Sturmtruppen (Hardback)
WW1 German Stormtroopers 1914-1918
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The First assault units (Sturmtruppen) were formed during the spring and summer of1916, when the Sturmbataillon Rohr was organized and after General Falkenhayn, head of the OHL, gave orders for the creation of special detachments. These units had them ission of spreading the Stosstrupptaktik, a new tactic which decisively transformed the fighting methods of the German Army. But long before this happened, another type of troops had been created within the German infantry during the winter of 1914-1915: the Shock troops (Stosstruppen), fresh infantry groups that were never officially recognized as such and never belonged to any permanent unit, but remained active until the end of the war and contributed to improving the offensive capacity of the German infantry.
This book is a narration of the history of the shock and assault troops and covers their combat methods. Finally, it offers a comprehensive description of their uniforms, equipment, and weapons, along with a large number of illustrations and period photographs rarely seen.
The book tells the story of the development of the new tactics, and it is well illustrated throughout with archive photos. It also includes descriptions of the equipment they used, such as using a couple of sandbags slung round their necks, each holding 4 stick grenades, one sack with impact fuses and the other with delayed action fuses. Even sharpened shovels were used as close combat weapons. The development of small, specially selected and trained troops who understood their objectives and who worked well in co-operation with other arms, especially the artillery. Their experiences went on to be a huge influence on the all arms tactics used by the German army during WW2, so they had an influence lasting for many years despite the eventual defeat of Germany in WW1. The tactics they used proved very successful. As well as the history of the Sturmtruppen, the detailed images in this book will be a boon for figure modellers and sculptors, along with the re-enactor who wants to get their uniforms and equipment sets just right. Sprinkled throughout the story are sets of pictures showing preserved memorabilia, including coloured shoulder straps, helmets, weapons, body armour and more. There are also some colour artworks showing complete uniforms and some tank profiles, and the whole book filling over 200 pages with some fascinating history and marvellous references..
Military Modelling, Robin Buckland
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