It is said that artillery won the Second World War for the Allies - that Soviet guns wore down the German forces on the Eastern Front, negating their superior tactics and fighting ability. The accuracy and intensity of British and American artillery were significant reasons for the success of the Allied forces in North Africa, Italy, and Normandy, playing a vital role in the battles of 1944 and 1945. Nevertheless, the variety of weapons used is often overlooked or taken for granted - which is why this richly illustrated history by Simon and Jonathan Forty is particularly valuable. They emphasize the importance of artillery on every front and analyze how armament technology, training, and tactical techniques evolved during the conflict.
The selection of period photographs - many from Eastern European sources - and extensive excerpted references from contemporary documents provide a vivid impression of how the guns were used by all sides. The photographs highlight the wide range of pieces used as field, anti-aircraft, and anti-tank weapons, without overlooking the self-propelled guns, coastal and other heavy categories, as well as the evolution of rockets. The authors offer a fascinating look at the weapons that served in artillery over seventy years ago.
Pages: 224, Dimensions: 17.2x17.2cm
