Book Review: German Ground Forces of World War II: Complete Orders of Battle For Army Groups, Armies, Army Corps, and other Commands of the Wehrmacht and Waffen SS, September 1, 1939, to May 8, 1945

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by William T. McCroden and Thomas E. Nutter

El Dorado Hills, Ca.: Savas Beatie, 2019. Pp. xxiv, 520. Appends., notes, biblio. $54.95. ISBN: 1611211093

 A Guide to German Higher Military Commands

In German Ground Forces of World War II, the authors provide a useful reference guide in English to the composition, operations, and commanders of the higher echelons of German ground forces – regardless of service – during WW II, very handy for those trying to understand operations, because unit organization changed with considerable frequency. The book covers all higher commands, not merely army groups, armies, and corps, but also unusual or specialized organizations such as frontier guard area commands, temporary or provisional corps-sized formations, fortress commands, and the like.

For each command, there’s a concise, readable overview of its history, in some cases running several pages, plus a list of commanding officers, with a chronological outline of its movements, campaigns, and notable activities, and, of course, some indication of subordinate and superior units. The contents are extensively documented, and at times the notes offer critical commentary on the available evidence.

Albeit a few maps would have been useful, German Ground Forces of World War II is an invaluable handbook for anyone with a serious interest in the European war, and of particularly use to those studying the Russo-German conflict, during which, as Col. David Glantz (Ret.) notes in his introduction, the composition of German higher formations was often quite fluid.

German Ground Forces of World War II also reminds us of the important role independent researchers can make to the study of military history. A useful book for those seriously interested in the Germany Army.

 

Note: German Ground Forces of World War II is also available in several e-editions.
 

StrategyPage reviews are published in cooperation with The New York Military Affairs Symposium

 

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Reviewer: A. A. Nofi, Review Editor   


Buy it at Amazon.com

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