It is the 60th anniversary of D-Day this weekend and the BBC has posted some interesting short memoirs including one from a Nazi tank operator remembering D-Day as he experienced it outside Caen:
At one point during that day we saw the town of Caen in the distance, and over it a thick cloud, from bomb attacks - and I thought, 'my God, this is war'. Later we spotted English parachutists to our right in a corn field, but we didn't pay them any attention as that was not part of our orders. They looked over at us and we at them, but we drove on. It was then clear that this was the beginning of an invasion.I remember about ten years ago reading about a US military survey of the actual efficiency of the "Nazi war machine" and allied bombing by the then young economist John Kenneth Galbraith. He noted the failure of the Nazis to maximize their capabilities due to fascist theory, including operating factories only 8 hours a day and not putting women into the industrial workforce. It would appear not aiming your tank's guns at paratroopers in the neighbouring corn fields because it is not in your orders would be another form of Nazi shortcoming.
BTW, last year I wrote this on the 59th anniversary.
Comments
Wayne - June 3, 2004 11:51 AM
My observations would lead me to conclude it is less to do with Facism then with German culture in general. It strives on order and procedure...to this day. Try to cross a street against the light in Germany, and watch the reaction of bystanders who obediently wait for the safe cross signal. They are stern and strict, even when having fun. I was never more uncomfortable anywhere in Europe then when in Germany...and I don't think it was because this country was the "enemy" of my Dad.
Alan - June 3, 2004 12:06 PM
I dunno. We Canucks are pretty faithful cross walk light worshipers, too. I wish I had a reference to the Galbraith book as it made some amazing comments on the stupid economic theories of the Nazi.
Wayne - June 3, 2004 2:21 PM
Policies and theories to benefit the Aryan race...maybe stupid...most certainly racist. Absolutely anti-union, inarguably anti-communist. Their insecurities drove the German race to seek extreme social structure and domination over others, and were a society that was vulnerable and culpable to a leadership that would inspire them to unspeakable evil...much as what drives Islamic extremists today. Political correctness makes todays solutions much more complicated then those faced by Truman and Churchill. Fear to act allowed Nazis the opportunity to carry out their "Final Solution". "Stupid" is not my vote as the best characterization of Nazi Germany.
How long has it been you have driven down Kent from Queen to University??
Alan - June 3, 2004 2:47 PM
That is true - PEI is one place where neither people on crossings or drivers have much of an acquaintance with the rules of the road. Do I dare say it is one of the few unique things about the Island. Its a long time since we raged against each other so I will.<p>On fascist stupidity - they may be evil, inhuman, nasty, violent and all those other thngs but they were also just stupid, loving a fictional ideal rather than reality. Also, the Germans were in no way unique in their fascism so I would not subscribe to a cultural link primary factor to their particular brand.
Wayne - June 3, 2004 3:39 PM
I did not mean to imply they (Aryaans)were the sole society that dealt with their insecurities in such a manner.(El Douche also took advantage of this in Italy) Only, that theirs was one that was allowed to manifest itself in such a way that offered them the opportunity to impose one of the great evils in world history...all because of fear and appeasement. That implies stupidity on everyones part, not just Facists.
Neither did I mean to imply that jaywalkers are solely found downtown Charlottetown, only that I myself encounter more of them there as I spend more time there then on Younge and Bay St. There are may unique things about PEI, but not jaywalkers.
Nostalgic, Al?
Alan - June 3, 2004 3:53 PM
Certainly not nostalgic for the carnival mid-way known as lower Queen St.!
portland - June 3, 2004 6:20 PM
so if you work for a facist you may get stiffed on benefits, but its a sure eight hours a day, five days a week, with three weeks paid vacation? is it mostly inside and no heavy lifting too? what's the down side?
Alan - June 3, 2004 6:26 PM
people think you are a dope?
portland - June 4, 2004 6:32 PM
well yeah, but what it pays factors into that.
Alan - June 4, 2004 6:34 PM
...the socialist girls are more fun anyways...