In the Shadow of our Fathers (1 Viewer)

[RoboNarples]

The dust settles and the Poilus/British troops emerge from their areas of cover. The destruction of France and the Allied war machine is upon them as they stand next to the symbolic war memorial of World War One. The German army is here and the allies just had a crash course on the lightning war.

What do you think of the new display?

Side questions. Do you think it was smart of France to concede so early into the war? Do you think it would have made a difference had France stuck it out until the bitter end, not giving up Paris without a fight? I'm genuinely curious all of your responses.



Robo!

 

[villagehorse]

Excellent layout. It would have been a pity if Paris had been levelled in the fighting. Robin.

 

[Sentaapua]

Excellent layout. It would have been a pity if Paris had been levelled in the fighting. Robin.

I second that position too. Paris is IMHO the most beautiful city in the world and to have it escape intact twice, first when the Germans came in, second when they went out, is close to a miracle. Thankfully Von Choltitz had a lucidity attack...:wink2:
Your display is very nice!

 

[Manila soldier]

Another top dio Robbo.
The "closed in shot" with great depth but also crisp precision is a signature shot of yours i think.
Similarities with the recent great FIW shot you posted on JJD thread.

Top top.

Andrew

:salute::

 

[King & Country]

The dust settles and the Poilus/British troops emerge from their areas of cover. The destruction of France and the Allied war machine is upon them as they stand next to the symbolic war memorial of World War One. The German army is here and the allies just had a crash course on the lightning war.

What do you think of the new display?

Side questions. Do you think it was smart of France to concede so early into the war? Do you think it would have made a difference had France stuck it out until the bitter end, not giving up Paris without a fight? I'm genuinely curious all of your responses.

View attachment 236156

Robo!

Great shot Robo...One of your finest!
Re 'Paris'...Like others, I am a lover of this great city, it's probably my favourite 'big city' On the planet and the most beautiful...

To see it laid waste would not only be a tragedy for France but a huge loss for all of Western Civilisation and the rest of the world.

France's fall in 1940 has many causes and the destruction of Paris would not have saved it...only delayed the inevitable. For a thorough if brief analysis of what caused that defeat seek out the relevant episode in the superb 'World At War' documentary series from the 1970's that tells the story.

Best wishes,
Andy.

 

[Guy]

The fall of France , like Andy said , had many causes
There was in May 1940 a political crisis in France . The major leaders, Daladier, Gamelin and Reynaud did not trust eachother.
also some major tactical mistakes were made when the war had started.
The French Army went North where there was a great concentration of allied troops to stop the German advance after the invasion of the Netherlands and Belgium , .
But the major German attack did not take place there. It took place more to the South and was very fast moving (The Germans tanks, infantry and Luftwaffe had very good radio contact with eachother to combine and support their attacks )
The German advance was so fast moving that the troops in the North were cut off .The German stratigic goal was not Paris but the Channel
Another tactical mistake that lead to the fall of France was the misuse of their tank divisions spread over several infantry divisions to support their resistance, thus loosing their great fighting power. French tanks were far superior to their German counterparts in 1940.
There was practically no French reserve army of some importance available to help the encircled allied troops
These are only a few reasons that caused the fall of France
guy

 

[Desertkiwi]

Great shot Robo...One of your finest!
Re 'Paris'...Like others, I am a lover of this great city, it's probably my favourite 'big city' On the planet and the most beautiful...

To see it laid waste would not only be a tragedy for France but a huge loss for all of Western Civilisation and the rest of the world.

France's fall in 1940 has many causes and the destruction of Paris would not have saved it...only delayed the inevitable. For a thorough if brief analysis of what caused that defeat seek out the relevant episode in the superb 'World At War' documentary series from the 1970's that tells the story.

Best wishes,
Andy.

As a wee fella in the 70's I still remember being allowed to stay up late to watch the 'World At War' series on our B&W TV.

The narration in it was chilling and footage amazing!

It would have been terrifying knowing the Germans were sweeping towards you in those early years, not to forget the Japanese!

Fantastic display mate!!