Victory 1945: Western Allied Troops in Northwest Europe

Description

Even when Western Allied troops gained a foothold in Normandy, World War II in Europe was far from over. The route to Germany's interior and the Nazis final surrender was long, arduous and blood-stained. The Wehrmacht's stubborn resistance and the shocking losses suffered by US, British, Canadian and 'Free European' troops meant that the Allies had to adapt and refine small-unit tactics, battle-drills, and their use of weapons and munitions. The troops who finally met up with the Red Army in Germany were a very different fighting force to the one that struggled up the beaches of northern France. This book offers a comprehensive guide to the late-war Allied troops, exploring their uniforms, equipment, organization and tactics. Detailed description and accurate colour pictures illustrate the means by which the Allied troops on the ground evolved to the point of winning the war on the Western Front.

Gordon L. Rottman entered the US Army in 1967, volunteered for Special Forces and completed training as a weapons specialist. He served in the 5th Special Forces Group in Vietnam in 1969-70 and subsequently in airborne infantry, long-range patrol and intelligence assignments until retiring after 26 years. He was a Special Operations Forces scenario writer at the Joint Readiness Training Center for 12 years and is now a freelance writer, living in Texas. Peter Dennis was born in 1950. Inspired by contemporary magazines such as Look and Learn he studied illustration at Liverpool Art College. Peter has since contributed to hundreds of books, predominantly on historical subjects, including many Osprey titles.

"This 64-page paperback recounts how the situation compelled theAllies to adapt and refine training, small-unit tactics, battle drills, inter- arm cooperation, and use of weapons and munitions. Drawing from official records and personal memoirs, Rottman s point of view is primarily that of the infantry. Combat experience bitterly won at a heavy toll influenced changes in foot soldiers dress, gear, technology and tactics. This book is a comprehensive guide to the appearance, equipment and tactics of late-war Allied troops. Rottman s narrative and striking color illustrations by Peter Dennis are combined with a wealth of photos to show how Allied ground troops evolved until the war was won." "--Toy Soldier & Model Figure magazine""