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Battle of the Bulge: Germany's Last Offensive December 1944 - January 1945
With firsthand accounts and dramatic action photographs, Battle of the Bulge provides a comprehensive examination of the beginning of Hitler’s final offensive in the West.
Although disappointed that they had not won the war by Christmas, the last thing the Allies expected in December 1944 was a full-blown German offensive through the Ardennes. Battle of the Bulge tells the story of the first day of the offensive, explaining how the Germans took the Allies by surprise as they attempted to break through Allied lines. It begins with an overview of the situation in the west in late 1944, describing the German plans and their successful efforts to mask their military buildup, and then relates in detail the start of the battle at 5:30 on December 16 with a heavy artillery bombardment, swiftly followed by the German armor and infantry advancing through the early morning mist. Specially commissioned full-color maps and timelines capture every precious hour when the fate of the whole Western front seemed to hang in the balance.
Although disappointed that they had not won the war by Christmas, the last thing the Allies expected in December 1944 was a full-blown German offensive through the Ardennes. Battle of the Bulge tells the story of the first day of the offensive, explaining how the Germans took the Allies by surprise as they attempted to break through Allied lines. It begins with an overview of the situation in the west in late 1944, describing the German plans and their successful efforts to mask their military buildup, and then relates in detail the start of the battle at 5:30 on December 16 with a heavy artillery bombardment, swiftly followed by the German armor and infantry advancing through the early morning mist. Specially commissioned full-color maps and timelines capture every precious hour when the fate of the whole Western front seemed to hang in the balance.
- GenresWar
192 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
November 10, 2019
If I was to buy one book on the weeks leading up to the fall of Berlin post D-Day it would be this one.
I guess the German breakout in what became known as The Battle of the Bulge has always been a focal point to me and this book captured my imagination and brings everything into focus.
Battle of the Bulge: Germany's Last Offensive December 1944 - January 1945 (24 Hours) by David Jordan is almost a definitive book on this subject.
I really appreciated the illustrations especially the details and pictures of the armaments available to the opposing armies. The background information is fascinating and as the armies seemed to be taking up defensive positions suddenly the German war machine started rolling. The defending US Army units were stretched out and were preparing for a green light of their own at a different part of the front.
I loved Band of Brothers both as a TV series and reading the outstanding book. That was a journey. Here we have battle hardened German troops breaking through allied lines right across the front. That the average GI was going to do more than their bit in Europe and through training, improvisation and the ability to adapt hold their own.
The book does not glorify war;,elements of the battle seem through-backs to World War I and the acts of bravery and courage under fire are awe-inspiring.
I understand the tension of an expected assault; it musty of been terrifying to be looking across no-man’s land and imaging shapes forming in the smoke.
I felt I was with the troops. What was also brought home to me was the courage of the local people in villages that were overrun by the German advance. They did not bear arms; these were Ordinary folk in their homes and walking their country roads.
This is a book that is balanced and provides historical details to a struggle that was ultimately to defeat The Nazis. It is an insight to that greater conflict and perhaps through the heroism shown shortened the war and therefore saved lives. War is still being waged across our world and civilians suffer greatly.
As we remember those who serve and defend their country spare a thought to the displaced, refugees and victims of terror.
I guess the German breakout in what became known as The Battle of the Bulge has always been a focal point to me and this book captured my imagination and brings everything into focus.
Battle of the Bulge: Germany's Last Offensive December 1944 - January 1945 (24 Hours) by David Jordan is almost a definitive book on this subject.
I really appreciated the illustrations especially the details and pictures of the armaments available to the opposing armies. The background information is fascinating and as the armies seemed to be taking up defensive positions suddenly the German war machine started rolling. The defending US Army units were stretched out and were preparing for a green light of their own at a different part of the front.
I loved Band of Brothers both as a TV series and reading the outstanding book. That was a journey. Here we have battle hardened German troops breaking through allied lines right across the front. That the average GI was going to do more than their bit in Europe and through training, improvisation and the ability to adapt hold their own.
The book does not glorify war;,elements of the battle seem through-backs to World War I and the acts of bravery and courage under fire are awe-inspiring.
I understand the tension of an expected assault; it musty of been terrifying to be looking across no-man’s land and imaging shapes forming in the smoke.
I felt I was with the troops. What was also brought home to me was the courage of the local people in villages that were overrun by the German advance. They did not bear arms; these were Ordinary folk in their homes and walking their country roads.
This is a book that is balanced and provides historical details to a struggle that was ultimately to defeat The Nazis. It is an insight to that greater conflict and perhaps through the heroism shown shortened the war and therefore saved lives. War is still being waged across our world and civilians suffer greatly.
As we remember those who serve and defend their country spare a thought to the displaced, refugees and victims of terror.
November 18, 2015
Battle of the Bulge – The First 24 Hours is an account of the opening phases of the Wehrmacht counterattack in Belgium on December 16, 1944. Published in 2003, this book is illustrated with many superb period photographs and a few illustrative maps. Inevitably, a chunk of the book is devoted to the events leading up to the events of December 1944, as well as the aftermath of those events – necessary to place the main subject in the right context. The text is mainly operational details of the developing battle, with occasional breaks for technical details of the equipment and biographical details of some of the key personalities. Many of the photos have appeared before in many other publications, but all are reproduced well. The captions are mostly okay, but there are a couple of howlers. There are also quite a few errors in the text, although these all seem to be on technical details, a common problem – the historical detail is very good. An enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews