The Battle for Berlin

by John Strawson

This is the story of the last few months of the struggle for Europe - the January battles, the summit meeting at Yalta, the Rhine and Oder crossings, the capture of Berlin itself and the plight of the Berliners among whom Hitler lived out his last days. Not until Berlin was captured could the Second World War be said to be over, and General Strawson, who lived through those stirring days, has written a riveting account of them.

Published to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the fall of Berlin, this book is both comprehensive and comprehensible, concentrating on the strategy and tactics of the forces involved rather than the terrible human tragedy that ensued as the bitter fighting drew to a close.

182 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1974

About the author

Major General John Strawson, CBE was a British Army officer, best known for his service during the Second World War in the Middle East and Italy, and afterwards in Germany and Malaya.

Following the amalgamation of the 4th and 8th Hussars as The Queen's Royal Irish Hussars, he commanded the Regiment in Malaysia and Germany. For his leadership during the Borneo campaign he was invested O.B.E. (Officer of the Order of the British Empire).

Later he commanded at brigade level and was Chief of Staff, United Kingdom Land Forces. For this latter service he was advanced to C.B.E. (Commander of the Order of the British Empire). He had previously been awarded the US Bronze Star for his leadership during the Italian campaign of 1944-45. In civilian life he became a prolific author, especially on military matters.

After retiring from the Army, Strawson wrote a number of books of military history and biography, including studies of the British Army. He collaborated with General Sir John Hackett and others in writing the two volumes of "The Third World War". His later books include "The Duke and the Emperor; Wellington and Napoleon" (1994) and "Churchill and Hitler: In Victory and Defeat" (1997).