Panzer Tactics: Tank Operations in the East, 1941-42 - Oskar Munzel (translated by Linden Lyons)

Review submitted to Strategy and Tactics Magazine. 

Title: Panzer Tactics: Tank Operations in the East, 1941-42
Author: Oskar Munzel (translated by Linden Lyons)
ISBN: 978-1-61200-989-6
Publisher: Casemate
Year: 2021
Hardcover
Pages: 167
Photos/Maps: 0/21

Casemate Publishing is reissuing newly translated versions of the “Die Werhrmacht Im Kampf”:Battles and Problems of the Second World War series originally published in German during the 1950’s and 60’s. Written by former senior Commanders of the German Army, they capture the perspectives of those who were influential in how these campaigns and battles were planned and executed. The author, Munzel, was a member of the 6th Panzer Regiment from June, 1941 to December, 1943; he was its Commander from December, 1941. He also Commanded the 14th and 2nd Panzer Divisions and was the recipient of the Knight’s Cross. The 6th Pz Reg was directly involved in the operations described in this book and he thus brings a unique and eminently qualified operational perspective to his analysis.  

This work focuses first upon three major panzer operations leading up to the Battle for Moscow: the encirclement operations around Uman, the turn south to Kiev and the subsequent drive for Moscow. It then touches upon the reorientation south to the Caucasus and culminates in a series of conclusions based upon the experiences of the author. Drawing upon his personal perspectives, the recollections of other senior Panzer Commanders, as well as primary source material such as combat reports, war diaries and original orders, the author is able to both instruct and mentor the reader on elements of operations that only one who has experienced the cauldron and stress of battle can truly appreciate.  

Munzel’s refers to a number of themes that are prevalent throughout his discussion of the battles. Logistics and the ability to maintain a reliable source of supply for the operational forces was always a challenge even as early as the first few weeks of the Barbarossa Campaign. Shortages of ammunition and fuel are mentioned many times and the benefits of diesel engines that were used by the Russians. Overcoming these challenges are even more critical when one considers that the foundation of the German operational doctrine was deep interdiction by mobile forces. Additionally, was the critical need for aggressive, operationally focussed commanders at the Major, Lt-Col and Colonel ranks. These were the key individuals who set the tone for their units. Developing and mentoring leadership to match the nature of German operational doctrine ensured that senior NCO’s and Officers were able to assume command with assurance and an appreciation of the commanders intent. The author also discusses the impact of improvisation on German tactics as well as capabilities. The ability to improvise without higher direction is a skill set that was critical to the effective execution of German operations in the East. It ensured that opportunities that had not been foreseen were able to be exploited and it also enabled the Germans to overcome a more numerous enemy that was much more pedantic in their operational command and doctrine. Innovation on the part of German engineers enabled the incorporation and utilization of captured equipment, thereby offsetting some of the industrial shortfalls that they had begun to experience. The downside of this was the logistical nightmare that ensued as a result of the myriad of parts and ammunition types required to keep equipment operational; this had a detrimental effect upon an already strained logistics tail. Finally, the adverse effects of climate on the transportation infrastructure of the Soviet State, particularly rain degrading the road networks, combined with an inability of soft skinned vehicles to operate effectively off road further reduced the efficient logistical support to operations. 

The author’s writing style is clear and has a resonance to modern day. There are operational maps provided that facilitate the reader tracing the advances of the forces in question. They are copies of the original German operational maps from the time, are quite detailed, but at times difficult to follow; however, they do meet the need. Additionally, Munzel’s provides excerpts, at the end of the book,  from the War Diary of the 8th Company, 6 Pz Regt, that provide a snapshot of significant daily activities and the distances covered by the unit. This is useful as it gives the reader a sense of how fast the Germans were advancing and, by extension, how challenging was the effective maintenance of logistics, command and control as well as foot bound infantry support. 

This is an excellent book. Engaging in its narrative and educational in its conclusions. Casemate has published a high quality work worthy of the historian, the professional and the casual reader.

