Earl J. Hess's Trench Warfare Under Grant & Lee

[gary]

Following in the footsteps of his earlier work, Field Armies and Fortifications, Hess has released a new book, Trench Warfare Under Grant & Lee. Hess contends that while field works were used before, it was not the intent of either Grant or Lee to engage in this mode of warfare. Both sought to defeat the other in open country. Hess defines trench warfare as "campaigning that was centered on the presence of significant earthworks." It is distinguished from siege warfare which historically entails surrounding an enemy (typically a city), cutting it off from supplies and trying to starve an enemy out or approach so close to it that the defenses can be stormed in one rush. The increasing reliance on both sides reflects the awareness that the defender could defend their ground more effectively with fewer losses. For the attacker, it could be used as a base of manuever from. One entrenched, pinned the enemy, and then outflanked him.

Professor Hess studies trench warfare from The Wilderness through the Cold Harbor Campaign. He discusses how both sides gradually accepted that frontal assaults proved fatal. Grant's decision at Cold Harbor actually seemed logical at the time. He believed that Confederate morale was at an all time low and if he could punch through, he would shatter the ANV and capture Richmond.

There is a large appendix which describes the various entrenchments that were constructed during the Overland Campaign. Plenty of maps show their layout.

It's a fascinating read for those who don't mind learning about the nitty-gritty of warfare in 1864. Reading it makes you clamour for more and I eager await the third volume on Petersburg that will finish this triology.