Chris Mann (3)

I was fortunate to receive five military books just prior to Christmas, and spent the festive period reading them all. Of these five, this was for me by far the most interesting and informative. I admit to having a particular interest in the Norwegian Campaign of 1940, even more so having visited many of the locations involved.

This book was first published in 2002 and had passed me by, so I was pleased to see it reprinted by Pen & Sword Military. Of the two authors, Dr. Chris MANN was a lecturer in European history, and later at the R.M.A. Sandhurst. He held a Doctorate from King’s College, London, with one of his specialisations Scandinavian military history. His colleague Dr. Christer JORGENSEN gained his Ph.D. from University College, London, and lived in Sweden where he wrote on military subjects.

With the standard of the authors, it is of no surprise that the book is well scripted, based on extensive and thorough research, and is comprehensive. There are seven chapters covering Germany, Finland and the Winter War; the Invasion of Norway; Operation Barbarossa (the German invasion of the U.S.S.R.); Stalemate on the Frozen Front; The Arctic Convoys; The U.S.S.R’s counter invasion and victory; and the Price of Occupation. Each covers the subject from a strategic and operational level, on land, sea and in the air, as well as giving some insight into the day-to-day tactical issues and effects. There is a conclusion which is balanced and credible analysis of the subject area.

There are several photographs included that illustrate some of the nature of the campaigns, but although their clarity is very good, they are not excellent and sometime of a general view. Likewise, the maps used support the text are good, but could be better. For me, the clear and overriding merit of this book is the text. It is, in my humble opinion, superb. I like books that challenge and extend my current understanding of a subject, and this book achieved that by the bucket load.… (més)