Did Hitler Halt the Wehrmacht at Dunkirk Due to Pride?
In the context of World War II, the Battle of Dunkirk stands as a pivotal moment in history. Many have questioned the strategic decision made by Adolf Hitler to halt the German Wehrmacht in its tracks at Dunkirk, instead of pursuing the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) to the letter. This article aims to explore the multifaceted reasons behind this decision and the broader implications of it, considering the strategic goals and the state of the German army at the time.
Strategic Terrain and RAF Air Cover
It is important to recognize that the Dunkirk region was already a formidable defensive position before the French Army began fortifying it further. The French Army’s actions involved blowing drainage ditches and bridges, making it nearly impossible for tanks to advance, especially due to the lack of navigable roads. The area was not only under the coverage of RAF air superiority but also under the UK's strategic advantages at stake.
State of the German Units
The German units were in a critical state due to several factors. They were exhausted and disorganized after an unprecedented rapid advance. Additionally, these units were under strength due to continuous vehicle breakdowns. Many were plundered past logistical support, with limited supplies of food, fuel, and ammunition. Furthermore, the majority of their equipment was already in a fragile state, having been deployed in the occupation of Czechoslovakia.
Decision to Halt: A Strategic Move
Despite the urging of Generals Rundstedt and Kleist, who recommended a halt, Hitler acquiesced. This decision can be seen as a logical step to refurbish these units and transfer them to Northern France. The primary objective of the campaign in the West was to destroy the French Army and force their surrender, not to capture the BEF. This halt was a calculated move to address the pressing needs of the army and prepare them for the decisive Case Red, the offensive aimed at achieving these goals.
Logistical and Tactical Implications
It is crucial to consider the logistical and tactical implications of continuing the pursuit. The tanks available near Dunkerque were already heavily damaged during the occupation of Czechoslovakia and would not be able to handle the additional stress of advancing further. The same holds true for the tank crews who might be operating on a steady dose of methamphetamine. Such factors made it impractical to continue the pursuit, and it was more sensible to halt and prepare rather than risk a disaster.
Alternative Scenarios
One can argue that an alternative strategy would have involved launching an amphibious assault, stripping infantry from artillery and naval assets. The Royal Navy, with its cruisers and destroyers, could have posed a significant challenge to any such German advance. However, the British forces were in retreat and had already lost much of their artillery. A small squadron of destroyers could have effectively neutralized the German armored units, especially if equipped with the advanced firepower of the Tribal class destroyers.
It is also worth noting that the Luftwaffe was already engaged in the battle against ships, sinking many. However, the question remains: could the Germans have achieved more damage if they had additional naval assets, particularly cruisers, to join the fight? The scuttlebutt in British naval quarters suggested some hesitation and belief in the potential. Could this be the reason why, 18 months later, Force Z made a non-death-defying charge into the teeth of the Japanese Navy, only to lose Prince of Wales and Repulse during the invasion of Indonesia?
In conclusion, the decision to halt the Wehrmacht at Dunkirk was a strategic move, driven by the objective of minimizing casualties and damage. While retrospectively, it might seem questionable, it was a calculated risk that aimed to achieve a greater strategic objective. Hitler’s decision, while it may have been influenced by a mix of military advice and personal pride, ultimately served the broader goals of the German campaign in the West.