The German campaigns in Europe and North Africa in 1939-42 ushered in a new era in warfare. The theory of the Blitzkrieg (Lightning War) was put into devastating effect, with the Wehrmacht triumphant in Poland, Norway, the Low Countries and France, and Rommel winning great victories against the British in Africa.
Campaigns of World War II: Germany's Lightning War is a military history of the conflict in Europe and North Africa from the invasion of Poland in September 1939 to the Battle of El Alamein in October-November 1942. The authoritative text is complemented by detailed maps which explain the movement of forces. In addition, there are artworks of the uniforms, armoured fighting vehicles, aircraft and ships that took part in the campaign.
Table of Contents:
Contents:
Chapter One: Countdown to War
The German and Polish Armies on the eve of World War II; the theories of the Blitzkrieg and Germany’s capacity to make war.
Chapter Two: The Destruction of Poland
The three-week war that conquered Poland and stunned the world.
Chapter Three: Before the Storm
The Phoney War period as the Allies wait for the next German attack.
Chapter Four: Hitler Strikes North
The German conquest of Denmark and Norway.
Chapter Five: The Fall of the Low Countries
The Germans sweep into Belgium and Holland in May 1940.
Chapter Six: Panzer Breakthrough
Rundstedt’s Army Group A smashes through the Ardennes and reaches the English Channel. This chapter includes the evacuation from Dunkirk.
Chapter Seven: The Fall of France
The German conquest of France after Dunkirk and the capture of Paris.
Chapter Eight: Italy’s African Disasters
The Italian offensive in North Africa, Wavell’s counteroffensive and the Italian collapse in North Africa, Ethiopia and Eritrea.
Chapter Nine: Balkan Blitzkrieg
The German conquest of Yugoslavia, Greece and Crete.
Chapter Ten: Triumph of the Desert Fox
Rommel’s offensives of 1941 and 1942, which captured Tobruk and saw the Africa Corps advance to the Egyptian border.
Chapter Eleven: Turn of the Tide
The Battle of El Alamein and the Axis defeat in North Africa.
Chronology
Bibliography
Index
About the Author :
Adrian Gilbert is a writer and consultant specialising in military and historical subjects. Among his published works are World War I in Photographs, The Imperial War Museum Book of the Desert War, and Stalk and Kill: The Sniper Experience.
