Random House New Releases - History - Germany - Between June 19, 2012 and July 19, 2013.

The Fuhrer's Headquarters by Adam Hook

2013-05-21T00:30:00-05:00

The Fuhrer's Headquarters Hitler's command bunkers 1939-45
Written by Neil Short
Illustrated by Adam Hook

eBook, 64 pages | Osprey Publishing | History - Military - World War II; History - Modern - 20th Century; History - Germany | $13.95 | May 21, 2013 | 978-1-4728-0388-7 (1-4728-0388-4)

The 100th title in the Fortress series, this book describes and examines the Führerhauptquartiere - the 14 or so headquarters built for Hitler. Revealing their locations and how they were used to direct the Nazi war apparatus, this is a fascinating insight into a range of historical sites from Berghof to the Wolf's Lair.

With a map showing the locations of all of Hitler's bunkers and fortifications on the eastern and western fronts and illustrated with photographs and specially commissioned artwork, this book is an essential introduction to Hitler's command structures and recreates numerous bunkers and buildings which were destroyed by Allied bombing raids or by fleeing German troops.

Kill Hitler - Operation Valkyrie 1944 by Peter Dennis

2013-05-21T00:30:00-05:00

Kill Hitler - Operation Valkyrie 1944
Written by Neil Short
Illustrated by Peter Dennis

eBook, 80 pages | Osprey Publishing | History - Military - World War II; History - Germany; History - Military - Other | $9.95 | May 21, 2013 | 978-1-78096-260-3 (1-78096-260-6)

At the end of 1943 the SS and the Gestapo arrested several prominent Germans involved in plotting to overthrow Adolf Hitler, including Dietrich Bonhoffer, Klaus Bonhoffer, Josef Muller and Hans Dohnanyi. Others under suspicion, such as Wilhelm Canaris and Hans Oster, were dismissed from office in January 1944. Major Claus von Stauffenberg emerged as a leader of the group of German Army officers opposed to Nazi rule, and began to plan for the assassination of Adolf Hitler, Hermann Goering and Heinrich Himmler, and for a takeover by the Army. Once these three prominent Nazis had been killed, the plan called for troops in Berlin and other major German-controlled areas, commanded by his co-conspirators, to seize key government buildings, telephone and signal centres and radio stations. At least six attempts were aborted before von Stauffenberg decided on trying again during a conference attended by Hitler on 20 July 1944. It was decided to abandon the plans to kill Goering and Himmler at the same time, and to focus solely on removing the Führer. Von Stauffenberg carried the bomb in a briefcase and placed it on the floor beside Hitler before excusing himself to make a phone call. The bomb exploded killing four men in the hut. Hitler was injured but survived the bomb blast. The plan that called for Ludwig Beck, Erwin von Witzleben and Erich Fromm to take control of the German Army and declare martial law was abandoned when it became known that Hitler had survived the assassination attempt. In an attempt to protect himself, Fromm organized the execution of Claus von Stauffenberg and two other conspirators, Friedrich Olbricht and Werner von Haeften, in the courtyard of the War Ministry. It was later reported that von Stauffenberg died shouting "Long live free Germany". As a result of the 20 July Plot, the new chief of staff, Heinz Guderian, demanded the resignation of any officer who did not fully support the ideals of the Nazi Party and presided over the Army Court of Honour that expelled hundreds of officers suspected of being opposed to the policies of Adolf Hitler. This removed them from military jurisdiction and left them to be sentenced by Roland Freisler and his fanatically pro-Nazi People's Court. Over the next few months most of the group including Wilhelm Canaris, Carl Goerdeler, Julius Leber, Ulrich Hassell, Hans Oster, Peter von Wartenburg, Henning von Tresckow, Ludwig Beck, Erwin von Witzleben and Erich Fromm were either executed or committed suicide. It is estimated that nearly 5,000 Germans were executed as a result of the events of the July Plot. Hitler ordered that the leaders should have a slow death. They were hung from meathooks with piano wire, and their executions were filmed and later shown to senior members of both the NSDAP and the armed forces.

