From the archive, 1943: The Germans have suffered a humiliation at Stalingrad

Today marks the 80th anniversary of the German defeat at Stalingrad. Below is The Spectator’s piece from February 1943, available on our fully-digitised archive.

Now that the battle of Stalingrad has at length closed it begins to be possible to form an estimate of the nature and dimensions of the German defeat. It could scarcely be more complete and unqualified. The capture or destruction of 330,000 men is an immense achievement ; and when the account is swelled by the vast amount of material which Germany has lost this must be recognised as one of the worst defeats German arms have ever suffered. The circumstances that led up to it merely swell its importance. Hitler has made so many boasts with impunity, and either he or his commissioned spokesmen have burned their boats so lavishly that it might be concluded they have nothing further to lose. But the flagrant manner in which Hider associated his name with Stalingrad, and pledged his word that it would fall and be held, list now have repercussions on his prestige.