MartinM

Use this link to access the CM Opponents Wanted Conference: http://www.thegamers.net/messageboards/TGL-LE.html [This message has been edited by MartinM (edited 10-29-99).]

A couple of the most interesting Operation Market-Garden actions (one that did happen & one that should have been fought!) include bridges that didn't get blown. MAJ Julian Cook's 3-504 Red Devils assault crossing of the Waal to secure a bridge linking Nijmegan to Arnhem was one of the great feats during the battle. A XXX Corps - 1st Abn Div link up at the Arnhem bridge is an interesting possibility without worrying about the bridge blowing up. Martin [This message has been edited by MartinM (edited 10-12-99).]

Here's my short list of books worthy of being included on a best list: 1. Just about anything from the United States Army in World War II Series. There are numerous subseries which have solid, detailed accounts of operations. The best feature of these books is the detailed map set included. 2. Panzer Battles (F.W. von Mellenthin)... if you haven't read it, I can only tell you that this one is absolutely worth buying. Excellent for its accounts of Rommel in Africa, Hermann Balck near Stalingrad, and Balck in NW Europe. Provides a superb insight into the operational & tactical plans of brilliant panzer commanders. 3. Hitler's Last Gamble (Trevor N. Dupuy) ... The all-round best account of the Battle of the Bulge that I've read. Detailed, accurate, and excellent reading, provides a complete understanding of the battles and how they related to one another in both time and command response. Excellent books that cover famous battles are: Lost Victories (Manstein) Panzer Commander (Hans von Luck) Steel Inferno (Michael Reynolds) The Longest Day (Cornelius Ryan) A Bridge Too Far (Ryan) The Last Battle (Ryan) It Never Snows in September (Robert Kershaw) A couple of really good books on specialty topics are: Death Traps (Belton Cooper)... covers experience of US 3d Armor Division throughout the Combat Mission area. Excellent account of how the M4 performed in combat. Over the Abyss (I. G. Starinov)... unique insights from Russia's top demolitions expert into how the Soviet Officer Corps and partisans existed and operated under Stalin. Vivid accounts of Soviet activities in the Spanish Civil War and WW II. Martin

Steve, Found a brief account of German use prior to an offensive. It's somewhat generic but gives insight into usage by the Germans in Northwest Africa. "...Enemy preparations were observed on the afternoon of 5 December (1942). An attack was recognized as imminent. After a night in which German flares kept the area lighted for observation, the attack struck on 6 December..." From page 328 of US ARMY in World War II, Northwest Africa: Seizing the Initiative in the West

Major in the USArmy, 12 years service, first as a fire support team leader in 35th Mech Infantry Div, followed by logistics assignments at Ft. Ord (7ID Light) and Ft. Campbell (101st Abn Div). Spent 6 months in the desert for OPN Desert Shield/Storm.