Concrete Hell - Louis A DiMarco

The information presented was written by Chris Buckham; however, it was published in The Canadian Army Journal. Therefore, the material is reproduced here by the author with the permission of the journal. If you would like to republish this information or refer to excerpts please contact the Editor Canadian Army Journal (ANDREW.GODEFROY@forces.gc.ca). Website for the Journal is: http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/caj/default-eng.asp?view=more

Title: Concrete Hell: Urban Warfare From Stalingrad to Iraq

Author: Louis A DiMarco
ISBN: 978-1-84908-792-6
Hardcover
Pages: 232
Illustrations: 47 B/W, 19 Colour
Publisher: Osprey Publishing

                An element of warfare that rarely receives the degree of attention warranted is fighting in built up areas. Historians tracing the unfolding of a campaign will talk about fighting in Caen, Krakov or Warsaw but don’t delve into the details. Louis DiMarco’s book looks to address this oversight through an analysis of city fighting over the last century. His stated intention with this book is threefold: provide the reader with an overall understanding of the urban battlespace, analyse doctrinal insights – based on case studies – into factors affecting the execution of urban operations, and trace the evolution of urban warfare from the 20^th and early 21^st century. He undertakes this effort through a series of case studies of urban conflicts commencing with World War 2 and running through to Iraq.

                DiMarco’s work is interesting and useful in that it spends a great deal of effort providing a strategic and operational level (‘big hand/small map’) overview of the conflict and the events leading up to it. The challenge with this is that the degree of analysis of the evolution of urban warfare is somewhat limited. I would have anticipated a greater attention and focus on the actual development and execution of urban doctrine. Additionally, DiMarco’s premise (identified in Chapter 1) that ‘warfare’s historically traditional locale’ is the urban battle space is, in my opinion, not accurate. One does not have to look very hard to find innumerable historical examples of field combat, siege warfare and, least of all, fighting in urban settings that underscore the multi-facetted nature of war.
  
              Nevertheless, DiMarco’s work does have some very valuable analysis associated with it. He does identify a number of consistent themes associated with success in urban combat. Intelligence, isolating the environment from reinforcement, specialized weapon systems and joint operating teams as well as working to separate the combatants (both conventional and asymmetric) from their civilian population support base all retain resonance. Additionally, the failure of many nations to remember and learn the lessons from the past (therefore failing to apply them) proved to be both costly and time-consuming.   

                DiMarco has produced a worthy product but it attempts to address too many issues that are secondary to, and have little bearing on, his stated primary focus. A good example of this was his discussion of the use of Republic of South Korean forces in the retaking of Seoul during the Korean War. The author’s outline of their involvement, while interesting, adds nothing to the discussion of how urban warfare was undertaken and developed.

                I enjoyed his work as a general analysis of the battlefields that he reviews but the book left me somewhat underwhelmed. I had anticipated, given his introduction, much more effort to be given to the how’s and why’s of urban conflict itself. Also I think that a number of his premises, while not completely incorrect, are somewhat skewed. The book is worth a read but with a critical eye.

The Daring Dozen - Gavin Mortimer

The information presented was written by Chris Buckham; however, it was published in Sabretache Journal. Therefore, the material is reproduced here by the author with the permission of the Journal. If you would like to republish this information or refer to excerpts please contact: Paul.Skrebels@unisa.edu.au  Website for the Journal is: http://www.mhsa.org.au/journal.html

Title: The Daring Dozen

Author: Gavin Mortimer
ISBN: 978-1-84908-842-8
Pages: 303
Hardcover
Photographs: 14 b/w

It has been commonly said that necessity is the mother of invention, certainly in the case of warfare many obstacles are removed as the operational need outweighs tradition and convention. Mortimer's book The Daring Dozen, tells the story about twelve unconventional warriors and the impact that they made on the outcome of the Second World War. His approach is to provide an overall introduction to the nature of and what contitutes special operations followed by twelve chapters each dedicated to an individual and their exploits. He focuses upon the UK, Italy, US and Germany and it is interesting (and somewhat telling) that the USSR and Japan do not have any additions.

What is fascinating about the book is the similarity of challenges faced by Special Forces' advocates in each of the countries and also the common personality threads that each of the national advocates shared. In almost every case, the individuals behind the creation of these organizations were considered to be poor traditional soldiers (not in terms of ability but in terms of acceptance of status quo) and faced significant resistance to their “out of the box thinking”. They also tended to have a short fuse when it came to dealing with conventional chains of command.

