Ardennes 1944, Hitlers Last Gamble

On 16 December 1944, Hitler launched his 'last gamble' in the snow-covered forests and gorges of the Ardennes. He believed he could split the Allies by driving all the way to Antwerp, then force the Canadians and the British out of the war. Although his generals were doubtful of success, younger officers and NCOs were desperate to believe that their homes and families could be saved from the vengeful Red Army approaching from the east. Many were exultant at the prospect of striking back. The Ardennes offensive, with more than a million men involved, became the greatest battle of the war in western Europe. The Allies, taken by surprise, found themselves fighting two panzer armies. Belgian civilians abandoned their home, justifiably afraid of German revenge. Panic spread even to Paris. While many American soldiers fled or surrendered, others held on heroically, creating breakwaters which slowed the German advance. The harsh winter conditions and the savagery of the battle became comparable to the eastern front. And after massacres by the Waffen-SS, even American generals approved when their men shot down surrendering Germans. The Ardennes was the battle which finally broke the back of the Wehrmacht. Praise for Antony Beevor, author of-Stalingrad'Revealing, profound and thoroughly unputdownable, Stalingrad is an extraordinary achievement which transcends its genre.' Vitali Vitaliev,Daily TelegraphBerlin'This brilliant storyteller . . . makes us feel the chaos and the fear as if every drop of blood was our own- that is his gift. It is much more than just a humane account; it is compellingly readable, deeply researched and beautifully written.' Simon Sebag Montefiore, SpectatorD-Day'This is a terrific, inspiring, heart-breaking book. It makes the argument all over again that the world would be an infinitely better place if it didn't keep producing subject matter for military historians- but as long as it does, we can rejoice that at the top of that profession is Antony Beevor.' Sam Leith, Daily MailThe Second World War'His book is the definitive history. This is World War 11 as Tolstoy would have described it - the great and the small.' Gerard De Groot, Washington Post