General Heinz Guderian and Tank Warfare

Development of Armored Formations Led to Swift Victory in 1939

May 25, 2009 Michael Streich

Despite significant opposition in the German General Staff, Heinz Guderian demonstrated the effectiveness of Panzer divisions with the invasion of Poland and France.

German successes at the start of World War II, both in Poland and in France, are attributed in large measure to the efforts of General Heinz Guderian, whose development of armored formations – the first Panzer divisions, enabled the swift victories. The “Father of the German tank,” however, made enemies and, although loyal to the end of the war, spoke his mind openly, even with Adolf Hitler

Preparing for the Second World War

As an officer in the Signals division during World War I, Guderian developed a keen interest in the later use of radio on the battlefield. The success of his four Panzer divisions in May-June 1940 rested, in part, with their ability to rapidly communicate. According to military historian Kenneth Macksey, this was his “greatest technical contribution to the tank forces.”

Guderian also witnessed the use of the first crude tanks in the Great War by the British. After the war ended, many of Guderian’s conclusions were drawn from British sources. Advocating tanks and a strategy of armored formations independent of infantry, however, was not in vogue among members of the German General Staff.

Senior commanders were still wedded to the failed strategies of the First World War. Additionally, once Germany rearmed, resources went to the building of submarines and the creation of Herman Goring’s Luftwaffe. Further, many senior commanders were “gunners,” that is their background predisposed them to reject Guderian’s theories.

Guderian’s book, Achtung – Panzer!, published in 1937, won some converts, notably among the younger officers, but vindication would not come until the invasion of Poland in 1939.

General Guderian’s World War II Contributions

Military historians suggest that Guderian accepted the Russian view of “Deep Battle,” conducting an offensive with all elements working together in tandem. This worked successfully in the Polish campaign to the extent that history books refer to the operation as a blitzkrieg. Attributed to Hitler, Historian Paul Harris traces the first use of the term to a late 1939 article in Time magazine.

By the summer of 1940, Guderian’s Panzers were chasing the Allies to the Channel, halting just before Dunkirk on direct orders from Hitler. The British and French had enough time to evacuate across the Channel. Hitler’s order had been on the advice of the army commanders in OKW (Ober Kommando der Wehrmacht) who were concerned that the infantry was too far behind and that the lines of battle too stretched.

Guderian vigorously opposed the 1941 German invasion of Russia. He was well aware of long-term Russian capacities. The invasion found Guderian leading his Panzers in the effort to take Moscow, only to be redeployed to the Ukraine. As the bitter winter settled in, Guderian was relieved of command by Hitler for ordering a retreat without authority.

Toward the end of the war, Guderian was recalled, and after the failed plot to kill Hitler in July 1944, he was appointed Chief of the General Staff. His knowledge of the plot is debated. Some historians claim he knew of the plot after having been approached by generals to join in the conspiracy. Others, however, claim that he knew nothing whatsoever.

Guderian did, however, act as judge during tribunals that convicted plot conspirators. His overall response to the plot was criticized by other officers yet most of his biographers refer to his complete military bearing and the fact that he valued honor, including the sacred oath taken by every soldier to the state.

His disagreements, often violent, with Hitler, ended his role shortly before the war concluded. He was one of the few officers that weren’t afraid to speak his mind when he thought he was right.

Sources:

• Walter Goerlitz, History of the German General Staff (Westview Press, 1985)
• Major General Heinz Guderian, Achtung – Panzer! Introduction by Paul Harris (London: Brockhampton Press, 1999)
• Kennth Macksey, “Guderian,” Hitler’s Generals Edited by Correlli Barnett (New York: Grove Weidenfeld, 1989)
• Lynn Montross, War Through the Ages (Harper & Row, 1960)

Copyright Michael Streich. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.