Kill Hitler - Operation Valkyrie 1944 by Peter Dennis

2013-05-21T00:30:00-05:00

Kill Hitler - Operation Valkyrie 1944
Written by Neil Short
Illustrated by Peter Dennis

Trade Paperback, 80 pages | Osprey Publishing | History - Military - World War II; History - Germany; History - Military | $18.95 | May 21, 2013 | 978-1-78096-258-0 (1-78096-258-4)

V-2 Ballistic Missile 1942-52 by Robert Calow

2013-04-23T00:30:00-05:00

V-2 Ballistic Missile 1942-52
Written by Steven Zaloga
Illustrated by Robert Calow

The German A-4 ballistic missile, better known by its propaganda name of V-2, was the world's first successful ballistic missile, breaking through the atmosphere to reach its target quicker. It was a forerunner of Cold War ballistic missiles and its combat use in 1944-45 set the pattern for the use of Scud ballistic missiles in recent decades. The V-2 offensive lasted from September 1944 until March 1945 with over 3,000 rockets being launched. This book examines the combat record of the V-2 in World War II, with a special focus on how a German missile battalion actually prepared and fired its missiles.

Afrikakorps Soldier 1941-43 by Raffaele Ruggeri

2013-03-19T00:30:00-05:00

Afrikakorps Soldier 1941-43
Written by Pier Battistelli
Illustrated by Raffaele Ruggeri

This book explores the experiences of the German Afrika Korps soldier during the North Africa campaign of World War II (1939-1945), from the Korps' arrival in the North African theater in February 1941 to its eventual surrender in Tunisia in May 1943, with a particular focus on the intense period of warfare in the Western Desert between 1941 and 1942. Under the leadership of one of the war's most famous commanders, Erwin Rommel, the Afrika Korps grew to include a broad range of armor, infantry, artillery, anti-tank, engineer, communication, supply, medical and service elements. The soldiers of the Afrika Korps considered themselves as part of an elite, a highly select group that had no equal, not only in the German Army, but in the rest of the world.

The Fall of Eben Emael - Belgium 1940 by Peter Dennis

2013-03-19T00:30:00-05:00

The Fall of Eben Emael - Belgium 1940
Written by Chris McNab
Illustrated by Peter Dennis

In early May 1940, the fortress of Eben Emael was a potent sentinel over the Belgian–Dutch borderlands. The fortress covered 75 hectares on the surface, had 5km of tunnels underground and was studded with bunkers, gun turrets and casemates. Add a garrison of 1,200 men and the natural protection of 60m-high canal walls, and Eben Emael gave the impression of near-impregnability. Yet on 10 May just 78 elite airborne soldiers managed to defeat this fortress in an operation of unprecedented tactical skill. Deployed by glider onto the very top of the fortifications, they utilized elite training, fast movement and specialist explosives to destroy many of the gun positions and trap much of the garrison within the fortress. Simultaneously, three other assault detachments conducted high-risk glider operations to capture critical bridges over the Albert Canal. By the end of 11 May, following the arrival of German infantry reinforcements, Eben Emael was in German hands. This Eben Emael RAID title tells the complete, fascinating story of this unique action.

Frederick the Great's Allies 1756-63 by Gerry Embleton

2013-03-19T00:30:00-05:00

Frederick the Great's Allies 1756-63
Written by Stuart Reid
Illustrated by Gerry Embleton

The Seven Years’ War in Germany was characterised by an increasing use of ‘light’ troops in conjunction with regular infantry and cavalry as part of an ongoing evolution in military tactics. This book draws attention to these tactical developments and also provides an analysis of the allied army that fought alongside Frederick the Great in Germany. Composed of troops from the electorate of Hanover and contingents from Hessen-Kassel, Brunswick and Prussia, this force was funded by Britain and led by a Prussian officer, Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick. Later, British troops joined this army as it operated throughout western Germany, and together the allied army won a great victory at the famous battle of Minden in 1759.

