In this text Professor Citino, although covering the German campaigns of 1942 in Russia and North Africa, does not make those activities the primary focus, per se, of his book. The books purpose is to provide perspective into historical German military history relative to what it has been from Napoleonic Wars. The book is actually more a part of a series as opposed to a stand-alone text. it is meant more of sequel to his "The...
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Citino highlights operational manoeuvre as the Wehrmacht's early ace card supplemented by decision making that was devolved to officers in the field. This was a winning formula until the Allies superior materiel capabilities with their effective use of combined forces overwhelmed the German armies in North Africa and the Soviet Union. Ultimately, and most interestingly, Citino underscores the true folly of Hitler's adventures...
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Cetino is a master at his craft. His knowledge is deep and his research is thorough. I really enjoyed his book. He is not in the usual vein of triumphalist American authors. He places blame and credit where it is due and he is even handed in his assessment of all participants. His selection of campaigns is the key to his success and his discourse on why the Germans fought the way they did and why the Russians and the British...
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To get the full benefit of this outstanding work, I recommend the reader first review the author's earlier work, The German Way of War. In that volume, he analyzes the Prussian/German emphasis in its military history, service schools, traditions, and practices of focus on operational skills. Considering its Geographic location, its military goal was to execute quick, decisive wars which implied aggressive attack. While...
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