Eben-Emael - Secret Operations - Ian Kemp

When the Germans launched their offensive against Belgium, Holland and France in May 1940 one major obstacle stood in the way: the Belgian fort of Eben-Emael. Defending the strategically vital line of the Albert Canal and the Meuse River, it was considered to be the most impregnable fortification in Europe. To overcome the fort's formidable defences the Germans conceived an audacious plan. In the early hours of 10 May a select band of 77 soldiers on board nine DFS230 gliders landed on the perimeter of Eben-Emael. The defenders were taken completely by surprise and the fort's guns and other installations were destroyed with pioneering shaped charges within 10 minutes of the landing. The glider-borne troops held the fort for the next 24 hours until relieved by advancing ground forces and the first use of airborne troops in warfare had opened the way for the Germans' unstoppable drive to the Channel. Profusely illustrated, including many contemporary photographs showing the immediate aftermath of the raid, Secret Operations: Eben-Emael is a gripping account of how this feat of arms was accomplished. Each title in the 'Secret Operations' series exposes the truth behind famous miltary raids or clandestine operations. Many of these operations would see the first use of pioneering new weaponry, equipment or military tactics against an unsuspecting enemy. These fascinating stories will be of interest to military historians, wargamers, and recreationists alike.

Paperback, 22,6 x 30,2 cm, 96 pages, 97 b/w photos, 12 coloured photos, 7 maps