ebooks Walcheren 1944: Storming Hitler's island fortress (Campaign) by Richard Brooks in History

Review

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Good analysis of an important battleBy Steven PetersonThis is a work in the Osprey Campaign series. Osprey has created a niche in works on history. The books are normally rather brief; published on slick paper; featuring many photos and drawings and maps. In short; for a person who wants to get a fairly quick overview of a subject; these books provide a useful contribution.This volume focuses on the Allied success over German troops at Welcheren in 1944. Welcheren was the key to access to the ports of Antwerp. After D-Day; supplies to Allied troops had a long path--from the French landing zones to the front. If Antwerp could become a logistics center; supplying Allied troops would become much more efficient.The format: An introduction to the strategic importance of Welcheren. As long as German forces held this spot of land; access to Antwerp was not practical. The book proceeds by looking at the actors and the battle itself. The Allied officers; it appears; were much better as a group than the German leaders. The opposing forces are described; with the order of battle appearing on pages 22-23.What of the opposing plans of the Allies versus the Germans? The German forces were not as well integrated as desirable. The Allies developed a complex plan for amphibious landings. As part of their preparation; they bombed some dikes; leading to flooding in the low lying land. One advantage? Some German artillery ended up under water.The heart of the book is the analysis of the various elements of the battle for Allies to seize Walcheren. There are many maps and other diagrams to help the reader make sense of the complex assault by the Allies. The book concludes with a view of the aftermath and a short summary of how the battlefield stands up today.All in all; it does well what it does. If you want a detailed examination of this conflict; this volume will not do. For those (like me) who want a quick introduction to the battle but with enough detail to make sense of it; this is a nice work.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. For want of a nail...By HMS WarspiteWhen Montgomery's 21st Army Group captured the vital Belgium port of Antwerp in early September 1944; Montgomery's attention was focused east into the Netherlands and Germany; and not on a supply route from the North Sea. As a result; the German 15th Army escaped destruction and made a bastion of the island of Walcheren; blocking sea access to Antwerp and forcing the Allies to continue to rely on supplies brought over the Normandy beaches. Only after the failure of Operation Market-Garden would Montgomery attempt to rectify his error. The Canadian First Army was given the mission of clearing the Schelde Estuary and assaulting Walcheren."Walcheren 1944" is an Osprey Campaign Series book by Richard Brooks; with illustrations by Graham Turner. The campaign has been rather neglected in histories of the Second World War. This book provides an informative introduction to the campaign; an innovative combined arms effort involving the Royal Navy; Royal Air Force; and Royal Marines. The narrative moves quickly through the opposing commanders and their forces and plans to spend most of its length on a fairly detailed account of the Allied invasion. The invasion was a difficult one; requiring a great deal of tactical innovation. The text is nicely supported by period and modern photographs; maps; diagrams; and modern illustrations.As other reviewers have noted; the narrative is Anglo-centric; many of the German units fought hard; but too many understood they had been left to die in place or surrender. On the other hand; this book sheds light on a neglected campaign that opened a supply line that was ultimately vital to Allied success Recommended to the general reader and the student of the conflict.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. The historical account of the brave men who stormed the ...By Willem BynagteThe historical account of the brave men who stormed the most fortified island in the Atlantic Wall. A combined effort of army; air and naval forces fighting under some of the most brutal condition imaginable. Their efforts helped open up the port of Antwerp so supplies could reach allied forces under the command of Patton; Montgomery and Bradley. Want to know "the rest of the story" following D-Day? This is a must read.