at the start of the battle, the german OKH had two options. Both where considered. They had a very limited capacity to transport vital supplies to the front. They had enough to send the ammunition and fuel for a drive on Moscow without winter equipment. Or, they could send the winter equipment, fuel and ammunition that was needed for defensive operations. They chose to send ammunition and fuel, but no winter coats. This resulted in the disaster in front of Moscow, and the loss of a lot of the elite leadership of the german army. I believe the only reasonable choice would be to realize that the campaign could not be won in 41 and plan for a 42 campaign. Instead they decided to launch a battle with the potential to lose to war.
WWII - Margraten - Netherlands American Cemetery
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Hi all,
My Great Uncle Reginald Bethuy fought in the 101st Airborne Division, 401st Infantry Regiment and was KIA in October 1944. He’s buried in the Netherlands American Cemetery and on behalf of my grandmother (his sister - now 89 years old with failing health), I’m flying from Michigan to Margraten for Memorial Day to pay respects to him and those he fought with. Also to the woman who has tended to his grave since 1944. To this day, my grandma laments that “he should have never went.” With her dementia setting in, she still remembers him. It will be a one of a kind experience for all of us.
I am setting up a fundraiser for this trip and to fund a beautiful wooden memorial case for his burial flag (still in the original box mailed to my grandma’s house with a note accompanying it). If you could pass it on, even not willing to give anything, that would mean the world to us. Just to get this story out there - that the wounds of WWII NEVER go away - even 80+ years later.
Thank you!
Stephanie B.
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