STILL VERY STRONG

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 25 January 1944, Page 3

STILL VERY STRONG

NAZI MILITARY FORCES

WARNING NOTE IN BRITAIN Melbourne, Jan. 18. The German Army’s numerical strength to-day, at least in divisions, is estimated to be not greatly below its peak—which has been reckoned to be between 8.000.000 and 10.000,000 men, reports Mr Trevor Smith. London representative of the “Melbourne Herald.” This assertion, says' Mr Smith, may seem to be astounding, even completely unacceptable to the average person who has studied the mounting German losses by sea. land and air in all theatres almost since the outbreak, and who knows that El Alamein, Stalingrad. Tunisia, the Battle of Britain, and sea losses alone removed approximately 1,000.000 Germans from action. TOTAL LOSSES The most conservative estimate of the total of German losses given in any quarter exceeds 4.000,000, excluding air raid casualties. The actual figure is probably much higher. So, with the decisive year of the European conflict apparently reached, and the Allies about to employ vast forces, it is perhaps as well that the public understand why. notwithstanding more than four years’ drain on manpower to an extent that would have shattered most nations, Germany is still able to mount such a formidable military machine. , The German Army is now somewhere between 6,000,000 and 10,000,000 and, for the most part, is fighting tenaciously. ruthlessly .skilfully and cunningly as ever. Nevertheless, it is below its highest standard. While it is believed that the total number of divisions has been maintained so far, some individual divisions may be below strength. For example, it is known that some panzer divisions have been reduced in size. BIG REVERSES This prodigious task, in face of enormous losses, of maintaining the Army’s strength, has been accomplished by a rapid calling up of new classes each year, coupled with swiftly intensified call-ups throughout industry and replacements by foreign workers. This is why reports are current that the Germans have 60 reserve divisions massing in Poland and have a formidable number of of divisions spread out almost all over Europe from the North Cape (Norway) to tile Bay of Biscay, and to the Balkans, and why there are reports that substantial numbers of German troops are being massed in Europe. However, it is believed that Germany i has now actually reached saturation point and can no longer build up her mauled divisions or replace her heavy losses.

A warning note, however, is sounded by “The Times.” which says that the overthrow of Germany i s certain, but can be procured only b$ r an immense and sustained output of effectively concerted energy, and by a readiness to endure great sacrifices.