Campaign 175, Remagen 1945, Endgame against the Third ReichReviewed by John Prigent
|
Publisher and Title | Campaign 175, Remagen 1945, Endgame against the Third Reich, by Steven J Zaloga, Illustrated by Peter Dennis, Osprey Publishing Ltd |
ISBN: | 1-84603-018-8 |
Media and Contents: | 96 pages |
Price: | US Price: $18.95, UK Price: £13.99, available online from Osprey Publishing |
Review Type: | First Read |
Advantages: | Good coverage of history; supported by tables, photos and artwork; |
Disadvantages: | |
Recommendation: | Recommended |
FirstRead
The
Remagen fighting is best known to tank enthusiasts for the presence
of the T26E3 Pershings of 14th Tank Battalion, but they saw no
tank-versus-tank fighting in this engagement.
Instead this book covers the US
advance to the Rhine, the fortuitous discovery by a recon unit that
the bridge at Remagen had not yet been blown, and its successful
seizure by Company A of 27th Armored Infantry Battalion. The partial
detonation of one German demolition charge did prevent any tanks
from crossing until its crater had been filled, but the infantry and
engineers cleared the bridge and its immediate surroundings
including its exit tunnel. The hill over the tunnel caused higher
casualties, but was taken, and reinforcements arrived to widen the
bridgehead. The unlucky officers commanding the defence were, of
course, shot after courtmartial for their failure either to defend
or to blow the bridge.
German counterattacks were piecemeal and ineffective, due in no
small part to the lack of fuel for tanks, artillery tractors and
troop trucks.
The book continues with the US buildup and breakout from Remagen and
the resulting encirclement of the Ruhr and surrender of Army Group
B. All this is very well described, with maps, colour plates and a
good selection of photographs.
Recommended to all students of the end of WW2.
Thanks to Osprey Publishing for the review sample