Sledgehammers: Strengths and Flaws of Tiger Tank Battalions in World War II

by Christopher W. Wilbeck

The Tiger and King Tiger tanks gained legendary status during World War II. Numerous tank commanders attained phenomenal numbers of kills and accomplished extraordinary feats during combat in these tanks, increasing the legend to near mythic proportions after the war. By the end of the war, the Germans created eleven Army and three Waffen-SS heavy tank battalions. These heavy tank battalions were employed in nearly every part of Europe against almost every enemy of Germany. As vast in breadth and scope as the employment of Tiger battalions themselves, this book provides historical examples and analysis of heavy tank battalions' actions in North Africa, Normandy, Italy, the Ardennes Offensive, and numerous battles on the Eastern Front including Operation Zitadelle/the Battle of Kursk, Operation Bagration, the battle of the Cherkassy Pocket, late war attacks to relieve Budapest, and many other, more minor engagements.

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

272 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2004

Reviews

[Luka Novak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that goes beyond technical specifications of Tiger tank (family) and also beyond their tactical use. It covers their deployment in battalion units, doctrine, actual use, effectiveness..... Each after action report provides kill ratios and ratios of destroyed tanks on both sides that includes tigers that were abandoned/destroyed by their crews.

Excellent overview of how heavy Tiger battalions were deployed, (ab)used and what they achieved. Book balances their advantages (protection, firepower) with their disadvantages (mobility, reliability, problems with recovery) to give us broader look into their use.

Highly recommended for people who want to know not only how each commander used his own Tiger but also how these battalions operated.

[Matt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Incredibly technical book. It covers everything from tactics, maintenance, crews, and losses. As can be appreciated it is very hard going in places due to this information. I feel the epilogue and closing chapters for me were the best in the book.

['Aussie Rick' · Rating 4 out of 5]

A detailed look at the strength and weakness of one of Germany's most feared weapons during WW2, the Tiger Tank. This is a tank that looks like it means business and this book provides an in-depth account of the organisation and tactical use of the heavy tank battalions designed by the German Army to plug the gaps in the line and to be used as the spearhead in their offensive operations.