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.