08-12-2006, 05:14 PM
Yes, I think that the idea must be dropped.
The missing factor may be reinforcement. If a platoon or a company remains at full strength by adding new men, social networks continue to renew itself; if, on the other hand, the losses remain clearly visible, things must be rather demoralizing.
It may be that French morale broke because of this reason; the closest that I can get to establishing my source (Eksteins' Rites of Spring) explicitly refers to logistical and organizational problems, without referring to the 17%-rule, if 17% it was.
The missing factor may be reinforcement. If a platoon or a company remains at full strength by adding new men, social networks continue to renew itself; if, on the other hand, the losses remain clearly visible, things must be rather demoralizing.
It may be that French morale broke because of this reason; the closest that I can get to establishing my source (Eksteins' Rites of Spring) explicitly refers to logistical and organizational problems, without referring to the 17%-rule, if 17% it was.
