Military Model Scene

Title: Fallschirmjager vs US Soldier
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Saint-Lo 1944, number 81 in the Combat series from Osprey. An 80-page soft-cover book by Frank Baldwin, and with illustrations by Steve Noon.
This opens with an introduction that sets the scene, and includes a helpful map. The town of St Lo was intended to have been captured by D+9, but that wasn't to be. Six weeks of fighting amidst the close country setting of the Bocage saw US Infantry fighting fierce infantry battles against German Fallschirmjager. Not a story of tank vs tank engagement, but old fashioned infantry combat. Then we quickly start into the meat of the book, comparing the Opposing Sides, looking at Organisation & Structure: Weapons: Tactics, Training and Leadership: Morale and Motivation, supported with artwork on their uniforms and equipment. Then it moves on to detail three particular clashes, for Hill 192 (June 12 - July 12): Clearing the Way to St. Lo (June 12 - July 18): Mont Castre and Witches Island (July 3 - July 23). Each of these three are broken down into 3 elements, background to Battle: Battlefield Environment (with a detailed map): and then Into Combat, describing the fighting and the experiences of taking part. Everything is then rounded of with both Analysis and consideration of the Aftermath.
With a good selection of archive photos throughout to illustrate the text, there is of course the excellent artwork we expect from Osprey. It is an interesting topic and this one is nicely presented. Outnumbered and with US forces who had superior numbers and plenty of equipment, ammunition and support, the German Fallschirmjager proved to be tough and resourceful opponents. By the end however, the US troops did finally capture St. Lo, and the stage was set to launch the breakout, Operation Cobra.
Thanks to Osprey for the review copy.

Robin