PANZER TACTICS

◗ Wolfgang Schneider ◗ Stackpole Books (2021 reprint) ◗ £19.95 ◗ 368 pages (softback) ◗ ISBN:9780811739306 ◗ rowman.com

I bought the original (identical) softback in around 2005, and it was so good that I offered my speculative and first-ever review to the then Editor of MW.

The book is simply superb – an expert detailed analysis of German armour tactics, from individual vehicles to combined-arms battlegroups, and addressing all the key aspects such as command and control, use of ground, coordination with other arms (infantry, artillery, engineers), and much more. Some of the material is copied from the training manuals and offers ready-made wargame scenarios: combined-arms attack on a village, assaulting a defended minefield, fire and movement at platoon level, etc. There are copious black and white photos, albeit a bit grainy compared to the clarity in the original hardback version, but well chosen to illustrate the principles in he text.

I am loathe to tell any reader ‘You must buy this’ – it sounds arrogant – but I’d be surprised if any WWII panzer enthusiast would let this book slip. Outstanding material, clearly presented, and at a very fair price.