by George Forty and Simon Forty
Hardback (8.2×10.3 inches). 256 pages. 2026, revised reprint of 1978 book.
Subtitle: Casemate Illustrated Special
If you’re going to recycle something from almost 50 years ago, this is an excellent way to do so. While I don’t think I ever read the original, I am impressed with the revised reprint, which consolidated multiple volumes into one, added new material, and was edited overall for a smooth read.
Besides a recap of desert operations, this offers a informative overview of the AfrikaKorps’ TO&E, uniforms, equipment, vehicles, and tactics. Kudos for the charts (p53-54 and p69) showing weapon ranges and lethality for the various tanks and AT guns. More kudos for minefield layouts (p77-78)
Rommel and his supporting officers and men receive special attention for their drive and perseverance in primitive conditions. And let’s not forget a very favorable opinion of the “chivalry” (if you can call it that) between opposing sides.
A multitude of German soldier and officer excerpts populate the text, with some that go on for multiple pages. I’m more a fan of using excerpts strategically and sparingly. That they contain info is no doubt, but many over-explain the desert is hot, dry, dusty, and camouflage is a must. I will admit that I was surprised by the number of times rain is mentioned — my guess is that rain surprised the landsers, too.
As for some interesting info: An 88mm AT gun can be set up in two and a half minutes (p72) and I often read mentions of the song Lilli Marlene (or Marleen to the Germans), but the text (p136-143) was absolutely superb in explaining the song origins and what the lyrics meant to the troops.
It wouldn’t be a Casemate Illustrated Special without the extraordinary selection of imagery: 325 black and white photos, 29 color photos, 10 black and white illustrations, 25 color illustrations, four black and white maps, and 27 color maps.
Well done.
Enjoyed it.
— Reviewed by Russ Lockwood
