Fortress Third Reich: German Fortifications and Defense Systems in World War II (review)

Fortress Third Reich "traces the development of German fortifications beginning from the nineteenth century on, showing how they evolved into some of the most modern fortifications of the first half of the twentieth century" (p. x). They were, generally, part of defensive systems that "included the more traditional large works found in the East Wall in the 1930s, as well as the less impressive West Wall, based on smaller positions spread in greater depth" (pp. x-xi). In addition to traditional fortifications, the Third Reich's defenses included flak towers, V-sites, underground structures and U-boat bunkers. "A variety of types of fortifications are covered here, from small machine-gun bunkers to huge submarine bunkers" (p. xi), as well as related subjects like air raid protection and camouflage.

This book and the authors' Fortress Europe (1999) offer a good survey of most fortifications in the European Theater and contiguous areas but, given the vastness of the subject, do not give thorough coverage. Studies of German fortifications in specific countries and systems are necessary before thorough English-language coverage will be available.

The glossary, sidebars, appendixes, and illustrations, despite many dark photographs, greatly enhance the text. The lack of footnotes and the short bibliography, barely mentioning archives and manuscripts, however, detract from the overall usefulness of the book. Also, some important subjects, such as postwar destruction of the fortifications, are neglected. In spite of its shortcomings, however, this book is a worthy addition to any military history library.