Osprey Fortress series

Fortifications of the Western Front 1914-18
Author: Paddy Griffith: Illustrated by Peter Dennis
Reviewed by: Steve Crofts

Although not being a complete WW1 fan I have to admit, this was an extremely interesting book, and brings home to the reader why trench warfare was such a bloody and costly affair.

The book goes through the developments of trenches, the why's and wherefore's so to speak, and gives by the end of the book, an impressive amount of information to the reader.



Starting with the introduction, the author explains how the event of high explosives development during the first world war, and the development of the trench fortification system was upgraded so to speak, so as to basically nullify the effect of the artillery and protect the troops within.

This was one of a few problems that needed to be overcome, obviously head on assault by infantry needed to be stopped, placement of machineguns, sniper holes and eventually pillboxes, all are covered within the pages.

The ornate way that trenches were dug is highlighted and why, with illustrations making the points.



Fortification of shell holes is also covered, and, I found, made quite interesting reading, Again illustrations are used to help explain.

The history of the battles is covered, not obviously in length, but enough information is given as to give the reader an appreciation as to how each step of the fortification process made its mark so to speak.

The cutaway drawings and their use along with illustrations of the sort of thing that would be happening in an attack are used very effectively and each part has it’s own little explanation of what is going on and why.



The final sections cover the Aftermath and also a nice little section covering what can be seen today, so if you are lucky enough to travel to the old battlefields you get a taste of what can be seen their and what to expect.



Overall a really good read, and I would recommend this to anyone interested in the first world war whether wargaming or modelling a diorama, extremely useful and the illustrations are of an excellently high and detailed standard.

Please remember to mention Wargames Forum when contacting traders!

Return to What's New?    Return to Home Page