby2215]

More great work by Steven, regarding aspects of the Battle of the Bulge that have not received enough attention. One point, though -- the historical record appears to show that the demolished bridge / gap that caused problems for the Germans at Losheim is not at the RR crossing southeast of Losheim highlighted on the map at video minute ~25:00, rather it is at the RR crossing northwest of Losheim, visible at the upper left of the map at 25:00. The northwestern bridge / gap is at the edge of the forest, effectively the US FLOT (forward line of own troops) in December 1944. See the US Army Green Book history "The Ardennes: Battle of the Bulge" at text page 260. Also compare this gap site to the location of LT Bouck's I&R platoon at the edge of the forest above Lanzerath, about 1.6 miles to the west (just left off the map at 25:00) -- not a safe place for the Germans to do bridging / repair before the battle. Another required read for this battle is Charles B. McDonald's riveting memoir of his role therein, "Company Commander". Thanks again to Steven for his lifelong scholarship -- he may remember visiting me as a Tech Intel Company Commander at APG in 1980-82 --

[@matthewwhitton5720]

Wishing everyone at this marvelous channel a Happy New Year, and, here’s to a another year of marvelous videos !

[@WW2TV]

Same to you!

[@jefsantamonica641]

Excellent, excellent view of how the Ardennes was fought. Thank you so very much for this presentation.

[@scottgrimwood8868]

What an amazing presentation! I am so sorry I missed the livestream because the sidebar must have been outstanding. Steven’s research and presentation style are both excellent so I really hope he is able to comeback on WW2TV!

[@johnpayne498]

So great to see Rocherath Krinkelt get it's due attention. I can finally stop complaining LOL. Great stuff.

[@WW2TV]

Thanks John, yep it was a super show

[@marks_sparks1]

Missed the live feed but absolutely enjoyed Steve's presentation. Top class. Hope he can appear again on WW2TV

[@petercliff4023]

Yep, missed the live feed, but that was very, very interesting. A superb presentation. Love every thing about the Battle of the Bulge, now I have a better picture in my mind of the lesser known battles. Well done Steven Zaloga and Paul, that was great.

[@WW2TV]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@steventhompson399]

This channel has so many good videos! I can't believe this doesn't have more views and subscribers, I've seen some rubbish channels with way more views. I hadn't heard too much about the battle north of the bastogne area, this is good stuff!

[@WW2TV]

Yep, I don't know why we don't have more views neither

[@dutchhoke6555]

Thank you- Mr Zaloga is very good. AND his maps are clear to the non- expert.

[@loreleikomm5802]

superb presentation; very informative. Mr. Zaloga is extremely knowledgeable and as a result this is a a clear and concise show. WW2tv really is the best of the best in providing content which is not only captivating, but is also crucial (if we don't study the past, then we will be left to repeat it)... there's no fluff on ww2tv. Happy New Year to all.

[@KevinJones-yh2jb]

Happy New Year to you and all your family. Trying to catch up missed programmes as I have been staying with a friend who has been very poorly and helping him recover. Take care.

[@loreleikomm5802]

@@KevinJones-yh2jb Happy new year to you ! I hope your friend is on the mend.

[@KevinJones-yh2jb]

@@loreleikomm5802 Thanks lorelei, he’s fully recovered, thank goodness, he was so poorly, As I am retired, well nearly, going to give some free time helping in a Hospice café one day a week in my home town Wrexham.

[@KevinJones-yh2jb]

Another one catching up after missing a live feed due to personal problems. Another brilliant program thanks Steven and Paul

[@williamtyson9503]

1:18:40 the weather was bad for sure, but the fighting remained just as intense until the end of the battle

[@davidarmstrong7549]

Excellent talk and great book also.

[@gregsutton2400]

You did a great job of letting the author tell his story and keep his pace. And it was very very well presented. Have to buy another Zaloga book I guess.

[@williamkolina3988]

Another great presentation.you keep hitting home runs. Happy New year

[@johnfranklin8319]

Another great, great episode, WW2TV is terrific! 👍

[@WW2TV]

Glad you enjoy what we do

[@tonyvart7068]

just caught up with this one...and glad i did! Outstanding presentation i thought...articulate overview of very good slides and maps.

[@JoshSees]

Increasingly happy to have found this channel.

[@WW2TV]

Welcome aboard!

[@gordonbutler5142]

Amazing content as always!

[@WW2TV]

Glad you think so!