German Airborne Divisions by Bruce Quarrie

2013-03-19T00:30:00-05:00

German Airborne Divisions Blitzkrieg 1940-41
Written by Bruce Quarrie

The German Army of World War II was the first to fully realise the benefits of using airborne troops alongside armoured formations. German Airborne Divisions became an integral part of the blitzkrieg operations that overran much of Western Europe during 1940 and 1941, from the historic raid on the Belgian fortress of Eben-Emael to the pyrrhic victory over British and Commonwealth forces on the island of Crete. This title looks at the creation, evolution, and early operational deployment of the German airborne forces (‘Fallschirmtruppe’), through highly detailed orders of battle, TOEs and examinations of crucial aspects such as doctrine, training, command and control, and the concept of vertical envelopment.

German Panzers 1914-18 by Brian Delf

2013-03-19T00:30:00-05:00

German Panzers 1914-18
Written by Steven Zaloga
Illustrated by Brian Delf

Panzer warfare is synonymous with the Wehrmacht of World War II. This book examines the story of the Panzer’s more mysterious ancestors, the little-known panzers of the Great War. Germany was very slow to develop armored vehicles compared to Britain and France. Efforts to catch-up proved difficult, and only a few dozen German A7V tanks were completed in time to take part in the final campaigns of 1918. As a result, the majority of German panzer units actually used captured British tanks, the Beutepanzer. This book will trace the development of German panzers of the World War One, including the A7V and its intended but unfinished stablemates.

The King#s German Legion by Michael Roffe

2013-03-19T00:30:00-05:00

The King#s German Legion
Written by Otto Pivka
Illustrated by Michael Roffe

The King's German Legion was the largest and most respected of the foreign corps which fought as integrated elements of the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars. The light and heavy cavalry, light and line infantry, and horse and foot artillery of the KGL made major contributions to Wellington's victories during the Peninsular War, and several units covered themselves with glory at Waterloo. This book offers a comprehensive overview of the KGL from its origins to its disbandment, including its uniforms, weapons, flags and standards. Meticulous illustrations offer unprecedented details of this impressive fighting force.

Gold and Iron by Fritz Stern

2013-03-06T00:30:00-05:00

Gold and Iron
Written by Fritz Stern

Winner of the Lionel Trilling Award
Nominated for the National Book Award
“A major contribution to our understanding of some of the great themes of modern European history—the relations between Jews and Germans, between economics and politics, between banking and diplomacy.” —James Joll, The New York Times Book Review
“I cannot praise this book too highly. It is a work of original scholarship, both exact and profound. It restores a buried chapter of history and penetrates, with insight and understanding, one of the most disturbing historical problems of modern times.” —Hugh J. Trevor-Roper, London Sunday Times
“[An] extraordinary book, an invaluable contribution to our understanding of Germany in the second half of the nineteenth century.” —Stanley Hoffman, Washington Post Book World
“One of the most important historical works of the past few decades.” —Golo Mann
“In many ways this book resembles the great nineteenth-century novels.” —The Economist

The Fall of Eben Emael - Belgium 1940 by Peter Dennis

2013-02-19T00:30:00-05:00

The Fall of Eben Emael - Belgium 1940
Written by Chris McNab
Illustrated by Peter Dennis

In early May 1940, the fortress of Eben Emael was a potent sentinel over the Belgian-Dutch borderlands. A ferro-concrete monster built in the 1930s on the Albert Canal, the fortress covered 75 hectares on the surface, had 5km of tunnels underground and was studded with bunkers, gun turrets and casemates. Add a garrison of 1,200 men and the natural protection of 60m-high canal walls, and Eben Emael gave the impression of near-impregnability.

Yet on 10 May, in the very first hours of Hitler's campaign in Western Europe, just 78 elite airborne soldiers managed to defeat this fortress in an operation of unprecedented tactical skill. Deployed by glider onto the very top of the fortifications, they utilized elite training, fast movement and specialist explosives to destroy many of the gun positions and trap much of the garrison within the fortress. Simultaneously, three other assault detachments conducted high-risk glider operations to capture critical bridges over the Albert Canal. By the end of 11 May, following the arrival of German infantry reinforcements, Eben Emael was in German hands.

