Guderian’s XIXth Panzer Corps and the Battle of France: Breakthrough in the Ardennes, May 1940

With use of primary and secondary sources, this work places us close to the actual operational planning, preparation, and deployment of one of the most successful military operations in recent history. It covers major changes made by the German Army after the Polish Campaign; the infighting surrounding these changes; and the reorganization and preparation of the Army for the Battle of France. It also provides a day-by-day breakdown of German action during the battle’s first five critical days. This volume covers extensive ground and uses numerous appendices and biographical sketches to set the stage for its primary focus - a five day period during the Battle of France. Similar to the Allied Invasion of Normandy, the campaign plan for the Battle of France required six months to develop and elaborate. As a result, this reading provides an opportunity to observe the World War II German Army performing its military work and a look at the friction inherent in campaign planning and on the battlefield.