The History of the Panzerwaffe Vol 3: The Panzer Division - Thomas Anderson

This review has been submitted to Military History Online.

Title: The History of the Panzerwaffe Vol 3: The Panzer Division
Author: Thomas Anderson
ISBN: 978-1-4728-3389-1
Publisher: Osprey
Year: 2020
Hardcover
Pages: 288
Photos/Maps: 100’s/0

Thomas Anderson's "The History of the Panzerwaffe Vol 3: The Panzer Division" is a meticulously crafted and insightful addition to the study of World War II military history. In this volume, Anderson delves into the evolution, strategies, and impact of the German Panzer divisions, shedding light on their pivotal role in shaping the course of the war.

With a clear and engaging writing style, Anderson navigates through the intricate details of the Panzer divisions' formation, development, and deployment. He masterfully blends historical context with strategic analysis, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the Panzerwaffe's significance within the broader context of the war. This book is not only a must-read for military enthusiasts but also for those seeking a deeper grasp of the dynamics that shaped the conflict.

One of the standout features of Anderson's work is his attention to detail. He meticulously outlines the organizational structures, equipment, and tactical innovations that allowed Panzer divisions to dominate on the battlefield. By presenting a thorough exploration of each division's strengths and weaknesses, he offers readers a well-rounded view of the Panzerwaffe's impact and limitations.

Furthermore, Anderson's extensive use of primary sources, including personal accounts and official documents, adds a human dimension to the narrative. By incorporating a huge number of photographs, to supplement the narratives for each section of the Division, he brings to life the challenges faced by Panzer crews and their commanders. This approach humanizes the history and offers readers a glimpse into the emotional and psychological toll of warfare, complementing the more technical aspects of the book.

Anderson book also excels at shedding light on the lesser-known elements of the Panzer Division. Each Division was, in effect, a self-contained entity with its own motorized infantry, specialized artillery and reconnaissance. In addition, it also contained butchers, bakers, leather workers and tailors. Field kitchens, postal sections, medical, Engineers, transport, mechanical and military police also formed integral parts of the Panzer divisions. These logistical components were key enablers to the effectiveness of the Divisions. He skillfully examines their contributions, illustrating the challenges they faced and how they strove to overcome support capabilities that were often stretched well beyond their anticipated limitations; their success or failure often determined the effectiveness of the combat elements.

The book is undoubtedly a valuable resource, and despite the shear magnitude of the of information presented, Anderson’s style and approach ensure its ease of comprehension. His efforts to maintain a coherent narrative and provide clear explanations help mitigate this issue to a considerable extent.

In conclusion, "The History of the Panzerwaffe Vol 3: The Panzer Division" by Thomas Anderson is an indispensable contribution to the study of World War II military history. With its thorough analysis, attention to detail, and insightful contextualization, the book offers a comprehensive overview of the Panzer divisions' role in the conflict. By combining technical analysis and detailed explanation, Anderson creates a work that appeals to both scholars and general readers interested in understanding the complexities of this tool of war.

Last Panzer Battles in Hungary Spring 1945 - Norbert Szamveber

This review has been submitted to Iron Cross magazine. 

Title: Last Panzer Battles in Hungary Spring 1945
Author: Norbert Szamveber
ISBN: 978-6-155-58329-2
Publisher: Peko Publishing
Year: 2020
Hardcover
Pages: 487
Photos/Maps: 22/48

"Last Panzer Battles in Hungary" is a gripping and meticulously researched account of the final tank battles fought by German and Hungarian forces against the Soviet juggernaut during World War II. This book delves into the lesser-known theater of war in Hungary, shedding light on the last valiant struggles of the Panzer divisions against the advancing Soviet forces. With its vivid narrative, comprehensive analysis, and insightful commentary, "Last Panzer Battles in Hungary" provides an engrossing portrayal of the desperate battles that unfolded in the waning months of the war.

Szamveber starts by setting the stage, providing essential historical context to understand the significance of the battles that took place in Hungary. He outlines the strategic importance of Hungary as a vital logistical hub and the fierce determination of both sides to control this key territory. The author effectively captures the atmosphere of the time, illustrating the precarious situation faced by the Axis forces and the overwhelming strength of the Soviet Red Army.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its meticulous research and detailed analysis. Szamveber draws on a wide range of primary sources, including firsthand accounts, archival records, and military reports, to construct a comprehensive and accurate narrative. He deftly weaves together the perspectives of commanders, tank crews, infantrymen, and civilians, painting a multifaceted picture of the events and the human toll they exacted. Included in the work are comprehensive Operational tables outlining combat losses, available armoured assets and unit strengths for each of the opposing forces.

