6 THE TACTIC BENEFITTED FROM YEARS OF PREPARATION
During 1918-1939 the German Army (Reichswehr) slowly evolved to a point where it could implement Blitzkrieg in 1939–40. This evolution reflected wider doctrinal developments around the world as a few far-sighted British, French, American and Soviet tacticians explored ways in which the tank – with its unique mix of fire-power, protection and mobility – could swiftly apply Storm Trooper tactics on a geographically larger scale to create mechanised warfare.
The limitations the 1919 Versailles Treaty imposed on an emasculated, defensively minded Reichswehr compelled it to embrace innovation. During the 1920s the Reichswehr’s doctrinal developments focussed on the use of speed, mobility and all-arms co-ordination to offset its numerical inferiority. The army transformed its obsolete cavalry divisions into a semi-motorised strategic reserve and conducted its first covert overseas tank research.
The key surge forward in the German military’s peacetime journey toward Blitzkrieg occurred during the Nazi era (1933-39). The Nazis’ desire to use war to achieve territorial gains triggered massive rearmament. This programme included the production of Pzkpfw I and II light tanks, as well as the design of the heavier Pzkpfw III and IV combat tanks. Subsequently, during 1935 the Reichswehr formed its first three panzer (armoured) divisions. Grouped under the XVI
Corps (Motorised), this force became the world’s first mechanised corps intended for strategic offensive operations. Subsequently, during 1936-39 the German Army – aided by its takeover of Czechoslovakia – further massively expanded its armoured force. By August 1939 the Germany Army fielded a total of 3,197 tanks, organised into six armoured, four light-mechanised, one cavalry and four motorised infantry divisions.