Robert Dunlop Posted 25 April , 2008 Share Posted 25 April , 2008 (ISBN: 9781844156368) This book has been released as part of the Campaigns Chronicle Series, published by Pen and Sword. The series covers a variety of battles, not just WW1. This book provides an overview of some of the German offensives launched by Ludendorff in 1918. It would be more accurately titled "The German Offensives from the British Perspective". Passingham has covered Operations Michael, Mars, Gneisenau, Georgette, and Bluecher. He gives highlights of these battles, associated with anecdotes from individuals who were involved. The latter are mostly British but there are some quotes from German soldiers, commanders, and private citizens. There is mention of Operations Archangels and Marnesturm, but few details are provided by comparison to the other operations. With respect to those operations that are described, the information provides a concise summary of the sequence and main outcomes. If you want a review at this level, then this book is useful. As mentioned above, however, the review should not be considered a comprehensive review of all German offensives. Those actions that did not involve British forces are scarecly covered. There are some minor errors of fact, but nothing too serious. Some quotes are misattributed. Two photographs purport to show different aspects of open warfare but are different views of the same original. Two issues were troublesome to me. First, Passingham's interpretations about Ludendorff and the way he planned/executed the German offensives are deeply flawed IMHO. Passingham's analyses are far too superficial and trite. I would recommend reading these with great caution. The same advice applies to his other interpretations too, such as the mindset of all German soldiers, etc. These partly reflect the type of book/series, which lends itself more to comments without discussion and generalisations. This is not a style that I enjoy. The second thing relates to Passingham's comments about some French units. He is quite derisory, which is inexcusable IMHO. By all means ascribe such comments to their English authors, but it is no longer acceptable to reproduce such interpretations unless they are accompanied by a thorough analysis of the associated primary sources in French. This book is best suited to readers who have little or no understanding of the British perspective on the German offensives in 1918, provided that Passingham's interpretations are taken with a significant pinch of salt. Robert Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dfaulder Posted 25 April , 2008 Share Posted 25 April , 2008 >><< It would be more accurately titled "The German Offensives from the British Perspective". Passingham has covered Operations Michael, Mars, Gneisenau, Georgette, and Bluecher. >><< the information provides a concise summary of the sequence and main outcomes. If you want a review at this level, then this book is useful. As mentioned above, however, the review should not be considered a comprehensive review of all German offensives. Those actions that did not involve British forces are scarecly covered. >><< Passingham's analyses are far too superficial and trite. I would recommend reading these with great caution. >><<The second thing relates to Passingham's comments about some French units. He is quite derisory, >><< Robert, Can you recommend a good overview of the Western Front March-April 1918 (Particularly Mount Kemmel and the immediate aftermath)? David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert Dunlop Posted 27 April , 2008 Author Share Posted 27 April , 2008 David, the relevant volume of the British Official History would be my first recommentation. There were several volumes covering the period of the German offensives. Unfortunately, I don't have access to mine as I am travelling at present. Martin Kitchen's "German Offensives of 1918" (ISBN: 0752435272) is worth getting. Cheaper copies are available second-hand. His book has much less information about the actual fighting. Doughty's book 'Pyrrhic Victory: French Strategy and Operations in the Great War' (ISBN: 067401880X) will give you the best overview of the German offensives from the French perspective. I cannot recall how much detail was present on the French defence of Mont Kemmel. Robert Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stanley_C_Jenkins Posted 27 May , 2008 Share Posted 27 May , 2008 I have come across references to General Ludenforff's battle plans for the main attack in March 1918 as "Michael", "George", "St Michael" and "St George". Which is correct? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
truthergw Posted 27 May , 2008 Share Posted 27 May , 2008 I have come across references to General Ludenforff's battle plans for the main attack in March 1918 as "Michael", "George", "St Michael" and "St George". Which is correct? According to John Lee in " The Warlords". Operation George and Operation Michael. Of course, the original would have been in German. Georg and Michel perhaps? There was also a George II and a Mars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stanley_C_Jenkins Posted 27 May , 2008 Share Posted 27 May , 2008 The author who has referred to them as "saints" was Barrie Pitt - wasn't he the Editor of the BBC television series The Great War? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steven Broomfield Posted 27 May , 2008 Share Posted 27 May , 2008 I always understood that the nnames of saints were used, but without the prefix. After all, wouldnt' Marks & Spence complain? Must be copyright. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanA Posted 27 May , 2008 Share Posted 27 May , 2008 I have come across references to General Ludenforff's battle plans for the main attack in March 1918 as "Michael", "George", "St Michael" and "St George". Which is correct? Michael - 21st March. Georgette - 9th April (apparently the battle was to have been 'George' but the Germans changed it) I'm sure there were other smaller operations as well. No saints. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanA Posted 27 May , 2008 Share Posted 27 May , 2008 90 years ago today (27/5/1918) the Germans launched a further attack named 'Operation Blucher-Yorck'. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Hederer Posted 27 May , 2008 Share Posted 27 May , 2008 in order: Michael, Georgette, Blücher-Yorck, Gneisenau. Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Tom Posted 29 May , 2008 Share Posted 29 May , 2008 Hello, I have just borrowed a copy of General Ludendorf's 'My War Memories 1914-1918' the campaigns are in Vol2 which I have not read yet, but flicking the pages he seems to refer to places and dates not names. Old Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mechanic Posted 16 March , 2009 Share Posted 16 March , 2009 The internet Archive has some useful digitised books, the german offensives are detailed in Volume 4 of John Buchan's books. (Volumes 1-3) are also there. Volume 4 Regards Jason Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul guthrie Posted 17 March , 2009 Share Posted 17 March , 2009 This book is weak, quite a dissapointment after Pillars of Fire which is good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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