This is precisely one of the points Reynolds drives home repeatedly (and then some more) in <u>Steel Inferno</u>, taking especial care to describe German divisional and corps officers with headquarters in the saddle. Other notable examples of gold braid in the firing line, such as Rommel in Africa, stand out. I have a theory about this.
Ahem. My THEORY, (by A. Elk).
I am wondering whether the less advanced communications net (or interdicted communications net) in the German Army didn't spawn this fortunate by-product of senior officers up front. If regimental or divisional commanders have rapid access to full and complete tactical updates and good communications with their subordinates, they not only have no reason to leave their HQ, they are foolish to, since they will then lose control. On the other hand, when information is sparse or conflicting, competent senior officers MUST go up to find out the situation, which can drop them into some interesting situations. Urquhart at Arnhem is a fine example of this. Just a thought.
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"Good for burn infantry. WERY cheap!"