[@johncarey6053]

Just caught up, more fantastic stuff. Once again thank you Paul and Steve. Happy 2022.

[@WW2TV]

Happy new year!

[@jsorbieus]

Outstanding presentation!

[@ThumperE23]

It was the campaign book on the north shoulder was why you Steve Zaloga covered William Soderman in his Bazooka versus Panzer book. He was a member of the the 9th Infantry that fought in the Rocherath battle.

[@vglenn15]

I fell in love with WW2 in 2000 , I have been addicted ever since because of informative information such as this ! Thank u for remembering the fallen!

[@midnightteapot5633]

I have dozens of Zaloga's books , taken this long actually to see and hear the man . Need to get Yeffim Gordon on next , if he is still around.

[@johnappleby405]

Zaloga has always been in a class of his own very knowledgeable indeed all his books are worth reading. An interesting guy he studied in Poland in the eighties I believe I’ve seen him photographed in front of the JS2 which is on display in Nowa Huta near Krakow

[@WW2TV]

Yep, he's brilliant at what he does

[@dave3156]

This was an outstanding presentation and analysis of the northern part of the battle. The author is extremely knowledgeable and great speaker. Thanks for bringing this information to us.

[@WW2TV]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@standyl2268]

Absolutely outstanding presentation! Just listened to it again (in December...😉) for the third time. lol

[@lau03143]

Great show to finish the year!

[@timbo4374]

I just found this channel through this video. Outstanding presentation Well worth another watch!

[@WW2TV]

Brilliant, I hope you stick with us and consider becoming a member. We have lots more shows coming

[@Thumpalumpacus]

Great show!

[@timbrown1481]

Operation Market-Garden in reverse. Narrow roads, Allies moving into gear faster than was expected. Rapid movement of allied forces to plug gaps for example. Great narrative

[@davidwatson2399]

Excellent discussion 👍 Thanks

[@nigelmortimer4884]

Fabulous presentation. Really enjoy this low level detail. A couple of questions. At 1:02 shows the Company dispositions of the 38th Regt, Rifle Companies in Rocherath. Would the Weapons Companies i.e D, H, M be dispersed with the Rifle Companies of their respective battalions or be located further back to the west of the Twin Villages? Also did the Germans have any field artillery fire support on the morning of the 18th?

[@sparkey6746]

Excellent presentation, thank you.

[@morganhale3434]

The thing that gets to me the most about people who don't understand the Anglo-Saxon view on warfare is that combined arms, logistical support, and good training with excellent equipment is what America learned from the United Kingdom in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. We were good students of the British and applied that to all of our strategic dilemmas since then.

[@TheHistoryWonderer]

Awesome show. Really liked this one!

[@WW2TV]

Glad you enjoyed it. Steven was a brilliant guest

[@TheHistoryWonderer]

@@WW2TV need to have him back again.

[@dutchhoke6555]

Super detail on this less attended area of the bulge. Seems command and control was on top of situation here, to succeed in staunching the intended flood, in combo with some German shortcomings and missteps. The start of shortest available route to Antwerp was barely more than a foot path ?

[@BernardFrance-r3n]

Really interesting thanks for posting. Am relatively new to this subject, previously thought Panzer Divisions broke through using a combined arms approach, but Steven Zaloga states doctrine at the time was for infantry to break through first. Can antone briefly explain or link to an explanation? Thanks

[@kegan51]

Outstanding.

[@jimwatts5192]

Hello folks. Outstanding presentation as usual. I’ve upped my payments from a measly $2 per month to $10 per month to reflect the value I get from these shows. Well done.

[@WW2TV]

Great job! Thanks JIm

[@keithplymale2374]

I have many, many, many books with the name Zaloga on the spine. Read MacDonald's Company Commander when it was released by Balentine in paperback many years ago. For anyone wanting a look at US infantry in France, Belgium and Germany in 1944-45 I can't recommend that book over any others. And everything by Zaloga is worth being on your shelf.

[@TheShrike616]

Brilliant

[@coachhannah2403]

The north was so important in no small part because the south was clogged (by force of Hitler's focus) in Bastogne (and the surrounding blocking towns). Some feel if the south had been given the resources (5th Panzer Armee), it was actually a better overall route, considering the road network, and with a more armor-laden push, Bastogne would not have been reinforced in time.

[@Splattle101]

Always a pleasure to hear or read Zaloga's analysis. Excellent content!

