Operation Uranus: The Soviet Union strikes back

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When did Germany lose the war?

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December 20, 1942.

The 6th Army now was beyond all hope of German reinforcement. The German troops in Stalingrad were not told this, however, and continued to believe that reinforcements were on their way. Some German officers requested that Paulus defy Hitler

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There was Panzer commander with a plan ready to go to save the encircled army (I always mix up whether it was Manstien or Guderian, I am leaning towards Guderian). Part of the problem was that Goering promised Hitler that his transport aircraft squadrons could keep the embattled army alive by flying in supplies like they did in Demyesk when German forces surrounded there were resupplied and reinforced via aircraft and beat off their attackers. However, by Stalingrad, there were simply to few transport planes put bluntly and the cargo planes had to land under fire. I have seen pictures and video of Ju-52s being hit by artillery while taxing past dozens of other shot up Ju-52s.
Remember though that there was another great offense by the Germans AFTER Stalingrad, in fact it was the greatest tank battle in history: The Battle of Kursk, Operation Zitadel. As usual, there is always a lot behind the defeat of an army. Factors ranging from politics to weather are vitally important as well as obviously strengths and attack routes.

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German families on Christmas 1942 were linked to a radio broadcast from Stalingrad, so that they could join the soldiers in singing "Silent Night." Those families did not know that the link-up was a fake.

1,280 soldiers died in Stalingrad on Christmas Day alone.

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German families on Christmas 1942 were linked to a radio broadcast from Stalingrad, so that they could join the soldiers in singing "Silent Night." Those families did not know that the link-up was a fake.

1,280 soldiers died in Stalingrad on Christmas Day alone.

All in all the Battle of Stalingrad was just a God awful fight. If I remember correctly it is the bloodiest battle in history with a couple million fatalities from both sides combined. Just boggles the mind to think how nasty the fighting must have been.

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On 22 January, 1942, Paulus requested that he be granted permission to surrender. Hitler rejected it on a point of honour. He telegraphed the 6th Army later that day, claiming that it had made an historic contribution to the greatest struggle in German history and that it should stand fast "to the last soldier and the last bullet".

The third and last serviceable runway was at the Stalingradskaja flight school, which reportedly had the last landings and takeoffs on the night of 22

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On January 30, 1943, Hitler promoted Paulus to field marshal. In deciding to promote Paulus, Hitler noted that there was no known record of a Prussian or German field marshal ever having surrendered. The implication was clear: Paulus was to commit suicide. If Paulus surrendered, he would shame Germany's military history.

Despite this, and to the disgust of Hitler, Paulus and his staff surrendered the next day, 31 January. On February 2 the remainder of the Sixth Army capitulated.

Paulus said of Hitler's expectation: "I have no intention of shooting myself for this Bohemian corporal".