-..-
 
 
all estimate 800,000 in first 5 months of war to the Russian "estimate of 6,000,000 as of early
December. None of these estimates appear to be based on a method of calculation which
commands respect. Any estimate of German losses in excess of 3,000,000 for the first 6 months
of the Russian war would have been incompatible with the rnagnitude of the German effort in this
area, up to the time that the German offensive was broken off. On the other hand, a figure
considerably in excess of the German reported losses is probably compatible with this effort.
    A calculation based on German losses in the Polish campaign may afford a clue. Germany
ofcially admitted 665 killed per day in the Polish campaign of 1939. Five armies were involved as
against 13 on the Russian front. Assuming the same rate of loss for all armies, over a period of
170 days (i.e. to December 10) yields a figure of 294,000 killed. Using a World War ratio of 1
killed to 4 wounded indicates total casualties of approximately 1,500,000.  Resistance on the
Russian front has undoubtedly been more serious than in Poland. On the other hand, with
lengthening supply lines, the German forces engaged in combat have declined. In view of these
considerations a figure of 1,500,000 total battle casualties to December 10 seems not
unreasonable.
    If the figures on plane losses given below are correct, the loss of pilots in the 5 months ending
November 22 may be well over 2,000.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    This calculation represents total battle injuries; and makes no aUowance for possible losses due
to other causes. The following statement from the Office of the Surgeon General is revealing: "It
may be presumed that the type of warfare in Russia affected by tanks, motorized infantry,
aviation, excessive cold, rapid movements, supply difficulties, fatigue, etc., will produce high
mortality rates. Typhus fever, always endemic in this area, is probably running wild, as there is
little opportunity for delousing and bathing. Dysenteries may be taking a heavy toll and
pneumonia, meningitis and other respiratory borne infections are probably on the increase.
Without definite figures, it may be presumed that mortality rates for specific age groups of
German males are higher in the Russian front than they would be for same groups at home during
normal conditions. As to German soldiers in quiet areas the rates should not be higher than
normal."