[@i-a-g-r-e-e-----f-----jo--b]

Awesome historical analysis, thanks! SS Panzer Korps too, way to go US Army! I read another book called Against the Panzers, great squad/platoon unit stories of US infantry holding up panzer columns the first day of this battle. Your book sounds just as exciting!

[@jcalene]

Thank you for a great presentation!

[@WW2TV]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@provjaro]

Very enjoyable

[@WW2TV]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Piper44LMF]

Another Excellent show

[@alanbrener2718]

A superb presentation,

[@nickgoodwood4812]

Fascinating very insightful, I agree the Northern front was more important. Montgomery did a good job setting up proper logistics, closely tied to the soldiers at the front. And he also shortened the confused front line. But he could have been more aggressive.

[@peteroconnell6964]

"Go tell the Spartans, stranger passing by, that here, obedient to their laws, we lie." -480BC Thermopylae memorial plaque, seems appropriate given Allied soldiers sacrifice during this battle.

[@iloMiloMiloM97]

This is really good 👍

[@WW2TV]

Yes it is. Steve will be on thechsnnel again next week

[@davidburland6576]

Didn't they use proximity fused artillery shell at elsenborn ridge.

[@jdsol1938]

A TIME FOR TRUMPETS by Charles MacDonald, covers the same area very well

[@vincec5260]

Fantastic!!!!! :)

[@WW2TV]

Many thanks!!

[@misterbaker9728]

Damn another Bulge book I gotta read.

[@markcantemail8018]

Thank you for the video . Can anybody tell something about the Furhrer Begleit Brigade . Any History for this Unit or the meaning of the Name Begleit ?

[@WW2TV]

Peter Caddick-Adams talks about them I think in his snow and steel book

[@markcantemail8018]

@@WW2TV Thank you for the Info . Reading Hitler's last Gamble by Trev Dupuy and the Name was there .

[@alanhare8566]

Paul I love all your stuff

[@WW2TV]

Thank you Alan, perhaps you will consider becoming a Patron or Member if you are not already?

[@scottscottsdale7868]

Very very good discussion.

[@joekuhnlovesretirement]

Outstanding. I learned a lot past the headlines.

[@WW2TV]

Thank you Joe. This is my favourite type of show to host. I hope you'll stick around here and consider becoming a member

[@martinabdilla9049]

Very detailed

[@robertdendooven7258]

I would love to hear Mr. Zaloga's comments on US Tank development especially with respect to the transmission decisions made by Ordinance branch of the US Army. Could the T-20 have been fielded by D-Day in some numbers if Ordinance had not insisted on pushing the Electric drive transmission on the T-23 and instead had developed the cross-drive transmission on the T-20?

[@WW2TV]

Maybe a bit tank-geeky for my channel, but I'll give it some thought, thanks

[@robertdendooven7258]

@@WW2TV Thanks. The discussion would probably only take a few minutes. Maybe while doing a show on Allied tanks in Normandy showing that while the British did bring the up gunned Sherman known as the Firefly, the US left their new up gunned Shermans in England due to perceived issues with training time and logistics for the new 76.2 mm high velocity cannon. A side note could have whether or not the US could have had the lower silhouetted T-20 (M-27B?) with the same 76.2 mm cannon by D-Day. I think it could if the cross-drive transmission was pushed instead of the electric drive by Ordinance branch. Then the up gunned Sherman would not have been necessary.

[@billwilson3609]

The Army and tankers were highly interested in the electric drive since it allowed the tank to go the same speeds in forward or reverse. In 1943 Ordnance was ready to order 250 T-25's produced for working out the bugs of the electric drive when Congress demanded that they come up with a heavy tank before the November elections in 1944. The T-25 was reconfigured into the M26 using the Ford V8 and automatic tranny that was to be used in the lighter T-25. The design was approved in December of 1943 and ordered into production in January of 1944. The factory was ready in September but had to wait on the components since the suppliers had other contracts to complete first. The factory assembled 17 in November and around 21 in December. Congress demanded for those to see action ASAP so the first twenty made were shipped to Antwerp in January before being tested and without trained crews and mechanics. The Army naturally refused to use them then relented in February to get Congress and General Marshall off Ike's back.

