By late 1944 the Allies were poised to smash the Siegfried Line and break into Germany. Supply lines were shorter thanks to the port of Antwerp. Arnhem aside, there had been a long run of victories and there was no intelligence even from ULTRA to suggest a German counter-offensive. So the major December attack through the mountainous Ardennes by massed Panzers and infantry took the Allies totally by surprise. Fog and low cloud negated the Allies' air supremacy, English-speaking German commandos in captured jeeps created panic and withdrawal of US forces became a near rout with morale all but broken. For ten days the situation worsened and Antwerp was seriously threatened and 21st Army Group in danger of being cut off. Clear skies for the Thunderbolts and coherent counter-attacks by rapidly deployed reinforcements turned the tide in the nick of time, so preventing a catastrophic defeat for the Allies. All this and more is graphically narrated in this fine study of a pivotal battle, that so nearly changed the course of war.

About the Author
Patrick Delaforce fought as a troop leader during this period. He is the author of over twenty books, many in print with P & S. He lives in Brighton.


Book Information
ISBN 9781783463596
Author Patrick Delaforce
Format Hardback
Page Count 376
Imprint Pen & Sword Military
Publisher Pen & Sword Books Ltd