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Dünkirchen 1940: The German View of Dunkirk
Robert Kershaw creates a page-turning and ground-breaking history of a battle we thought we all already knew.
The British evacuation from the beaches of the small French port town of Dunkirk is one of the iconic moments of military history, The battle has captured the popular imagination through LIFE magazine photo spreads, the fiction of Ian McEwan and of course, Christopher Nolan's hugely successful Hollywood blockbuster. But what is the German view of this stunning Allied escape? Drawing on German interviews, diaries and unit post-action reports, Robert Kershaw creates a page-turning history of a battle that we thought we knew.
Dünkirchen 1940 is the first major history on what went wrong for the Germans at Dunkirk. As supreme military commander Hitler had seemingly achieved a miracle after the swift capitulation of Holland and Belgium, but with just seven kilometres before the panzers captured Dunkirk – the only port through which the trapped British Expeditionary force might escape – they came to a shuddering stop. Hitler had lost control of his stunning advance. Only a detailed interpretation of the German perspective – historically lacking to date – can provide answers as to why.
Drawing on his own military experience, his German language skills and his historian's eye for detail, Robert Kershaw creates a page-turning and ground-breaking history of a battle we thought we all already knew. With a fresh angle on this famous conflict, Dünkirchen 1940 delves into the under-evaluated, major German miscalculation both strategically and tactically that arguably cost Hitler the war.
The British evacuation from the beaches of the small French port town of Dunkirk is one of the iconic moments of military history, The battle has captured the popular imagination through LIFE magazine photo spreads, the fiction of Ian McEwan and of course, Christopher Nolan's hugely successful Hollywood blockbuster. But what is the German view of this stunning Allied escape? Drawing on German interviews, diaries and unit post-action reports, Robert Kershaw creates a page-turning history of a battle that we thought we knew.
Dünkirchen 1940 is the first major history on what went wrong for the Germans at Dunkirk. As supreme military commander Hitler had seemingly achieved a miracle after the swift capitulation of Holland and Belgium, but with just seven kilometres before the panzers captured Dunkirk – the only port through which the trapped British Expeditionary force might escape – they came to a shuddering stop. Hitler had lost control of his stunning advance. Only a detailed interpretation of the German perspective – historically lacking to date – can provide answers as to why.
Drawing on his own military experience, his German language skills and his historian's eye for detail, Robert Kershaw creates a page-turning and ground-breaking history of a battle we thought we all already knew. With a fresh angle on this famous conflict, Dünkirchen 1940 delves into the under-evaluated, major German miscalculation both strategically and tactically that arguably cost Hitler the war.
352 pages, Hardcover
Published September 6, 2022
About the author
Robert Kershaw
31 books61 followersBorn in 1950 and a graduate of Reading University, Robert Kershaw joined the Parachute Regiment in 1973.
He served numerous regimental appointments until selected to command the 10th Battalion The Parachute Regiment (10 PARA). He attended the German Staff College (Fuhrungsakademie) spending a further two years with the Bundeswehr as an infantry, airborne and arctic warfare instructor. He speaks fluent German and has extensive experience with NATO, multinational operations and all aspects of operations and training.
His active service includes several tours in Northern Ireland, the First Gulf War and Bosnia. He has exercised in many parts of the world and served in the Middle East and Africa. His final army appointment was with the Intelligence Division at HQ NATO in Brussels Belgium.
On leaving the Army in 2006 he became a full-time author of military history as well as a consultant military analyst. He has written a paper on the military impact of HIV AIDS for Cranfield University and more recently was the historical editor for ParaData, an on-line archive for the Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces.
He served numerous regimental appointments until selected to command the 10th Battalion The Parachute Regiment (10 PARA). He attended the German Staff College (Fuhrungsakademie) spending a further two years with the Bundeswehr as an infantry, airborne and arctic warfare instructor. He speaks fluent German and has extensive experience with NATO, multinational operations and all aspects of operations and training.
His active service includes several tours in Northern Ireland, the First Gulf War and Bosnia. He has exercised in many parts of the world and served in the Middle East and Africa. His final army appointment was with the Intelligence Division at HQ NATO in Brussels Belgium.
On leaving the Army in 2006 he became a full-time author of military history as well as a consultant military analyst. He has written a paper on the military impact of HIV AIDS for Cranfield University and more recently was the historical editor for ParaData, an on-line archive for the Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 4, 2022
Publication date: September 6, 2022.
A well-researched, memoir-driven exploration of Case Yellow.
