Stonne 1940 (Men and Battles) Paperback – April 19, 2014

A well written and researched short treatment of a fight between French first line forces and the Germans on relatively even terms.What might have been in May 1940, if the Germans had not out thought the French leadership. In late June when the French had learned how to fight, it was too late. Too few French , Too many Boche

thank you

I really wanted to give this book 5 stars as there are very few detailed writings about the battle of Stonne and especially from the French point of view. The fighting at Stonne (and the armored battle at Hannut among others) showed what the French soldier was capable of when properly lead and motivated. The French fought hard with the village changing hands 17 times over the course of several days. The Panzerwaffe took a beating at the hands of the French Char B1s with one in particular (Eure) single-handedly destroying a small column of Pz III's, Pz IV's and several 37mm PaKs. What turned me off was the almost propagandistic feel of the writing; reminiscent of some of the best Soviet propaganda. Granted it was written for a French audience and translated into English, but countless honorifics to the French fighters and lurid descriptions of the German dead (one Char B1 returned "....stained with the macabre remains of enemy soldiers") dilute what in reality was a strong French performance. The facts stand on their own without the nationalist embellishments.The book is full of nice photos, drawings and maps and the narrative notwithstanding the above gives the reader strong insight into the battle and more importantly from the French point of view. There are a couple of occasions where the translation wasn't completed which hints at sloppy editing or trying to rush the English version to print. That said, I'm grateful to have it in English since I don't speak a word of French.Overall a good title with lots of information, though if unfamiliar with the actual outcome one could come away believing that France ultimately defeated the Germans. Last, the author claims this to be a local French victory. Given that the French needed to relieve Sedan and contain the German crossing at the Meuse, and the Germans were left holding the objective of Stonne after the French withdrew, I think it unrealistic to call this a French victory. It is however an apt tribute to the tenacity and the effectiveness of the French fighting man when properly motivated and led. Alas, the backward thinking French high command saw to it that the French Army was never able to fight to it's full potential. June 1940 might have a much different outcome otherwise.

I enjoy military history and wargaming ,especially early world war 2 .This is a book that covers both interests well and as detailed orders of combats that will be useful to wargamers .A very honest book covering the battle in detail and the strengths and weaknesses of the French army. The translation from the French reads a bit oddly here and there but a good read. A battle in which both German and French forces fought well , but in terms of the battle of France was unnecessary and in reality did not need to be fought at all.

Great book on this unknown battle with some good pictures, hope there is more in the series on France 1940. Well researched, unbiased and gripping.

Stonne ist ein kleines Dorf südlich Sean und bot eine Passstraße in das dahinterliegende Hochland. Die Wehrmacht versuchte 1940, diese Straße einzunehmen und trafen überraschend auf starke französische Panzereinheiten. Die Schlacht dauerte Tage, ganze deutsche Panzerkompanien gingen verloren, bis sich die Franzosen schließlich zurückziehen mussten.Das Buch schildert viel von der französischen Seite, mit vielen Fotos und Jarten. Es ist damit eine gute Ergänzung zum "Militärgeschichtlichen Reisführer Ardennen/Sedan". in der Schlacht zeigte sich, was eine gut geführte und ausgebildete französische Einheit ereichen kann, ganze Infanteriebataillone (darunter das IR Großdeutschland) zogen sich zeitweise fluchtartig zurück. Hier erkennt man, dass der französische Soldat eben kein Zurückzieher war, sondern dass er auch tapfer und wirkunsgvoll kämpfen konnte. Am Gesamtverlauf änderte sich allerdings nichts, wie so oft im Krieg.