Moscow Tram Stop: A Doctor’s Experiences with the German Spearhead in Russia - Heinrich Haape (Edited by Craig W Luther)

 Submitted to Iron Cross Magazine 

Title: Moscow Tram Stop: A Doctor’s Experiences with the German Spearhead in Russia
Author: Heinrich Haape (Edited by Craig W Luther)
ISBN: 978-1-732-60741-5
Publisher: Stackpole Books
Year: 2020
Hardcover
Pages: 408
Photos/Maps: 76/5

Dr Haape’s Moscow Tram Stop is a unique and moving rendition of one man’s experiences as part of the German invasion of Russia. He was not a senior officer, nor in an HQ of a large formation. Indeed, his war was a tactical one; his horizon limited to the information and operational tasks given to his unit, 3^rd Battalion, Infantry Regiment 18. This work reflects that intimacy. There is no discussion of grand strategy, of conferences in Berlin nor of any interaction with an officer more senior that his Regimental Commander. The author was a very learned man: a staunch Christian, an artist, a medical doctor, a lover of the arts and a philosopher. He maintained a detailed diary of his experiences and observations and this forms the foundation of the book. His writing reflect a sensitive, yet grounded personality, dedicated to his duty, honest and nuanced in his assessments and acknowledging of the strengths and failings of himself and the soldiers that he served with. His Russian experience included some of the most brutal and vicious fighting experienced during Operation Barbarossa. His Battalion pushed forward to the very gates of Moscow and then retreated to the cauldron of the fighting around Rzhev. 

The writing style of the author combined with the adept editing of Dr Craig provides the reader with a unique and very personal experience of the soldier of the period. Unlike many of the historical works of war, soldiers and officers have names and personalities. Experiences related include the humorous, ironic and frightening; boredom and routine broken by terror, violence and sudden injury or death blend together seamlessly. Anyone reading this book, who has served in the military, will appreciate, and recognize the shared and timeless stories. 

Dr Haape, the artist, also drew many of the people and things he describes in his memoirs. Thus he relates conversations that he had with Russian peasants and includes drawings of the individuals in the book. A peasant woodsman, his world-weary face craggy and his existence limited to his village and its immediate environs, observes on the coming winter and the war with the same sense of resignation and acceptance. Additionally, he relates providing medical assistance to local villagers and utilizing volunteer Russian prisoners to augment his medical staff. Vignette’s such as these reflect the closeness of the soldiers with their environment and the reality of the tactical ‘coal-face’ experienced on a day-to-day basis. 

What further enhances the uniqueness of this book, is the inclusion of a second narrative following the conclusion of Dr Haape’s diary. This second work, relates the 2016 cross-country journey undertaken by Dr Haape’s son Johannes, Dr Craig and Sergej Stasikov, a retired Russian logistics LCol. The three of them, using the original maps and war diaries of Infantry Regiment 18 as well as Dr Haape’s diary, retraced the exact route taken by the author and his comrades during Barbarossa. Throughout this expedition (covering over 4,492 kilometers), they confirmed the stories from his diary, participated in the 75^th anniversary of Op Barbarossa remembrance ceremonies, took part in the mass internment of the recovered remains of 1,200 unknown Russian soldiers recovered in the Rzhev region, tracked down the internment sites of Infantry Regiment 18 soldiers and met with local villagers and veterans identified in his diary. They were able to confirm the accuracy of both the route and the stories related. This story is an adventure in and of itself that is worth reading. 

This work is a true fusion of the historical and recent, blended in such a way as to uniquely reflect the true reality of the individual German soldier and the humanity of their day-to-day experiences during the first year of the Eastern Front War. Essentially two works in one, it both confirms the veracity of Dr Haape’s work, and also the ongoing reality of the effect of Barbarossa in the modern world. A quality publication from Stackpole that includes a detailed bibliography and extensive endnotes. This is highly recommended for any who wish to appreciate in a more intimate, yet unvarnished way, the soldier’s world on the Eastern Front in 1941/42.

