Berlin -The Downfall

By 

Antony Beevor

For the World War 2 buff this book is a must. It graphically portrays the final desperate days of the Third Reich,and all the horrors that took place at that time. The book switches from a sweeping, all encompassing narrative describing the vast and overwhelming offensives of the Russians, back down to the stories of individual soldiers and civilians. 

You quickly understand what it is like to be in a world where the normal rules of human decency have been abandoned and despotism has taken over.

For the wargamer this book gives you numerous small actions to refight. from the fighting on the Baltic coast as the Germans desperately try to escape by sea to the desperate defences of villages and towns by small, under equipped units (so if you have only a small force you are quids in!).

 
The big finale is the fall of Berlin. Here too small, localised actions like the defence of the great Flak towers can be played out without having to build the whole city. The choices never end for the wargamer, though i'm sure 28mm may be preferred by most, the scenario's are probably best played in 20mm. 

Just a little bias there. sorry!

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