Dünkirchen 1940: The German View of Dunkirk recreates the atmosphere of justice restored among the German soldiers and reveals the shortsightedness of the German high command.
While there is a lot of memoir material on the campaign in Russia, it's much harder to find personal information about the participants in Case Yellow. The same regiments and armies that took part in the invasion of the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg, and France later perished on the Eastern front. Robert Kershaw combined letters, after-action logs, and single memoirs into the day-to-day depiction of the operation that resulted in the evacuation of the British army at Dunkirk.
The human face of the dehumanized army hits hard. Soldiers wrote to their wives about mundane things like homesickness or love. They felt no guilt: the war was a way to restore national pride after the failures of World War I. In the meantime, the high command, dazzled after the campaign's success, failed to recognize the significance of the Dunkirk evacuation.
The lack of the main idea that would have cemented the narrative is the book's only flaw. In the epilogue, the author summarizes why Dunkirk couldn't be overcome until the evacuation's end. To me, however, the explanations felt incomplete and labored. For those who have previously read extensively about the Dunkirk operation, the book, therefore, fails to provide a refreshing view.
Dünkirchen 1940 is suitable as the first reading on the Blitzkrieg. The book will be your highly informative companion if you are not afraid to take in the names/numbers of numerous regiments and armies.
I obtained an advance review copy through Netgalley, and I am leaving the review voluntarily.
A well-researched, memoir-driven exploration of Case Yellow.
Dünkirchen 1940: The German View of Dunkirk recreates the atmosphere of justice restored among the German soldiers and reveals the shortsightedness of the German high command.
While there is a lot of memoir material on the campaign in Russia, it's much harder to find personal information about the participants in Case Yellow. The same regiments and armies that took part in the invasion of the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg, and France later perished on the Eastern front. Robert Kershaw combined letters, after-action logs, and single memoirs into the day-to-day depiction of the operation that resulted in the evacuation of the British army at Dunkirk.
The human face of the dehumanized army hits hard. Soldiers wrote to their wives about mundane things like homesickness or love. They felt no guilt: the war was a way to restore national pride after the failures of World War I. In the meantime, the high command, dazzled after the campaign's success, failed to recognize the significance of the Dunkirk evacuation.
The lack of the main idea that would have cemented the narrative is the book's only flaw. In the epilogue, the author summarizes why Dunkirk couldn't be overcome until the evacuation's end. To me, however, the explanations felt incomplete and labored. For those who have previously read extensively about the Dunkirk operation, the book, therefore, fails to provide a refreshing view.
Dünkirchen 1940 is suitable as the first reading on the Blitzkrieg. The book will be your highly informative companion if you are not afraid to take in the names/numbers of numerous regiments and armies.
I obtained an advance review copy through Netgalley, and I am leaving the review voluntarily.
December 27, 2022
4.5
A well-researched book that outlines the ‘miracle of Dunkirk’ from the German perspective.
A well-researched book that outlines the ‘miracle of Dunkirk’ from the German perspective.
February 5, 2023
Just in case you didn’t know, the movie Dunkirk by Christopher Nolan is actually based on a real battle and evacuation during World War II. If you are wondering how that all came to be, well, Robert Kershaw has you covered.
Kershaw digs deep into the events leading up to Dunkirk and shifts his focus from the Allied side to the German side. See, Dunkirk was only possible because of a lot of different events which the world had not seen before. German’s unfathomably fast advance caused problems for the Allies and the Germans simultaneously. German infighting added another layer of intrigue to this portion of World War II.
Kershaw’s account fully captures the details you need to know to understand the time period early in the European theater of World War II. I would caution that if you are not well read in military science, you may get lost in a few places. However, if you want the details, then there is no better book to read on the subject.
Kershaw digs deep into the events leading up to Dunkirk and shifts his focus from the Allied side to the German side. See, Dunkirk was only possible because of a lot of different events which the world had not seen before. German’s unfathomably fast advance caused problems for the Allies and the Germans simultaneously. German infighting added another layer of intrigue to this portion of World War II.
Kershaw’s account fully captures the details you need to know to understand the time period early in the European theater of World War II. I would caution that if you are not well read in military science, you may get lost in a few places. However, if you want the details, then there is no better book to read on the subject.
April 17, 2024
While I heavily criticised Tank Men as lacking insight, I credited Kershaw’s writing ability. Fortunately, Kershaw shows a wider range of skills with Dünkirchen 1940, which gets the bigger picture right with a coherent narrative and a new(ish) twist on a well known campaign.
More viewpoints
German veteran accounts around Dunkirk frequently comment on the unsettling effect of these RAF attacks. Ironically the retreating BEF complained loudly, both during and et the war, that they never saw them.
The reputations of the French and Belgian forces are rehabilitated in the eyes of the foe. Considering the size of the forces involved and participation in the defence of Dunkirk, it makes a lot of sense, but Kershaw tying it to specific underreported actions add a touch of authenticity. Again, Kershaw’s learnt from Tank Men and the broad brush judgements are more detailed here, with anecdotal (and somewhat statistical) backing - another surprise was the apparent effectiveness of British bombers in slowing the German advance.
Kershaw does show same habit as in Tank Men of pushing the Nazis off to the SS troops but he is on firmer ground in respect of this campaign. He is also not ignorant of the very real war crimes by other elements of the armed forces, with an emphasis on the other repository of Nazis – the Luftwaffe.
Of course the Germans very quickly spotted what was happening. They knew perfectly well the people in those parks were all civilians. So they made hay.
Kershaw picks up that certain German letters are quasi-anonymous - he's realised that a post war editorial process has occured.
Kershaw also makes an interesting point about how modern perspectives are warped by the later death rates during Barbarossa of the German soldiers that invaded France – there’s a fair argument they were different men from the later troops.
There are very few gritty soldier accounts of the war in the west on par with post-war veteran accounts of Russia. None are in any way comparable to the searing indictments of conflict, written by American soldiers, in the later Vietnam War. The primary reason for this literary shortfall, apart from the stirring tales of derring-do written by embedded National Socialist journalists during 1940-1, was that so few of these men survived the war.
Taking chances against a capable enemy
Urgency appeared lacking to finish off the BEF the difference between victory and total annihilation.
While Kershaw does play down elements of the “Halt Order”, particularly the extent to which Hitler was responsible, he does note a number of missed opportunities by Germany to close down the evacuation.
I am not too focused on the extent to which Kershaw’s positions are defensible. What is more interesting to me is how he portrays them. It would be easy to forget there are (at least) two sides to a battle or campaign and see the Germans as an otherwise invincible force that tripped over its own feet at critical times.
I consider Kershaw’s portrayal of these “missed opportunities” as more mature than that, the Germans failed to appreciate the skills and drive of their enemy, who proceeded to punish them for it. While the book is not about the evacuation, it is interesting to see what the British were capable versus what the Germans’ estimates were. He also manages to fit in the sense of injustice that the best French troops lost their berths to stragglers and derserters, forced to surrender instead.
It is a specific book with limited focus on the wider war so it will not be for all, but I was happy to see Kershaw had developed his abilities significantly since 2008.
More viewpoints
German veteran accounts around Dunkirk frequently comment on the unsettling effect of these RAF attacks. Ironically the retreating BEF complained loudly, both during and et the war, that they never saw them.
The reputations of the French and Belgian forces are rehabilitated in the eyes of the foe. Considering the size of the forces involved and participation in the defence of Dunkirk, it makes a lot of sense, but Kershaw tying it to specific underreported actions add a touch of authenticity. Again, Kershaw’s learnt from Tank Men and the broad brush judgements are more detailed here, with anecdotal (and somewhat statistical) backing - another surprise was the apparent effectiveness of British bombers in slowing the German advance.
Kershaw does show same habit as in Tank Men of pushing the Nazis off to the SS troops but he is on firmer ground in respect of this campaign. He is also not ignorant of the very real war crimes by other elements of the armed forces, with an emphasis on the other repository of Nazis – the Luftwaffe.
Of course the Germans very quickly spotted what was happening. They knew perfectly well the people in those parks were all civilians. So they made hay.
Kershaw picks up that certain German letters are quasi-anonymous - he's realised that a post war editorial process has occured.
Kershaw also makes an interesting point about how modern perspectives are warped by the later death rates during Barbarossa of the German soldiers that invaded France – there’s a fair argument they were different men from the later troops.
There are very few gritty soldier accounts of the war in the west on par with post-war veteran accounts of Russia. None are in any way comparable to the searing indictments of conflict, written by American soldiers, in the later Vietnam War. The primary reason for this literary shortfall, apart from the stirring tales of derring-do written by embedded National Socialist journalists during 1940-1, was that so few of these men survived the war.
Taking chances against a capable enemy
Urgency appeared lacking to finish off the BEF the difference between victory and total annihilation.
