Meaning: The quote "The finishing off of the encircled enemy army is to be left to the Luftwaffe" by Franz Halder, a German general during World War II, reflects a strategic decision made during the conflict. This quote is significant in understanding the role of the Luftwaffe, the German air force, in the war and the tactics employed by the German military.

Franz Halder was the chief of the German General Staff from 1938 to 1942, and his quote sheds light on the German military strategy during the early years of World War II, particularly during the invasion of France in 1940. The German military, under the leadership of generals like Halder, employed a tactic known as "Blitzkrieg" or "lightning war," which emphasized the rapid and coordinated use of ground and air forces to achieve swift and decisive victories.

In the context of the quote, "the encircled enemy army" likely refers to the French and British forces that were surrounded and trapped by the German military during the Battle of Dunkirk in May 1940. The Luftwaffe played a crucial role in targeting and attacking these encircled forces, contributing to their eventual defeat and evacuation from the beaches of Dunkirk.

The decision to leave the "finishing off" of the encircled enemy army to the Luftwaffe underscores the importance of air power in the German military strategy. The Luftwaffe was tasked with providing air support for ground operations, conducting strategic bombing, and engaging in aerial combat to establish air superiority over the battlefield. In the case of Dunkirk, the Luftwaffe conducted relentless bombing raids on the trapped Allied forces, causing significant casualties and destruction.

The quote also highlights the coordination and cooperation between different branches of the German military. The Luftwaffe worked in conjunction with the army to execute the encirclement and subsequent destruction of enemy forces. This close collaboration between ground and air forces was a hallmark of the Blitzkrieg strategy and demonstrated the German military's ability to leverage the full spectrum of military capabilities.

Furthermore, the quote offers insights into the mindset of German military leadership during the war. It reflects a confidence in the Luftwaffe's capabilities and a belief in the effectiveness of air power as a decisive factor in achieving victory on the battlefield. The German military's emphasis on the role of the Luftwaffe also aligns with their broader strategic doctrine, which prioritized the rapid and overwhelming use of force to achieve operational and tactical objectives.

Overall, Franz Halder's quote encapsulates the significance of the Luftwaffe in the German military strategy during World War II. It underscores the integration of air power into ground operations and the pivotal role played by the Luftwaffe in shaping the outcome of key battles. Additionally, the quote provides valuable historical context for understanding the tactics and decision-making processes of the German military during the early stages of the war.