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Osprey Elite #132
German Commanders of World War II (2): Waffen-SS, Luftwaffe & Navy
This is the second book in a two-part series about the German Commanders of World War II (1939-1945) and covers distinguished commanders from the Waffen-SS, the Luftwaffe and the Navy. The commanders covered include such famous names as Josef Dietrich, Theodor Eicke, Kurt Meyer, Joachim Peiper and Karl Donitz and the book details their fascinating wartime experiences. The colour plates are in the uniquely meticulous style of the respected World War II illustrator Malcolm McGregor.
64 pages, Paperback
Published May 30, 2006
22 people want to read
About the author
Gordon Williamson
106 books11 followersGordon Williamson (born 1951) is a military history writer and author based in the United Kingdom. Williamson spent seven years with the Military Police in the British Territorial Army and resides in Scotland. Williamson's works focus primarily on German military forces during the Second World War.
Williamson has worked with several publishers but is perhaps best known for his continuing partnership with Osprey Publishing, with whom he has produced over 40 books.
Williamson has worked with several publishers but is perhaps best known for his continuing partnership with Osprey Publishing, with whom he has produced over 40 books.
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May 1, 2020
With this book, #132 in the Osprey Elite Series, Gordon Williamson addresses the other Services of the Reich (Volume 1 was about the Wehrmacht). The Navy (Kriegsmarine) and the Air Force (Luftwaffe)- and of course that entity unique to Nazism, the Waffen SS. The Waffen-SS were to the Third Reich as the Iranian Revolutionary Guard is to the Islamic Republic, a Political/Military Elite- or at least a Military Organisation that exists parallel to the Regular Military. We get some over all history, then glimpses of notable leader of each group(Usually Field Marshals to Colonels- leaders of Armies down to Regiment/Ship/Squadron commanders), and the wonderful 5 pages of Colour pictures by Malcolm McGregor in the middle show off either typical or particularly atypical dress for each character.
The SS section has Sepp Dietrich, Hausser , Otto Gille, the dastardly Eicke, Steiner, Kurt Mayer and a few more, like Peiper. The Navy gives you Doenitz and Raeder, but also U-Boat Captain like Peter Cremer- who ended up a Tank killing Ace too! The Luftwaffe has Sperrle, Kesselring, Galland and a few others. All get a little bit of background, some key events they influenced and usually a figure in the colour section. For all the Machine-like qualities of the Reich that people discuss, these guys mostly had very strong personalities that come through both in their exploits/dastardly deeds, and in their appearance. It makes for an interesting read.
This ought to be fine for any motivated Junior reader over about 9-10, as there are few adult themes and little graphic injury discussion. For the Gamer/Modeller/ Military Enthusiast- this is great for its intended market- especially as the Waffen SS often wore distinctive Camos, several of which are depicted here in Color Illustration and B/w pics in ways that are very painter friendly. The differences between the services can be subtle in some dress options- night and day in others. I only regret that there is no Africa/Italy Uniform in the book, as the Khaki/Olive Third Reich options are very interesting and oft argued. A fine addition to any SS, Waffen-SS, Luftwaffe, Kriegsmarine, or WWII library.
The SS section has Sepp Dietrich, Hausser , Otto Gille, the dastardly Eicke, Steiner, Kurt Mayer and a few more, like Peiper. The Navy gives you Doenitz and Raeder, but also U-Boat Captain like Peter Cremer- who ended up a Tank killing Ace too! The Luftwaffe has Sperrle, Kesselring, Galland and a few others. All get a little bit of background, some key events they influenced and usually a figure in the colour section. For all the Machine-like qualities of the Reich that people discuss, these guys mostly had very strong personalities that come through both in their exploits/dastardly deeds, and in their appearance. It makes for an interesting read.
This ought to be fine for any motivated Junior reader over about 9-10, as there are few adult themes and little graphic injury discussion. For the Gamer/Modeller/ Military Enthusiast- this is great for its intended market- especially as the Waffen SS often wore distinctive Camos, several of which are depicted here in Color Illustration and B/w pics in ways that are very painter friendly. The differences between the services can be subtle in some dress options- night and day in others. I only regret that there is no Africa/Italy Uniform in the book, as the Khaki/Olive Third Reich options are very interesting and oft argued. A fine addition to any SS, Waffen-SS, Luftwaffe, Kriegsmarine, or WWII library.
Displaying 1 of 1 review