Maginot Line 1940: Battles on the French Frontier (Campaign, 218) - Softcover

Romanych, Marc; Rupp, Martin

Softcover

ISBN 10: 184603499X ISBN 13: 9781846034992

Publisher: Osprey Publishing, 2010

Synopsis

Constructed throughout the 1930s, the Maginot Line was supposed to form the ultimate defense against a German invasion of France. However, different sections of the line were built at different times and the strength of various sections varied widely. During their Blitzkrieg invasion, the Germans were able to identify these weak points and focus their attacks against them.

This book uses new maps and period photographs to tell the story of the five German operations launched against the Maginot Line during World War II (1939-1945). While the Germans were able to smash through the lightly defended section of the line along the Meuse River, the line held at other key points. Ultimately the Maginot Line proved a failure, but the stiff resistance put up by some of the fortresses confirms the fighting ability of the French army during the invasion.

About this title

About the Author

Marc Romanych is a retired US Army combat arms officer. He has a BA in History from the University of Maryland and an MA in International Relations from St Mary's University. Interested in the Maginot Line since 1995, Marc has extensively explored its fortifications. He is a member of Association du P.O. de Sentzich, a Maginot Line preservation group. Marc lives near Baltimore, Maryland. The author lives in Baltimore, Maryland.

Review

“This valuable and eminently readable book fills an important historiographical niche, and deserves a place on the bookshelves of every student of the Second World War.” ―Andrew Hind, World at War (February 2010)

“This is the only relatively complete accounts in English of German operations against the Magniot Line and other defended sectors of the French northeastern front. The authors rely heavily on German sources concerning these operations presenting some details not seen in other accounts.  There are a number of new photos not used in other books and a few of the special Osprey maps.” ―J.E. Kauffman, Site O, siteo.net (February 2010)

“At their best, Osprey titles can be original works of research in their own right.” ―Mark Stille, Global War Studies (2010)

“...this book is a must-read for any student of WWII as well as toy soldier and model figure enthusiasts seeking inspirations for dioramas.” ―Toy Soldier & Model Figure (April 2011)

Edition details

• Publisher: Osprey Publishing
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 184603499X
• ISBN 13: 9781846034992
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 96
• Illustrator: White John