This Eben Emael RAID title tells the complete, fascinating story of this unique action. It sets the raid fully in context, explaining the development, training, skills and weaponry of Hitler's new Fallschirmjäger arm. It also describes in detail the physical structure and tactical challenges of the Eben Emael fortress, and gives a blow-by-blow account of how the operation unfolded from the first moment the German gliders lifted into the air until the last Belgian defender surrendered.

The text, including first-hand accounts of the battle, is brought to life by colour artworks, which provide clear graphic illustration of the battle site and dramatic depictions of key moments in the battle. Some 50 photographs include both powerful archive images and photographs from around the site today. All elements combined, this title forms an authoritative guide to this landmark airborne raid.

The German Fortress of Metz 1870-1944 by Brian Delf

2013-02-19T00:30:00-05:00

The German Fortress of Metz 1870-1944
Written by Clayton Donnell
Illustrated by Brian Delf

Following the defeat of France in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71 and the absorption of the provinces of Alsace and Lorraine into the newly formed German Empire, the German Army decided to construct a fortress line from Strasbourg to Luxembourg to protect their new territory and counter the great fortress system that was being built from Switzerland to Belgium, the centerpiece of which was the great Moselstellung (Moselle Position) of Metz/Thionville.

The fortress consisted of concrete batteries that fired 10 and 15cm guns from steel turrets, concrete barracks, infantry strong points with ditches defended by casemates, and concrete trenches with shelters and steel observation cupolas. The entire position was surrounded by a wide belt of barbed wire entanglements that were defended by machine gun and rifle positions, and hidden from the view of the attacker. Illustrated with photographs and full color cutaway artwork, this book examines the design and development of the fortress and analyzes its use in combat, focusing particularly on the part it played in holding up General Patton's Third Army's advance across France in 1944

Albatros D.I-D.II by James Miller

2013-01-22T00:30:00-05:00

Albatros D.I-D.II
Written by James Miller
Illustrated by James Miller

In 1916 German aerial domination had been lost to the French and British fighters. German fighter pilots requested an aircraft that was more powerful and more heavily armed, and the Albatros design bureau set to work on what was to become an iconic aircraft design. By April 1916, they had developed the Albatros D.I, that featured the usual Albatros semi-monocoque wooden construction with a 160hp Mercedes engine and two forward-firing machine guns. Alongside the development of the D.I, Albatros had also designed and built a second machine that was similar to the D.I – the Albatros D.II. Although there were several external differences between the two aircraft, it is important to note that these machines evolved simultaneously and that the D.II was not the result of post-combat feedback from D.I pilots. With the inclusion of these aircraft into their reorganized air force, Germany was able to regain control of the skies by autumn 1916. Along with the later designs they inspired, the Albatros D.I and D.II were instrumental in allowing the Germans to prosecute their domination through ‘Bloody April’ and well into the summer months that followed.

Albatros D.I-D.II by James Miller

2013-01-22T00:30:00-05:00

Albatros D.I-D.II
Written by James Miller
Illustrated by James Miller

Luftwaffe Field Divisions 1941-45 by Ronald Volstad

2012-12-18T00:30:00-05:00

Luftwaffe Field Divisions 1941-45
Written by Kevin Ruffner
Illustrated by Ronald Volstad

Hermann Göring raised the Luftwaffe Field Divisions [LwFD] during 1942, when Nazi Germany was still making spectacular gains but was first feeling the pinch of its losses on the Eastern Front. The Reichsmarschall decided to raise his own divisions for ground service under the command of Luftwaffe officers. On 17 September 1942, Göring called for volunteers from throughout the Luftwaffe for combat duty in the East. Even before that date, however, some Luftwaffe troops were heavily engaged against the enemy in Russia in a ground role. Kevin Conley Ruffner's engaging text tells the fascinating story of the LwFD during World War II.

