Panzer Tactics
By Wolfgang Schneider
Published in 2005 by Stackpole Books
ISBN 978-0-8117-3244-4
Softbound, 352 pages
Available from Stackpole Books for $29.95
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Panzer Tactics - German Small-Unit Armor Tactics in WWII
Stackpole Books continues to bring lower cost editions of important,
useful books for the modelling community by this offering, originally
published by J.J. Fedorowicz in 2000. At 352 pages, and containing 400
photos, many not seen previously by this reviewer, this book is a real
value. Chapter headings include Offensive and Defensive Operations, Unit
Movements, Reconnaissance, Command and Control, Logistics and Maintenance,
Combined Arms Operations, Life In A Tank, Training and Tank Gunnery, and
Armor Tactics - Today and Tomorrow. Each chapter is laid out in a similar
fashion. First, regulations and doctrine as originally formulated and
written are given and explained. Following that, practical experience
examples are used, derived from actual implementation of the aforementioned
principles. These examples come from after-action reports, interviews
with surviving Panzer soldiers, as well as the experiences of the author,
himself an armor officer. So we are given the doctrine as originally formulated,
as well as examples of how these doctrines evolved in actual combat use.
In addition to the photos, maps showing actual encounters, with accompanying
explanations, reprints from field manuals, and sketches give us a comprehensive
overview of German armored tactics.
Conclusion
As the war progressed, lessons were learned, new tactics evolving and
replacing those found wanting. Upon the formation of the modern Bundeswehr,
effective doctrine from the last war was adopted, modified to make use
of advances in technology. As well as offering a wealth of photos for
the modeller, this book explains in detail how German small-unit armor
tactics evolved, and why they are studied today. Model builders tend to
focus exclusively on the appearance of a particular vehicle, perhaps with
little or no knowledge of how they were employed. Learning of the intricate
interactions necessary for their successful employment adds a whole new
dimension to the hobby. An excellent addition to the bookshelf of model
builders and history buffs alike, and at an affordable price. My sincere
thank you to Stackpole Books
for supplying my review copy.
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