If I was to buy one book on the weeks leading up to the fall of Berlin post D-Day it would be this one.
I guess the German breakout in what became known as The Battle of the Bulge has always been a focal point to me and this book captured my imagination and brings everything into focus.

Battle of the Bulge: Germany's Last Offensive December 1944 - January 1945 (24 Hours) by David Jordan is almost a definitive book on this subject.
I really appreciated the illustrations especially the details and pictures of the armaments available to the opposing armies. The background information is fascinating and as the armies seemed to be taking up defensive positions suddenly the German war machine started rolling. The defending US Army units were stretched out and were preparing for a green light of their own at a different part of the front.

I loved Band of Brothers both as a TV series and reading the outstanding book. That was a journey. Here we have battle hardened German troops breaking through allied lines right across the front. That the average GI was going to do more than their bit in Europe and through training, improvisation and the ability to adapt hold their own.

The book does not glorify war;,elements of the battle seem through-backs to World War I and the acts of bravery and courage under fire are awe-inspiring.
I understand the tension of an expected assault; it musty of been terrifying to be looking across no-man’s land and imaging shapes forming in the smoke.

I felt I was with the troops. What was also brought home to me was the courage of the local people in villages that were overrun by the German advance. They did not bear arms; these were Ordinary folk in their homes and walking their country roads.

This is a book that is balanced and provides historical details to a struggle that was ultimately to defeat The Nazis. It is an insight to that greater conflict and perhaps through the heroism shown shortened the war and therefore saved lives. War is still being waged across our world and civilians suffer greatly.

As we remember those who serve and defend their country spare a thought to the displaced, refugees and victims of terror.