The year the once all-conquering German army was finally defeated. In May 1944, Germany was in crisis. The Allied landings in Normandy had forced another battle arena upon an army already fighting on the vast Eastern front, where its leadership was soon to collapse. Within twelve months, Berlin would fall. In this absorbing study, James Lucas examines the last battles fought by the German army - which had by no means given up its struggle - as the Allies swept across Europe. He explores the army's changing structures throughout this final year of the war, and reveals the often surprising measures taken to confront a situation Hitler had never contemplated, and never really accepted. This book charts the very unique experiences of a military force moving from dominance to defeat, of individual bravery and of dictatorial inadequacy in command. Perfect for readers of Antony Beevor and Max Hastings.