[July 17, 2023] In a documentary titled “Death of the Luftwaffe,” DroneScapes gives us some significant insight into why the German Air Force failed during WWII. After watching the show, I thought that it might interest my readers, and the simple reason is that failure is always present, and we can learn valuable lessons from the failures of others. And it does not matter what organization or system failure occurs because we can always apply what is learned from those mistakes. What follows is a summary of the documentary.
In the early years of the war, the late 1930s and into early 1942, the Luftwaffe was very effective against its enemies. Led by experienced and skilled commanders, the Luftwaffe played a crucial role in the early victories of the German war machine. The Luftwaffe’s Blitzkrieg strategy demonstrated devastating effectiveness, with a combination of dive-bombers, fighters, and tactical bombers wreaking havoc on enemy forces and infrastructure.
The Luftwaffe suffered a severe decline and eventual demise as the war progressed.
The first factor was its inability to sustain its technological edge. Due to Allied progress in fighters and bombers, they were able to close the gap the Germans started with. Specifically, the Allies were able to surpass their German counterparts in terms of speed, range, and firepower. This was caused more by Germany hamstringing itself, often by those in charge, by an ineffective procurement system, and interference by senior leaders, in particular by Hitler.
Another critical factor was the depletion of experienced pilots as the war progressed. Germany had a smaller pool of qualified personnel to fly, and their air force ranks were not prioritized, with losses reducing overall air combat effectiveness as less experienced pilots, with less training entered the war.
The strategic mistake of Hitler entering the war with both Russia and the United States enabled two highly capable, highly resourced enemies to enter against Germany. This meant that the Luftwaffe was forced to divide its forces on two major fronts, the dispersion weakening it across all fronts.
The Luftwaffe was further crippled in later stages by fuel shortages, limited production, and a lack of strategic vision. The Nazi air force could not adapt quickly to changing circumstances, and its diminished operational capabilities could not counter the Allies’ overwhelming air superiority.
To all the Allied WWII veterans still out there, I salute you!
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I’m not a WWII buff but I do like reading lessons learned. Thanks Gen. Satterfield for giving us a highlight on the strategic failures of the Nazi Luftwaffe.
It’s amazing how two countries of different cultures and political views as US and USSR put asides their differences defeated Germany. We now US is aiding Ukraine war against Russia.
Hi sir, yes, you are right about that. And we don’t often recognize the HUGE cultural differences.
Gen. Satterfield wrote, “In the early years of the war, the late 1930s and into early 1942, the Luftwaffe was very effective against its enemies. Led by experienced and skilled commanders, the Luftwaffe played a crucial role in the early victories of the German war machine. The Luftwaffe’s Blitzkrieg strategy demonstrated devastating effectiveness, with a combination of dive-bombers, fighters, and tactical bombers wreaking havoc on enemy forces and infrastructure. The Luftwaffe suffered a severe decline and eventual demise as the war progressed.” What was it that changed? Gen. Satterfield gives us four reasons but ultimately I believe their evil destroyed them. 🙏
Correct. Rev. Cain, thank you!!!!!!!!!!
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Yes, we can apply this to our situation today. I think, IMHO, that the Nazi lack of strategic vision was their ultimate downfall.
… but more than that. The Nazis wanted to exterminate the Jews more than win the war.
Well done, Gen. Satterfield. 👀👀👀
“The Luftwaffe was further crippled in later stages by fuel shortages, limited production, and a lack of strategic vision. ” The lack of strategic vision also hampered the German Army and Navy too.
Yep, and folks today wonder why the Nazi’s lost. One great example is that they prioritized killing Jews and other undesirables over winning the war. Now that should make you shutter because that is a clear sign of terrible EVIL with a capital E. Pray for the souls they destroyed and the havoc they created. Nazi Germany was a worse Evil than we even can think of today. And, the Soviet Union was WORSE.
Excellent point, DocJeff. Thank you! We all should take a close look at evil and be able to spot it early.
Yes, and Pres. Joe Biden is evil too. Killing babies is his thing and considers those who believe it to be morally superior to us knuckedraggers. How ignorant of him.
POW, nailed it Wendy. Be able to spot evil and Joe Biden is evil.
Great article, thanks. One leadership day at a time.
Wonderful blog. As a history buff, I’d like to see more blogging on topics like today’s Luftwaffe failures. Thanks for listening to me.
Hi Texas Jim, I agree but Gen. Satterfield has made it clear that he is going to mix things up a bit to ensure we stay interested. His latest focus is on the small leadership efforts we see and are required to know before we move on to senior leadership.
If you can, order your copy of his latest book, “55 Rules for a Good Life.”
Thank you Linux Man.
Yes, read his book.
https://www.amazon.com/55-Rules-Good-Life-Responsibility/dp/1737915529/