Customer Reviews

Red Ball Express: Supply Line from the D-Day Beaches (Us Army Transport)

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I ordered this book after speaking with my Grandfather who was involved in the Red Ball Express. Having this book and reading through it helped a lot after listening to his stories. There are a large number of black and white photographs depicting dfferent aspects of the operation. There are also color photos that are more detailed and show reenactments and restored vehicles. There is info on a range of topics from the racial makeup (mostly African-American), to the maintenance and repair problems (one being flat tires caused by ration cans in the roadway!)

My only complaint is that some of the information seems to be repeated a few times in the book in different places. Also, the timeline was hard for me to follow because it is presented several times in great detail and not always consistent in order from start to finish.

I would recommend this book as it has a lot of detail on a fascinating, yet understated end extremely vital operation of World War II.

"Stay on the Ball. Keep'em rolling!" These worlds are familiar for those who dealt with a subject of supply Allied force by various materials during their advance across France and North-West Europe. This new book from Ian Allan Publishing tells us a story about daily problems, failures, titanic pressure. The every aspect of the "Red Ball" supply line is covered, even the vehicle types are examined. And this is the main drawback of the work. Pat Ware devoted too much place to vehicle specifications and descriptions of types. Probably, the author has considered it as the best variant to "fill the gap". As for me, the variant with the battle orders of supply units would be the best.

Any military history buff will recognize the term "Red Ball Express" of WWII in Europe. What I learned that was a surprise to me is that there were actually several "expedited" supply actions. This book was an interesting read with good pictures of the various trucks and trailers. I would have liked to have seen a little better route map details, and more detail on what would make up the composition of a truck load that drove the typical 2X+ overweight loading. Still, a very enjoyable book that adds to ones knowledge base.