The Rhine River represented the last natural defensive barrier for the Third Reich in the autumn of 1944. Although Hitler had been reluctant to allow the construction of tactical defence lines in France, the final defense of the Reich was another matter. As a result, construction of a Rhine defence line began in September 1944. Steven J. Zaloga examines the multiple phases of construction undertaken to strengthen the Westwall (Siegfried Line), to fortify many of the border villages, and finally to prepare for the demolition of the Rhine bridges. Using detailed maps, colour artwork, and expert analysis, this book takes a detailed look at Germany’s last line of defence.
The Rhine River represented the last natural defensive barrier for the Third Reich in the autumn of 1944. Although Hitler had been reluctant to allow the construction of tactical defence lines in France, the final defense of the Reich was another matter. As a result, construction of a Rhine defence line began in September 1944. Steven J. Zaloga examines the multiple phases of construction undertaken to strengthen the Westwall (Siegfried Line), to fortify many of the border villages, and finally to prepare for the demolition of the Rhine bridges. Using detailed maps, colour artwork, and expert analysis, this book takes a detailed look at Germany’s last line of defence.
A detailed look at the various defensive structures and preparations that Germany constructed for the defense of the Rhine.
Steven J. Zaloga received his BA in history from Union College
and his MA from Columbia University. He has worked as an analyst in
the aerospace industry for over two decades, covering missile
systems and the international arms trade, and has served with the
Institute for Defense Analyses, a federal think-tank. He is the
author of numerous books on military technology and military
history, with an accent on the US Army in World War II as well as
Russia and the former Soviet Union.
Adam Hook studied graphic design, and began his work as an
illustrator in 1983. He specializes in detailed historical
reconstructions, and has illustrated Osprey titles on the Aztecs,
the Greeks, several 19th-century American subjects, and a number of
books in the Fortress series. His work features in exhibitions and
publications throughout the world.
This is an excellent book by one of Osprey's best authors, and it is recommended to those with any interest in World War II in the ETO, or in land defences in general -- Casemate: The Journal of the Fortress Study Group
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