It has been a while since I've had the pleasure of reading an armor in action title. This one covers what many consider one of the best tanks of WWII, the Panzer 38(t). It was originally designed for the Czech army but when the Germans overran the country, construction of the tank halted until being revived by the Germans. The tank was a light tank and as such was not heavily armored or armed. Its main gun was a 37mm version that, while good during the early years of the war, was considered obsolete by the time of the middle of the conflict.

The 38(t) was one of those rare tanks that combined (for the time), good armor, a decent gun, and a reliable automotive section. In other words, it was quick, reliable and easy to maintain, unlike the tanks of most other nations. The small size of it meant that it was a bit cramped for the crew, but not overly so. This small size also meant that it was quite effective in its role as a mostly recon vehicle, to be used offensively against either minimal enemy tank presence, or when the odds were pretty much even.

Before the take-over of Czechoslovakia, the tank was heavily promoted to foreign nations who had a need for this sort of vehicle. However, the start of hostilities pretty well squelched that. The only nation to test one for possible purchase before then was the UK who rejected it as being unsuitable. Ironically, these same people were fleeing in the face of the onslaught of these very vehicles in France less than a year later.

Because it was relatively easy to build, when Germany went to war, it had a considerable number of these tanks in service. They performed exceptionally well and were greatly appreciated by their crews. Their reliability meant that there were more of these available to fight than there were of German built tanks. Eventually the 38(t) was exported to some Axis nations to use when fighting against the Soviets, though they had become obsolescent by then. They did, however, make for excellent vehicles when operating in anti-partisan missions in occupied nations.

The reliability of the 38(t) chassis also meant that it was perfect for the use as other types and many panzerjaegers and SPGs were based on this chassis. Armor fans will have heard of the Grille and the Marder, both on these chassis and both quite well liked and useful. In the closing year or so of the war, the most well known variant, the Hetzer was also based on the 38(t). Of course, by this time, years of operating experience had improved the chassis and many modifications had been made. Even post war, these tanks and variants were used by the Czechs and some others. 

This book is very much like other in action titles in that it is mostly a photo book. There are sections on the development and back story on the vehicle as well as sections on the different versions of the tank and the many variants, both those that entered production and those that only made it into prototype. In all, it is an excellent title on this important, but frequently overlooked Czech designed and built armored vehicle. It is a book from which I learned a great deal and I am sure you will as well. Highly recommended.

August 2013

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

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