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by Jeffrey Plowman.
Hardback (7.0×9.9 inches). 176 pages. 2024 reprint of 2022 magazine article.
Subtitle: The 1941 Battle of the Pineios Gorge
From the relatively recent pages of After The Battle magazine comes the 1941 battle of the Allied defense of Pineios Gorge in Greece.
My knowledge of the German conquest of Greece is less than ideal. Fortunately, the text explains the situation facing both the Germans and Allies in April 1941. A lightning Axis thrust through the gorge would help cut off Allied troops in northeast Greece. A successful defense would stall the Germans, perhaps long enough to set up another defense line further south. The end result was partial victories for each side.
One aspect that receives attention was the rain and subsequent mud that slowed the Germans and their logistical tail. German petrol, ammo, and food fell short, although captured British supply dumps helped at times. The majority of Australian and New Zealand troops were able to escape southwards to eventual evacuation to Crete and North Africa.
As per the Then and Now format, many of the photos of WWII locations were reshot in the modern era. One cool aspect is how the main terrain, such as hills and rivers, is generally the same, but modern brush and trees are more extensive than in the 1941 photos.
The book contains 144 black and white photos, 78 color photos, two black and white maps, and six color maps.
As I knew little about this campaign other than arrows on a map, I’m glad to learn about at least one of those arrows. While a tactical tabletop scenario might be a stretch for equal chances of victory by both sides, you can certainly give it a try with the info and photos within this book.
Enjoyed it.
— Reviewed by Russ Lockwood