While Kershaw does play down elements of the “Halt Order”, particularly the extent to which Hitler was responsible, he does note a number of missed opportunities by Germany to close down the evacuation.
I am not too focused on the extent to which Kershaw’s positions are defensible. What is more interesting to me is how he portrays them. It would be easy to forget there are (at least) two sides to a battle or campaign and see the Germans as an otherwise invincible force that tripped over its own feet at critical times.
I consider Kershaw’s portrayal of these “missed opportunities” as more mature than that, the Germans failed to appreciate the skills and drive of their enemy, who proceeded to punish them for it. While the book is not about the evacuation, it is interesting to see what the British were capable versus what the Germans’ estimates were. He also manages to fit in the sense of injustice that the best French troops lost their berths to stragglers and derserters, forced to surrender instead.
It is a specific book with limited focus on the wider war so it will not be for all, but I was happy to see Kershaw had developed his abilities significantly since 2008.
October 16, 2022
A very good military history that both contextualizes strategy with tactical maneuvering and first person front line reports. The German “failings” in the Dunkirk campaign are really due to the blitzkreig campaign succeeding beyond all expectation so that HQ lost control of the battle’s vanguard. Conversely, there was little or no coordination between the Allies, especially the French and British but including the Dutch and Belgian. That said, the resistance on the perimeter of the Dunkirk “pocket” as the evacuation started was heroic, especially by the French.
July 4, 2022
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 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.
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 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.
May 17, 2022
"Dunkirchen 1940: The German View of Dunkirk," by Robert Kershaw, is a fascinating look at the events surrounding and leading up to the famous British evacuation from Dunkirk after their savaging at the hands of the German Wehrmacht in World War II. I am grateful to my friends at Osprey Publishing for providing me with an ARC of Kershaw's latest book. The text is a meticulously laid out description of the German Blitzkrieg which was unleashed on France and the Low Countries and which led to the evacuation. Of course, there are a formidable number of books on this subject, but this is the first I have encountered that prioritizes the German viewpoint of the battle. This salient feature is the key to understanding the value of the text. We are all familiar with the British viewpoint enshrined in Churchill's famous speech with the memorable line about wars not being won by evacuations, and it is not easy to shake that off and look at things from the other side of the fence, but the fact is that the German viewpoint is most illuminating when contrasted with our own rather biased view of events shaped by Churchill's brilliant oratory and the eventual outcome of the war. In point of fact, the successful German offensive that led up to Dunkirk surprised no one more than the Germans, and despite their much vaunted military expertise, they made many errors which are often overlooked or dismissed as inexplicable glitches in many histories. The most famous controversies surround the famous "stop order" which supposedly alone saved the British. The reality is revealed in Kershaw's book as far more complicated and is illustrative of flaws in the German system of command and control which would later become far more pronounced in the savage fighting in Russia. The OKW, the OKH, and tactical commanders like Rommel and Guderian were often in the dark about each others intent, sometimes deliberately, but even in this early stage of the war, German tactical
brilliance and willingness to seize the initiative often concealed major flaws in planning and execution. Simply looking at things as they turned out from the eventual victors later point of view makes it difficult to see what was really going on and what it revealed about German capabilities. This text goes a long way towards redressing this historical imbalance. I particularly recommend this text to those of you have read up on this battle before and thought you had a good grip on events. It may surprise you.
brilliance and willingness to seize the initiative often concealed major flaws in planning and execution. Simply looking at things as they turned out from the eventual victors later point of view makes it difficult to see what was really going on and what it revealed about German capabilities. This text goes a long way towards redressing this historical imbalance. I particularly recommend this text to those of you have read up on this battle before and thought you had a good grip on events. It may surprise you.
May 31, 2022
A interesting look at Dunkirk from the German viewpoint. The story provides the intrigue and political in-fighting that led to Britain being able to rescue a great number of their troops due to poor decisions by Germany. A great story from the opponents view.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
April 28, 2023
I have read several of Robert Kershaw’s books in the past and I had no hesitation in picking
up ‘Dünkirchen 1940: The German View of Dunkirk’ when I first encountered it as his works
are always well written and excellently researched.
This is the first English language publication that I have seen that is dedicated to the
German view of the fighting for Dunkirk and the actions that led up to it and all credit goes to
Kershaw for both highlighting an under-researched area of World War II history and for
tackling it in such a balanced and measured way.
