<Paper Log> The German V-2 (by Dornberger)

https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/3101376.pdf?refreqid=excelsior%3A5e3dc619b6936c7e6ac5e33af57c6421

• Written by Dornberger.

• “why this weapon, in spite of all efforts, failed to become what its creators intended”

  • Failed, as stated by Dornberger.

• Rocket research was being conducted in various places once the technology reached a certain level.

  • However, lack of funding made it impossible for everyone.

• Why did the German army become a sponsor?

  • i.e. Why rockets and not atomic or other inventions?

• Advocating the Treaty of Versailles theory.

  • This seems to be a plausible explanation.

• Reasons for not seeking public industry involvement:

  • Secrecy (may be connected to strategic reasons)
  • Also, the demand for rockets was difficult to ascertain.

• Evidence that it was not strategic:

  • They did not consider what it would be used for.
  • From 1932 until 1945, they never received any specific written requirement of any kind for a weapon system from their military superiors or anybody.

• As research progressed, they became more enthusiastic.

• The idea that Hitler was obsessed with the V2 is incorrect.

  • Until 1943, he had done nothing substantial.
  • It is unclear why Dornberger was fixated on it.
    • He had a keen interest in other weapons.
  • Until 1943, it was a battle against Hitler’s unique dream.
    • Successful persuasion in 1943.

• The development started before the Nazi era.

• At that time, Becker worked hard, but there was a lack of funding.

• Peenemunde had a private-like atmosphere.

  • There were 4000 soldiers, why?
    • Because of the lack of support from Hitler and the armament ministry.
    • They could not even get enough personnel.
    • This also reveals the social group.

• Introducing the argument that if Hitler had spent money on aviation, the outcome would have been different.

  • This is debatable.
  • The author presents the claim that it is “historical facts” and argues against it.
    • It suggests that it would have been better if money had been spent earlier.

• The reason why V2 was exposed in spring 1943:

  • It was visible from Sweden during the cold season.
  • Propaganda excessively emphasized the wunderwaffe.
    • The fact that this was before Hitler is important.
    • This also reveals the social group.

• Problems other than technical challenges:

  • Peenemunde was considered utopians and fantasists.
    • Even by the Nazi leadership.
  • Once success became evident, the Ministry of Ammunition and SS wanted to interfere, causing annoyance.

• Why “failed to become what official propaganda hoped and the Allies feared”?

  • This expression itself seems to be a basis for something.
  • From a military viewpoint (may not be strategic):
    • An important addition to existing weapons.
    • Like a version 2.0 of artillery.
  • Annihilating impact was not intended.
    • No nuclear warheads, for example.
    • The German Board of Ordnance knew this.
    • However, it caused trouble when it was exaggerated in propaganda.
      • The Allies also took it quite seriously.
  • It was introduced too late.
    • If they hadn’t underestimated the power of the US Air Force, and had allocated resources to V2 earlier, it may have changed.
    • Eisenhower also says the same.
  • When forced into action, it was not yet complete for Hitler.

• By wrong timing and lack of support, it came too late to play a decisive military role in the last war.