Mechanized Juggernaut or Military Anachronism?

by Richard L. DiNardo

One of the great misconceptions about World War II is the notion that the German Army was a marvel of mechanical efficiency, combining lightning speed with awesome military power. However, despite the frightening strength of the panzer forces, about 75 percent of the German Army relied on horses for transport. Horses played a role in every German campaign, from the blitzkrieg in Poland in 1939 and the invasion of Russia to France in 1944. Even the epic tank battle at Kursk witnessed the use of these animals. DiNardo offers a compelling reconsideration of the German war machine.

Genres: History, World War II, Military History

192 pages, Paperback

First published September 25, 1991

About the author

Richard L. DiNardo is professor of national security affairs, US Marine Corps Command and Staff College.

Reviews

[Dj · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book does fall short of being perfect, but it is an amazing read. The general image of the German Army wether in Pictures of in Writing centers on the Panzer and Mechanized Divisions. Troops in Half-Tracks, Troops running alongside tanks in the attack, self-propelled guns and on and on. The author uses this book to bring to the fore the other 80% of the German Army. The part that was still bound to the same Order of Battle that would have been recognized by their WWI counterparts.

The Early Chapters are probably the best in the book, showing how and why the German Army was never able to become the Mechanized Juggernaut of legend and hopes. The obvious reasons come forward, lack of oil production and availability, the lack of an auto industry, but others comes into play as well. One of which was the rapid expansion of the Army with a lack of know-how in automotive and mechanical vehicles on the part of the new soldiers. All of this made for Germany being the least Motorized Nation of the Major Powers in Europe and restricted the Armies ability to Mechanize accordingly.

The Author also goes over how Germany obtained horses, not just from Germany, but Poland, France, and other countries as well. This is only a part of what the Author looks at in regards to Horses. He looks at why Sea Borne invasions by the German Army were next to impossible. Horses take up a great deal of space, need special handling and never are at their best after a move over water. He uses Norway as an example and then points out that even if Germany had been able to cross the Channel, it is possible the invasion still would have failed.

There are some downsides to the book. In regards to the actual use of Horses in the field, there is little information. Maps are a bit scarce on the ground and there is no Conclusion at the end of the book letting you know what the Author's overall opinion of the use of Horses by the German Army resulted in and how it might have been changed.

Still, it is a groundbreaking work and one that I would suggest anyone interested in the German Army's history read.

[Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

More a long essay than a book, never-the-less this look at the real motive power of the German Army in WWII is fascinating. The final chapter and Conclusion are well worth the time for any serious student of military history as the author examines why the myth of the Panzer arose when there were so many horses deployed by the Germans. A good bit of the myth is due to films produced during the war as so many of those depicted action in North Africa where both sides were mechanized with little or no hoofed transport. Further, Nazi propaganda never showed horses except in parades.

[Philip Rowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting an eye opening look at the German Army in World Was II. We think of the blitzkrieg but in reality the Germans were dependent on horse power. Well written, not dry, moves along well. Perhaps more appealing to the WWII history buff, but easy enough for the general reader.