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

by Peter McCarthy, Mike Syron

The image that most strikingly defines the Nazis' Blitzkrieg in Europe is that of the Panzerwaffe's massive columns of tanks advancing across the continent, smashing all resistance in their path. The mighty Panzers secured for Germany its brilliant military successes in the early battles of World War II, and when the tide of the war turned against the Third Reich, the Panzers became the backbone of its defense. But the dramatic story of Hitler's formidable tank divisions is more than one of mere mechanical efficiency. It hangs, too, on the skilled soldiers who commanded them, fought in them, and believed in their near-invincibility. With rare illustrations, explanatory maps, and an immensely readable narrative, Panzerkrieg examines the legendary tanks and crews at El Alamein, the Battle of the Bulge, and Bagration. It appraises the tank warfare waged in the woods of France, the desert wastes of North Africa, and the limitless steppes of Russia. Exploring and fully charting the development of German fighting vehicles and battle tactics in the war—as well as exploding the many myths and misconceptions surrounding the Panzerwaffe—Panzerkrieg offers a finely measured assessment of the evolution, exploits, and eventual destruction of a superlative, once-supreme military force.

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

336 pages, Paperback

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.