Felix Steiner's Daring Attack: A Turning Point In History

The Felix Steiner Attack is a World War II military tactic named after its creator, German Waffen-SS officer Felix Steiner. The attack was designed to relieve the encircled German Sixth Army during the Battle of Stalingrad in late 1942 and early 1943.

The attack was intended to use a concentrated force of panzer and infantry divisions to break through the Soviet lines and reach the Sixth Army, which had been surrounded by the Red Army since November 1942. However, the attack failed due to a combination of factors, including the weather, the strength of the Soviet defenses, and the lack of coordination between the different German units involved.

Felix Steiner Attack

The Felix Steiner Attack was a German military operation during World War II, named after its commander, SS-Obergruppenfhrer Felix Steiner. The attack was intended to relieve the encircled German Sixth Army during the Battle of Stalingrad in late 1942 and early 1943.

• Objective: Relieve the encircled German Sixth Army
• Commander: SS-Obergruppenfhrer Felix Steiner
• Date: December 1224, 1942
• Location: Stalingrad, Soviet Union
• Outcome: Failure
• Significance: Contributed to the defeat of the German Sixth Army

The Felix Steiner Attack was a desperate attempt to save the German Sixth Army, which had been surrounded by the Red Army since November 1942. The attack was poorly planned and executed, and it failed to achieve its objectives. The attack contributed to the defeat of the German Sixth Army, which surrendered to the Red Army on February 2, 1943.

1. Objective

The objective of the Felix Steiner Attack was to relieve the encircled German Sixth Army during the Battle of Stalingrad. The Sixth Army had been surrounded by the Red Army since November 1942, and its situation was becoming increasingly desperate. The Felix Steiner Attack was a last-ditch effort to save the Sixth Army, but it ultimately failed.

The Felix Steiner Attack was a risky operation, and its chances of success were slim. The Sixth Army was surrounded by a large number of Soviet troops, and the terrain was not conducive to a breakout attempt. However, the Germans were desperate to save the Sixth Army, and they were willing to take risks.

The Felix Steiner Attack began on December 12, 1942. The attack was initially successful, and the Germans managed to break through the Soviet lines. However, the Soviets quickly regrouped and launched a counteroffensive. The Germans were unable to withstand the Soviet counteroffensive, and they were forced to retreat.

The failure of the Felix Steiner Attack was a major blow to the Germans. The Sixth Army was now doomed, and it surrendered to the Red Army on February 2, 1943. The defeat of the Sixth Army was a turning point in the Battle of Stalingrad, and it helped to ensure the eventual victory of the Soviet Union.

2. Commander

Felix Steiner was a German Waffen-SS officer who commanded the Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler (LSSAH) division during World War II. Steiner was a close confidant of Adolf Hitler and was one of the most decorated soldiers in the Waffen-SS.

• Steiner's role in the Felix Steiner Attack

  Steiner was the commander of the Felix Steiner Attack, a German military operation during World War II that was intended to relieve the encircled German Sixth Army during the Battle of Stalingrad.

• Steiner's leadership

  Steiner was a skilled and experienced military commander. He was known for his courage and determination, and he was able to motivate his troops to fight hard even in the most difficult circumstances.

• Steiner's relationship with Hitler

  Steiner was a close confidant of Adolf Hitler. He was one of the few people who could speak his mind to Hitler, and he was often able to persuade Hitler to change his mind.

• Steiner's legacy

  Steiner was a controversial figure. He was a committed Nazi, and he was responsible for the deaths of many innocent people. However, he was also a skilled military commander, and he played a significant role in the Battle of Stalingrad.

The Felix Steiner Attack was a failure, but it is still remembered as one of the most daring military operations of World War II. Steiner's leadership was a key factor in the attack's initial success, and he remains a controversial figure in military history.

3. Date

The Felix Steiner Attack was a German military operation that took place from December 1224, 1942, during the Battle of Stalingrad. The aim of the attack was to relieve the encircled German Sixth Army, which had been surrounded by the Red Army since November 1942.

• Planning and preparation

  The attack was planned and prepared by SS-Obergruppenfhrer Felix Steiner, who was the commander of the Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler (LSSAH) division. Steiner's plan was to use the LSSAH and other Waffen-SS units to break through the Soviet lines and reach the Sixth Army.

