Developed due to the standard StuG III factory being leveled in a bombing raid, the Hetzer was one of those lucky accidents of military vehicles. Built in Czechoslovakia where Allied bombers were unable to reach until the last months of the war, the Hetzer was developed on the smaller Panzer 38(t) chassis and used a 75mm anti-tank gun. It was smaller as the factories were unable to handle the heavier StuG III. This small size made it much easier to maneuver and much easier to hide. These vehicles were able to pretty much play havoc with Allied armor when it was met on the Western Front.

During its short production life of July 1944 to April 1945, over 2,800 of these vehicles were produced. It was developed quickly as the chassis and automotive part of the vehicle was already well proven. It was thanks to the relative safety of the various factories that built the Hetzer that so many were able to leave the production lines. It is also one of the few military vehicles that were produced post-war.

The Swiss had salvaged a running Hetzer in 1946 and liked what they saw. As a result, several hundred were built for the Swiss Army as the G-13. Most of these were made from extant parts already on the production line when the war ended, but some were all new builds and used a Swiss gun, thanks to a lack of the German version. Over the years these G-13s were upgraded with new engines, transmissions and other equipment. So well liked were they that they remained in service until 1973.

In tune with others in this series, we get superb looks at the various areas of extant Hetzers that have been preserved in museums. At least one is a retrofitted G-13. Despite its relatively short production time, there are quite a few differences between the initial production vehicles and those produced near the end of the war. All of these differences are shown. There is a nice historical background at the beginning of the book and the Swiss G-13 is covered as well.

Since this series is generally a photo book, we get a superb collection of both period photos as well as full color images of extant vehicles. Each part of the vehicle is covered in the sort of detail beloved by modelers, making this not only an interesting book for the enthusiast, but a great reference for the modeler.  Most highly recommended.

March 2012

My thanks to Squadron Products for the review copy. Get yours today at your favorite shop or on-line retailer.

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