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World War II River Assault Tactics

December 31, 2020

World War II River Assault Tactics

Author: Gordon L. Rottman
Illustrator: Peter Dennis

This 64 page paperback book is number 195 in the Elite Series of books that are available from Osprey Publishing.

On the major European and Russian fronts throughout World War II, the challenge of crossing rivers under fire was absolutely central to any advance. The Panzers that crossed the Meuse at Sedan in May 1940 cut the French Army in two. The Wehrmacht’s ability to cross the great rivers of the western USSR was vital to the lightning advances of Operation Barbarossa in 1941, and in 1943–45 the Red Army had to drive the Germans back from a succession of river lines during their advance to the Reich, culminating in the Vistula and Oder lines.
With World War II armies dependent on heavy mechanized equipment, the function which rivers played became essential for soldiers in all sides of the war.
World War II River Assault Tactics details the methods, means and analysis of specific successes and failures. Featuring a wealth of wartime photos, particularly from German sources, and full-color plates illustrating tactical scenarios, the subject is brought to life.