KAMPFFELD MITTELMEER

[MEDITERRANEAN BATTLEFIELD]

(FRANZ KUROWSKI)

German language only

The subject of Franz Kurowski's book is the struggle of the small combat units of the Reichsmarine in the Mediterranean between September 1943 (capitulation of Italy) and 2^nd May 1945, when the guns fell silent in the Italian theatre of war.

The author dedicates himself to the fight of German torpedo and speedboats, U-boats, submarines and clearing boats as well as mine ships and units of the "Brandenburgers" against far superior enemy forces.  Kurowski also tries to trace the deployment of the hospital ships and the German sea rescue planes.  To this end, he evaluates war diaries of the deployed units.  The chronicler also draws on eyewitness reports.

The author's goal is to document the "everyday life of naval warfare in the coastal apron" between reconnaissance operations, mine operations and supply trips for the troops.  Kurowski thus broke new ground in naval history, as the self-sacrificing struggle of the small combat units of the Reichsmarine in the Adriatic and in the Tyranian and Ligurian Seas as well as in the Aegean Sea had only been dealt with to a limited extent.

This 1984 1^st edition hardback publication is in very good overall condition.  The pages are tightly bound and are free from tears, creases, and significant marks.  The dustjacket displays only negligible rubbing and light knocks to the edges and corners (see photograph).  The book runs to 251 pages (23.5cm x 15cm) includes several appendices and has an additional 16 pages of photographs.  Please note the text is in the German language only.