German V-Weapon Sites 1943–45 Book Review
By David L. Veres
| Date of Review | June 2012 | Title | German V-Weapon Sites 1943–45 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author | Steven J. Zaloga | Publisher | Osprey Publishing |
| Published | 2008 | ISBN | 9781846032479 |
| Format | 64 pages, softbound | MSRP (USD) | $18.95 |
Review
Without effective basing schemes, Hitler’s desperate Vergeltung (“vengeance” or “reprisal”) weapons faced certain failure.
Respected researcher Steven J. Zaloga recaps the whole fascinating tale in Osprey’s German V-Weapon Sites 1943–45.
After helpful introductory notes and program overviews, Zaloga discusses design, development, and deployment issues facing key Nazi programs – the V1 (FZG 76 or Fi 103) cruise missile, V2(A4) ballistic rocket, and V3 Tausenfüßler (“Millipede”) artillery projectile.
How, for instance, could engineers overcome “cold start” limitations of V1 “pulse jet” technology? How might basing plans meet V2 LOX demands? How would Germany disguise positions Allied attack? And how could officials balance inter-service rivalries?
Contents course through all crucial concerns. Coverage includes Allied intervention efforts, the sites at war and in retrospect, and surviving locations. And commentary notes the lasting impact of Nazi Vergeltung programs on modern weaponry.
Photos, sidebars, charts, and maps supplement Zaloga’s superb study. Brilliantly informative illustrations underscore key contentions. And instructive bibliographic notes with index conclude this meaty little tome. Add this outstanding effort to your WWII library.
Robustly recommended.
My sincere thanks to Osprey Publishing for this review sample!