Mortimer has not provided a conclusion with his work. This is not a significant issue in my opinion as his focus is upon the individual leaders not the concept of special forces themselves. What is noteworthy to be gleaned from the studies is insight into why some countries were more successful than others regarding the development of special operations. For example, the question relating to why the Germans never developed an equivalent force to the UK’s Long Range Desert Patrol is interesting. After all, they both operated in the same environment and the Germans had shown a marked ability to think non-traditionally (note the airborne glider attack on Eben Emael). It would appear that the appetite for the development of operations outside of the conventional envelope was much more limited within Germany than in the UK.

The author approaches his subjects as unique chapters. Therefore the book may be read in individual chunks without losing any of the flow or content. This is beneficial if you have an interest in the subject but little time to read. The approach and layout is similar for each; topics are traced from their pre-spec ops period and followed as they developed into the driving force behind their nations’ operational development. Through this, challenges, operations and successes are identified and discussed. Additionally, the difficulty many had in the post war period is also discussed in some detail. One can imagine the shock of trying to transition from a semi-autonomous fighting commander involved in high risk, high adrenaline activities to suddenly finding oneself once again under the scrutiny of conventional forces in a peace time environment; many, understandably, had significant difficulty transitioning. Also of interest was the change in attitude of the Governments towards the post war maintenance of special ops forces. In many cases units were summarily disbanded (such as the SAS) as Governments and conventional militaries could not appreciate a continued requirement for their skill sets.

Overall, this was an informative and well researched book. It was not a difficult read and serves as a good introduction to the major players of the early special operations communities. What we take for granted today regarding the use of special forces in places such as Iraq and Afghanistan owes its conception to those pioneers reviewed in this book. Naturally, the degree of detail for each individual is limited due to the amount of space allotted to them; nevertheless, I would recommend this book as a solid general history of the inception of Special Forces.

The Other Side of the Wire Vol 1 - Ralph J. Whitehead

The information presented was written by Chris Buckham; however, it was published in The Canadian Army Journal. Therefore, the material is reproduced here by the author with the permission of the journal. If you would like to republish this information or refer to excerpts please contact the Editor Canadian Army Journal (ANDREW.GODEFROY@forces.gc.ca). Website for the Journal is: http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/caj/default-eng.asp?view=more

Title: The Other Side of the Wire Vol 1

Author: Ralph J. Whitehead

ISBN: 978-1-908916-89-1

Pages: 615

Softcover

Photographs: 100's b/w

The author, Ralph Whitehead has produced a work of remarkable detail and readability. Much has been written about the events of the First World War; however, a preponderance of these works have focused on the leadership and experiences of the Western Allies. Very little has been produced that looks at the conflict from the German perspective.

This is not a strategic review of the conflict; nor is it, for the most part, an operational view. Whitehead has focused his attentions at the tactical level where he is able to provide the reader a glimpse into the daily lives of the German soldier of WW1. He is able, through his effective and compelling writing, to provide the reader with a detailed picture of the operating environment of the German soldier. He then adds further depth by incorporating anecdotal stories that run the gambit from the shocking to the ridiculous from the soldiers and the units themselves. This shift is done flawlessly and, when combined with the numerous photographs that correspond to the individuals in the narrative, provides a degree of intimacy rarely found in historical works.

The degree of detail in this work is quite extraordinary. The author includes at the end of the book a number of appendices where he details the XIV Corps Order of Battle, casualty lists by Regiment of the XIV Corps for the first two years of the war and an interesting article on the 2003 discovery and subsequent identification of the remains of two German soldiers. Based on information gleaned at the discovery site, the author actually reconstructs the events surrounding their deaths.

Another aspect of this book that I enjoyed was the attention paid to relating the day to day activities of the front line combatants. Developments in trench construction, methods of mining, training, rotations in and out of the line and feeding (plus a great deal more) are all explained and, in many cases, accompanied with photographs and drawings to assist in the comprehension of what is being discussed.

Additionally, due to the static nature of the conflict, mining (tunneling) under the opposing army's trench lines and the detonation of massive amounts of explosives became a specialty practiced by each side. One can appreciate the stress placed on the soldiers through their testimonies in the book. Whitehead, however, does not only dwell upon the horrors of war, he also relates numerous stories of great compassion, humour and humanity practiced or witnessed by the German soldiery.

This book relates the history of one German Corps of soldiers in the two years leading up to the Battle of the Somme. The narrative very rarely rises above the level of Leutnant (Leftenant) so the reader is provided an incredibly detailed tactical level view of the XIV Corps in action. Whitehead's research has shed light on individual soldiers' stories that have long been lost. He is to be commended for an outstanding book and I recommend The Other Side of the Wire Vol 1 as an excellent addition to any historian's library.