He has made extensive use of personal letters, journals and official war diaries to produce a
detailed narrative of both the everyday experiences of the individual participants and of the
campaign as a whole. These primary sources aptly convey the confidence felt on the
German side which was in direct contrast to the chaos and confusion that beset the Allied
Armies. I can appreciate the wealth of details presented here but I sometimes feel that the
book gets bogged down in the minutiae at the expense of giving a clearer description of the
broader sweep of the battle as a whole. On a more positive note, the maps are excellent and
the photographs are well chosen.
Overall, I would recommend it to any military enthusiast or student of history who would like
gain a fresh insight into an already well known and documented period of history. However, I
do not think that it is in quite the same league as his book ‘It Never snows in September’
which portrays the German view of Operation Market Garden and Robert Jackson’s
excellent book ‘Dunkirk’ still remains my go to source for this battle.
up ‘Dünkirchen 1940: The German View of Dunkirk’ when I first encountered it as his works
are always well written and excellently researched.
This is the first English language publication that I have seen that is dedicated to the
German view of the fighting for Dunkirk and the actions that led up to it and all credit goes to
Kershaw for both highlighting an under-researched area of World War II history and for
tackling it in such a balanced and measured way.
He has made extensive use of personal letters, journals and official war diaries to produce a
detailed narrative of both the everyday experiences of the individual participants and of the
campaign as a whole. These primary sources aptly convey the confidence felt on the
German side which was in direct contrast to the chaos and confusion that beset the Allied
Armies. I can appreciate the wealth of details presented here but I sometimes feel that the
book gets bogged down in the minutiae at the expense of giving a clearer description of the
broader sweep of the battle as a whole. On a more positive note, the maps are excellent and
the photographs are well chosen.
Overall, I would recommend it to any military enthusiast or student of history who would like
gain a fresh insight into an already well known and documented period of history. However, I
do not think that it is in quite the same league as his book ‘It Never snows in September’
which portrays the German view of Operation Market Garden and Robert Jackson’s
excellent book ‘Dunkirk’ still remains my go to source for this battle.
April 23, 2023
I have been interested in the subject of Dunkirk for at least two reasons: I have had contact to families (near Woodbridge, Suffolk, UK), who had loved ones involved in the evacuation and before that, I have visited the beaches of La Panne, France when on holiday, without realising they played an essential role in the evacuation.
The book tries to explain why the British army was able to evacuate. Obviously the German army was slow in squashing the perimeter of Dunkirk.
The book states Hitler ordered to halt the German panzers on the 24th of May, but that was actually only a repetition of an order the German army had issued internally. In much of the literature this is seen as the cause of the German delay, but this is not the reality. In fact at this point the rapid German advance through he Ardennes and towards the sea had caused it to become chaotic. Several uncoordinated chains of command existed and could not be unraveled. The operations in Western France required more soldiers, and these were withdrawn from the line of battle in Dunkirk.
The defenders defended Bologne very effectively, slowing down German progress. They flooded the coastal areas, which caused immense trouble for the Germans. The Luftwaffe was not particularly effective and failed to achieve hits on ships. British and French artillery often halted German advances. The poilus and the British soldiers fought hard for every inch of ground.
These were the real reason why the bulk of the British army escaped, together with the father of my friend.
The book tries to explain why the British army was able to evacuate. Obviously the German army was slow in squashing the perimeter of Dunkirk.
The book states Hitler ordered to halt the German panzers on the 24th of May, but that was actually only a repetition of an order the German army had issued internally. In much of the literature this is seen as the cause of the German delay, but this is not the reality. In fact at this point the rapid German advance through he Ardennes and towards the sea had caused it to become chaotic. Several uncoordinated chains of command existed and could not be unraveled. The operations in Western France required more soldiers, and these were withdrawn from the line of battle in Dunkirk.
The defenders defended Bologne very effectively, slowing down German progress. They flooded the coastal areas, which caused immense trouble for the Germans. The Luftwaffe was not particularly effective and failed to achieve hits on ships. British and French artillery often halted German advances. The poilus and the British soldiers fought hard for every inch of ground.
These were the real reason why the bulk of the British army escaped, together with the father of my friend.
August 18, 2022
This is a fascinating account of Dunkirk from the view of the Germans. Dunkirk, of course, saw the Allies staring defeat in the face, with Operation Dynamo and the evacuation of the beaches. Although, in effect almost a military disaster, it was an escape which meant that the British could retrench and continue the fight.
