Their latest book from Pen & Sword's series on military vehicles concentrates on the StuG IV and its operations on the Eastern Front in 1944. While the StuG IV had been suggested thanks to the success of the StuG III and several vehicles had been built. However, it wasn't really something that was heavily pushed. It would have died on the vine were it not for the heavy bombing of the StuG III factory that put the impetus on the development of StuG IV.

Initial production basically used StuG III superstructures modified to fit on StuG IV chassis. Indeed, after the bombing of the StuG III factory, undamaged upper hulls were sent to be used on the IV. Like its slightly smaller brethren,  the StuG IV was highly effective both as an infantry support vehicle and as a tank destroyer.

For those not familiar with this series of books, it starts with a brief history of the vehicle in question. Then it moves to a brief look at the various units that were operating the vehicle during the time and place covered by the book. So many units used the StuG IV either in whole or part that this section is little more than a table of notes. The next section is my favorite which are a series of two large full color profiles per page based on period photographs. It then moves onto model articles using the most modern kits available. The rest of the modeling section of the book cover kits of the subject along with aftermarket items. Finally there are technical details and modifications. This makes for an excellent publication that is useful to both the enthusiast and modeler alike. I enjoy each of these volumes and I know you will as well.

May 2026

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