Attacks

Erwin Rommel's "Attacks" stands as a significant primary source document in military history, offering readers direct insight into the tactical thinking of one of World War II's most studied commanders. Originally published in German as "Infanterie greift an" in 1937, this book draws from Rommel's experiences as a young officer during World War I, long before his fame as the "Desert Fox" in North Africa. The work chronicles his combat experiences with the Württemberg Mountain Battalion and demonstrates the evolution of infantry tactics during the Great War.

The book's structure follows a chronological progression through various engagements on multiple fronts during World War I. Rommel recounts operations in France, Romania, and Italy, with particular emphasis on the mountain warfare campaign in the Italian Alps. Each chapter typically focuses on a specific operation or battle, presenting the tactical situation, terrain considerations, and decision-making processes that shaped the outcomes. This format provides military professionals and historians with concrete examples of small-unit leadership and tactical problem-solving in actual combat conditions.

What distinguishes "Attacks" from many military memoirs is Rommel's analytical approach to battlefield experiences. Rather than simply narrating events, he examines his decisions, evaluates alternatives, and discusses lessons learned. This reflective quality makes the text valuable for military education, explaining why it has been used in various military academies and staff colleges over the decades. Rommel demonstrates particular attention to reconnaissance, speed of movement, and exploiting enemy weaknesses—principles that would later characterize his command style in World War II.

The tactical scenarios presented in the book illustrate the challenges of World War I combat beyond the static trench warfare commonly associated with the Western Front. Rommel's experiences in mountain warfare, infiltration tactics, and fluid mobile operations showcase the diverse nature of the conflict. His detailed descriptions of night attacks, river crossings, and breakthrough operations provide valuable case studies in aggressive infantry tactics. The emphasis on maintaining momentum, even when facing exhaustion and uncertainty, reflects a command philosophy that prioritized initiative and offensive action.

The translation quality has varied across different English editions, which readers should consider when selecting a version. Some translations maintain closer fidelity to Rommel's original German text, while others have adapted the material for English-speaking audiences. The technical military terminology and period-specific references require careful translation to preserve the author's intended meaning. Maps and diagrams accompanying the text prove essential for following the tactical discussions, though their quality and completeness also vary by edition.

From a historical perspective, "Attacks" offers insights into the German Army's tactical development between the two world wars. The lessons Rommel extracted from World War I combat influenced German military doctrine and training during the interwar period. The emphasis on decentralized decision-making, rapid exploitation of opportunities, and aggressive leadership at the company and battalion levels foreshadowed elements of the combined arms tactics Germany would employ in World War II. Understanding this intellectual foundation helps explain the tactical proficiency demonstrated by German forces in the war's early years.

The book naturally reflects the limitations of its author's perspective and historical context. Rommel wrote from the viewpoint of a junior officer focused on tactical-level operations, not strategic considerations or the broader political context of the war. The accounts celebrate military prowess and aggressive action without engaging with the larger questions about the war's causes, conduct, or consequences. Modern readers must approach the text with awareness of these constraints and situate it within its historical moment.

Military professionals continue to find practical value in "Attacks" for its examination of leadership under stress, decision-making with incomplete information, and the human factors affecting combat performance. The scenarios Rommel describes—maintaining unit cohesion during setbacks, motivating exhausted troops, adapting plans to changing circumstances—remain relevant to military leadership regardless of technological changes in warfare. The book serves as a reminder that fundamental tactical principles and leadership challenges persist across different eras and contexts.

"Attacks" remains worthwhile reading for military history enthusiasts, students of tactics, and those interested in understanding the experiences that shaped one of World War II's most notable commanders. While the writing style reflects its 1930s origin and the content focuses narrowly on tactical operations, the book provides authentic firsthand accounts of World War I combat and the tactical thinking of the German Army during that period. Its enduring presence in military literature testifies to its value as both a historical document and a practical study in small-unit tactics and leadership.