Kershaw uses a lot of memoirs, letters and first-hand accounts to tell the story, which means it is personally, as well as historically, interesting. We have everyone from locals, who lived in Dunkirk, to secretaries who worked for Hitler and his inner circle, to those involved in the battle, included, so a good cross-section of those involved. Hitler had been resolved to deal with France and Britain quickly. However, we learn of the reasons behind the ‘halt order,’ which effectively allowed the British to escape, the incomprehension and frustration of the Germans and of a town which was virtually destroyed. Indeed, Dunkirk, and its inhabitants, suffered so much and it was tragic to learn of the suffering of the people there.
Overall, a really fascinating view of that historical event. It was interesting to hear how and why things turned out as they did and how this was viewed from both the Allied and German sides. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
Kershaw uses a lot of memoirs, letters and first-hand accounts to tell the story, which means it is personally, as well as historically, interesting. We have everyone from locals, who lived in Dunkirk, to secretaries who worked for Hitler and his inner circle, to those involved in the battle, included, so a good cross-section of those involved. Hitler had been resolved to deal with France and Britain quickly. However, we learn of the reasons behind the ‘halt order,’ which effectively allowed the British to escape, the incomprehension and frustration of the Germans and of a town which was virtually destroyed. Indeed, Dunkirk, and its inhabitants, suffered so much and it was tragic to learn of the suffering of the people there.
Overall, a really fascinating view of that historical event. It was interesting to hear how and why things turned out as they did and how this was viewed from both the Allied and German sides. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
August 5, 2022
A really fascinating book covering the Dunkirk battle, from the German perspective. The book answers many of the questions about why the German high command delayed attacking the beleaguered Allied forces at Dunkirk by land.
The author gives the book some balance by including some shocking accounts of British soldiers who took part in the various battles along the French coastline, prior to Dunkirk.
I was unaware that the Panzers lost over 50% of their armoured vehicles in the battles for Boulogne and Calais, before encircling Dunkirk.. The incredibly strong resistance by the French and British troops in these towns was quite heroic, especially as they had very little means of escaping the ever-tightening noose of the Wehrmacht forces.
The author has undertaken a tremendous amount of research, an especially difficult task given that most of the German participants at Dunkirk died in the latter parts of WW2 - for example on the Eastern Front.
My Father-in-law fought a rearguard action at Dunkirk, in charge of a 25 pounder field gun. He would have loved to have read this book. Sadly he is no longer with us.
In summary,a well written book that would appeal to any military buff.
The author gives the book some balance by including some shocking accounts of British soldiers who took part in the various battles along the French coastline, prior to Dunkirk.
I was unaware that the Panzers lost over 50% of their armoured vehicles in the battles for Boulogne and Calais, before encircling Dunkirk.. The incredibly strong resistance by the French and British troops in these towns was quite heroic, especially as they had very little means of escaping the ever-tightening noose of the Wehrmacht forces.
The author has undertaken a tremendous amount of research, an especially difficult task given that most of the German participants at Dunkirk died in the latter parts of WW2 - for example on the Eastern Front.
My Father-in-law fought a rearguard action at Dunkirk, in charge of a 25 pounder field gun. He would have loved to have read this book. Sadly he is no longer with us.
In summary,a well written book that would appeal to any military buff.
November 3, 2022
An invaluable addition to the wealth of literature on Dunkirk.
It is brilliantly researched and carefully balances the ordinary German soldier's view with that of his commanders, right up to Hitler. It portrays the harshness of the conditions rank and file German soldiers endured and their views - often contradictory - on the Allied soldiers they faced. It reminds the reader that in any war there are two sets of human beings suffering danger, death and injury.
The analysis of the Halt Order of 24 May offers fresh insight into the reasons why it was issued and the impact it had, underlining that it was not the sole reason why so many members of the BEF and French forces were able to escape through Dunkirk. No-one venturing an opinion on the Halt Order ought to do so without reading this book.
It deals with the atrocities committed by the SS troops, although occasionally lacking the lavish detail of some of the other sections.
Robert Kershaw is a former soldier himself so has a fantastic eye for the details of the units involved, their movements and equipment. Although this occasionally got a little dense for my taste it did not unduly impair my enjoyment of the book.
It is brilliantly researched and carefully balances the ordinary German soldier's view with that of his commanders, right up to Hitler. It portrays the harshness of the conditions rank and file German soldiers endured and their views - often contradictory - on the Allied soldiers they faced. It reminds the reader that in any war there are two sets of human beings suffering danger, death and injury.
