Did Gen. Arthur Schmidt get a fly-out pass at Stalingrad

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bam
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Did Gen. Arthur Schmidt get a fly-out pass at Stalingrad

#1

Post by bam » 07 Apr 2018, 19:59

In his Stalingrad Novel/Memoir, heinrich Gerlach, a staff member of 14th PzD caught in the kessel, he says that Gen. Schmidt, the 'eminence grise' of 6th army, was finally granted his secret wish: he got a recall to fly out to Rastenberg. Trouble was this was granted on 24th January, after the last landing strip was lost.
Anyone know if that's true?
Though Gerlachs book is a novel, he says "nothing in this book is fabricated... all the incidents in the action of the novel took place."

Dann Falk
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Re: Did Gen. Arthur Schmidt get a fly-out pass at Stalingrad

#2

Post by Dann Falk » 08 Apr 2018, 17:38

As far as I can tell, General Schmidt attempted to get permission to fly out of the pocket several times, but his request was refused each time.

This info is from the book "With Paulus at Stalingrad" by Wilhelm Adam & Otto Ruhle.


bam
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Location: moseley-u.k.

Re: Did Gen. Arthur Schmidt get a fly-out pass at Stalingrad

#3

Post by bam » 08 Apr 2018, 20:23

Aha, I thought the answer might be in that book...which has been on my to-get-list awhile.
So Schmidt was a despicable 2 faced hypocrite. ordering rigid adherence to idiotic orders while trying to evade the fate he forced everyone else to suffer. What a git.
Hitler actually chose his leaders of 6th army very well, as they became the plyable toadies he wanted. Who else would sit there and let their army be sacrificed thus? Paulus couldn't make independent decisions, he just passed the orders down from Hitler and sent the requests ( of his more independent Corps Commanders) back up to hitler. He was the ultimate staff officer, clever but useless at Commanding troops, reduced to being a postman.
His number 2, Schmidt, knew how to control Paulus and keep him following the orders. Perfect evil robot twins.

Dann Falk
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Re: Did Gen. Arthur Schmidt get a fly-out pass at Stalingrad

#4

Post by Dann Falk » 09 Apr 2018, 18:08

You should pick up "With Paulus at Stalingrad" a good read and much new info.

General Schmidt also was trying one last way to exit from Stalingrad. His final plan was to have two Stork aircraft towed by larger aircraft to Stalingrad, land and pick him up, then fly out of the pocket back to German lines. It appears the Storks only had the range to fly one way. This is on page 194.

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