Osprey Fortress 23 : German Field Fortifications 1939-1945

The German Army of World War II considered itself an offensive, mobile force. The experiences in the trenches in World War I had done much to shape its blitzkrieg doctrine as well as its concept of field fortification, and its mobile warfare ethos was intended to prevent the previous war's stalemate and win the fight quickly. This book addresses frontline defensive field fortifications, built by infantrymen using local materials, and includes rifle platoon positions, trenches, crew-served weapon positions, bunkers, dugouts, shelters and more. It also covers anti-tank and anti-personnel obstacles incorporated into these defences, as well as field camouflage methods and the construction tools available to infantrymen. The integration of these positions into permanent systems, such as the Westwall, and theatre-specific defences are also discussed. Text by Gordon Rottman with illustrations by Ian Palmer.

Contents

• Introduction
• German Tactical Defence Doctrine
• Planning the Defences
• Defensive Firepower
• Materials and Construction Methods
• Types of Defensive Position
• Theatre-specific Defences
• The Fortifications at War
• An Assessment of German Field Fortifications
• Bibliography
• Glossary
• Index