GP01: Mind of Sun Tzu (Battle of Russia)

Hmmm... Just left the LT from my weekly dosage of Sun Tzu's Lesson. Prof Foo continued with what's left of the 7 series of the second world war. Battle of Russia.

A little background on this lesson. Those taking this course does not have to take the final examinations, however, each of us are suppose to complete 2 project papers on (I) Reflections after reading Reminiscences of an Ancient Strategist, and (II) Group Project. Each of these papers carrying 50% of the grade for this course.

Lessons actually includes the prof telling us bits and pieces on how the strategies mentioned in the book are portrayed and shown in the 2nd World War. Today's tape was on the battle of Russia.

Well, it was said that this was the turning point of the 2nd World War. I couldn't believe more after seeing the tapes shown today. Very interestingly, the video was able to capture scenes of the battles at different cities. I marvel at the person who's taking the footage. It was pretty comprehensive, with images of scenes-after-war, bombings and artillery bombardments. However, what marvelled me the most was how Russia managed to suck Germany deep into it's territory and lured the Germans into a trap which they cannot get out from.

The use of several defence lines instead of concentrating their defence along the vast borders of the formerly known USSR worked wonders. Germany's tactics of breaking thru 2 fronts and encircling their enemies in a swift move didn't work well against Russia's Defence. It only manages to strengthen the deeper defence walls of Russia, resulting in Germany's inability to break thru to Moscow. In fact, they didn't even got close enough to start their artillery barrage on Moscow.

The impact of the defence was really portrayed to it's utmost with the siege of Stalingrad and Leninborg (Can't remember the spelling) The film showed how the people of these 2 cities stood firm against the onslaught of the German's and even with the nonstop bombardment of the city, the white flag was not raised. The most fascinating part of the defence of the Leninborg has to be the part whereby fresh supplies were shipped in through a FROZEN LAKE!! 100 miles long! Winter, in a way, saved the Russian's in the city of Leninborg.

The defence of the 2 cities too brought about the importance of FIBUA, Fighting in Built up area, a skill taught to us during SISPEC training. The Russians gave the German HELL when they entered the city. Work has to be done to clear out every inch of the buildings in the cities, so much so that, in the example of Stalingrad, the Russians didn't allow the Germans time to breathe, when after moving back and allowing a short advance of the Germans into the city, they fought back.

Germany's continued onslaught and the relentless defence of the Russian's allow us to see 2 different sides of tactics. One, Germany, no matter how advanced their machines are, weren't able to break through with their, at that time, high-tech war machines (tanks, planes etc). Two, Russia was able to rally together all the different races and ethic groups which exists in their vast land mass to fight for the same cause. Three, the sheer determination of Russian men and women, coming together to form an undefeatable wall of defence which really helped turned the tide of the war. Four, Germany, no matter how prepared, fell into the trap of attacking too deep into enemies territory and Five, Germany didn't win the heart of the pple they annexed. These few points surely brought upon the failure of Germany in their offence against Russia.

I have to agree with the Prof that it's really a privilege to be able to watch such a movie. Don't think i'll ever take time off to watch it on my own if not for this course. It does bring about new perspectives and how tactics and the use of resources bring about a huge differences in the outcome of a war.

Was watching 三国演义 the night before. I was marvelling at the tactical brilliance of 法正 in helping 黄忠's defeat of Xiahou Yuan, one of the recognised generals of Wei at that time. It was the use of time. If I remember correctly, 法正 was saying something about the troops morale in general, being highest in the morning, without proper rest, they'll get tired and sleepy in the afternoon, and they'll tend to wake up and be more alert in the evening. 法正 attacked and occupied a hill overseeing Xiahou Yuan's encampment, knowing very well this impulsive general will not take it lying down. After suggesting to 黄忠 about the ploy of "以逸待劳", where 黄忠 was to hide in the middle of the hill and wait for his signal before commencing the attack. When the soldiers of Xiahou Yuan was weary and tired after a whole morning's screaming and shouting at 法正 to surrender the hill, his whole troops sat down and rested til noon time, where almost everyone fell asleep. In a very swift movement, the well rested troops of 黄忠, upon seeing the signal given by 法正,rushed down and slayed Xiahou Yuan. I applauded at the 计which pulled off.

I was captivated also at the way how Zhuge Liang plotted routes of retreat in the event that Huang Chong's troops fail to win at Ding Jun Shan.His crisp and clinical deployment of troops to secure all passage of return, and his deployment of troops to trick his enemies into believing that his full force is attacking, paid off handsomely with Huang Zhong's success. I can only stared in wide eye disbelieve and applaud at his brilliance.

Alright, shall end this entry here. Will come online and punch in my next entry later tonight i guess. Seeya bloggy!