by David Greentree.
Softcover (7.25×9.75 inches). 96 pages. 2026.
Subtitle: The Failure of Germany’s Operation Platinum Fox
WWII in the far north of Finland proved to be a hostile work environment. If the enemy didn’t kill you, the frozen weather could. Never mind that logistics was a feat unto itself.
Yet, the Germans launched an attack that was supposed to capture Murmansk, a full-year open port made famous later in the war for Allied ships that discharged cargo there.
The subtitle provides the bottom line result, but the text within crafts a recap explaining how the German plan lacked a certain finesse and severe losses impacted the advance.
The usual Campaign format covers the opposing forces, plans, and commanders, as well as the drive by the German mountain units against Soviet troops that slowly fell back, even as they launched amphibious spoiling attacks.
One typo: “Far from supplies dumps” (p45) should be “supply dumps.”
The booklet contains 60 black and white photos, six color maps, three color two-page action illustrations, and three color 3D maps.
I’m fond of the Campaign series. Murmansk 1941 adds another sparkling volume to the series.
Enjoyed it.
— Reviewed by Russ Lockwood
