It seems as if Classic Colors has moved yet again and this time to Ian Allen. Here they are starting a brand new series on the ground war and have started with Panzerwaffe Volume 1. This covers the evlolution of the Panzerwaffe up until the fall of Poland in 1939.

As many of you know, the Germans were not big into armor during WWI. Fewer than a couple of dozen German designed tanks saw any action during the Great War, with most of the German tank force made up of captured British tanks and a few French FT 17s (which the Germans thought incapable and did not use). German WWI tanks were huge and clumsy so made little impact in the overall battles. 

However, during the post war period, German military thinkers had an opportunity to look at how the British used their tanks and developed plans of their own for when the appropriate time arrived. So handcuffed was the German military after WWI, that they were not allowed any armored vehicles at all. Those few armored cars that were in use were all in the hands of the police. German troops had to make do with wood and canvas dummies that were either pulled on a sledge or draped over a man on a bicycle!

Eventually the political climate changed and German factories were able to start producing tanks once again. This started with the machine gun equipped Panzer I, moving on to the light cannon armed Panzer II and the heavier Panzer III and IV machines. The early panzers saw service in Spain where their lack of armor and firepower was quite evident. This allowed builders to increase these in the later tanks. Even then, the early panzers saw considerable action in Poland against Polish troops and in use as scouting vehicles.

In line with the aviation titles from Classic Colors, there are a considerable number of superb period photographs, some equally nice color profiles and a well written historical background that includes the Spanish Civil War, the Austrian 'anschluss' and the take-over of Czech territory prior to WWII.

The Polish campaign is discussed in considerable detail as many lessons were learned during that action. In addition, several misconceptions on the operation of armored units were either debunked or created.

I found it to be a fascinating read and one from which I learned a great deal. I'm sure that there are some surprises in store for you as well. It is a book that is exceptional and I think that you will agree.

December  2007

Review book courtesy of  Casemate Publishing, where you can order your copy of this and many other superb books.

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and quickly, please contact me or see other details in the Note to Contributors.