The heart of the book lies in its vivid descriptions of the battles themselves. The author skillfully describes the movements of tanks, the ebb and flow of the engagements, and the challenges faced by both sides. The tactical analysis is insightful, offering readers a deeper understanding of the strategies employed and the impact they had on the outcome of each battle. From the desperate efforts to relieve Budapest to the decisive clashes along the Danube River and culminating in the advance on Vienna the author's account provides the readers with a deeply immersive sense of the fighting.

In addition to the military aspects, "Last Panzer Battles in Hungary" excels in portraying the human stories that unfolded amidst the chaos of war. By incorporating personal anecdotes and recollections, Szamveber humanizes the soldiers and civilians involved, allowing readers to empathize with their experiences and sacrifices. The emotional impact of these personal accounts adds depth and resonance to the overall narrative.

The book is enriched by a wealth of maps, photographs, and tables. These visual aids help readers visualize the terrain, troop movements, and the devastating impact of the battles. The inclusion of detailed maps provides clarity, ensuring that readers can follow the events with ease. The visual elements enhance the reading experience and further contribute to the book's overall comprehensiveness.

The author presents a balanced perspective of the conflict, examining the strengths and weaknesses of both sides without bias. The author avoids sensationalism or exaggeration and presents a nuanced view of the fighting. Through this approach, he encourages readers to develop their own understanding of the events while acknowledging the immense challenges faced by the Axis forces as they fought against overwhelming odds.

"Last Panzer Battles in Hungary" is an exceptional work of historical literature that sheds light on a critical but often overlooked chapter of World War II. Norbert Szamveber’s meticulous research, compelling storytelling, and insightful analysis bring the battles to life, capturing both the grandeur and the human tragedy of war. This book is an invaluable resource for military history enthusiasts and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the final desperate struggles on the Eastern Front.

The History of the Panzerwaffe Vol 1 1939-1942 - Thomas Anderson

 This review has been submitted to Iron Cross magazine.

Title: The History of the Panzerwaffe Vol 1 1939-1942
Author: Thomas Anderson
ISBN: 978-1-4728-0812-7
Publisher: Osprey Publishing
Year: 2015
Hardcover
Pages: 304
Photos/Maps: 100’s/0

Military historians interested in the development, from its very earliest stages, of the German Panzer forces, will be drawn to this work. Going back to the very first tanks utilized by the Germans (captured British Mark IV’s), Anderson traces the concurrent development of both the physical and doctrinal elements of the Panzer. Included in this analysis is the effect of defeat in the World War One on the mindset of the German military leadership. As Anderson discusses, defeat, while nationally tragic for the Germans, opened them to the revolutionary changes that the Panzer brought to the doctrinal table. 

Anderson’s book may be broken down into roughly three sections: the introduction of the tank and the recognition of its impact on the battlefield of World War One, the interwar period where the doctrine of panzer operations advanced (even without actual tanks in the early postwar period) concurrent with technical innovation, and the transition from concept to reality in the first three years of World War Two. The author draws from and refers to a myriad of relevant primary source material (lessons learned, after-action reports and combat reports etc) in order to facilitate the readers understanding of how the Germans arrived at the revolutionary concept of the Panzer Division and its role in Blitzkrieg. It is noteworthy that the development of this doctrine and the tool to execute it was not a direct line but entailed a significant amount of testing and development. What is critical to appreciate however, is that the Germans were much more open to the potential of the Panzer than were their adversaries. 

Anderson also ensures that the reader is made aware of the variety of technical innovations that the Germans undertook in order to recognize the widest possible use of the panzer and its ancillary support elements. Thus it was that developers and engineers were given full support by the armed forces in improving the effectiveness of the tank. Additionally, captured Allied equipment was quickly analyzed and innovations incorporating or countering their design advantages were efficiently integrated into German designs and doctrine. 

The author looks at the effectiveness and role of the Panzerwaffe in the Polish, Norwegian, Western Desert and Eastern Campaigns. His analysis is concise, insightful and relevant as the Panzer Division takes it final form prior to Operation Barbarossa. The nature of the authors discussion is not steeped in technical verbiage but in a manner that the layman may appreciate. In addition to the formal documentation reviewed by the author, inclusion of first person recollections of combat as well as life in the tanks, adds depth and a ‘personal’ edge to the book. 

Overall, this is an excellent visual as well as narrative work. Replete with photographs and technical charts on the tanks themselves, it contains a trove of useful information. Osprey has published a book of the highest quality. Unfortunately, no bibliography has been provided; however, this does not negate the utility of this work as an excellent study of the early development and use of the armoured forces of Germany.