Combat on the Russian Front

[Ratzki]

Mad Russian

No, there wasn't alot of combat power in the Axis Minors, which the Soviets learned/recognized very early on. Romania's biggest contribution was to take Odessa. Hungary's biggest claim to fame was to retreat during the summer battles of 1944 without orders often leaving the German troops outflanked with no warning.

I agree that the Hungarians and other minor powers were regularly left out when it came to Germany supplying them with modern weaponry. But I believe they fought with skill and determination enough to warrent more then Reg/Green status. The formations Hungary supplied Germany with in the beginning were not poor nobodies but part of the regular army with some combat experience, maybe not extensive, but some. Not only were they able to pace the Germans across the Russian steppe, but took part in a few joint attacks before reaching the Don, and providing flank protection. They seem to have been provided for at least a little better then were the others as I think they were given some armour, probably well used, but I don't think the others were given much at all. The fact that the Hungarians were provided with any modern weaponry, must speak to the fact that Germany saw them as a somewhat capable force. As the war progressed, replacements were few and far between as Hungary thought it might be a good idea to keep some trained men at the home front, to defend against a Russian invasion. I believe this was the times they folded the tent and headed westward, but still managed to fight on. I think at this time they may be reguarded more as Reg/Green as the Vets were killed and the men recruited were sent in Green.