Leopard 2 Main Battle Tank 1979-98 by Mike Badrocke

2012-11-20T00:30:00-05:00

Leopard 2 Main Battle Tank 1979-98
Written by Michael Jerchel
Illustrated by Mike Badrocke

In 1963 West Germany and the United States signed an agreement to develop the best tank in the world - the MBT/KPz-70. Though by 1970 this project was stopped, West Germany used the components created for the MBT/KPz-70 to develop a new main battle tank - the Leopard 2. Since 1979, when the first Leopard 2 rolled off the production line, the Leopard 2 has undergone various modifications, and has been exported to various European countries. Enhanced by Osprey's signature colour plates and cutaway artwork, this book examines the development of the Leopard 2 from the first batch to its evolution into the improved Leopard 2 A5, detailing its features and variants.

Leopard 1 Main Battle Tank 1965-95 by Peter Sarson

2012-11-20T00:30:00-05:00

Leopard 1 Main Battle Tank 1965-95
Written by Michael Jerchel
Illustrated by Peter Sarson

Development of the Leopard 1 can be traced back to November 1956, when the operational requirement for a new battle tank was formulated by the Federal German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr). Originally a Franco-German project, the tank under design was named the 'Standard-Panzer'. The French later dropped out, however, and on 1 October 1963 the 'Standard' tank was officially named 'Leopard', an appropriate choice considering Germany's wartime pedigree with the formidable Tiger and Panther. This book traces the development and service record of the Leopard 1, detailing its control systems, modifications and variants.

The Berlin Wall and the Intra-German Border 1961-89 by Chris Taylor

2012-10-23T00:30:00-05:00

The Berlin Wall and the Intra-German Border 1961-89
Written by Gordon Rottman
Illustrated by Chris Taylor

The border between East and West Germany was closed on 26 May 1953. On 13 August 1961 crude fences and walls were erected around West Berlin: the Berlin Wall had been created. The Wall encircled West Berlin for a distance of 155km, and its barriers and surveillance systems evolved over the years into an advanced obstacle network. The Intra-German Border ran from the Baltic Sea to the Czechoslovak border for 1,381km, and was where NATO forces faced the Warsaw Pact for the 45 years of the Cold War. This book examines the international situation that led to the establishment of the Berlin Wall and the IGB, and discusses how these barrier systems were operated, and finally fell.

German Infantryman (3) Eastern Front 1943-45 by Elizabeth Sharp

2012-10-23T00:30:00-05:00

German Infantryman (3) Eastern Front 1943-45
Written by David Westwood
Illustrated by Elizabeth Sharp

This third volume of a successful mini-series examines the German Infantryman in the latter part of World War II. Despite being constantly in retreat, often short of equipment, sometimes hungry, cold and wet, and the overwhelming numbers of Soviet troops and armour facing him, the German Infantryman’s resistance was always fierce, and although constantly moving back towards Germany, his defensive withdrawals cost the Russians dearly. During this period defensive tactics involved close artillery and tank cooperation, even at small unit level. Containing previously unpublished photographs and poignant first hand accounts, this book explores in superb detail daily life, duties and combat action.

Random House New Releases - History - Germany - Between June 19, 2012 and July 19, 2013.

The Fuhrer's Headquarters by Adam Hook

The Fuhrer's Headquarters Hitler's command bunkers 1939-45Written by Neil Short Illustrated by Adam Hook

Kill Hitler - Operation Valkyrie 1944 by Peter Dennis

Kill Hitler - Operation Valkyrie 1944 Written by Neil Short Illustrated by Peter Dennis

Kill Hitler - Operation Valkyrie 1944 by Peter Dennis

Kill Hitler - Operation Valkyrie 1944 Written by Neil Short Illustrated by Peter Dennis

V-2 Ballistic Missile 1942-52 by Robert Calow

V-2 Ballistic Missile 1942-52 Written by Steven Zaloga Illustrated by Robert Calow

Afrikakorps Soldier 1941-43 by Raffaele Ruggeri

Afrikakorps Soldier 1941-43 Written by Pier Battistelli Illustrated by Raffaele Ruggeri

The Fall of Eben Emael - Belgium 1940 by Peter Dennis

The Fall of Eben Emael - Belgium 1940 Written by Chris McNab Illustrated by Peter Dennis

Frederick the Great's Allies 1756-63 by Gerry Embleton

Frederick the Great's Allies 1756-63 Written by Stuart Reid Illustrated by Gerry Embleton

