The Last Year of the German Army: May 1944–May 1945

The year the once all-conquering German Army was finally defeated. In May 1944, Germany was in a crisis. The Allied landings in Normandy had forced another battle arena upon an army already fighting on the vast Eastern front, where its leadership was soon to collapse. In just 12 months, Berlin would fall.

In this absorbing study, James Lucas examines the changing structure of the army throughout this final year of war, and reveals the often surprising measures taken to confront a situation Hitler had never contemplated, and never really accepted. The author discusses the growing opposition to the Fuhrer and the resulting attempt on his life in July 1944, which prompted him to transfer authority from many of his senior military commanders to men he trusted, party comrades - a move that had a profound effect on the German war machine. Lucas also examines the last battles fought by the German Army, which had by no means given up its struggle, as the Allies drew closer to Berlin.

This book charts the very special experiences of a military force moving from dominance to defeat, of individual bravery and dictatorial inadequacy in command, and of the many remarkable events that featured in the final year of the last World War. Perfect for readers of Antony Beevor and Max Hastings.