Miscellany.

This is coolbert:

It is called a ricochet shot. A cannonball being bounced [skipped] on the ground or the water toward the target.

"A ricochet (pronounced RICK-uh-shay) is a rebound, bounce or skip off a surface, particularly in the case of a projectile."

Only can be done with a "cannonball" [round] when fired from a smooth-bore cannon.

"their [smooth bores] projectiles could be skipped ('ricochet fire') over the surface of the water to better ensure a hull hit. Rifle projectiles could not do this; they would either burrow into the water or bounce off it wildly due to their spin."

And this interesting extract from the five part series courtesy of Professor Kershaw:

"there was the impact of the expanded Führer cult on Hitler himself. Some of those in his close proximity later claimed to have detected a change in Hitler around 1935-6. He became . . . more convinced of his own infallibility . . . a more pronounced messianic tone. He saw himself ever more -- as chosen by Providence [GOD!]."

Hitler developed megalomaniac disease? Perhaps chosen - - but NOT by GOD!!?? A malady common in persons such as Hitler, Stalin, Mao, Hussein? Having absolute power does "something" to the mind? Totalitarian leaders actually begin to believe in their own "greatness". Develop grandiose plans and schemes. Carry through to very bitter end, regardless of the consequences.

coolbert.

Fuhrer.

This is coolbert: "He built the autobahn!"

Please read this excellent five part article by the British professor and historian, Ian Kershaw.

"THE FÜHRER MYTH
How Hitler Won Over the German People"

"By Ian Kershaw"

Normally, this is not the sort of material worthy for consideration of entry into my blog. But since the person and personality of A. Hitler is so inextricably linked to World War Two [WW2], here it is.

Kershaw identifies three factors that contributed to the "success" of Hitler and the Nazi regime as a political entity. This in the years PRIOR to the outbreak of war [WW2]. Factors to include:

* Full employment and a robust economy.

* Law and order in the streets.

* The re-emergence of Germany as a world power meriting respect.

With regard to these factors, one can always argue that:

* Any time you tool up for war and increase the size of your military MARKEDLY within a six year period, of course you will have full employment.

* Any time you place in concentration camps ANYONE that disagrees with you, of course you will have law and order on the streets.

* It was more fear than respect that a re-armed and openly aggressive Germany engendered from among the various nations of the world.

Kershaw seems to be a Rankeian type of historian? Relies to a large extent upon original source documents? Of special interest are appraisals made by the German Social Democratic party. In opposition to Hitler, members of the party either in hiding or exile. Grudging admiration and acknowledgement of what Hitler and his Nazi cohorts had been able to accomplish is often cited. Accomplishments, of course, with a heavy price.

The German people, during the six years of WW2, seemingly without almost a peep or any form of protest, did follow Hitler to the ultimate bitter end. You sow what you reap! From what was initially sown and thought be good turned out to be a bad crop. Disastrous for all!

coolbert.

Goltz Pasha III. [Conclusion]

This is coolbert:

"Who, after all, speaks today of the annihilation of the Armenians?" - - A. Hitler.

Hitler was an admirer of the military methods and techniques as employed by von der Goltz? Was aware of them and saw the actions of von der Goltz as worthy of emulation?

Certainly the sentiments of Hitler regarding the actions of von der Goltz in Belgium would seem to suggest that!

"The old Reich knew already how to act with firmness in the occupied areas."

[speaking here of the anti-partisan actions of von der Goltz during World War One [WW1]].

Colmar von der Goltz was also "involved" [WW1 of course] in the deportation/slaughter/massacre/genocide of the Armenian population of Turkey? A "guilt" by complicity?

"During the 1915 campaign against the Russians in eastern Anatolia German officers had recommended the selected deportation of Armenia populations, in case the Russian advance caused an 'uprising.'"

Keep in mind that the Turks during WW1 also fought the Russian Imperial Army. The area of "eastern Anatolia" did contain a large population of Armenians, who were "restive". Comprised a potential fifth column?

[the term fifth column would not have been used at the time! Was not popularized until the Spanish Civil War!]

"German officers had recommended the selected deportation of Armenia populations, in case the Russian advance [into eastern Anatolia] caused an 'uprising'. When Enver Pasha showed such orders to Goltz he [von der Goltz] approved of them on purely military grounds."

"on August 22, 1939, a few days prior to his invasion of Poland . . . Hitler is quoted as having stated, 'Thus, for the time being I have sent to the East only my Death’s Head units [SS men], with the order to kill without pity or mercy all men, women, and children of the Polish race or language. Who still talks nowadays of the extermination of the Armenians?’"

This comment of Hitler regarding the Armenians is highly disputed. Was admitted as evidence at the Nuremberg Trials. But is suspect in the eyes of some observers and researchers.

coolbert.