What if Hitler Conducted a Full Attack on Dunkirk During WWII?
The Battle of Dunkirk is a pivotal moment in World War II, a strategic retreat that saw nearly 400,000 Allied soldiers, most of them British, being rescued from the beaches of Dunkirk by a flotilla of boats. But what would have happened if, instead of the limited air and sea bombardments that took place, Hitler had ordered a full-scale attack on the Allied forces holed up at Dunkirk?
Panzers and Stukas Converge on Dunkirk
Imagine the scene: Panzer tanks rolling towards the beach, shelling the town of Dunkirk, and Stuka dive bombers constantly strafing the beach. The stranded men, with no real means of defending themselves, would have faced a terrifying onslaught. It’s doubtful that such a scenario would have ended well for the Allied forces. However, the bravery of the Royal Navy ships and the hundreds of small boats that went to their rescue transformed the situation from a tragic defeat to a narrow escape.
German Tank Doctrine and the Battle of France
Hitler’s decision not to launch a full-scale assault on Dunkirk was not without reason. With over 300,000 British troops and their Matilda tanks superior to the German PzIIIs, a full attack would have resulted in significant losses to the German armor corps. This, in turn, could have jeopardized the Battle of France. Germany, despite having a sufficient number of tanks, primarily fielded Pz Is and Pz IIs, which lacked the mobility necessary for a full-scale offensive.
According to historical records, it was the generals, including Erwin Rommel, who pressed for a full-scale attack, but Hitler, after discussions with his military advisors, decided against it. This decision is crucial in understanding the strategic mistakes that contributed to the eventual defeat of the German army in western Europe.
The Risk of Overextension
Even if Hitler had ordered a full-scale attack, his tanks would have left the southern front unprotected. This would have allowed the French army to launch a counter-offensive and push through the German lines, ultimately encircling the German forces on the Atlantic Coast. Around 50% of the German tanks were out of commission due to a lack of spare parts, making large-scale operations risky and potentially disastrous.
The decision to prioritize the Case Red (Operation Barbarossa), the June 1940 offensive into France, was a strategic necessity. The Germans aimed to destroy all Allied forces in Western Europe, primarily focusing on the French Army, which was still a significant threat to their objectives. The battle at Dunkirk, while critical, was not the primary target. The German high command was concerned about being bogged down in the marshes around Dunkirk while the French recovered their strength.
The Influence of English Speaking Historians
The focus on the Battle of Dunkirk is largely a product of the dominance of English-speaking historians. The attack on Dunkirk is often highlighted in western historical narratives, which can sometimes overshadow the broader context of the war. The primary objective of the German western offensive was to destroy the French armies, not just a few British divisions.
In conclusion, had Hitler ordered a full-scale attack on Dunkirk, the consequences would have been dire for Germany. The decision not to launch such an offensive was strategic and, ultimately, in the best long-term interest of Germany. The Battle of Dunkirk, while a significant event, played a less critical role in the overall strategy of the German offensive in Western Europe during World War II.