• Execution

  The attack began on December 12, 1942, with the LSSAH and other Waffen-SS units attacking the Soviet lines. The Germans initially made some progress, but they were soon met with strong Soviet resistance. The Soviets launched a counteroffensive on December 16, and the Germans were forced to retreat.

• Failure

  The Felix Steiner Attack was a failure. The Germans were unable to break through the Soviet lines and reach the Sixth Army. The attack resulted in heavy losses for the Germans, and it contributed to the eventual defeat of the Sixth Army.

The failure of the Felix Steiner Attack had a significant impact on the Battle of Stalingrad. The Sixth Army was eventually forced to surrender to the Red Army in February 1943, and the Battle of Stalingrad ended in a decisive victory for the Soviets.

4. Location

The Felix Steiner Attack was a German military operation that took place during the Battle of Stalingrad, one of the most decisive battles of World War II. The battle was fought in and around the city of Stalingrad (now Volgograd) in the Soviet Union, and it resulted in a major victory for the Red Army.

• Strategic importance
  

  Stalingrad was a strategically important city, as it was a major industrial center and transportation hub. The Germans wanted to capture Stalingrad in order to cut off the Soviet Union's supply lines and to gain control of the Volga River.

• Urban warfare
  

  The Battle of Stalingrad was one of the first major urban battles in history. The fighting was intense and brutal, and it took place in the ruins of the city's buildings.

• Turning point
  

  The Battle of Stalingrad was a turning point in the war. The German defeat at Stalingrad marked the beginning of the end for the German war effort.

The Felix Steiner Attack was a desperate attempt by the Germans to relieve the encircled German Sixth Army. The attack failed, and the Sixth Army was forced to surrender. The Battle of Stalingrad ended in a decisive victory for the Red Army, and it marked a turning point in the war.

5. Outcome

The Felix Steiner Attack was a German military operation during World War II that was intended to relieve the encircled German Sixth Army during the Battle of Stalingrad. The attack was a failure, and the Sixth Army was forced to surrender to the Red Army. There were several reasons for the failure of the attack, including:

• Poor planning and coordination
  

  The attack was poorly planned and coordinated. The German units involved in the attack were not properly prepared, and they did not have a clear understanding of their objectives.

• Strong Soviet resistance
  

  The Soviet forces defending Stalingrad were well-prepared and determined to defend the city. The Soviets had a numerical advantage over the Germans, and they were able to repel the German attacks.

• Lack of air support
  

  The Germans lacked air support during the attack. The Soviet Air Force was able to dominate the skies over Stalingrad, and this made it difficult for the Germans to supply their troops and to evacuate the wounded.

• Weather conditions
  

  The weather conditions during the attack were harsh. The winter of 1942-1943 was one of the coldest on record, and this made it difficult for the German troops to operate. The snow and ice made it difficult for the Germans to move their equipment and supplies, and it also made it difficult for the wounded to be evacuated.

The failure of the Felix Steiner Attack had a significant impact on the Battle of Stalingrad. The Sixth Army was eventually forced to surrender, and this was a major defeat for the Germans. The defeat at Stalingrad marked a turning point in the war, and it helped to lead to the eventual defeat of Germany.

6. Significance

The Felix Steiner Attack was a significant event in the Battle of Stalingrad, and it played a major role in the eventual defeat of the German Sixth Army. The attack was intended to relieve the encircled Sixth Army, but it failed to achieve its objectives. The failure of the attack had a number of consequences, including:

• The Sixth Army was forced to surrender. The failure of the Felix Steiner Attack meant that the Sixth Army was no longer able to receive supplies or reinforcements. The Soviets were able to tighten their, and the Sixth Army was eventually forced to surrender on February 2, 1943.
• The Battle of Stalingrad ended in a Soviet victory. The surrender of the Sixth Army marked the end of the Battle of Stalingrad. The Soviet victory at Stalingrad was a major turning point in the war, and it helped to lead to the eventual defeat of Germany.

The Felix Steiner Attack was a significant event in World War II, and it had a major impact on the outcome of the war. The failure of the attack contributed to the defeat of the German Sixth Army and the Soviet victory at Stalingrad.

FAQs on the Felix Steiner Attack

The Felix Steiner Attack was a German military operation during World War II that attempted to relieve the encircled German Sixth Army during the Battle of Stalingrad. The attack failed, and the Sixth Army was forced to surrender to the Red Army. Here are some frequently asked questions about the Felix Steiner Attack:

Question 1: What was the objective of the Felix Steiner Attack?

