3. Lack of Supplies and Shortages of Fuel Greatly Weakened the Germans
The German Panzer and Tiger tanks were devastating war machines but they were gas guzzlers. By early-to-mid January of 1945, the Axis forces could not advance due to fuel shortages because it was becoming harder and harder to get the fuel supplies they needed. Despite the fuel shortages that Axis forces were experiencing Hitler made sure to set aside 5 million gallons just for the Battle of the Bulge. However, the road network in the Ardennes was narrow and rough making it difficult for suppliers to reach the armies in time. Supply lines got shorter and could not re-supply the troops. The 5 million gallons of fuel destined for the battle were insufficient once inclement weather, poor road conditions, and missteps did not allow them to reach those in need. Because of that, and the Ardennes’ terrain, the German infantry was forced to use around 50,000 horses to bring in fuel and supplies.
It did not help that even when the army stopped, trucks still had to be run every thirty minutes to keep them from freezing in the cold. The offensive was taking more fuel than estimated and fuel was taking longer to get to the front lines. Therefore, the German high command changed their battle plans to revolve around capturing American fuel depots as they advanced. But as Allied forces retreated, they preferred to burn thousands of gallons of gas than to give it to the enemy. By the end of December, many German tanks were out of gasoline. With no possible way to advance the Germans were forced to pull back as there was no way to advance across the Meuse river without fuel or supplies.