Into The Jaws of Death - Robert Lyman

The information presented was written by Chris Buckham; however, it was published in Soldier Magazine. Therefore, the material is reproduced here by the author with the permission of the magazine. If you would like to republish this information or refer to excerpts please contact the Assistant Editor Soldier Magazine (rclark@soldiermagazine.co.uk). Website for the Magazine is: http://www.army.mod.uk/soldier-magazine/soldier-magazine.aspx

Title: Into the Jaws of Death

Author: Robert Lyman

Publisher: Quercus

ISBN: 9781782064442

Pages: 344

Hardcover

Rating: 4/5

Robert Lyman has drafted an excellent history of an audacious and far-reaching ‘commando’ raid against the Port of Saint-Nazaire that was phenomenally successful but painfully costly in terms of men. Lyman’s writing style is such that one feels that you are reading a historical novel vice a study. He provides a comprehensive history, replete with firsthand accounts, of the creation and development of the ‘commando’s’ as a fighting force; this serves as a lead in to the actual attack on Saint-Nazaire. The attack itself is rendered in a tight, breathtaking manner that draws the reader in and drives him on. Lyman is to be commended for a great book and the soldiers who took part, for unbelievable bravery and fortitude.

A Splendid Little War - Derek Robinson

The information presented was written by Chris Buckham; however, it was published in Soldier Magazine. Therefore, the material is reproduced here by the author with the permission of the magazine. If you would like to republish this information or refer to excerpts please contact the Assistant Editor Soldier Magazine (rclark@soldiermagazine.co.uk). Website for the Magazine is: http://www.army.mod.uk/soldier-magazine/soldier-magazine.aspx

Title: A Splendid Little War 

Author: Derek Robinson

Publisher: Quercus Publishing

ISBN: 9780857052322

Date: 2013

Pages: 316

Rating: 5/5

Mr Robinson has once again exceeded (already high) expectations and has produced another novel replete with tragi-comedy, education, cynical humour and action. Set in the midst of the Russian civil war, the book follows the experiences of Merlin Squadron, the RAF fighters sent to support the White Russian army in the southern steppe. Robinson is master of character development and he is able to capture the essence of the post war British Officer sent on yet another international escapade. A tight storyline woven into a historically accurate rendition of the conditions and folly under which the British airmen operated; this book cannot be recommended highly enough.

The Armored Bears Vol 2 - Veterans of the 3rd Panzer Division

Title: The Armored Bears Vol 2

Author: Veterans of the 3^rd Panzer Division

ISBN: 978-0-8117-1171-5

Pages: 330

Hardcover

Photographs//Maps: 109 b/w//15

This book is the second of a two volume set translated from its original German on the history of the 3^rd Panzer Division. Organized and originally published in 1967 by the veterans association of the unit, it was initially intended for members of the unit itself and their families as a testimony of their history and experiences. It covers the period from March, 1942 until August, 1945.

Continuing on from its first volume, Stackpole publishing has again reproduced another high quality English version of this book. The translation is, for the most part, very good. The maps are again mostly hand-drawn in their original German (which work well with the narrative). They have improved upon the utility of these maps quite noticeably in this second volume. The photographs are numerous and of a very high quality with many that I have not previously seen. This is where the benefit of drawing upon a veterans association really paid dividends. There are numerous fascinating anecdotes relating to the use of Cossack forces and camels by 3^rd panzer forces in support of operations. The operational environment and breadth of employment history of the 3^rd is really quite astounding and it is worth reviewing just to read about the adaptability of the personnel of this unit.

This work is an operational and tactical history of the unit so there is a great deal of detail regarding small engagements and individual achievements. I enjoyed this portion of the work because it provides the reader with a much more intimate view of the goings on and experiences of the soldiers. The narrative is replete with personal anecdotes from the rank and file that adds a fantastic degree of intimacy to the account. The appendices at the back of the book provide detailed synopsis of a rank table. Additionally, they provide lists of commanders, Knight’s Cross winners and recipients of the Army cross in Gold and Silver.

One of the unique and very positive aspects of the narrative translation are the numerous footnotes provided that serve to ensure accuracy and additional information to the reader. This is of particular benefit due to the fact that there are many references and comments that would be understood by a veteran of the unit but not necessarily by a casual reader. These footnotes serve to bridge that knowledge gap and they do so very effectively.

Overall, I think that this book is an outstanding compliment to volume 1 and would be a positive addition to any historian’s library or collection; having said that, it is again, very detailed and tactical in nature and therefore may not be for the more casual arm chair general. Regardless, Stackpole may be proud of this production as it is of a very high quality and is very readable. One can certainly appreciate the pride that this unit’s veterans had in their accomplishments and the role that they played in the Second World War. Strongly recommended.

