German Assault Troops of World War 1

[David Filsell]

Some of you may have read Thomas Wictor recent thread about the problems which he has faced since the publication of this book. I contacted him and said if he wished to send me a copy I would review it (honestly) for the Forum, Stand To! and Amazon. I'm very glad he agreed. It really is a fascinating piece and extremely well produced of work

Published in 2012, German Assault Troops of World War is far from the only book on Germany Great War assault troops published, but it is certainly the most impressive which I have read. The book’s production quality – large format, coated paper, high definition picture reproduction - is peerless. It is magnificently illustrated, offering at least one reproduction - and frequently two or three rare German photographs (officers, men, equipment and troops in action) on each text page.

Author Thomas Wictor - who has also written two works on German flame troops in the Great War - deploys a highly impressive grasp of his complicated subject, of source material and understanding. As he (perhaps too courteously) notes:

“Several outstanding books have been produced on the history of German

Assault troops of World War 1. This work is more a study of the organisation, tactics weapons, orders of battle and uniforms of assault units”.

Anorak heaven then? No. Far more. This is a study of the topics written and presented with clarity which, quite apart from all else, shows the massive ‘length and breadth’ of German assault troops role and numbers in the German army. The fearsome German ‘Storm troops’, as they have been generically branded, have been judged a force which, while epitomising the abilities of such specialist troops, created an army of expensive and specialist over confidence and left a supporting rump of an army capable of only of defensive duties and lacking overall competence.

Whilst the author stays clear of such arguments, he explains the training, development and role of the various assault specialists and the doctrines under which they operated - underlining they were not merely the booted, putteed leather knee patched infantrymen armed with camouflaged helmets and sharpened trench spaded Western Front soldiers of common belief. Not least they included artillerists, machine gun companies and grenade launchers and integrated flame thrower units. They served in mountains, on the Eastern Front, in Italy and the Balkans. Whilst ‘war writing’ is limited the author explains the role of assault troops in actions at Verdun, the Somme, at Caporetto – inevitably staring one Erwin Rommel, at Cambrai and in the German Spring Offensives.- in antitank and defensive actions.

Reviewers take their lives in their hands when they describe books as ground braking. Someone always claims to know better. Nevertheless, Thomas Wicker’s work of the German Assault Troops broke much new ground, informed me massively and impressed me mightily for its research, production and presentation. I highly recommend it to those with a sincere interest in the Germany Armies of 1914 18.

[trenchtrotter]

I totally agree. I was so impressed I had to tell my brother immediately it arrived and he ordered a copy too. This really has everything to commend it and at £55 it is worth every penny. If you have an interest in the Imperial German soldier, his uniform, equipment and tactics it's a must.

A big salute to Thomas.

TT

[Ken S.]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the author has no understanding of German, so what sources does he use and how are you certain that "his" interpretations are accurate. There have been several discussions on this forum in which he demonstrated a lack of full understanding of several basic terms. Needless to say, this has left me a bit skeptical about the reliability of the information that is being presented in this and the other books. On the other hand, going to great lengths to collect this images and make them available to the average WWI buff certainly is commendable.

deploys a highly impressive grasp of his complicated subject, of source material and understanding.

[David Filsell]

All I can reply is that German sources are quoted and translations of training and doctrine documents, orbats, and etc pepper the book

and that complexities are clearly explained.I have no knowledge of his own German, but some one involved certainly has a sound grasp of Gman. Perhaps, like me he uses a translator when he needs to. I stick to my judgement - but I have been wrong before (who has not).