Answer: The objective of the Felix Steiner Attack was to relieve the encircled German Sixth Army during the Battle of Stalingrad.

Question 2: Who commanded the Felix Steiner Attack?

Answer: The Felix Steiner Attack was commanded by SS-Obergruppenfhrer Felix Steiner.

Question 3: When did the Felix Steiner Attack take place?

Answer: The Felix Steiner Attack took place from December 12-24, 1942.

Question 4: Where did the Felix Steiner Attack take place?

Answer: The Felix Steiner Attack took place in and around the city of Stalingrad, Soviet Union.

Question 5: What was the outcome of the Felix Steiner Attack?

Answer: The Felix Steiner Attack was a failure. The German forces were unable to break through the Soviet lines and reach the Sixth Army.

Question 6: What was the significance of the Felix Steiner Attack?

Answer: The Felix Steiner Attack was a significant event in the Battle of Stalingrad. The failure of the attack contributed to the defeat of the German Sixth Army and the Soviet victory at Stalingrad.

Summary: The Felix Steiner Attack was a failed German military operation during World War II. The attack was intended to relieve the encircled German Sixth Army, but it failed to achieve its objectives. The failure of the attack contributed to the defeat of the German Sixth Army and the Soviet victory at Stalingrad.

Transition to the next article section: The Felix Steiner Attack was a significant event in the Battle of Stalingrad, and it had a major impact on the outcome of the war. The failure of the attack contributed to the defeat of the German Sixth Army and the Soviet victory at Stalingrad.

Tips on Understanding the Felix Steiner Attack

The Felix Steiner Attack was a complex and controversial military operation. By understanding the historical context, key, and strategic objectives, we can better appreciate its significance and impact on World War II.

Tip 1: Study the Historical Context

The Felix Steiner Attack took place during the Battle of Stalingrad, a critical turning point in World War II. Understanding the broader strategic situation, including the encirclement of the German Sixth Army, is essential for comprehending the attack's objectives and challenges.

Tip 2: Research Key Figures

The attack was led by SS-Obergruppenfhrer Felix Steiner, a high-ranking Waffen-SS officer. Researching Steiner's background, ideology, and military experience provides insights into the decision-making and leadership behind the attack.

Tip 3: Analyze Strategic Objectives

The primary objective of the Felix Steiner Attack was to relieve the encircled German Sixth Army. Understanding the strategic rationale behind this objective, including the potential consequences of failure, is crucial for evaluating the attack's significance.

Tip 4: Examine Operational Planning

The attack involved a complex operational plan, including the deployment of armored and infantry units. Studying the planning process, including the allocation of resources and the coordination of different units, sheds light on the challenges faced by the German forces.

Tip 5: Consider the Impact of Soviet Resistance

The Soviet forces defending Stalingrad played a significant role in the failure of the Felix Steiner Attack. Understanding their defensive strategy, tactics, and the challenges they posed to the German advance is essential for assessing the attack's outcome.

Tip 6: Evaluate the Consequences of Failure

The failure of the Felix Steiner Attack had far-reaching consequences, including the surrender of the German Sixth Army and a major setback for the German war effort. Analyzing the impact of the attack's failure on the course of the war is crucial for understanding its historical significance.

Summary: By following these tips, researchers and history enthusiasts can gain a deeper understanding of the Felix Steiner Attack, its historical context, key figures, strategic objectives, operational planning, and the impact of Soviet resistance. This comprehensive approach provides a well-rounded perspective on this important event in World War II.

Transition to the article's conclusion: The Felix Steiner Attack remains a subject of historical debate and analysis. By applying these tips, readers can engage with the topic in a more informed and meaningful way, gaining a nuanced understanding of its complexities and significance.

Conclusion

The Felix Steiner Attack was a desperate attempt by the German Sixth Army to break out of the encirclement at Stalingrad. The attack failed, and the Sixth Army was forced to surrender to the Red Army. The failure of the Felix Steiner Attack was a major turning point in the Battle of Stalingrad and contributed to the eventual defeat of Germany in World War II.

The Felix Steiner Attack is a reminder of the importance of careful planning and coordination in military operations. It is also a reminder of the courage and determination of the German soldiers who fought in Stalingrad. Despite the overwhelming odds, they fought to the end. The Felix Steiner Attack is a tragedy, but it is also a story of heroism and sacrifice.