Panzerkrieg : The Rise and Fall of Hitler's Tank Divisions

by Peter McCarthy

Blitzkrieg. For many the word conjures a vision of massed columns of tanks sweeping through Europe, smashing all resistance, relentless caterpillar treads leaving a trail of devastation in their wake. But the dramatic story of Hitler's tank divisions is more than one of mere mechanical efficiency. It hangs too on those who commanded and fought in them, and believed in their near-invincibility. These are the men who are the focus of this narrative - great generals like Guderian, Rommel, tank masters like Wittmann and Bake, and inspired commanders like Balck and Bayerlein dominate the story of Panzerkrieg. Dispensing with jargon, but including maps, illustrations and detail on uniforms, crew members and mechanical features of the machines, the authors of this volume give an historical overview of all aspects of the subject, both human and technical. They have also benefited from new information available since the opening of the Cold War archives. Emerging from the narrative is the whole vast canvas of the war, as it follows the titanic struggles which ranged between the bocage country of France, the desert wastes of North Africa, and the limitless Steppes of Russia. The development of German fighting vehicles and tactics is charted, and the many myths and misconceptions are exploded. Research and reference to the memoirs of the leading participants contributes to this assessment of the evolution, exploits and eventual destruction of this fighting force.

Genres: Military History, History, World War II, Nonfiction

320 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2000

Reviews

[Robert Drumheller · Rating 4 out of 5]

The detailed listing of the tank aces was interesting and informative.

[Jari Havela · Rating 1 out of 5]

En heti ymmärrä, miksi tämä on kirjoitettu.

[Craig Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book covers, in narrative form, the entire formation and execution of the German tank army from 1937 through 1945. Packed with a lot of information, a few more pictures would have been great. The coverage of operations was thorough and contained a battle map for each of the major operations. Appendices include formation variances for each year of the war, a glossary of German terms, and a breakdown of the more famous Panzer Armies.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

9/10 Not having read another history of German tank warfare, I can't think of a better one. It's a balance of a timeline of WWII, a history of tank warfare, and technical data about German tanks and tank related equipment. I suppose if you know the subject well, this is only an overview. For me, it was a good refresher on the history with the right amount of detail I wanted. Also included: photos, glossary, index (with links in the index that work on the Kindle version).

[Matti Karjalainen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Achtung panzer! Ei mitään uutta ja ihmeellistä sotahistoriallisen taivaan alla, mutta ihan pätevä tietokirja kuitenkin Saksan panssarijoukoista toisen maailmansodan eri rintamilla. Heinz Gudreianin asemaa ja merkitystä korostetaan suuresti.

[Mansoor Azam · Rating 3 out of 5]

a good n well written book .

[Art · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basic overview of the Panzer war, A good primer if you are new to panzer combat and tactics but if you have been around this subject anytime there is little new here to see.

[Michael Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overview of panzer battles during World War Two. Also a b brief description of the various types of German tanks and their commanders.

[Steven]

Good overview of the Third Reich's use of a new technology molded into in new strategy.