Fortress France

by J.E. Kaufmann, H.W. Kaufmann

Guide to the French defenses encountered by the German blitzkrieg in 1940 Includes finely detailed plans, diagrams, and schematics of forts, blockhouses, turrets, artillery pieces, tanks, and more Between the world wars, France constructed a vast and complex array of defenses designed to prevent German forces from penetrating the French heartland as they had during World War I. Among these was the famous Maginot Line, the last of the great gun-bearing fortifications, but France also built defenses along its coasts and in its territories in North Africa. Fully illustrated with photos, maps, and drawings, Fortress France describes the design and construction of these fortifications, discusses French defensive doctrine and strategy, and explains why these efforts proved unable to stop the German attack in the spring of 1940.

Genres: Military History

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Daniel Ayers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This work contains a plethora of detail and a wealth of pictures, maps & sketches. It describes the rationale behind constructing the line and a great deal about the actual construction. Lots of detail is given concerning the armament of the forts. It covers the actions of the fortress troops during the war. One regret is the lack of discussion of any tactics that were to be employed. I'm glad to have this book. It is a keeper.