These pamphlets are "Historical Studies" in the "German Report Series", published by the Department of the Army, shortly after World War II. These were written by a committee of former German officers and are from the German point of view. During the translation process 'every effort was made to retain the point of view, the expressions, and even the prejudices of the authors'. The translations are excellent.

This particular pamphlet is about combat at night. After the Introduction, there is a chapter on principles, including, but not limited to: physical and psychological factors, command, reconnaissance, security, movements, assembly, attack, pursuit, etal. Then there are chapters on Russian methods, German methods, and training.

From the pamphlet: Daytime and nighttime defenses must show different pictures. When preparing a counterattack, 'too much haste may lead to failure'. What are 'midget radar devices' (from page 18, 'd. Measures to Prevent Infiltration')? It mentions the use of Russian penal battalions for minefield clearance, Ouch! I wish I could get more details on artillery observation battalions, especially flash and sound-ranging batteries (sections of the Corps artillery observation battalions) and captive (anchored, not captured) balloons.

There are six very nice maps for specific examples, but there are no illustrations. The Appendix consists of seven weekly night training schedules, for: Tank Company, Armored Infantry Troops, Antitank Elements, Close Combat and three for various Engineer Units.

Read from January 8 to 9, 2011. ( )