Blitzkrieg: From the Ground Up

The German Blitzkrieg successes in 1939-41 were swift and surprising, leading to myths about the war. This book explores the experience of enlisted men and junior officers in the operations in Poland, Norway, Western Europe, and Russia, highlighting the importance of German military traditions and the quality of small combat units.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2021
Publisher: Casemate Publishers

The German Blitzkrieg's astonishing and rapid successes in 1939–41 left Allied decision-makers in awe. Despite having only partial and incomplete information at their disposal, they urgently sought to uncover the secret to Germany's military prowess. However, the false conclusions drawn from this limited information became ingrained as myths about the Blitzkrieg, which have persisted for decades.

It has been suggested that German victories in the early stages of the war were not solely attributed to the development of new tanks and aircraft but rather were rooted in German military traditions. Rather than creating a revolutionary new way of war based on cutting-edge technology, the Germans adapted their new weapons to fit into their existing doctrines of warfare. These doctrines emphasized independent action, initiative, flexibility, decentralized decision-making, and mobility. At the heart of this concept was the conduct of German soldiers, particularly the lower-ranking men, on the battlefield. German victories were largely dependent on the quality and effectiveness of the small combat units.

This book delves into the experiences of enlisted men and junior officers during the Blitzkrieg operations in Poland, Norway, Western Europe, and Russia. Drawing upon previously unpublished accounts in English, military historian Niklas Zetterling provides a detailed account of how these individuals operated. He explores topics such as the leadership of company commanders in tank battles, the coordination within tank crews, and the crucial role of repair services. By contextualizing these narratives within a broader perspective, the author aims to offer the reader a deeper understanding of why the Germans achieved such remarkable success in 1939–41.

Weight: 548g
Dimension: 153 x 229 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781636240558