COSSAC: Lt.Gen. Sir Frederick Morgan and the Genesis of Operation Overlord - Stephen C Kepher

This review has been submitted to the Journal of the Society for 

Army Historical Research

Title: COSSAC: Lt.Gen. Sir Frederick Morgan and the Genesis of Operation Overlord
Author: Stephen C Kepher
ISBN: 978-1-68247-508-9
Publisher: Naval Institute Press
Year: 2020
Hardcover
Pages: 300
Photos/Maps: 16/3

The development of the plan for the Allied invasion of the European mainland (Op Overlord) remains as one of the most complex military operations in history. Much has been written and studied relating to the actual invasion itself; however, the effort that went into the conceptualization and development of the plan itself has been generally overlooked in the discussion. Kepher’s book sheds light not only on the method by which the plan unfolded but also the myriad of other factors that had to be taken into account that were unique to this operation: the amphibious element, the multinational C2 issues, the integration of naval, air and land elements, the political facets and, central throughout, the role of LGen Morgan to the success of the project. 

This is the authors first book and he does an admirable job of recreating the environment within which Morgan was to operate. The author undertakes a noteworthy discussion and analysis of perhaps the greatest obstacle facing Morgan, in explaining to his readership, who have grown up in the era of multinational operations and NATO, what it was like for the Allies to create, from scratch and with little to no precedence, a planning team for the invasion. Exacerbating this challenge was that while Morgan as COSSAC (Chief of Staff Supreme Allied Commander) was expected to develop and plan the operation, there was no Supreme Allied Commander appointed. Thus he had no ‘top cover; for the decisions that he was making, nor guidance on the myriad of questions to be answered. Kepher’s liberal use of Morgan’s diaries of the period add additional depth and resonance to the narrative. 

This work serves as an excellent reference for anyone (military or civilian) undertaking a role in which they are working with a consortium of different nationalities, industries or political affiliations. Morgan’s experiences and those of his staff, highlight the benefits and pitfalls associated with these kinds of interactions. What serves as the best means of interaction, how does one undertake conflict resolution, what is the method to best address accusations of external favoritism by ones own government and military? All these examples, and more, are discussed at length through Morgan, and his staffs, own words and experiences. 

The author has included significant additional data in the annexes, thus providing the reader with tangible references covering command structures and relationships, force structures, actual documentation from Morgan providing synopsis of his planning as well as selected abbreviations and acronyms. Kepher deliberately refrains from excessive use of military acronyms and slang in an effort to keep the narrative accessible to the average reader. Additionally, he provides comprehensive endnotes and bibliography that serve to suggest additional avenues of inquiry for the reader. 

The Naval Institute Press have published a high quality book that is both an outstanding rendition of the staff and planning work behind one of the most complex military operations in recent times as well as an excellent professional development tool. Highly recommended for the casual and professional historian alike. 

Paramilitarism – Mass Violence in the Shadow of the State - Ugur Umit Ungor

 This review has been submitted to Soldier Magazine. 

Title: Paramilitarism – Mass Violence in the Shadow of the State
Author: Ugur Umit Ungor
ISBN: 978-0-19-882524-1
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Year: 2020
Hardcover
Pages: 208 

In this short but enlightening treatise, the author addresses the issues surrounding why States utilize the services of paramilitary organizations, what are the common relationships that exists between them, and what is the effect upon societies within which these organizations operate (specifically as it relates to crime and the State). The analytical approach taken avoids idealised visions of these groups and focuses upon discussion and assessment based upon their observed actions. This work is an excellent study of para militaristic activity, within the context of the modern world, that encompasses the breadth of geographic environments within which they operate.

With Eagles to Glory: Napoleon and His German Allies in the 1809 Campaign - John H Gill

This review has been submitted to Strategy and Tactics Magazine. 