German Airborne Divisions by Bruce Quarrie

German Airborne Divisions Blitzkrieg 1940-41Written by Bruce Quarrie

German Panzers 1914-18 by Brian Delf

German Panzers 1914-18 Written by Steven Zaloga Illustrated by Brian Delf

The King#s German Legion by Michael Roffe

The King#s German Legion Written by Otto Pivka Illustrated by Michael Roffe

Gold and Iron by Fritz Stern

Gold and Iron Written by Fritz Stern

The Fall of Eben Emael - Belgium 1940 by Peter Dennis

The Fall of Eben Emael - Belgium 1940 Written by Chris McNab Illustrated by Peter Dennis

The German Fortress of Metz 1870-1944 by Brian Delf

The German Fortress of Metz 1870-1944 Written by Clayton Donnell Illustrated by Brian Delf

Albatros D.I-D.II by James Miller

Albatros D.I-D.II Written by James Miller Illustrated by James Miller

Albatros D.I-D.II by James Miller

Albatros D.I-D.II Written by James Miller Illustrated by James Miller

Luftwaffe Field Divisions 1941-45 by Ronald Volstad

Luftwaffe Field Divisions 1941-45 Written by Kevin Ruffner Illustrated by Ronald Volstad

Leopard 2 Main Battle Tank 1979-98 by Mike Badrocke

Leopard 2 Main Battle Tank 1979-98 Written by Michael Jerchel Illustrated by Mike Badrocke

Leopard 1 Main Battle Tank 1965-95 by Peter Sarson

Leopard 1 Main Battle Tank 1965-95 Written by Michael Jerchel Illustrated by Peter Sarson

The Berlin Wall and the Intra-German Border 1961-89 by Chris Taylor

The Berlin Wall and the Intra-German Border 1961-89 Written by Gordon Rottman Illustrated by Chris Taylor

German Infantryman (3) Eastern Front 1943-45 by Elizabeth Sharp

German Infantryman (3) Eastern Front 1943-45 Written by David Westwood Illustrated by Elizabeth Sharp

The Fuhrer's Headquarters Hitler's command bunkers 1939-45
Written by Neil Short
Illustrated by Adam Hook

Kill Hitler - Operation Valkyrie 1944
Written by Neil Short
Illustrated by Peter Dennis

Kill Hitler - Operation Valkyrie 1944
Written by Neil Short
Illustrated by Peter Dennis

V-2 Ballistic Missile 1942-52
Written by Steven Zaloga
Illustrated by Robert Calow

Afrikakorps Soldier 1941-43
Written by Pier Battistelli
Illustrated by Raffaele Ruggeri

The Fall of Eben Emael - Belgium 1940
Written by Chris McNab
Illustrated by Peter Dennis

Frederick the Great's Allies 1756-63
Written by Stuart Reid
Illustrated by Gerry Embleton

German Airborne Divisions Blitzkrieg 1940-41
Written by Bruce Quarrie

German Panzers 1914-18
Written by Steven Zaloga
Illustrated by Brian Delf

The King#s German Legion
Written by Otto Pivka
Illustrated by Michael Roffe

Gold and Iron
Written by Fritz Stern

The Fall of Eben Emael - Belgium 1940
Written by Chris McNab
Illustrated by Peter Dennis

The German Fortress of Metz 1870-1944
Written by Clayton Donnell
Illustrated by Brian Delf

Albatros D.I-D.II
Written by James Miller
Illustrated by James Miller

Albatros D.I-D.II
Written by James Miller
Illustrated by James Miller

Luftwaffe Field Divisions 1941-45
Written by Kevin Ruffner
Illustrated by Ronald Volstad

Leopard 2 Main Battle Tank 1979-98
Written by Michael Jerchel
Illustrated by Mike Badrocke

Leopard 1 Main Battle Tank 1965-95
Written by Michael Jerchel
Illustrated by Peter Sarson

The Berlin Wall and the Intra-German Border 1961-89
Written by Gordon Rottman
Illustrated by Chris Taylor

German Infantryman (3) Eastern Front 1943-45
Written by David Westwood
Illustrated by Elizabeth Sharp