Infantry Attacks

INFANTRY ATTACKS FIELD MARSHAL ERWIN ROMMEL ZENITH PRESS, 2009 QUALITY SOFTCOVER, 288 PAGES, MAPS, $19.99 INFANTRY ATTACKS (in German: INFANTERIE GREIFT AN) is a classic book on military tactics written by Field Marshal Erwin Rommel about his experiences in World War I. Sub-titled ERLEBNIS UND ERFAHRUNG, it covers his engagements in Belgium and France (1914-1915), Romania (1916-1917), and Italy (1917). Each section is followed by Betrachtungen, which point out the military lessons drawn from each action. In it were his Stoistruppen (shock troops) tactics, which used speed, deception, and deep penetration into enemy territory to surprise and overwhelm. Throughout the book, Rommel reports assigning small numbers of men to approach enemy lines from the direction in which the attack was expected. The men would yell, throw hand grenades, and otherwise simulate the anticipated attack from concealment; while attack squads and larger units sneaked around to the flanks and rear of the defenders to take them by surprise and very often forcing them to surrender. This avoided unnecessary exertion, expenditures of ammunition, and risk of injury. It was published in 1937, it quickly became a highly regarded military textbook and also brought its author to the attention of Adolf Hitler himself. This book was to establish Rommel as someone to watch and it wasn't long before Hitler tapped him for higher command. Rommel's book, written as a day to day journal of his World War I exploits, was used throughout the war by the Allies as a resource for infantry tactical movements. General George Patton was among the many influential military leaders reported to have read it. In 1943, an abridged version titled, more simply , "ATTACKS!" was released by the U.S. military for officers tactical study. By April, 1945, INFANTRY ATTACKS had sold 500,000 copies. Rommel planned to write a successor titled THE TANK IN ATTACK (In German: PANZER GREIFT AN) about tank warfare and had gathered a large amount of information during his North African campaign for that purpose. However, he died before completing this work. Rommel exerted an almost hypnotic influence not only over his own troops but also over the Allied soldiers of the British 8th Army in the Second World War. Even when the legend surrounding his invincibility was overturned at El Alamein, the aura surrounding Rommel himself remained unsullied. This classic account seeks out the basis of Rommel's astonishing leadership skills, providing an indispensable guide to the art of war written by one of its greatest exponents. Lt. Colonel Robert A. Lynn, Florida Guard Orlando, Florida

A masterful description of small unit action in WWI. Its amazing how articulate Rommel is in describing preparations for attack, use of terrain, change of plans on the spot and other details involved in executing battalion level orders. At the end of each battle sequence is an Observations section in which the lessons to be drawn are dispassionately stated.From this book its clear that during WW1 Rommel acquired most of the military characteristics that made him one of the best commanders of WW2. His emphasis on reconnaissance, deception, and surprise as well as his trademark "feel for the terrain" (fingersptizengefuhl) were all developed at the battalion level in this earlier conflict.Another real plus in this book are the maps (actually Rommel's hand sketches) showing terrain and lines of attack. Anyone who is interested in Rommel's military operations should start here. As a WW2 follow-on, I'd recommend Ronald Lewin's Rommel as Military Commander...for its detailed battle accounts and excellent maps. Fraser's and Irving's books are also good, but operate at a more general level and suffer from a lack of battle area maps.

This book will teach young leaders the fundementals of small unit leadership and the importance of talking the battle to the enemy. Outstanding descriptions of battlefields and tactics used; will break the minset that WWI was only trench warfare.You will see the development of Blitzkrieg type tactics being formulated and the basis for modern warfare used to this day.Great read for military or non-military people.

First Lieutenant Erwin Rommel outlines his maneuvers and tactical insights as an Officer in the German Light Infantry during the first World War. A cunning and audacious leader, Rommel illustrates the combat actions of two field units to which he was assigned and an after action review of each incursion. This is a must read for any leader...particularly in the Light Infantry. All Officers should spend the time to study this text over the much overrated historical fiction of The Killer Angels. Rommel was truly a first round pick. 1LT Johnny C. Stewart

This book is must! All leaders, from platoons to companies must read this book. Rommel was a great Tank Commander during WWII, but as a young infantry officer in WWI, Rommel sets the stage for all infantrymen of all nations. His ability to describe in detail his encounters with the French illustrates the timeless "field craft" missing in today's army. This book will certainly save our young men's lives. CPT Alex Isaac, A Co, 2-2 IN, 3rd BDE, 1st Infantry Division, Vilseck, Germany.