The Ebro 1938: Death Knell of the Republic

Osprey Campaign #60

by Chris Henry, Adam Hook (Illustrator)

Osprey's examination of the last major Republican offensive of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). The Battle of the Ebro was a vitally important episode in the Spanish conflict and, although ultimately a Republican defeat it proved a severe setback for the Nationalist forces under General Francesco Franco Bahamonde. According to many historians it extended the war for an extra year. Ultimately however it was probably the death knell of the Republic; their armies lost vast amounts of men and materials and they were left incapable of defending their remaining territory effectively. The consequences for Europe were immense.

Genres: History, Military History, Spanish Civil War, Nonfiction, Spain, Spanish History

96 pages, Paperback

First published March 26, 1999

Reviews

[Erik · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is almost not fair to do a review for any Osprey book; they are so cookie cutter perfect and polished that there is honestly little I could criticize. The Campaign Series book on the Ebro battles during the Spanish Civil War is outstanding, and Henry really does a fine job connecting this failure of Republican forces to the overall outcome of the conflict.

The plates and pictures are very nice, and include many rarely seen images of some unusual equipment and troops. The details are well written and accurate, providing a concise yet satisfying read on the topic. I expect my copy will see a great deal of future usage.

[Shane Kiely · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overview of the battle though I think the scale’s involved & the breadth of the campaign doesn’t quite lend itself to the shorter format. Does provide good background as to the situation in the war at the time & the strategic reasons for this battle. There’s some presentation stuff I didn’t like, the chronology of the 3D battle maps is a awkward to follow & with them being such centerpieces of previous campaign titles it’s a little disappointing. Relatively minor quibble aside possibly the best (as of 1999, only) detailed English language account of these events.

[Станислав · Rating 3 out of 5]

чтоб землю Гренады Франциско отдать
Мало чего знаю про испанскую гражданскую, кроме мифов. Причём основной объём мифов сложен левыми писателями - сторонниками Республиканцев. Про Франко мало хорошего рассказывают. Эта книга, вместе статьёй Википедии, несколько рассеивают мой туман. Оказалось, что ключевое сражение войны Франко играл от обороны и многое решила политическая составляющая переговоров заинтересованных сторон конфликта. План республиканцев по прорыву на Эбро был лихо построен.

[Al Berry · Rating 3 out of 5]

An okay Osprey Title, art is decent, maps aren’t quite that good and coverage on the actual battle after the Republican River crossing is subpar.