Originally posted by Viking
"Should have" by Icelandic logic yes, not by Japanese logic ... or American or Russian or pretty much any other nation that has seen war the last 1000 years. You don't surrender just because it will save lives, or even if there is no chance of victory. You surrender when the enemy proves he has the will to follow through and pay the price in lives to conquer you. Until that time there is always the possibility of a bargained peace. The Germans had little choice in fighting to the last man; they made that very clear when they conducted a war of extermination against the Russians. A no quarters asked or given war that would only end in the total destruction of one side. In many ways the Americans and British saved Germany and the German people from the (just) revenge of the Russians.
Should the British have surrendered in 1940 before the BoB when nobody seriously believed Britain could survive with her armies defeated in France? Should the Russians have surrendered when the Germans were attacking Moscow and even Stalin had lost all hope?
By Icelandic logic, yes. However I'm rather thankful that the Icelanders were not defending Britain or Moscow back then.
If you call my logic Icelandic, I am proud to follow it up, and you are full of some funny crap my friend. I am not going to call your logic Norse.
Now....to your speculations.
Here:
"You surrender when the enemy proves he has the will to follow through and pay the price in lives to conquer you"
If Hiroshima is not enough, how stupid are you?
(Japanese decided to fight on after Hiroshima)
Should the Germans have surrendered when the Western Allies had gathered foothold on the continent of Europe?
Yes, absolutely, the game was very obviously over, and typical for Germany, her finest commanders realized, while the ******s in command remained in enough power to keep the nonsense going.
As you say this which....:
" Until that time there is always the possibility of a bargained peace. The Germans had little choice in fighting to the last man; they made that very clear when they conducted a war of extermination against the Russians"
Is nothing but Hitler's side. Again, Some of Hitler's finest commanders realized that while there were fronts and armies, and expensive battles to be fought, there was still something possible for the bargain. But Hitler's crew, to the dismay of mankind, managed to rule. So, Germany had both the choice and the gritty end to face.
Then on to this one:
"Should the British have surrendered in 1940 before the BoB when nobody seriously believed Britain could survive with her armies defeated in France?"
Well, you know the famous "Some neck, - some chicken". SOMEBODY, markedly Britain, belived they could survive. Hitler declared that the war was won, yet he could not pass the high seas to pick up goods, say from America. (Business was open until 1941).
And onwards:
"In many ways the Americans and British saved Germany and the German people from the (just) revenge of the Russians."
Yes they did....sort of. Here you quickly enter the enjoyable world of what-if's. For instance, had the British decided to step down and yet holding their head (apeal to reason deal) in 1940, the Russians would have been (IMHO) on the receiving end of pax germanica. Anyway, the western allies did what they did, and the iron curtain fell where it fell. It might have been at the Atlantic, or none at all....all what-if's.
As for the USSR buckling from Hitler, - well, they had a lot of ground. With Moscow fallen, I guess they'd have buckled, and Hitler was only some miles short. All in the what-if park.
Then to this one:
"I'm rather thankful that the Icelanders were not defending Britain or Moscow back then."
Firstly, this is a troll. And secondly, a malicious and stupid one. This is an attack through nationality. Well, suits your style
.. Anyway, for your info, Icelanders actually fired live ammo (19th century 50 mm cannon) at and into British ship-sides in 1976, in a fight about FISH.
And thank god, Icelanders did indeed scratch some LW and Wehrmacht persons in WW2 without invitation to the game. So, returning your words, maybe you should have Icelanders look after your airport ?
