Military Model Scene

Title: Allied Warships vs The Atlantic Wall
Author: Steven J. Zaloga
Publisher: Osprey
ISBN: 978-1-4728-5415-5

Normandy 1944, number 128 in the Duel series from Osprey, and another from popular author Steve Zaloga. An 80-page soft-cover book and marvellous artwork by illustrator Adam Hook.
Without a large naval threat, Germany in WW2 put a lot of effort into coastal defences, especially along the Atlantic Wall, from the West coast of France all the way up to the coast of Norway. After an introduction to set the scene and a simple chronology of events, the meat of the book starts with the Design & Development of the German defence fortifications and armament, including elements such as 406mm guns and use of the C turret from the battleship Gneisenau, installed at Fort Austratt in Norway. As for the Allies, they used their experience from the other invasions before the assault on Normandy. Operations Torch, Corkscrew, Husky all led to Operation Neptune, the naval assault element on Normandy, and later operations, such as at Walcheren. The main parts of this book though look at the battle between Batterie Hamburg, near Cherbourg and the American battleship USS Texas. An interesting account of the duel along with more archive images and some great artwork illustrations. The two final sections provide and Analysis of the action, plus consideration of the Aftermath.
Steve has written on the subject of the Atlantic wall before, in the Fortress series from Osprey. I found this an interesting read, and enjoyed both the archive photos and the artwork, which include the gun positions of the Hamburg batteries, the Regelbau M 178 fire control bunker, as well as cross sections of the large calibre shells used by both sides. It is a particular aspect of the Normandy invasion and one which offers some ideas for visits, not only to the Atlantic Wall remains in France, but also as the USS Texas is preserved and open as a museum back in the USA. Thoroughly enjoyed this one.
Thanks to Osprey for the review copy.

Robin