 |
Osprey
The Yom Kippur War 1973 (1) - The Golan Heights
ISBN 1 84176 220 2. Available at £11
|
This latest publication from Osprey follows generally the tried and tested formula of the earlier books in the Campaign Series, providing a good all round background into the Campaign and some interesting detail.
For myself, the Arab Israeli War of 1973 was the first war which I saw unfold before my eyes in colour on television and as such has always held a fascination for me. It is true to say however that prior to reading this book, my knowledge of the fight for the Golan Heights was minimal and as such, the book proved to be a revelation.
All through the narrative, I was thinking that this is a campaign we could re fight with miniatures without the result being a foregone conclusion. In actuality, it was a very near thing for the heavily outnumbered Israelis.
The book commences with a general political background sufficient to set the scene and then describes the opposing plans. Detailed orders of battle and brief biographies of the key commanders of both sides then follow. The commanders play a pivotal role as to how the battle develops and ultimately concludes.
The main text of the battle is written chronologically and has the correct level of detail to make the text useful without it being too hard going to read.
The text is interspersed with numerous black and white photos, a few colour plates and maps to illustrate the various stages of the campaign.
The Israeli counter attack follows and then an account of the aftermath. The book concludes with the battlefield today and a detailed biography.
The following salient and interesting points have been abstracted from the text:-
The Syrian offensive commenced at 1345 hours 6th October and to all intents and purposes was finished by the 8th October, with the Israeli counter attacking into Syria. The end of the campaign finally came on the evening of the 22nd October with a ceasefire.
Statistically, every Israeli tank deployed on the Golan Heights was hit one and a half times and 250 were knocked out, of which 150 were able to be repaired.
Syrian MBTs had night fighting equipment whilst the Israeli tanks didn't.
To face 3 Syrian infantry divisions (each reinforced with an armoured brigade) and 2 armoured divisions, the Israelis were only able to muster 1 under strength armoured brigade, 2 infantry battalions supported by 4 batteries of sp artillery.
Initially, the Syrian forces were not interdicted by the Israeli air force due to the presence of almost 200 SAM launchers (SA6s) forming an umbrella.
Jordanian and Iraqi forces fought in the latter days of the campaign.
To understand the reason why the Israelis finally overcome the Syrian assault, you would be best advised to invest in this book. I for one have no hesitation in purchasing it's companion volume.
Now my only decision is what scale to play the game in - 6mm or 15mm? - tricky.
Graeme Spencer
Please remember to mention Wargames Forum when contacting traders!
