What really makes it bad is they weren't exactly used in the most productive way there...
"Gee, this vehicle looks like it would be great at picking tanks off at long-ranges... I know! Lets use it to support infantry assaults in areas pakced with minefields and anti-tank guns! This is the best plan ever!"
psnuker said: "Gee, this vehicle looks like it would be great at picking tanks off at long-ranges... I know! Lets use it to support infantry assaults in areas pakced with minefields and anti-tank guns! This is the best plan ever!"
the_redstar_swl said: "relax bro we've got Tigers, just charge them"
Not sure if that is as good an example: it was the Soviets who charged the Germans (once the latter had entered open ground) first. Admittedly it was quite necessary because (1) the T-34s had to get in close for their guns to be effective against the Tigers and (2) it was the best plan B Vatutin had since the Germans had already taken the jump-off points he needed for his plan A.
Not sure if that is as good an example: it was the Soviets who charged the Germans (once the latter had entered open ground) first. Admittedly it was quite necessary because (1) the T-34s had to get in close for their guns to be effective against the Tigers and (2) it was the best plan B Vatutin had since the Germans had already taken the jump-off points he needed for his plan A.
Any good commander knows that a good defense is a offense
Any good commander knows that a good defense is a offense
Of course, but a deliberate attack is better then a hasty one. Had the Soviets been able to execute their original counter-attack plan, their losses would have probably been lower and the German losses even higher. But the simple reality is that Vatutin and Rotmistrov were forced into a hasty attack by the faster-then-anticipated German advance. It is a testament to the professionalism and skill the Red Army had achieved by 1943 that they were still able to improvise an effective attack despite the original plans being upset.