Robert J. Kershaw

Dünkirchen 1940 by Robert Kershaw is a fascinating look at the battle and iconic (to the Allies) evacuation at Dunkirk through the eyes of the German.

Most history, especially popular history written for general readership, is presented from the perspective of the eventual winners. Even battles they lost are presented through a victorious lens. It is always interesting to get the other side of the story. Not just a couple of quotes to highlight the winner's version, but an actual account of show more the events from another perspective. That is what Kershaw offers the reader here.

What makes this of even greater interest is that the iconic evacuation was accompanied by, to Allied eyes, a curious strategical (perceived) error. By having a fuller picture from the German side, we learn the answers to our questions as well as a better understanding of what the larger plan was supposed to be.

The writing helps to make this not only an informative read but an enjoyable one as well. I always appreciate a writer who pays as much attention to engaging the reader as to presenting the facts.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley. show less

A candid and visceral look at tank warfare from WWI to WWII. The author weaves first hand accounts of veterans both living and dead to paint a picture one is not often familiar with when reading other accounts of war. An unblinking eye is turned towards the horrible deaths and wounds suffered by the men when they were hit. Moments of startling chivalry also have their place in this book as do horrible atrocities. An interesting view of the Allies choice of 'Mass over quality' in terms of show more their tanks and their protection and armaments. When briefed before invading Normandy crews were told their tanks were excellent and good compared to their German counter parts, despite the fact that Allied Intelligence was quite familiar of the short comings every Allied tank had when faced by Panthers or Tigers. Again political and economic expediency ruled the day, rather than consideration of mens lives. show less

An excellent British account of the development of the tank and the men who rode them from WWI to WWII. Kershaw conveys the technological and bureaucratic struggles to establish the tank arm and effectively utilize it in battle as well as the courage needed to enter into this dark, sticky moving steel cage. A tank is both protection and a burning trap. The machines were leaking and breaking down at such a rate that just showing up on the battlefield was a challenge.

Kershaw shows the arms show more race and evolution of tanks along the trade-off of fire, movement and protection. The Germans learned during the occupation campaigns of Austria, Czechoslovakia and Poland how to keep their tanks supplied on the move and how to establish radio communications. Their French and British opponents lacked this experience and were defeated despite technologically superior tanks. For most of the war, the Allies were out-gunned by the Germans, relying on their numerical advantage and the sacrifice of their Sherman tank crews. A propos tank crews: The Soviets used female tank crews with success. After initial troubles, the Soviets also developed a feeling for war-winning tanks and their use in tank armies. The Allies relied (or had to rely) on air superiority, as their production schedule choices did not allow for tanks on par with the Germans.

The author has interviewed many veterans of many nations (curiously no Frenchman). Their testimony and insights about their life inside and around the tanks brings the book to life. One feels with and for the guys in their struggles, big and small.

I wish the author had covered tank logistics and repair a bit more extensively as well as the development of anti-tank weaponry. Otherwise, the book is highly recommended. show less

A candid and visceral look at tank warfare from WWI to WWII. The author weaves first hand accounts of veterans both living and dead to paint a picture one is not often familiar with when reading other accounts of war. An unblinking eye is turned towards the horrible deaths and wounds suffered by the men when they were hit. Moments of startling chivalry also have their place in this book as do horrible atrocities. An interesting view of the Allies choice of 'Mass over quality' in terms of show more their tanks and their protection and armaments. When briefed before invading Normandy crews were told their tanks were excellent and good compared to their German counter parts, despite the fact that Allied Intelligence was quite familiar of the short comings every Allied tank had when faced by Panthers or Tigers. Again political and economic expediency ruled the day, rather than consideration of mens lives. show less