This second volume starts with the planning, preparation and condition of the panzerwaffe prior to the invasion of France and the Low Countries. There were some lessons learned during the Polish campaigns, but much of this did not seem to trickle up to the general staff, who still saw tanks as little more than an adjunct to the infantry.

Since the Poles had little in the way of powerful tanks, the German army still did not realize how insufficient their tanks were in comparison to those of the British and the French. However, the Germans had superior tactics and their tanks had qualities that were able to overcome many of the deficiencies as you'll see when you read the book.

This is as much a story of von Manhiem and Guderian as it is of anything else. The German High Command was stuck back in the first war, though not as much as the French. Their stubbornness and lack of trust of new ideas is as much of the story of the May 1940 invasion as is the operation of tanks.

Few also realize that the French attack was an all or nothing sort of deal. The near entirety of the German army was committed to the assault. Many generals were anticipating a blood bath and then a reversion to trench warfare. They were not at all optimistic and at one time, were even considering a coup against Hitler to stop the invasion.

However, von Manheim and Guderian were able to convince Hitler that a fast strike by tanks leading the way through the 'impassable' Ardennes was the best way to break though the French lines. And so it was done.

Things did not go very smoothly as there were few bridges across the Meuse and the bottlenecks through the Ardennes were significant. The time table was thrown off and even though there were break-throughs, things were not precisely according to plans. Despite this, the Allies had thought the main thrust would be through Belgium as in WWI and the Allies were convinced this would be the case this time. As a result, all their manpower and materiel was concentrated there. The Germans put through a lesser force, hoping to draw the Allies away from the main assault and in this they were most successful.

Despite having superior tanks in terms of firepower and armor, the poor tactics of the Allies assured their defeat. Though out-gunned and out-armored, German tanks and infantry were able to move much quicker, were better coordinated and able to find the weak spots in Allied armor.

And so it went. There is much more in this book that covers the reticence of the German Generals to allow the panzers to operate freely and what Guiderian did despite them. A gripping tale of warfare and all of the things that go right and the many more that go wrong!

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. 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.

March 2008

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

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