People Who Still Are. . .

(People Who Still Are. . .)

In previous years on this day, July 10th, the so-called "Man who never was" had been the topic. This day is when the Allies went ashore on Sicily but to ensure that the operation, codenamed HUSKY, was no bloodbath, it had been preceded by Operation MINCEMEAT, among the most successful strategic deceptions of the whole war. The Germans were fooled into re-deploying some of their forces off Sicily into other parts of the Mediterranean Theater because a drowned British officer, "Major William Martin," was set put to sea with a briefcase of sensitive documents, placed by submarine off the Spanish town of Huelva. The body was recovered and the documents found their way to German intelligence, where they were examined, and believed Allied intentions had been confirmed. Major Martin was interred in a Huelva crypt and buried with full military honors. Since the need for security has dissipated since the war, Major Martin has now been given his true identify. A Welch citizen named Glendower Michel, who ironically attempted suicide by ingesting rat poison because he was not fit to "serve." Mr. Michel, an his death, did more for the Allied War effort than he could in life. Also in years past, one can encourage a trip to Huelva to the tomb of Major Martin. Only now, go see Glendower Michel.

As it happens, July 10th is important for another occasion. On this date in 1941, Operation BARBAROSSA was only weeks old and Army Group Center had reached the Russian town of Smolensk. July 10th was the start of a series of battles that would persist all the way into the next September. In the fighting around Smolensk and parts east, The Germans ultimately triumphed but were forced off teg direct route to Moscow. The Germans were force south and while they did envelop 660,000 Soviets near Kiev and another 600,000 near Yasma, good campaigning weather was coming to an end. October is the rainy season in Russia and un-paved Russian roads quickly turned to quagmires. Tanks got stuck. When the frosts came, and the ground hardened again, the advance on the Soviet Capitol resumed. By that time, winter had arrived in force and the Germans froze, within sight of the Kremlin.

The delay that was inflicted on the German Army in the battles around Smolensk is indicative of the stalemate on the ground, much the same ground as in 1941, and while the Ukraine is still engaged in its counter-offensive, with the addition of "cluster" munitions but with a drawdown in 155 caliber rounds, as said by the President. The U.S. could exhaust its own supply before a decision in Southeast Europe. So much for Ukraine joining NATO.

President Biden has been in Great Britain that is not happy he is there. Hunter Biden is sleeping on his sweet heart deal. Mrs. Yellin and Mr. Blinken are being made fools of by China. Now, compare these people, who still are, to the man who never was.