Straight up trade - Rommel for Patton

[Jim O]

Imagine if each had "played" for the opposing team.

Where would you have deployed each and what do you think might have been the outcome?

[Panzermacher]

Somehow...as strange as it may seem...my first thought after reading the above post was: "I just can't see Rommel saying ' I read yer G**d***ed book, Patton!'"

Hmmmm, let me think about this one a few...the above thought has me all screwed up!

[TRDG]

Quick thought Jim

Patton would have done well in the German army, just look how the Germans admired him and gave him so much credit, which was used deceptivly for D-Day...... To the Germans utter disaster!!

Rommel, there you got me, I'll think about it, like our friend here in the post before this.

Cheers, I'm working on a couple "what ifs" myself!!

TRDG

Tom

[MAGNA]

Guderian got the sack for yelling at Hitler.

What would Patton have got after he had slapped him ?

[Klaus]

Originally Posted by MAGNA

Guderian got the sack for yelling at Hitler.

What would Patton have got after he had slapped him ?

as someone mentioned before: I can't quite picture Rommel in the american Army. Or even in an amerikan uniform for that part (there's a thought for all you photoshoppers out there). With Patton I have no problems. But what the outcome would have been...beats me. How would Patton been influenced if he grew up in Germany? Ah...gotta stop. Thinking about this makes my ears bleed.

[Jim O]

Originally Posted by MAGNA

What would Patton have got after he had slapped him ?

A promotion to Field Marshall?

[Panzermacher]

Well, I did a little thinking on the above subject. Like Klaus, I am having a hard time seeing Rommel in American Uniform....but ....I don't see it very far fetched. I think our Erwin may have done a little better as a Yank. And with the wealth of materials and manpower the US had during the war....I don't find it far fetched to see Rommel as a US Corps commander. I don't think he would have bumped Ike outta his spot as AEFC, but....he could have gave him a run for the money. Rommel's professionalism, and duty to country would have brought him alot of laurels...same as Patton, but he would have done it without the drama!

Patton on the other hand....well I don't think the German Heer would have been quite ready for him! I think Patton would have flourished with the Excellent Wehrmacht troops and Veteran Tankers at his command, but his mouth may have caused some friction with Superiors. (And his Fuhrer!) BUT...I think Hitler would have favored George and his gruff ways. I don't see George getting more than a Corps, and most likely he would have been on the ostfront (He is still and old cavalry man/tankman)

As far as either man making an impact on both their new teams, Yes, but I don't feel it would have been a major difference to the War's outcome. Rommel may have done better than Patton...if you were keeping score. IF we keep both men's histories the same....and both did their services in the First World War....Patton would probably have wrote "Infantry Attacks" and Rommel may have well uttered those famous words.....had Patton been sent to Afrika.

Interesting alternate history....I think Monty may have not had anyone to argue with and his life in the war may have been Droll, but on the other hand, he would have got his "Real History" fantasy come true. A chance to beat Patton on the field of battle! LOL

[krieg]

this is a really good question . like the other fellow if patton slapped hitler
that would of been the fireing squad
then he would of done ok with the german tanks beaing best of the day
with his old nick name old blood and guts
then on rommel side well still thinking on that maybe he might of sat back and had a good think about things .. but beaing an action man like he wos
done the best with what he had at the time
still thinking
cheers krieg

[Roddoss72]

Salutations All

Just imagine George C Scott standing in front of the American Flag saluting and in the background it reads "ROMMEL".

But in all seriousness, even if the two were to be swapped, it would have made no difference, Generalfeldmarschal George S Patton would still have to deal with Fuhrer Adolf Hitler.

Regards

Roddoss72

[Freightshaker]

Rommel was too independent to operate within the US command structure. Conducting actions based on whims and gut feelings fits in well with the Prussian mindset but not with the structured Allies.

Patton was not imaginative enough to be a successful Panzer commander. Being able to operate on a shoestring against a foe that outnumbered you was essential for the Germans throughout most of the war. Without all the support the Allies could muster, I don't see Patton being nearly as successful as he was.