Description:

WALTHER NEHRING
(1892 - 1983) German general, commander of the Afrika Korps, and recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords. Fine content T.L.S. 'Walther K. Nehring', 3pp. 4to., Dusseldorf, Aug. 17, 1974, to Dr. Charles B. Burdick. Nehring responds to several factors brought up by Burdick as causes for Germany's defeat in the Mediterranean during World War II. Nehring answers Burdick's hypotheses in several parts: first, he shares his belief that Hitler's support of the Italians was originally intended as a '...defensive measure on a small scale...' Hitler lacked sufficient forces to pursue a large-scale campaign in the Mediterranean while also preparing to invade Russia and consolidating his gains in Northern and Western Europe. Nehring continues, in part: '...Rommel's tactical successes finally incited Hitler who was not educated in military strategy to transfer three divisions to Libya along with their equipment and troops as well as parts of the Luftwaffe...' He criticizes this surge in troop activity, saying that logistical support in Libya greatly hobbled their effectiveness. He agrees with Burdick's hypothesis of 'organizational chaos', and adds that the unexpected decision to expand the mission resulted in: '...unexpected new tasks for the German home bases which were already strained by the logistics of occupation forces and by the preparation for the Russian campaign... excessive demand on authorities in Italy and in Africa in every respect... the inability [of the German authorities in Italy]...to ensure sufficient logistical support for the German Corps in Africa...' Nehring goes on to confirm the lack of Italian preparedness: '...Hitler did not have a war plan... Mussolini overestimated his own and Italy's abilities and underestimated the strength and perseverance of the British Empire at that time... [Mussolini's] war against Greece was an unbelievable stupidity, and strained the entire warfare...' He concludes by agreeing with Burdick's evaluation of Rommel and Kesselring as: '...fine men and soldiers...' who could not work as a team, and attributes Germany's eventual defeat in Africa to the lack of a commander in chief in the region. Signed at the conclusion in blue ink. The text features several ink emendations by Nehring, some folds, else very good. Also included is a retained copy of Burdick's original typed letter (unsigned), in German, 2pp. 4to., San Jose, July 23, 1974, posing the questions that Nehring addresses in his reply."

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April 5, 2022 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

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