Stormtroop Tactics: Innovation In The German Army 1914-1918

Description: Describing the radical transformation in German Infantry tactics that took place during World War I, this book presents a detailed account of the evolution of stromtroop tactics. It covers areas such as the German Infantry's tactical heritage, the squad's evolution as a tactical unit, the use of new weapons for close combat, the role of the elite assault units in the development of new tactics and detailed descriptions of offensive battles that provided the inspiration and testing ground for this new way of fighting. Contrary to previous studies, 'Stormtroop Tactics' proposes that the German Infantry adaption to modern warfare was not a straightforward process resulting from the 'top down' intervention of reformers but instead a 'bottom up' phenomenon. It was an accumulation of improvizations and ways of dealing with pressing situations that were later sewn together to form what we now call 'Blitzkrieg'. Focusing on action at the company, platoon and squad level, this book provides a detailed description of the evolution of German defensive tactics during World War I - tactics that were the direct forbears of those used in World War II. Table of Contents: Note on definitions; prologue - the massacre of innocents; open order tactics; fortress warfare; special assault units; Verdun; expansion; organization and technology; the eastern front; mountain warfare; Cambrai; the peace offensive.