German Field Fortifications 1939-45

The German Army of World War II was a highly mobile force. The experience of trench warfare in World War I had done much to shape Germany's blitzkrieg doctrine and concepts of field fortification, and the mobile warfare ethos of World War 2 was designed to avoid the previous war's stalemate. This title addresses field fortifications built from local materials by infantrymen, and includes rifle platoon positions, trenches, crew-served weapon positions, bunkers, dugouts, shelters, observation posts and more. It also covers anti-tank and anti-personnel obstacles incorporated into these field defences; field camouflage methods, and the construction tools available to infantrymen. The integration of field defences into permanent complexes and systems is also discussed.

About the Author
Gordon L Rottman entered the US Army in 1967, volunteered for Special Forces and completed training as a weapons specialist. He was assigned to the 7th Special Forces Group until reassigned to the 5th Special Forces Group in Vietnam in 1969-70. A highly respected and established author, Gordon is now a civilian contract Special Operations Forces Intelligence Specialist at the Army's Joint Readiness Center, Ft Polk. Ian Palmer is a highly experienced digital artist. A graduate in 3D design, he has provided illustrations for many publications, from modelling James Bond's Aston Martin to recreating lunar landings. He lives and works in London with his wife and three cats.