Defense of the Third Reich 1941–45: (Fortress)

Starting in 1940, Germany was subjected to a growing threat of Allied bomber attack. The RAF night bombing offensive built up in a slow but unrelenting crescendo through the Ruhr campaign in the summer of 1944 and culminating in the attacks on Berlin in the autumn and early winter of 1943-44. They were joined by US daylight raids which first began to have a serious impact on German industry in the autumn of 1943. This book focuses on the land-based infrastructure of Germany's defense against the air onslaught. Besides active defense against air attack, Germany also invested heavily in passive defense such as air raid shelters. While much of this defense was conventional such as underground shelters and the dual use of subways and other structures, Germany faced some unique dilemmas in protecting cities against night fire bomb raids. Steven J. Zaloga shows how, as a result, German architects designed massive above-ground defense shelters which were amongst the most massive defensive structures built in World War II.

About the Author :
Steven J. Zaloga received his BA in History from Union College and his MA from Columbia University. He has worked as an analyst in the aerospace industry for over two decades, covering missile systems and the international arms trade, and has served with the Institute for Defense Analyses, a federal think tank. He is the author of numerous books on military technology and military history. Adam Hook studied graphic design, and began his work as an illustrator in 1983. He specializes in detailed historical reconstructions, and has illustrated Osprey titles on the Aztecs, the Greeks, several 19th-century American subjects, and a number of books in the Fortress series. His work features in exhibitions and publications throughout the world.

Review :
"... a solid, well-written introduction to the infrastructure that supported [the defense of the Reich]." --Bolling Smith, The Coast Defense Journal (November 2012) "Another terrific handbook from author Zaloga. The copiously and clearly illustrated contents recap land-based German defenses against Allied air attacks -- including purpose-built and dual-use structures for manufacturers, military and civilians. Highly recommended." --David L. Veres, www.cybermodeler.com (January 2013) "...provides an overview of the lavish Flak defenses and their artillery, considering how Flak was deployed and how a variety of structures were created to enhance its performance. German defenses and systems receive an in-depth analysis complete with illustrations by Adam Hook in a fine presentation for any military history holding." --James A. Cox. The Midwest Book Review (January 2013)