World War II Street-Fighting Tactics

Dr Stephen Bull is the Curator of the Museum of Lancashire in Preston, which incorporates the collections of several local regiments. He obtained his doctorate from University College, Swansea, with a study of English Civil War weapons. For several years, he worked at the National Army Museum, on a fortifications project and later in the Weapons Department. He has written numerous articles for specialist journals, including a number on the weapons and tactics of World War I.Peter Dennis was inspired by contemporary magazines such as Look and Learn, leading him to study Illustration at Liverpool Art College. Peter has since contributed to hundreds of books, predominantly on historical subjects, including many Osprey titles. A keen wargamer and modelmaker, he is based in Nottinghamshire, UK.

• INTRODUCTION’BLITZKRIEG’ IN URBAN AREAS: Prewar doctrine: German – British; 1940: anticipating invasion; American responsesTHE EASTERN FRONT, 1941–44: The opening rush; Stalingrad: the academy of street fighting; Warsaw: improvisation and terror; Lessons from Warsaw: the German analysisTHE ITALIAN EXPERIENCE: The Canadians in Ortona; British analysis: Fighting in Built Up Areas (1943); Cassino; Air support: Training Manual No.5THE US ARMY IN NW EUROPE: Doctrine: FM 31-50; The urban environment – squad organization – house-to-house fighting – tank/infantry co-operation – raiding; Practical experience: 23rd Infantry at Brest – 26th Infantry at Aachen – 410th Infantry at SchillersdorfGERMANY, 1945: German forces; Allied forces – flamethrowersCONCLUSIONSPLATE COMMENTARIESINDEX