Rodgers, Russ/Tan, Darren (Illustr.) Nierstein and Oppenheim 1945: Patton Bounces the Rhine

In January 1945, the collapse of the German front along the Siegfried Line led to a large-scale dissolution of German combat forces and capability. Pressed hard by Allied forces advancing eastward, German units often found themselves trapped west of the Rhine River. With his eye on history, U.S. Lt. Gen. George S. Patton, Jr. was determined to be the first leader since Napoleon I. to make an assault crossing of the Rhine. The most logical crossing-place was at Mainz, as it served as a major railroad logistical link from west to east. However, Patton was aware that this would be obvious to the Germans, and therefore he and his staff made rapid plans for another site at Nierstein and Oppenheim, about 12 miles south of Mainz. The crossing began at 22:30 on 23 March, when the first boats carrying 11th Infantry Regiment troops left the western bank of the Rhine. They met with little opposition; despite a few sharp counterattacks, overall resistance was light and American forces suffered few casualties. By 24 March, the U.S. 4th Armoured Division under Brig. Gen. William Hoge crossed the Rhine and began the exploitation phase. By 26 March, the exploitation to the Main River was clearly a rout, exacerbated by additional crossings of the Rhine by other Allied units over the next few days. Illustrated throughout with stunning full-colour artwork, maps, and bird's-eye-views, this title details the complete history of this dramatic campaign.

Nierstein and Oppenheim, about 19 kilometres south of Mainz, were chosen for this operation. The crossing began on 23 March at 22:30, when the first boats with soldiers from the 11th Infantry Regiment left the western bank of the Rhine. They encountered little resistance. Despite some fierce counterattacks, resistance was generally low and the American forces suffered only a few casualties. By 24 March, the American 4th Armoured Division had also crossed the Rhine and begun its advance on the eastern bank. This title is illustrated throughout with contemporary photographs, colour illustrations, maps and bird's eye views of the operations.