Product Description

This text explores the composition, equipment and personnel of the 1944 Panzer regiment model, focusing on the Panzer units which served in Normandy. Photographs of the battleground now and then are revealed, as is the grave of the most famous panzer commander.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #195568 in Books
• Published on: 1983-10
• Original language: French
• Binding: Hardcover
• 212 pages

Customer Reviews

A photographic Review of Panzer Divisons In Normandy.
This excellent book reflects the actions of all Panzer units in action in Normandy.THe photographs are well balanced andcover all aspects of the german defence / counter attacks. Using "After The Battles" well estiblished approach of contrasting "Then and Now" war time photos. are contrasted accurately with the scene as it is today -a refreshingly unique way to look at history ,it is amazing how little may have changed and whgat traces remain. This book describes the conflict , , guides you through the battlefield area , describes the major personalities and actions fought. It is an essential guide to the Normandy area taking the reader from the first commitment of 21st panzer to the final withdrawl "Die Ruckmarsch". A comprehensive well thought out book , first published in 1983 it is still fresh and comtempary. If you go to Normandy , go with this book.

Outstanding book on panzer units in Normandy
The version of the battle of Villers-Bocage set forth in this book is the - now considered incorrect - one originating with the research of Gary L. Simpson and W.H.J. Sale of 3rd CLY (which is clearly stated in the sources). It is, however, the version that was current at the time of this book's first publication in 1983.

Dismissing an outstanding book because a small part is no longer up to date is in this reader's view a bit shortsighted, to say the least. I would recommend interested readers to enjoy the wealth of information as well as the beautiful photos in this book, while supplementing it with Daniel Taylor's book "Villers-Bocage through the lens" to get the nowadays accepted theory regarding the events of June 13th, 1944.

Joining the dots
The author has been carried away by the German propaganda of the day, which exaggerated the role of Michael Wittman during the battle at Villers Bocage on 13 June 1944. The original attack by Wittman of 2nd Co. Schw Abt 101 has been confused with the afternoon attack by the 1st. Co. under Mobius. The latter was a disaster, although the morning attack was a success; nevertheless a more recent critique by Col Schneider, of the modern German tank arm, accuses Wittman of foolhardy actions.

This author has not researched his subject properly, which throws doubts on other events on which he has written. More recent books by e.g. Daniel Taylor, and Henrie Marie, make it clear that this author has filled in the gaps in his knowledge by simply "joining the dots" - to create an interesting, but fallacious story; for example the map purporting to show the route followed by Wittman back to Point 213 (or, 217, for the pedantic) to replenish his tank, is pure fiction.

AS