Erwin Rommel Quotes
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If I had to take hell, I would use the Australians to take it and the New Zealanders to hold it.
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Messages can't be intercepted if they aren't sent, can they?
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The commander must be at constant pains to keep his troops abreast of all the latest tactical experience and developments, and must insist on their practical application. He must see to it that his subordinates are trained in accordance with the latest requirements. The best form of welfare for the troops is first-class training, for this saves unnecessary casualties.
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I would rather be the hammer than the anvil.
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One must not judge everyone in the world by his qualities as a soldier: otherwise we should have no civilization.
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Training errors are recorded on paper. Tactical errors are etched in stone.
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One cannot permit unique opportunities to slip by for the sake of trifles.
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Manstein is a man of illusions. ... He believes Hitler will listen to facts.
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Anyone who has to fight, even with the most modern weapons, against an enemy in complete command of the air, fights like a savage against modern European troops, under the same handicaps and with the same chances of success.
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The art of concentrating strength at one point, forcing a breakthrough, rolling up and securing the flanks on either side, and then penetrating like lightning deep into his rear, before the enemy has time to react.
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It's better for one to die than for all of us to be killed in a shooting affray. Anyway, we've practically no ammunition.
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Men are basically smart or dumb and lazy or ambitious. The dumb and ambitious ones are dangerous and I get rid of them. The dumb and lazy ones I give mundane duties. The smart ambitious ones I put on my staff. The smart and lazy ones I make my commanders.
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There are always times where the place of a commander isn't back with his Major State, but onward with his troops.
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But courage which goes against military expediency is stupidity, or, if it is insisted upon by a commander, irresponsibility.
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The German soldier has impressed the world, however the Italian Bersagliere soldier has impressed the German soldier.
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In Tunisia the Americans had to pay a stiff price for their experience, but it brought rich dividends. Even at that time, the American generals showed themselves to be very advanced in the tactical handling of their forces, although we had to wait until the Patton Army in France to see the most astonishing achievements in mobile warfare.
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In the absence of orders, go find something and kill it.
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The battle is going very heavily against us. We're being crushed by the enemy weight. We are facing very difficult days, perhaps the most difficult that a man can undergo.
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In view of my services in Africa, I have the chance of dying by poison. Two generals have brought it with them. It is fatal in three seconds. If I take the poison, none of the usual steps will be taken against my family; that is, against you. They will also leave my staff alone.
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The battle is fought and decided by the quartermasters, long before the shooting begins.
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For me, soldiers are all equal. Those black people wore your same uniform, fought on your side, and so you will be in the same jail.
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Which would your men rather be, tired, or dead?
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Winning the men's confidence requires much of a commander. He must exercise care and caution, look after his men, live under the same hardships, and-above all- apply self discipline. But once he has their confidence, his men will follow him through hell and high water.
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The organization of supplies, the command of men, anything in any way constructive requires more than intellect; it requires energy and drive and an unrelenting will to serve the cause, regardless of one's personal interests.