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Maarten Otte
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The American Expeditionary Forces in WWI, Meuse-Argonne: Montfaucon (Battleground The Americans 1918) Kindle Edition

by Maarten Otte (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.7 out of 5 stars 23 ratings
Any visitor to the site of the bloodiest battle in the history of the United States will be drawn to Montfaucon, for it is here that General Pershing, the Commander in Chief, determined that the major memorial to the American Expeditionary Forces would be sited. The impressive classical column, erected on the summit of Montfaucon Hill, can be seen from many parts of the battlefield of the Meuse-Argonne 1918.The village of Montfaucon, perched on and around one of the most notable heights in the Argonne area, was a first day objective for the First American Army in its massive offensive that was launched on 26 September 1918 and which rumbled on until the Armistice.Montfaucon had been the scene of bitter fighting between the French and the Germans in the early stages of the war, finally staying securely in German hands. The attack started well, with the great numbers of Doughboys easily moving through the first line of the German defense system; and, indeed, good progress was made all along the front, even if final objectives were not attained that would have brought the Americans up to the Hindenburg Line defenses. The most notable setback was the failure to capture Montfaucon, an objective given to the 79th Division. Why the task of capturing this key part of the German line to a 'green' division, composed of draftees and which had only had six weeks or so of training time in France, instead of the prescribed three months, has never been adequately explained.What has proved to be controversial ever since is why the 4th Division, a regular formation that had already been engaged in battle on the Western Front and which gained its objectives on the first day, did not seek to assist the 79th when it was clear that it was facing significant difficulties in overcoming the Montfaucon defenses. The outcome was that the village and hill did not fall on the first day. How significant this setback was to the success and the duration of the offensive has also been the subject of considerable discussion.Montfaucon was an important observation point for much of the war, providing distant views over considerable amounts of ground and thus invaluable for the German artillery. How much its loss mattered to the Germans when fighting a defensive battle, with the defense lines south of it already lost, is more open to debate, given the vantage points that the Germans continued to enjoy from high ground to the north-west and east.Maarten Otte sets the importance of Montfaucon and the ultimately successful effort to capture it within a succinct narrative. In the tours section he takes the visitor on a number of routes so that they can see for themselves the problems on the ground that faced the 79th Division and puts Montfaucon in the context of the wider battle. He also provides a detailed tour of the village and hill itself, including the magnificent memorial and the preserved defenses and ruins which surround it.
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  1. Print length
    272 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Pen & Sword Military
  4. Publication date
    November 30, 2018
  5. File size
    40.3 MB
  6. Page Flip
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  7. Word Wise
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"There are dozens of photographs throughout the book; these are helpful in giving the reader a feel for the men and terrain involved. Especially helpful and interesting are present-day photographs of areas of the battlefield, including some monuments."
Roads to the Great War

About the Author

Maarten Otte is a long time resident of the Argonne. Growing up in the Netherlands with a fascination with the Great War, particularly the role of the United States. He has published books on Nantillois in 1918 and on US Medal of Honor winners.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07NJ1DSLN
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Pen & Sword Military (November 30, 2018)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 30, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 40.3 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 out of 5 stars 23 ratings

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Maarten Otte

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4.7 out of 5 stars
23 global ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding history and Guide Book
    Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Montfaucon by Maarten Otte is an outstanding contribution to the understanding of the battle for the most challenging objective of World War One's Meuse Argonne Offensive. Recent scholarship such as William Walker's "Betrayal at Little Gibraltar" and Gene Fax's "With Their Bare Hands" have brought to life the incredible story of the US Army's 79th Infantry Division during the most bloody battle in American history. Otte's "Montfaucon" is the perfect companion piece to these works by taking the reader on an intimate and detailed voyage through the battlefield.

    Otte provides an excellent overview of the battle then provides an analysis and day by day description of the 79th Division and its subordinate units during the opening days of the offensive. He provides illuminating accounts of individual soldiers woven into his narrative of units and commands. His maps and photographs richly enhance the narrative and his comprehension of terrain and operations gives the reader a unique understanding of the challenges facing the 79th.

    Monfaucon is an excellent stand-alone history of this essential component of the Meuse Argonne campaign. What makes it invaluable to anyone traveling to visit the battlefield is its focus on the terrain and relationship to other places in the Verdun region. I was on the battlefield two months prior to the publication of this book and deeply wished I had it with me. His detailed chronological narrative of the battle is tied to existing places on the current field and he includes fantastic tour recommendations that will greatly add to any visitor's experience.

    This book provides a great introduction for any reader unfamiliar with WW1 by giving a detailed look into the experience of a single unit from private to General. For the more experienced reader, it provides and outstanding narrative that ties together the operations of an American National Division with the realities of a critical objective that was known as the Little Gibraltar.

    I will have to return to the area with Monfaucon in my hand.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • THE Kyd
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great source to knowing WW! Battle around Montfaucon
    Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Martaan Otte’s second book detailing WWI battles around the Verdun area. A wonderful resource that is clearly written with great knowledge imparted in a quite readable way. The only thing better is to go on guided tours with Martaan. which I have done, and highly recommend! However, this book also gives detailed instructions to do one’s own tour.
    2 people found this helpful
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