Reading Richard Rohmer

A QUIZ ON ROMMEL AND PATTON PAGE 150 THROUGH 290

Q. How old is Dr. Udo Esch?  How did Richard Rohmer seamlessly weave this information into Patton and Rommel?

A. 40

Not only did Kluge respect the intelligence of this 40-year-old man, not only did he trust him completely, but there was also a bond of family. p. 185

Q.  The German army in Normandy.  What direction are they heading, and what body of water will greet them when they get there?

Hitler’s directive required Kluge to assemble five Panzer divisions to attack the area of Mortain, some thirty-two kilometers to the east of Avranches, and drive straight through Avranches to the sea.  P. 211

“… and here in Mortain I have all the armored forces I have left trying to drive through to the sea to the west.  I’m in an absolute pocket, Hans, a pocket from which there is no escape if we do not make it to Avranches and the sea.” P.212

The attack will be prosecuted daringly and recklessly to the sea. P. 213

Q. Tell me something I already know.

“As you know, Sir, there have now been two truces on the front – which is ideal.” p. 152

“As you know, Günther, I was in command of Armee Gruppe Center at Smolensk at the time.” p. 175

“It is not my custom to act precipitously.  You know that very well, Ike.  You also know that you’re dealing with the reputation and future of Britain’s greatest hero of this war, a man who has a track record that no other Allied general can match.” p. 198

“I am loyal to the Führer, Hans.  You know that.” p. 211

“You know we’ve agreed on an unconditional surrender.”  p. 232

“But, as you know, he’s a very wealthy man and can afford things like horses and airplanes.” p. 244

“As you know, I have spent most of the war on the eastern front.” p. 283