[@Waterflux]

The way the Allies retook the lines and areas lost to the Germans between Dec/44~Feb/45 reminds me of an episode in the Korean War: i.e., the way the UN forces rallied by March 1951 then advanced across the 38th Parallel by July 1951 (and took Seoul back for the final time in the process). Why do these two operations separated by 8 years share interesting similarities? -- Advances in broad-front in order to minimize creating flanks -- Secure one's assigned sector through good recon and artillery support -- Trade enemy manpower with your firepower In these two separate wars, the Americans realized what worked quite well for them and their allies. Going back to the late WW2 in the Ardennes: As for the Germans, their notion of how to conduct wars has been strongly based on mastering the operational arts. (I know why: that is your only option if you are surrounded by bigger opponents with greater resources.) Unfortunately, when you have to deal with coalition vs. coalition type of warfare, you have to think about wars increasingly like the actuarial.

[@MegaBloggs1]

yeah good topographic maps

[@johnwood2364]

The way a presentation should be done.

[@jamespratt8467]

Mark Felton has done a video on US/UK testing of T-34 and KV-1 early on in WW2. Did the earlier refusal of Mr. Christie's designs by US then sold to Soviets ( developed into BT series and T'34) predispose opinion of Aberdeen in any way?

[@WW2TV]

I'm not sure Steve will see this to answer

[@RitchNotRich6]

Everytime I hear “Ardenz” I die a little inside. It’s “Ardennes” there is no “z” sound

[@Rusty_Gold85]

I wish to know how the hell did the 6Th Panzer Army get 7 divisions to those front lines and not get noticed. Not like the Tanks dont make a god almighty noise travelling .Did recon and forward scouting have a Xmas Holiday or something ?

[@WW2TV]

I guess its partly explained by the distances. This battlefield is enormous

[@Rusty_Gold85]

At 19:00 am I the only one that realises you just push dirt over the Dragons Teeth and drive over the top? Paradigm thinking ? Surely the Americans could've solved that ?

[@francescomiele6601]

A bit late but yes in theory you could do that, but the dragon's teeth are there to slow down forces while artillery picks them off, so a defended position would do quick work or engineeniers trying to cover the theets

[@tadeuszczernia5422]

German problem was a certain Austrian Water - colorist.

[@MegaBloggs1]

why cant americans pronounce French\Belgium place names

[@lyndoncmp5751]

Great interview, but the title "Smashing Hitlers Panzers" always seemed a bit churlish, considering about 50% of German armour in the Ardennes was not lost in combat and the US lost twice as much armour in combat. Most Americans tend to focus on Bastogne because they are reluctant to give any credit or even acknowledgement to Montgomery's crucial input in the battle. Montgomery, of course, took over command of US 1st Army on the 5th day of the battle and directed the majority of the US Ardennes fighting. Mention Montgomery in the Ardennes to most Americans and the sole response in the January press conference. Not his savvy and important handling of the battle during the preceding weeks.

[@WW2TV]

Its both the title of Steve's book and the type of title that brings people in on KZbin, as proven by the viewing figures

[@lyndoncmp5751]

Well that's true. I guess there is that. A catchy and dramatic title does gain the attention. I never looked at it that way before. Cheers. Subscribed.

[@coachhannah2403]

Monty's troops were the final block on the Meuse, but those German troops were not going anywhere if/when they crossed that bridge (literally). Most of the German armor would not even have made it TO the bridge, even given no Allied troops in opposition.

[@kevinkranz9156]

WHEN SHERMANS ARRIVED IN BRITIAN THE SMALL GUN SWAPPED OUT FOR 66 MILLIMETER GUN COULD PENETRATE PANTHER AND PANZER ARMOR THE NEW GUN FIT THE SHERMAN NICELY SAVED LOTS OF TANKERS LIVES US ARTILLERY AND BOMBERS TOOK OUT LOTS OF GERMAN TANKS LOVE IT AMEN 🙏

[@WW2TV]

I've never heard of a 66mm gun on a Sherman

[@mikael5938]

smashing panzers ? they didnt have fuel and faced 140 russian divisiions in the east. very small panzer force in west manned by boys and elders..

[@WW2TV]

Classic whataboutism

[@louisburke8927]

Steve is barely recognisable, he looks amazing. But not just a pretty face.

[@POLMAZURKA]

look up: wolyn, july 11,1943.

[@WW2TV]

Why? What's that got to do with this programme about the Ardennes? Every time you comment on this channel it is negative. No-one is forcing you to watch. If you don't like our content there are plenty of other channels. Thank you

[@Jhossack]

Ukrainians would’ve done it in half the time.