Title: With Eagles to Glory: Napoleon and His German Allies in the 1809 Campaign
Author: John H Gill
ISBN: 978-1-78438-309-1
Publisher: Pen and Sword Books
Year: 2018
Softcover
Pages: 542
Photos/Maps: 40/50

Napoleon and his Grande Armee have been written about in countless books and studies; however, attention on those Allies that contributed forces and the role that those forces played has been noticeably absent from the literature of the period. Forged out of the success of the 1805 French Campaigns, 36 small German States bound themselves through treaty to France under the Confederation of the Rhine (Rheinbund). Under the terms of the treaty, they would be obliged to provide a certain percentage of men and equipment when called upon by the French Emperor. Saxon Artillery, Hessian Fusiliers, Jagers and Dragoons from Baden and Infantry from Bavaria are representative of a portion of the myriad of forces made available to Napoleon by the Germans. In total, 123,081 soldiers representing all 36 German States participated in the 1809 Campaign against Austria. Gill’s work seeks to address the lack of recognition of the contribution that these member States made to Napoleon’s success. 

This is truly a comprehensive examination of the Germans, encompassing detailed descriptions and analysis of tactics, uniforms, weaponry, units, training and discussions of the regions from which the soldiers came. Additionally, Gill sheds light on how they were integrated into the French Armies and chain of command. Balancing the needs and sensitivities of this myriad of forces was no easy task and it is quite enlightening how it was undertaken. Appreciating that it is very easy for the historian to get caught up in the miasma of detail that always has the potential to severely degrade the reading experience, Gill adroitly balances the requirements of explanation with the realities of flow and engagement of the reader. He provides enough of the former to provide for the scope and story without getting bogged down. Additional detail is provided at the end of each chapter in the form of copious and comprehensive notes sections.   

Gill’s descriptions of the participation of the German contingents in the 1809 campaign takes the same approach as his analysis of the background: insightful, detailed enough while maintaining reader engagement and comprehensive. Not all contingents participated to the same degree but each is given its due by the author. The reader is left with a much better appreciation of the degree of complexity associated with how armies moved, deployed, fought and were supported during this period. 

The publication quality of the book is good although one of map synopsis pages is missing from the front of this edition. Additionally, the maps themselves leave something to be desired as they do not have the any indications of the movements of the units identified. Nevertheless, the information provided through various tables, unit organization charts, numerous appendices and a comprehensive bibliography is truly outstanding. 1809 is generally recognized as the beginning of the descent of Napoleon and the Grande Armee as both were beginning to exhibit the initial signs of a degradation of the quality previously ascribed to them. Thus it was that the participation and support of the Rheinbund Allies was all the more critical to its continued success. This is an excellent work for both the casual and serious historian and is a recommended addition to anyone’s library.  

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.

Eighth Army vs Rommel: Tactics, Training and Operations in North Africa 1940-1942 - James Colvin

 This review has been submitted to the Canadian Army Journal 

Title: Eighth Army vs Rommel: Tactics, Training and Operations in North Africa 1940-1942
Author: James Colvin
ISBN: 978-1-913336-64-6
Publisher: Helion and Company
Year: 2020
Softcover
Pages: 261
Photos/Maps: 30/11

The characteristics that define individuals as military warriors and leaders (integrity, bravery, self-sacrifice etc) are not the same as those that characterize members of the Profession of Arms. Like doctors, lawyers, architects or any other field that identifies itself by a professional standard, the Profession of Arms requires serious study, development, mentorship and expertise (in addition to the characteristics of the warrior). Colvin, in his work, approaches his analysis of the adversaries in the North African Campaign through their respective attitudes towards the development of their military leadership and how that attitude influenced the execution of operations. It is a unique and interesting study as it encompasses not only the pure military elements of the African conflict itself but also how the cultural/societal influences within which the respective antagonists developed; and how this affected their conduct and approach to military operations. Unique in its approach is the authors focus, not on the most senior levels of command, but the Corps and Divisional leaders. 