The analysis of the Halt Order of 24 May offers fresh insight into the reasons why it was issued and the impact it had, underlining that it was not the sole reason why so many members of the BEF and French forces were able to escape through Dunkirk. No-one venturing an opinion on the Halt Order ought to do so without reading this book.
It deals with the atrocities committed by the SS troops, although occasionally lacking the lavish detail of some of the other sections.
Robert Kershaw is a former soldier himself so has a fantastic eye for the details of the units involved, their movements and equipment. Although this occasionally got a little dense for my taste it did not unduly impair my enjoyment of the book.
January 14, 2023
This book as you can imagine from the title is all about the evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force from the port city of Dunkirk (which the British call Operation Dynamo) but from the point of view of the German forces and not the normal allied viewpoint.
The book uses letters, diaries, and first-hand accounts from participants in the battle to tell the story and explain why the British were able to evacuate from Dunkirk and more interestingly why the German forces did not destroy them on the beach while they were waiting to be evacuated.
If you have read any of the author’s other books such as “It Never Rains in September: The German View of Market-Garden and the Battle of Arnhem, September 1944” you will know how much detail and care he puts into his writing. This book I feel lives up to the standard he set with his previous books and provides an interesting look at one of the most iconic events of the Second World War from the German perspective.
If you are a fan of military history, especially that of the Second World War then I recommend this book. I think you will enjoy it.
The book uses letters, diaries, and first-hand accounts from participants in the battle to tell the story and explain why the British were able to evacuate from Dunkirk and more interestingly why the German forces did not destroy them on the beach while they were waiting to be evacuated.
If you have read any of the author’s other books such as “It Never Rains in September: The German View of Market-Garden and the Battle of Arnhem, September 1944” you will know how much detail and care he puts into his writing. This book I feel lives up to the standard he set with his previous books and provides an interesting look at one of the most iconic events of the Second World War from the German perspective.
If you are a fan of military history, especially that of the Second World War then I recommend this book. I think you will enjoy it.
August 15, 2022
Having read Robert Kershaw's previous books, especially the ground breaking It Never Snows in September, I knew that this latest book would be full 0f information, first hand accounts and detailed explanations as to why what when and where all in a easy to read style.
This time Robert has written about the German campaign in the West, Case Yellow, it details all the events leading up to the attack, and the execution of the plan itself, interspersed with first hand accounts. The origins of the stop order are explained and how Dunkirk was to be left to the Luftwaffe.
The book is well researched and informative with useful maps and fills a big gap in the overall picture of the events leading up to and Dunkirk itself.
An excellent read that helps to round out our knowledge about the events at this time.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in WW2 and especially Dunkirk, it makes a refreshing change to see the viewpoint from the German side and become more knowledgeable.
Thank You to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC for this book.
This time Robert has written about the German campaign in the West, Case Yellow, it details all the events leading up to the attack, and the execution of the plan itself, interspersed with first hand accounts. The origins of the stop order are explained and how Dunkirk was to be left to the Luftwaffe.
The book is well researched and informative with useful maps and fills a big gap in the overall picture of the events leading up to and Dunkirk itself.
An excellent read that helps to round out our knowledge about the events at this time.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in WW2 and especially Dunkirk, it makes a refreshing change to see the viewpoint from the German side and become more knowledgeable.
Thank You to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC for this book.
September 18, 2022
solid history book
Wile I didn't learn that much new, This book did two very important things. I put what I already knew into a clearer perspective, and what new things it did teach new were Very important.
One of the best things in this book is it exposes of The Cult of Nazi Invincibility. (trumpet fanfare)
Despite all historical evidence there are still grown men who have internalized 1930's propaganda from another country. But what is the cult of Nazi invincibility? It is the belief that baring outside factors the Nazi's will always win. It expresses a belief in racial superiority, with out coming out and saying it.
I've been hearing it all my life and I've barely noticed until this book. Thank you for pointing that out Mr. Kershaw.
Wile I didn't learn that much new, This book did two very important things. I put what I already knew into a clearer perspective, and what new things it did teach new were Very important.
One of the best things in this book is it exposes of The Cult of Nazi Invincibility. (trumpet fanfare)
Despite all historical evidence there are still grown men who have internalized 1930's propaganda from another country. But what is the cult of Nazi invincibility? It is the belief that baring outside factors the Nazi's will always win. It expresses a belief in racial superiority, with out coming out and saying it.
I've been hearing it all my life and I've barely noticed until this book. Thank you for pointing that out Mr. Kershaw.
