PDF Metz 1944: Patton’s fortified nemesis (Campaign) by Steven J. Zaloga in History

Review

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Fortifications weren't completely obsolete yetBy M. BarryFixed fortifications; of the kind seen in WWI; were generally thought to have gone the way of the dinosaurs after the failure of the Maginot line at the start of WWII. The Metz Campaign; however; proved that concrete fortifications still had their uses.Manned by second-rate lower quality German troops the Metz fortifications were in many ways obsolete having been built decades before WWII. But they were still able to hold up the American Third Army for weeks and inflicted thousands of casualties on Allied troops.Like all of Osprey's work this is a short but informative overview of a topic not widely known even among history buffs.7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Really good.By History NutThis is another great campaign book by Steven Zaloga. He covers it in a very readable and concise fashion. The illustrations are outstanding. Besides the usual black white photos from the period; the color maps/illustrations give the reader a better appreciation for the terrain faced by the combatants.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Fortress France dogs PattonBy Richard MowbrayExcellent follow up piece to the campaign in Lorraine. The Germans made the most out of pre war fortifications to hold down Patton 's advance. The heavy forts that France and Germany had built in the Metz area stood up to an enormous pounding from everything 3rd Army could throw. And the US forces tossed all they had including 155mm howitzers in direct fire close support. Along with the rest of the Lorraine campaign; it's where those millions of tons of supplies went that landed in Normandy. Finally an answer to what happened in much of France in '44. Needs a follow up piece on the excellent 2nd French Armored Div.