Colvin opens his book with an overarching review of the cultural environments that most heavily  influenced the development of the German and British leadership. The British approach, based predominantly within the Public School system emphasized fair play, team efforts and loyalty to ones peers. This style manifested itself into the primacy of and loyalty to the Regiment and their associated traditions. A directive and structured style of leadership and execution was often undermined by subordinate’s loyalty being primarily to a peer or commander from the same school (Eton etc) or Regiment as opposed to the appointed one. Conversely, a British Commander would often support a weak subordinate from a common background all the while refraining from being seen as too ‘directive’. 

The Germans, on the other hand, took a much more serious approach to the “art and science’ of military command. The German command schoolhouse had much higher standards and expectations than its British counterpart. Officers and senior NCOs were actively challenged to adapt to differing situations and to assume higher levels of command without hesitation. The Germans developed a common doctrine and ensured that it was clearly understood and adhered to across its forces. Colvin’s analysis of this critical area is both insightful and thought provoking. 

The author then segues this into a discussion of the doctrine and equipment development of the respective adversaries. Central to this was the use of ‘combined arms’ units by the Germans and the resistance to this by the British. The stove-piping of British combat elements enabled smaller German forces to overcome larger Allied forces by being able to call upon a variety of means to counter UK forces. Combined this with a well established doctrine that enabled the fluid and transparent transitions of command (requiring little to no formal ‘orders’) meant that the Germans were far more flexible in their approach and response. By contrast, British command was characterized by micro-management, misplaced loyalty, inconsistent doctrine and a more collegial and inclusive (as opposed to directive) leadership style. The author, to be clear, casts no aspersions on the bravery, loyalty and effort of British Commanders as individuals, but does draw attention to the cumulative impact of treating warfare as a ‘Great Game’ as opposed to a deadly serious profession.   

Additionally, Colvin includes within his discussions a detailed comparison of the weapons that each side utilized and how they adjusted their equipment and tactics to account for changes in their opposition. Thus it was that, while the Allies tended to have higher numbers of tanks, German tanks were of higher overall quality and were more survivable. When faced for example, with the British 2 pdr anti-tank gun, the Germans were able to counter with hardened frontal ‘spaced’ armour that enabled them to neutralize the penetrating power of the 2 pdr round. Additionally, the Germans adjusted their doctrine to utilize the famous 88 mm in an anti-tank role. Colvin’s discussion highlights the difference between the more ad hoc approach of the Allies compared with the more structured and deliberate approach of the Germans in their respective responses to the challenges of warfare in the desert. 

The author then follows with a series of chapters discussing and analyzing the performance of the adversaries in a series of key offensives and battles leading up to the Second Battle of El Alamein. Each highlights the respective competencies and shortcomings of the commanders and the methods by which they utilized their forces. While not all goes the Germans way, the Allies are seen to continue to struggle with effective command and control over their assets. Colvin sets the tone by looking at the effects of the ‘Crusader’ battles and the lessons that the respective combatants gleaned from them. He then goes on to look at how those lessons were correspondingly applied to the training and doctrine of the forces involved. Ultimately, it is the Allies which continue to struggle in the subsequent battles of Tobruk and Gazala; their commanders not having been able to discern their doctrinal shortcomings (shortcomings that were able to continue to be exploited by the Afrika Korps). 

Colvin closes his book with the arrival of Montgomery and the changes that he brings in terms of command, presence and leadership to the Allied side. His approach is much more in line with the Germans  and he breaks the mold of the traditional ‘fair play, public school chum’ view of his predecessors.  Commanders are not forgiven their shortfalls and a far tighter grip and focus is instilled. 

Colvin has written an excellent analysis of a level of command and control not often addressed but that is critical to the effective execution of the vision of the Theatre Commander: that of the Divisional and Corps commanders. His incorporation of the societal influences on the personality and professional development of the respective officer corps of the German and Allied forces is extremely instructive in comprehending the ‘foundation’ upon which these leaders developed. A comprehensive bibliography and footnote compendium as well as a superior quality publication from Helion round out this stellar work. This is a book that should be read more than once.