Across the Rhine

Explore a pivotal moment in history with this engaging hardback edition written by Simon Forty. 'Across the Rhine' takes you through the remarkable military operations that led to the fall of the Third Reich. Measuring 210 x 297 mm, this 224-page book is not only visually stunning but also packed with in-depth analysis and first-hand accounts of the Allied forces' strategic maneuvers during the final stages of World War II. The narrative delves into the massive airdrop operations of the 21st Army Group and the audacious amphibious crossings that took advantage of specialized armour from the 79th Armoured Division. The capture of the Ludendorff Bridge at Remagen played a crucial role in allowing the US First Army to establish a significant foothold. Additionally, the text highlights the extraordinary bravery and tactical excellence displayed by Patton's Third Army and Devers' Sixth Army Group as they pushed forward against increasingly desperate German forces. With a focus on advanced weaponry like the M26 Pershing and Comet tanks, this book vividly captures the essence of modern warfare. Perfect for history enthusiasts, military strategists, and collectors alike, 'Across the Rhine' is an essential addition to your collection and a compelling read that examines the decisive moments of the Rhine River campaigns. Immerse yourself in this gripping narrative of courage, strategy, and the ultimate downfall of Nazi Germany.

Author: Simon Forty Publisher: Casemate
Bind: hardback
Dimensions: 210 x 297 mm
Pages: 224
Publication Date: 29-05-2020

The last rites were administered to the Third Reich from the west by a massive concentration of Allied forces and firepower. With France secured, Hitler's vain counterattack in the Ardennes held and the Channel and North Sea ports cleared, little stood in the way of the Allies other than the dominant geographical feature of western Europe: the mighty Rhine River stretching from the North Sea almost to Switzerland. In the north, the 21st Army Group executed one of the largest operations of the war: a huge airdrop backed up by an amphibious crossing that made full use of 79th Armoured Division's specialized armour including the Alligators of 4th Royal Tank Regiment. Further south, until it collapsed under the pressure, the Ludendorff Bridge, captured intact at Remagen allowed US First Army to create a bridgehead. They would use it to good effect, wheeling north to surround the Ruhr, Germany's industrial heartland. Further south, where the river was narrower, Patton's Third Army vaulted the Rhine with its customary elan, as did Devers' Sixth Army Group. Ahead of the Allies were the remains of the German forces, often no more than Volkssturm or Hitlerjugend, determined to resist for as long as possible so that their Fuhrer had time to unleash his super weapons. In the end, these proved figments of Hitler's imagination and the defenders crumbled in the face of units that, after nine months of training, had become deadly proponents of the art of aggressive warfare with modern, new equipment - such as the M26 Pershing and Comet - being rushed to the front in the hope it could see action before the war finished.