Contents

Introduction

German tactical defence doctrine

‘Elastic defence’Mobile warfareThe principles of unit defence

Planning the defences

Establishing a defended areaThe strongpoint concept, December 1941

Hedgerow defences, Normandy 1944

Defensive firepower

The infantry regimentMachine gunsInfantry artilleryLate-war restructuring

Materials and construction methods

TimberRevettmentsRocks and other materialsThe principles of construction

Types of defensive position

Infantry positionsCrew-served weapons positionsSquad bunkers

Principles of camouflage

Theatre-specific defences

North AfricaItalyThe Eastern Front

The fortifications at war

A battalion-level defence, early warEl Alamein, Egypt, 1942Ortona, Italy, December 1943

Petsamo-Kirkenes, Finland, October 1944Palenberg, Germany, October 1944

An assessment of German field fortifications

Bibliography

Glossary