Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION: The rifle platoon
THE OBJECTIVE: Defensive Tactics – Obstacles – Field Fortifications
BREACHING OBSTACLES: Anti-tank obstacles – crossing gaps – minefields
DEMOLITION MATERIALS: General description: basic charges – special charges – fuses and detonators – injuries; National specifics: United States – British Commonwealth – Soviet Union – Germany – Japan
ASSAULT TACTICS APPLIED: Weapons employment and effect – assault preparations – supporting fires – smoke screens; The assault
NOTES ON NATIONAL PRACTICE: United States – British Commonwealth – Soviet Union – Germany – Japan
RECOMMENDED READING
PLATE COMMENTARIES
INDEX

Promotional Information

This books reveals the experiences of soldiers on the frontline from D-day beaches to bunkers in Berlin as the Allies broke down the barriers of Fortress Europe. It also reveals the successes and failures of the Axis troops from defending field fortifications to the variety of weapons available.

About the Author

Gordon L Rottman entered the US Army in 1967, volunteered for Special Forces and completed training as a weapons specialist. He served in the 5th Special Forces Group in Vietnam in 1969–70 and subsequently in airborne infantry, long-range patrol and intelligence assignments until retiring after 26 years. He was a special operations forces scenario writer at the Joint Readiness Training Center for 12 years and is now a freelance writer, living in Texas.

Peter Dennis was born in 1950. Inspired by contemporary magazines such as Look and Learn he studied illustration at Liverpool Art College. Peter has since contributed to hundreds of books, predominantly on historical subjects. He is a keen wargamer and modelmaker. He is based in Nottinghamshire, UK.

Reviews

"This is an interesting book, and it covers a lot more than just the tactics used in assaults. The unit level examined is the platoon, justifiably so since most attacks were basically combinations of platoon assaults at levels from company upward... Period photographs are accompanied by sketch maps of typical assaults and by good colour plates of the main demolition materials and of typical attacks. Highly recommended." --John Prigent, Internet Modeler (April 2008) "Profusely illustrated by Peter Dennis, in Osprey's common style of excellence, this new book is a very interesting read, and, for those of us who have never been involved in a military attack on a fortified position, it gives a reasonable overview of what goes into the attack -- far more that what Saving Private Ryan or the old John Wayne WWII films might imply. Pick up a copy today if you are interested in the details behind the scenes." --Scott Mingus, Charge! (March 2008) "Overall, it is a superb look at how the armed forces of the nations involved in WWII were similar and different. A book that I know you will find interesting and engrossing." --Scott Van Aken, modelingmadness.com (May 2008)