Spitfire Vs Messerschmitt?

[Crusader1307 302]

Which do you think was a more effective Fighter Plane in World War II?

[Lord_Chris 270]

Being a "good 'old Brit", how could I possibly choose anything other than my native Spitfire? Tallyho, Captain!

That said, I have to admire the German technology and equipment from that era as much of it was way more advanced and powerful than ours. One of the main benefits of preparing for war for nearly a decade, I guess!

The main problem as I see it was that (speaking more broadly) the Nazis spread themselves WAY too thinly, not just with aircraft but with virtually everything..... Hitler wanted everything but he wanted it al instantly. So there were so many "secret projects" ongoing it was impossible to get all of them properly completed... and a lot of them were started later in the War as well. By this time they obviously had manpower and resource shortages. Though obviously not the case here with the Messerschmitt.

[Crusader1307 302]

A ''Little from Column A and some of Column B'' (My German and English Blood, of course, lol). While The Me (Messerschmitt Class) had a superior Engine and performance ability, the vaunted Spitfire was by far better in aerial combat (with The Battle of Britain being my example). I am by far a Stuka fan, with that Class of German Fighter unequaled.

Still, your observations of Hitler is spot on. His constant interference with The High Command, as well as constantly ''gumming up'' many of Germany's future Fighter upgrades (which would have been game changers), were a primary cause of Germany's loss of The War.

[Lord_Chris 270]

19 hours ago, Crusader1307 said:

Still, your observations of Hitler is spot on. His constant interference with The High Command, as well as constantly ''gumming up'' many of Germany's future Fighter upgrades (which would have been game changers), were a primary cause of Germany's loss of The War.

Hitler made so many mistakes really.... fortunately most of the missiles and other technology were never advanced enough to be able to do much with because the war was so close to ending, but he was obsessed with so much. Especially in the early days of the war, he was obsessed with things such as the Atlantic Wall. I may not be the best tactician but my belief is that once you start defending something instead of attacking, you're broadly speaking on a losing streak. The sheer amount of concrete used on it was madness.

[Crusader1307 302]

Well put. The ''Atlantic Wall'' (both constructed and assumed), was a direct descendant of The Sigfried Line of WWI. Germany though that such a massively fortified position would serve to stop invasion plans. It did  - while The Allies never truly envisioned an invasion in this manner. As we know, Hitler really should have listened to His Generals. But as with most Dictators - He thought He knew best. I love to cite the massive mistake He made at Dunkirk, and had He ''destroyed'' The British army there, this would have greatly altered the course of The War. While He may not have won it, it would have caused it to go on for many more years.

[Lord_Chris 270]

I just think it's incredible the amount of personal influence Hitler had in his Generals' decisions.... it's just like on D-Day. I'm sure the local German Tank Commander heard very early on in the morning that the Allies had invaded but without Hitler's personal permission they were unable to move them.... it's just as well, really.

[Crusader1307 302]

Okay Gang....switching ''Time and Era''.. Tell me your thoughts as just why The Zulu Empire (South Africa), were so successful in their total destruction of The British Expeditionary Force at The Battle of Isandhlwana in 1879?