Two of the three-division "reserve" as it existed 6 June were on the left bank of the Seine. 12. SS was around Acon, between Dreux and Verneuil-sur-Avre, 84.5 km south-southwest of Paris. Lehr was around Nogent-le-Retrou (east of Alencon), 127 KM southwest of Paris. The third "reserve" division, 116. Panzer, was at Bernouville, 66 km northwest of Paris.
Or did you expect them to be in the arrondissements of Paris?
Okay, no problems at all.Initially they would be told that Hitler was dead and that the Army was suppressing a Party Putsch. The incorporation of the Waffen-SS into the Army would take place under that pretext. Most of their leaders would be taken into protective custody and replaced by Army officers, and units whose obedience is doubtful disarmed (except, of course, units fighting in the front, but I doubt they would rebel when facing the enemy). With most nazi leaders arrested and perhaps shot, they won't be in a state to rebel when the new government shows its true face.
No, you have two complete Panzer divisions, two Panzer divisions with half a Panzer regiment, and one partially mobile Panzergrenadier division. You can raid 10. Panzer Brigade for Panthers, which is in effect what they did with Lehr, but that is robbing Peter to pay Paul, since those Panthers were intended for Ostfront divisions.Ok. However, without the 116. we already have five Panzer and Panzergrenadier divisions. And, given the better situation in the Eastern front, perhaps another Panzer division can be brought to the West.
You do realize that by spring 1944, "better" on the Ostfront means "not near collapse"? If the situation was "better" it would be more likely that divisions would be going East to ensure the situation stabilizes and to prepare for more counterattacks.
Yes, because the anti-Nazi putsch is so simple and elegant a solution. Why doesn't the Beck-Goerdeler government simply sue for immediate peace at any price?It isn't another point of departure, but a decision the new government and high Command would have probably taken.