The Purist
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Ok,.... I left that video after the mention of the "Matador's Cloak".
That is a myth that is simply not supported by the facts. The Germans had begun modifying their plans for the attack in the west before the Mechelen Incident. The allies were not drawn into Belgium by the German plan, they fully intended to occupy the Dyle Line (Plan D) as it was the most intelligent choice available for keeping the battle away from French industrial, resource and population centres.
Manstein himself states:
French doctrinal development:
https://forums.armchairgeneral.com/forum/historical-events-eras/world-war-ii/22293-france-military-planning-before-1940-part-1-of-3
Plan D vs Fall Gelb:
https://forums.armchairgeneral.com/forum/historical-events-eras/world-war-ii/47603-opposing-plans-and-the-battle-of-france
That is a myth that is simply not supported by the facts. The Germans had begun modifying their plans for the attack in the west before the Mechelen Incident. The allies were not drawn into Belgium by the German plan, they fully intended to occupy the Dyle Line (Plan D) as it was the most intelligent choice available for keeping the battle away from French industrial, resource and population centres.
Manstein himself states:
I wrote the following two pieces 15 and 12 years ago and while they are not about Hannut itself they do challenge the standard view of western campaign in 1940 (note that I would update both in light of more recent research given the time and inclination)."In point of fact this misfortune did not lead to any alteration of the operational plan, though it may well have increased the readiness of Hitler and OKH to entertain our Army Group's proposals later on. As it was, a Commander-in-Chief's conference in Bad Godesberg on 25th January of generals commanding Army Groups A and B and their subordinate armies revealed no change in the O.K.H. basic attitude though the meeting took place some considerable time after the mishap in question, the tasks of the army groups and armies remained the same as before." (Page 118-119, "Lost Victories", Erich von Manstein)
French doctrinal development:
https://forums.armchairgeneral.com/forum/historical-events-eras/world-war-ii/22293-france-military-planning-before-1940-part-1-of-3
Plan D vs Fall Gelb:
https://forums.armchairgeneral.com/forum/historical-events-eras/world-war-ii/47603-opposing-plans-and-the-battle-of-france