December 18, 2022
First, I enjoyed reading this book. It gave me a better understanding of Dunkirk and how the evacuation of the BEF occurred. Geography and water played a large role in the challenge. The politics of the German OKW and OKH and their competition significantly impacted the battle for Dunkirk.
There is an incredible amount of detail in the Order of Battle for the English, Belgians, French, and German forces. I did not try to memorize or keep track of the different forces and exactly where they were located and going. A very casual reader might get overwhelmed with the detail.
I read this on my iPhone Kindle account and I found that tedious with the small screen. I prefer holding a book where I can turn paper pages! :-)
There is an incredible amount of detail in the Order of Battle for the English, Belgians, French, and German forces. I did not try to memorize or keep track of the different forces and exactly where they were located and going. A very casual reader might get overwhelmed with the detail.
I read this on my iPhone Kindle account and I found that tedious with the small screen. I prefer holding a book where I can turn paper pages! :-)
June 18, 2024
I thought I knew a lot about the opening campaigns of WWII. I was wrong! Mr. Kershaw brings these opening weeks of the Western Campaign to new life. It was a much harder fight for both sides but in the end German manpower and maneuvering carries the day. But the final days of the campaign is won by the French defenders who eventually surrender. Giving the Germans a clear path to final victory. Then the rest of France falls a few weeks later. An amazing story from a different perspective. Well done Mr. Kershaw.
January 24, 2024
Very interesting
A very interesting and unusual view of an important battle of World War II. It is rare that an English language book tells the story from a primarily German perspective; even more rare when it is about a German victory. For all that Dunkirk is celebrated in England as a major triumph, the Germans did win the battle and the BEF was fortunate to escape although the cost of leaving most of its equipment behind.
A very interesting and unusual view of an important battle of World War II. It is rare that an English language book tells the story from a primarily German perspective; even more rare when it is about a German victory. For all that Dunkirk is celebrated in England as a major triumph, the Germans did win the battle and the BEF was fortunate to escape although the cost of leaving most of its equipment behind.
October 5, 2022
The other side
Factual detailed account of the 1940 battles in northern France and Belgium. Dispels certain myths and shows what a difficult time the Germans had at Dunkirk.
Also emphasizes the futility and horror of war, with some glorying in killing.
Not a good advert for the human race.
Factual detailed account of the 1940 battles in northern France and Belgium. Dispels certain myths and shows what a difficult time the Germans had at Dunkirk.
Also emphasizes the futility and horror of war, with some glorying in killing.
Not a good advert for the human race.
August 17, 2024
The book covers a lot more than just Dunkirk. It starts with the invasion of Holland and Belgium. It follows up with the battles at Calais and Boulogne, then finally the encirclement of, and attack on,Dunkirk. It gives the a different view of evacuation from Dunkirk. Lots of interesting and different perspectives.
July 31, 2022
This book fills an important gap for many history buffs. It brings a perspective not often brought to bear in relation to this iconic event of WWII. The author does an incredible job sourcing new material and presenting it in a balanced and respectful way.
February 13, 2023
Obviously well researched and of historical value in describing the events of Dunkirk. I have visited Dunkirk but learned little of the details surrounding the struggles that went on there. Little too much detail on different units deployed where and why, but nonetheless valuable historically.
February 18, 2023
Interesting, as it is unusual to hear the German perspective, but didn’t quite hit the mark for me, perhaps because of the paucity of available sources (lots of participants subsequently killed on the Eastern front).
August 18, 2023
Great look at the German movements in and around northern France in this time period. Books mostly focus on all the actions of the Allies and generally don't detail the German maneuvering. Really good detail on the "panzer pause", why it occurred and the results. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
April 25, 2024
Great account
For the first time, we read the German account of Dunkirk. More importantly, we learn how the French forces, defending the perimeter, were instrumental in the success of Operation Dynamo.
For the first time, we read the German account of Dunkirk. More importantly, we learn how the French forces, defending the perimeter, were instrumental in the success of Operation Dynamo.
September 23, 2022
Really, really informative.
September 28, 2023
I found it immensely interesting to read about the Dunkirk evacuation from the German perspective. The memoir-type details were quite touching.
January 5, 2023
Describing the ebb and flow of the offensive, this meticulously researched and excellently written book contains both personal stories, reminiscences and detailed narrative describing the progress of the campaign. It's particularly interesting and important in that it offers a non-partisan perspective. Thoroughly recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and to the author & publishers for access to this e-ARC in exchange for my review. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
Many thanks to NetGalley and to the author & publishers for access to this e-ARC in exchange for my review. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
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