ebooks World War II Winter and Mountain Warfare Tactics (Elite) by Stephen Bull in History

Review

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Tactics for cold combat...By HMS Warspite"World War II Winter and Mountain Warfare Tactics" is a surprisingly detailed Osprey Elite Series entry focusing on the ways European armies adapted to fighting in extreme conditions; or in some cases; failed to adapt. British historian Stephen Bull is the author; Steve Noon provided the illustrations.After a brief introduction; the book addresses the use of winter and mountain tactics in successive campaigns: Finland 1939-1940; Norway 1940; and Russia in the winters of 1941-42 and 1942-43. The narrative focuses primarily on the need of the German and Soviet armies to conduct sustained campaigning under adverse conditions; especially the cold. The author notes how the failure to prepare handicapped the Soviets in Finland in 1939 and the Germans outside Moscow in 1941. Several chapters discuss specific adaptations in tactics; equipment; uniforms; unit organization and fortifications. The author indicates that other armies; particularly the U.S.; freely copied doctrinal materials generated by the Germans and Soviets. The text is nicely enhanced by photographs; maps; diagrams and illustrations; including graphics from period military manuals.The scope of this short book is limited. Mountain units fielded by Britain; France; and the U.S. get light coverage. The book does not address; for example; mountain warfare in the China-Burma-India theater; or winter warfare in Alaska; while Italy gets only the barest mention; all of which might justify another Osprey entry on this topic."World War II Winter and Mountain Warfare Tactics" is recommended to the interested general reader and to the student of military tactics.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Good for beginnersBy TiberLike the other Osprey books of this series; it is a tease into what really went on. It is a great book for a novice; but a person who really studies this kind of stuff would be much better served looking elsewhere. I would recommend the manuals put out by the US Army on Mountain Climbing and Tactics or even better; the Military Libraries version of the WW2 German Manual. And don't pay for the translated German manual from a vendor; it is available FREE and Translated through the government.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. WWII Winter/Mountain tactics by Osprey Elite 193By Michael ReeseGood coverage of winter combat; tactics; equipment. Covers Finnish; Russian Front more than Western Europe which is limited to the Norwegian Campaign in 1940. Some good information on fortifications; transportation; individual equipment and tactics used in the harsh conditions found on the Eastern Front in winter. Color drawings good. Recommend.