When one thinks of the German Army and WWII, the word 'Blitzkrieg' comes to mind. It is one of those indelible facts that surrounds the early war period. Yet if one really looks into things, the 'lightning war' was only really successful during one operation; the invasion of Belgium, Holland, and France in 1940. No where else was the concept successful.

There are a number of reasons for that, and one of them is the proper make-up and deployment of Germany's panzer divisions during the early war years. Though trench warfare disappeared during the last months of WWI, it was still on the minds of military planners throughout most of Western Europe. Only in Germany was the ability of a quick moving, armored spearhead given any credence. As a result, it was incorporated into German planning.

The Polish campaign saw some of what was to befall France, though not to the extent it was used there. The panzer divisions were basically the same in their make-up, but were not used in the same manner. More of direct infantry support than going it alone (so to speak).

This book looks at the buildup of the German panzer corps and the way that the various panzer divisions were outfitted. A good look at their tactics and the way that they changed during the first year of war is also investigated as well as the various units that comprised these divisions. Of course, the weapons used by panzer divisions are also brought to light and the book provides several battle examples of how these units were used, including some examples where blitzkrieg tactics were successfully stopped by defending forces.

It is a book that puts new light to the use of these divisions and helps the historian understand why the tactics of the early war were not successful in later years. A book that is both interesting, informative, and provides a good source of inspiration for modelers as well.

December 2007

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