Comments: Softcover, 48 pages, 38 color photos, 9 color plates


ISBN: 978-1-4728-2027-3


Price: $18


Publisher: Osprey Publishing

From the publisher: The Maginot Line was one of the most advanced networks of fortifications in history. Built in the aftermath of World War I, and stretching along the French eastern border from Belgium to Switzerland, it was designed to prevent German troops from ever setting foot on French soil again.
Its primary defensive weapons were the gun turrets. Beginning development in the 1870s and improving on German designs, they were constructed out of steel wedges and could revolve and disappear from sight after firing, making them impervious to enemy bombardment. They were deadly accurate and created havoc on the German units that attacked the line during their invasion of France in 1940.

This study examines the technical details of the French artillery turrets, showing the evolution of the design of the guns and turrets used in French forts before and during World War I, then those built exclusively for the Maginot Line, to give an overview of this weapons system.

FSM says: Fascinating deep background, but a stretch for modelers — unless you are building a subterranean diorama.