The Battle of the Ardennen

Winter 1944. The Allied troops were shaken awake from the euphoric intoxication of their successes when the German army launched an unexpected and large-scale attack through the Ardennes. Hitler wanted to capture the port of Antwerp at all costs and cut off the Allied supply lines. In this way, he hopes to be able to considerably slow down the rapid advance on Berlin and possibly force a peace settlement.
This book brings you the full story of one of the bloodiest battles of World War II, which would eventually announce the final end of the Third Reich. The bitter battle around Malmédy, the siege of Bastogne and all other important developments in the Ardennes offensive are described extensively and in detail. In addition, the author outlines a number of key figures, including Otto Skorzeny, and offers the necessary insights and backgrounds to get a complete picture of the Battle of the Bulge. Why were the American troops so poorly prepared? And who or what could ultimately ensure the Allied breakthrough? Illustrated with unique photographic material and enlightening field maps, this is the fascinating story of an equally special episode in the history of the Second World War.
Robin Cross, journalist and author, has written several books about the Second World War and the Third Reich. In addition, he has worked on numerous documentaries on the military history of the twentieth century.