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EwaldvonKleist -> RE: Tiger, Tiger Burning Bright: Why Kursk is the Most Overhyped Battle in History (8/16/2016 2:44:31 PM)
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The defender usually is in the advantage because he is entrenched, has shorter supply lines etc. Therefore any attack is costly in the beginning. In WW2, unlike WW1, the exploitation units can then encircle/disrupt deep in the enemy rear if they have the chance. This strategy can be countered by having strong mobile reserves (like the Panzerdivisionen). When used right, the russians break through somewhere, but the exploitation spearheads get hit or even encircled by German reserves (like Charkov 1942 and 1943) when they have outrun their supply and support. On this way, the frontline moves WW1 like because no mobile warfare-->soviets have to slowly grind their way west, always against fortifications in favourable area. This preserves the defenders strength while the attacker has to pay a high price in ammunition and men. This was as far as i know Guderians proposal.
Had the germans known that the soviets know about Zitadelle, they should have delayed the attack until the soviets do not take the bite anymore and then cancel it to let them wait for an onslaught that never happens so they waste effort in a senseless defence.
Kursk was for sure important but definitely no turning point because even after a victory germans could not have kept the initiative for long.
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