The Reconstruction of Warriors: Archibald McIndoe, The Royal Air Force and the Guinea Pig Club - Dr E.W.Mayhew

The information presented was written by Chris Buckham; however, it was published in Airforce magazine. Therefore, the material is proprietary to the Air Force Association of Canada and is reproduced here by the author with the permission of the association. If you would like to republish this information or refer to excerpts please contact the Editor Airforce magazine (editor@airforce.ca ). I support the Air Force Association’s important mission to inform new generations of Canadians about the value and importance of their country’s air force. A link to the AirForce Magazine website is: http://airforce.ca/magazine/

Title: The Reconstruction of Warriors: Archibald McIndoe, The Royal Air Force and the Guinea Pig Club

Author: E.R. Mayhew
ISBN: 9781848325845
Softcover
Pages: 239
Illustrations: 37 B/W
Publisher: Pen and Sword Publishing 2010

​This book speaks to two of the most diametrically opposed yet mutually supportive aspects of war: the ability to inflict horrific injury and the ability to heal. Mayhew has examined a secondary effect of warfare that had benefits far beyond the battlefield, that being the advances in the overall treatment of burns. Archibald McIndoe, a plastic surgeon assigned to the RAF in early 1939, and his staff, achieved almost legendary status amongst burned aircrew (the so called Guinea Pig club) for his successes. Through his force of personality he not only created a center of excellence for burn reconstruction but expanded his original mandate to meet the unanticipated flood of burn victims resulting from World War 2 aerial combat.

​During the interwar years there was very little need for burn reconstruction as the vast majority of patients died. Therefore, McInhoe had to develop his methodology from essentially ground zero. Based on his observations and a remarkable insight into the human condition, he initiated reforms ranging from patient care, ward placement and bed construction to post care engagement with the community. Mayhew’s narrative traces these innovations in such a way that the reader is able to both follow the changes and understand the reasoning behind the actions.

There is a distinct Canadian aspect to the story as Mayhew discusses the RCAF wing of McIndoe's hospital. Given the fact that the RCAF constituted the second largest group after the RAF, it was decided by the Canadian Government to fund a hospital to augment the RAF burn unit. The staff and organization were trained and outfitted in a manner identical to the RAF parent unit; of note was the fact that surgical and ward teams were made up exclusively of Canadian staff to a level of professionalism equal to that of McIndoe's. Such was its success and seamless integration within the RAF unit, that the head Canadian plastic surgeon, Group Captain Tilley, was appointed acting head of the entire organization when McIndoe went on convalescence leave in 1943.

Mayhew also expounds upon the unique dual approach that McIndoe initiated with the care and recovery of his patients; he recognized very early on the importance of reintegration and acceptance of his burn patients back into the society at large. To that end, he proactively engaged with the local town of East Grinstead as a means of his patients and civilians overcoming their fear of the unknown and each other. His holistic approach was very original and a smashing success. Such was its acceptance that the template was extended beyond England to Canada and its RCAF Guinea Pig Club members. McIndoe tirelessly engaged with Government at all levels, military staff and the medical community, knocking down preconceived notions of patient care and reintegration with great success. His actions went far beyond his primary role as a surgeon and set the standard for the modern health care provider.

McIndoe’s success was also a result of having likeminded individuals engaging in concert with him. The RAF, in a manner completely unique from the Army or RN, took and maintained complete responsibility for the burned crewmen. Thus they did not become wards of the Government but were maintained as part of the RAF family. The RAF leadership agreed with and completely supported the program recommendations of McIndoe. The influence and role of the Guinea Pigs carried on well past the Second World War and continues to this day. Those that benefited from it passed on their support to victims of the Falkland’s war and the Iraq conflicts.

Mayhew includes in her narrative an in depth bibliography and a reading/video list of timely and pertinent information on the success of the Guinea Pigs and their continued activities. Her writing style is very engaging and lucid. This book sheds light on an aspect of the war that populations don’t like to think about or be exposed to. Modern day techniques of treatment may be traced directly to the success and ground-breaking efforts of the original Guinea Pig Club and its members. Additionally, misrepresentations of the Guinea Pig membership are also rectified (such as the Club being made up almost exclusively of fighter pilots, as 80% of the patients were from bomber command).

 

Mayhew is to be complimented on an outstanding addition to expanding our knowledge of an area rarely discussed by historians. Her book should be mandatory reading for all defence members (both civilian and military) and on everyone’s history shelf. This book is most highly recommended.