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The Battle for Germany: September 1944–May 1945
‘a first-rate and highly readable account of the campaign that ended with the surrender of Germany.’ The American Historical Review
Perfect for fans of Stephen E. Ambrose, John C. McManus, and Anthony Beevor.
On 6th September, 1944, Major-General Sir John Kennedy wrote ‘We should be in Berlin by the 28th’.
Yet, it was only after a further eight months of ferocious conflict that Germany surrendered, by which time the political initiative in Eastern Europe had been taken by the Soviet Union.
Why did Nazi Germany hold on for so long when it was clear that it faced insurmountable odds? And what happened during these months, which saw some of the most brutal fighting of the Second World War?
As a commander of an infantry brigade during the campaign and a renowned military history, Major-General Essame provides a uniquely incisive chronicle of the final eight months of World War Two.
The Battle for the Scheldt, the Battle of the Bulge, the crossing of the Rhine, the race for Berlin, all are here examined in fascinating detail, as well as the actions of the principal actors, from Montgomery, Patton and Eisenhower on the Allied side to Hitler raving at his generals in his bunker. Essame discusses how the disunity of Allied Command and Hitler’s megalomania, led to a prolongation of the war, and uncovers what this meant for ordinary soldiers, whether that be American, British, Canadian, or German.
‘This is an excellent account of the last battles of the War and can be strongly recommended to the student of military history’. Times Literary Supplement
Perfect for fans of Stephen E. Ambrose, John C. McManus, and Anthony Beevor.
On 6th September, 1944, Major-General Sir John Kennedy wrote ‘We should be in Berlin by the 28th’.
Yet, it was only after a further eight months of ferocious conflict that Germany surrendered, by which time the political initiative in Eastern Europe had been taken by the Soviet Union.
Why did Nazi Germany hold on for so long when it was clear that it faced insurmountable odds? And what happened during these months, which saw some of the most brutal fighting of the Second World War?
As a commander of an infantry brigade during the campaign and a renowned military history, Major-General Essame provides a uniquely incisive chronicle of the final eight months of World War Two.
The Battle for the Scheldt, the Battle of the Bulge, the crossing of the Rhine, the race for Berlin, all are here examined in fascinating detail, as well as the actions of the principal actors, from Montgomery, Patton and Eisenhower on the Allied side to Hitler raving at his generals in his bunker. Essame discusses how the disunity of Allied Command and Hitler’s megalomania, led to a prolongation of the war, and uncovers what this meant for ordinary soldiers, whether that be American, British, Canadian, or German.
‘This is an excellent account of the last battles of the War and can be strongly recommended to the student of military history’. Times Literary Supplement
257 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 19, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 2, 2025
The author’s British bias shows through. Not surprising as he was in the British Army, and it is reasonable that he should be proud of his service. However, at times he definitively states that the British were superior in the field compared to the Germans or any Allied army, particularly (as this book is about the Western Front) the Americans and the Canadians. He criticizes the Canadian performance in the Schelt, while praising the less significant British part in the battle, which appears to be highly “revisionist” to the actual history as described by many military historians with a less bias outlook. He even comments negatively on Canadian performance at Caen and earlier at D-Day. The Canadians advanced the furthest of ANY ALLIED ARMY ON D-DAY. The Americans had the toughest beach of all on D-Day. And yet, he praises Montgomery who took over a month to get past Caen (the objective had been to capture it the first day). He glowingly lists British successes, when Canadians actually spearheaded the breakout towards Falaise, and he hypocritically criticizes the Americans for their slow breakout from Normandy and Brittany. I could only stomach this for a third of the book, and cast it aside (which is odd for me) at that point, unfinished.
August 24, 2024
To the Finish with the 21st Army Group
An exceptional book, by a blooded battlefield commander with all the writer's gifts. The relatively small size of the book is both a curse and a blessing, leaving the reader hungry for more narrative and insight, while possesing a clear picture of the events described.
A true, splendid tribute to the brave lads, British, Canadian, Polish and all the others, of "the last British Army" and to their remarkable leader.
An exceptional book, by a blooded battlefield commander with all the writer's gifts. The relatively small size of the book is both a curse and a blessing, leaving the reader hungry for more narrative and insight, while possesing a clear picture of the events described.
A true, splendid tribute to the brave lads, British, Canadian, Polish and all the others, of "the last British Army" and to their remarkable leader.
May 28, 2024
Idolizes Montgomery
Montgomery alienated his allies and was thus isolated. The author ignores American supplies, donations (never repaid) and the fact that the U.S. was also fighting the Pacific war almost alone. This book is biased, narrow in focus, and lauds Montgomery while ignoring his many failures.
Montgomery alienated his allies and was thus isolated. The author ignores American supplies, donations (never repaid) and the fact that the U.S. was also fighting the Pacific war almost alone. This book is biased, narrow in focus, and lauds Montgomery while ignoring his many failures.
July 17, 2024
A very interesting book written by someone who was there!
Written by a British general who took part in the Germany
Campaign, this book covers the final part of the war from a British perspective. Very Interesting.
Written by a British general who took part in the Germany
Campaign, this book covers the final part of the war from a British perspective. Very Interesting.
August 3, 2024
Instructive history
This book, written in the 1960s, deals with the last period of WW2 and the part played by British and Canadian troops. It is interesting but can be a bit of a rant at times.
This book, written in the 1960s, deals with the last period of WW2 and the part played by British and Canadian troops. It is interesting but can be a bit of a rant at times.
September 13, 2025
Detailed description of the battles and Allied Advance
Very detailed account of the journey and battles from Not!andy to Berlin by a military man. Fair judgement and praise for all who were involved. Good read for those of a military mind.
Very detailed account of the journey and battles from Not!andy to Berlin by a military man. Fair judgement and praise for all who were involved. Good read for those of a military mind.
September 20, 2024
The Battle for Germany. A British perspective. Readable and fact filled.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews