The Russians second front demands were disingenuous.
The western allies (involuntarily) created a second front when Japan attacked them instead of Russia. This allowed Stalin to move Pacific troops to defend Moscow, which was a Godsend for the Russians.
The western allies created a third front in Africa and then Italy (my grandfather was in one of the units transferred from the Stalingrad Front to southern Italy - much to his relief).
The western allies created a fourth front with their air campaigns. Perhaps 20,000 dual purpose AA guns defended the Reich - imagine what they would have done to Russian tank formations.
Additionally, Germany kept its best fighters in the west to counter the advanced western aircraft. Imagine how many Hartmann's would have been created if those fighters formations had been on the eastern front.
Consider what the Russians might have faced if German industrial production had not been throttled by western air power.
So Overlord was really the fifth front helping the Russians.
Plus, let's not forget Lend Lease. The Russians were hugely aided by the supplies received - just look at pictures of the Russian armies in 1945.
Perhaps 25% of German combat power fought in the west; but counter factually, consider if those tank formations and air power had been available at Kursk.
The Russians second front demands were disingenuous.
The western allies (involuntarily) created a second front when Japan attacked them instead of Russia. This allowed Stalin to move Pacific troops to defend Moscow, which was a Godsend for the Russians.
The western allies created a third front in Africa and then Italy (my grandfather was in one of the units transferred from the Stalingrad Front to southern Italy - much to his relief).
The western allies created a fourth front with their air campaigns. Perhaps 20,000 dual purpose AA guns defended the Reich - imagine what they would have done to Russian tank formations.
Additionally, Germany kept its best fighters in the west to counter the advanced western aircraft. Imagine how many Hartmann's would have been created if those fighters formations had been on the eastern front.
Consider what the Russians might have faced if German industrial production had not been throttled by western air power.
So Overlord was really the fifth front helping the Russians.
Plus, let's not forget Lend Lease. The Russians were hugely aided by the supplies received - just look at pictures of the Russian armies in 1945.
Perhaps 25% of German combat power fought in the west; but counter factually, consider if those tank formations and air power had been available at Kursk.
All true, and in fact I've written about it:
https://unwokeindianaag.substack.com/p/forge-of-victory?utm_source=publication-search
Excellent analysis.
Thanks.