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Storming Monte La Difensa
The First Special Service Force at the Winter Line, Italy 1943
Series: Raid
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Format: Paperback / softback
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In December 1943 Monte La Difensa was part of the formidable German defences overlooking the Allies' planned route to Rome via Monte Cassino. This book examines the origins, execution, and aftermath of the FSSF's spectacular success at Monte La Difensa amid the savage winter conditions of December 1943.
The spectacular success of the U.S–Canadian First Special Service Force in taking and holding a cornerstone of the German defenses in Italy in late 1943 is recounted here, supported by full-color artwork, vivid personal testimony, and incisive analysis.
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Description
In December 1943, Monte La Difensa was part of the formidable German defences overlooking the Allies’ planned route to Rome via Monte Cassino. In the First Special Service Force’s first combat in the Mediterranean theater, the Force employed its special training in mountain and winter warfare to scale the peak, capture it, and then hold it against the inevitable German counterattacks. Astonishing their superiors, the First Special Service Force succeeded in the face of seemingly impossible odds but suffered a 77 percent casualty rate.
Their victory, founded on their aggressive doctrine and extensive training in a variety of combat techniques, would prove instrumental in the postwar development of special forces. Employing full-colour artwork, archive photographs, and first-hand accounts from participants, the author examines the origins, execution, and aftermath of the FSSF’s spectacular success at Monte La Difensa amid the savage winter conditions of December 1943.
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Storming Monte La Difensa
In December 1943, Monte La Difensa was part of the formidable German defences overlooking the Allies’ planned route to Rome via Monte Cassino. In the First Special Service Force’s first combat in the Mediterranean theater, the Force employed its special training in mountain and winter warfare to scale the peak, capture it, and then hold it against the inevitable German...PaperbackSold Out -
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Storming Monte La Difensa by Bret Werner is hailed as a detailed and engaging account of the pivotal Allied assault during World War II. Reviewers praise the thorough research and engaging narrative that brings the challenges and heroism of the troops vividly to life. The book is appreciated for its insightful perspectives and the way it honours the bravery of the men involved.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781472807663
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 20 February 2015
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Osprey Publishing
Illustration: 56 b/w; 18 col
Contributors:
- Illustrated by Alan Gilliland
- Illustrated by Johnny Shumate
- Illustrated by Peter Dennis
Audience: General / adult, Professional and scholarly
DIMENSIONS
Width: 184.0mm
Height: 248.0mm
Weight: 266g
Pages: 80
About the Author
Bret Werner was raised in the Philadelphia area of Pennsylvania. He is deeply involved with living history organizations with an emphasis on the soldier of the 20th century. The author is also an associate member of the First Special Service Force Association, and he attends the veteran reunions every year. Peter Dennis was born in 1950. Inspired by contemporary magazines such as Look and Learn he studied illustration at Liverpool Art College. Peter has since contributed to hundreds of books, predominantly on historical subjects, including many Osprey titles. Johnny Shumate works as a freelance illustrator living in Nashville, Tennessee. He began his career in 1987 after graduating from Austin Peay State University. Most of his work is rendered in Adobe Photoshop using a Cintiq monitor. His greatest influences are Angus McBride, Don Troiani, and Edouard Detaille. Johnny Shumate works as a freelance illustrator living in Nashville, Tennessee. He began his career in 1987 after graduating from Austin Peay State University. Most of his work is rendered in Adobe Photoshop using a Cintiq monitor. His greatest influences are Angus McBride, Don Troiani, and Edouard Detaille. His interests include karate, running, Bible reading, history, and making English longbows. Born in Malaya in 1949, Alan Gilliland studied photography/film and architecture, and has worked as a photojournalist and cartoonist. He also spent 18 years as the graphics editor of The Daily Telegraph, winning 19 awards in that time, including numerous UK Press Awards. He now writes, illustrates and publishes fiction (www.ravensquill.com), as well as illustrating for a variety of publishers (including Osprey, the Penguin Group, Brown Reference Group, Ivy Group and Aurum), architects and developers, such as John McAslan (Olympic Energy Centre) and Kit Martin (Prince Charles' Phoenix Trust advisor on historic buildings). www.alangilliland.com
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