Rommel & Caporetto

by Eileen Wilks, John Wilks

This fascinating biographical history reveals how the future German general established his reputation at the WWI Battle of Caporetto. Erwin Rommel was to become the most famous and influential German general of World War Two. But in 1917, no one outside of a small clique in the German Army had heard of him. His ascent to prominence began with his exploits on the Italian Front of World War I. In 1917, the Allied armies launched a series of offensives against the Austro-Hungarian forces along the Isonzo River. The final battle was a catastrophic defeat for the Allies, thanks in part to the infiltration tactics of Lieutenant Rommel. His battalion outflanked the Italian forces and executed a devastating attack from behind enemy lines. Based on official histories and archival documents, as well as Rommel’s own account, Rommel & Caporetto offers new insight into the skills and tactics he would later employ in France and in North Africa.

474 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2001

Reviews

[Rui Valente · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very well researched book about the Battle of Caporetto in 1917 and Rommel's account of it. It can be considered a critical review of Rommel's Infanterie Greift An, which was what I was looking for when I bought it.
The maps, however, tough numerous and not very easy to follow and the Pen and Sword edition ommits the plates completely, tough lazily keeping their references in the text.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very straightforward account of the situation/preparation/battle at Caporetto; the book also describes Rommel’s actions and tactics during the campaign. The narrative is particularly clear in describing the situation prior to Caporetto. Although some of the narrative describing details of particular battle actions are a little tedious, overall the book reads nicely.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptionally thorough. Precisely recounts Lieutenant Rommel's actions in the Caporetto campaign, as it fits in the context of the entire 12th Isonzo battle.