The Combat History of German Heavy Anti-Tank Unit 653 in World War II

by Karlheinz Münch

German Heavy Anti-Tank Unit 653 was equipped with the heaviest tank destroying vehicles of the German armed forces. Initially activated as an assault gun battalion and redesignated in April 1943, the 653 received its first Ferdinand heavy tank destroyers (later modified and renamed Elephants) in May 1943 and went into action on the Eastern Front a month later. In 1944, the unit converted to the even more massive Jagdtiger. The seventy-five-ton, heavily armored Jagdtiger was the behemoth of the battlefield and boasted a 128mm gun-as opposed to the Ferdinand's 88-with a range of more than thirteen miles, making it deadly despite its limited mobility. Outfitted with these lethal giants, the 653 saw service in Russia, Italy, Austria, and Germany. The Combat History of German Heavy Anti-Tank Unit 653 in World War II includes hundreds of photos, many never published before, of Germany's rarely seen tank destroyers, including the Ferdinand, Elephant, and Jagdtiger. Color illustrations focus on unit markings, numbering, and camouflage, and the accompanying text chronicles the unit's combat operations as well as personal accounts from the men who rode in these mechanical monsters.

384 pages, Paperback

Published March 15, 2022

Reviews

[Deckmaster · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is a fast read. Maybe half of it are photos. Interesting ones indeed, though quality could´ve been better. I would´ve preferred more combat reports and personal entries. The book is a tad bit lacking in that regard. Still it has thorough information about the schwere Panzerjäger Abteilung 653 and its predecessor the Sturmgeschütz Abteilung 197. There are interesting photos of the VK 45.01 (P) (Porsche Tiger I), a T-34 turned into a flack gun and Bergenpanther with a Pz IV turret (nontraversable, used like a tank destroyer).

What I didn't like is the lack of the colour plates that were included in the previous edition. Also the cover has a Sturmgeschütz on it while the book is titled "The Combat History of German Heavy Anti-Tank Unit 653 in World War II ". Sloppy.

All in all I do highly recommend the book to any enthusiast with deep interest in the German heavy Panzerjäger arm. Maybe buy the previous edition though.