Cockle, T. Panzer Divisions in Battle 1939-45. Band 2

Author Tom Cockle, an acknowledged expert on German armored vehicles, makes a popular return with his second volume concentrating on the topic of Panzer divisions in battle. As the title suggests, this new title in Concords extremely popular Armor at War series is filled with photographs of German armored vehicles in action on frontlines in various theaters.

This volume begins with a concise summary of Operation Barbarossa, the massive invasion of the Soviet Union that kicked off on 22 June 1941. It describes the main panzer corps and divisions involved in this assault deep into the Russian heartland, one that reached right to the gates of Moscow before being thwarted. The fascinating collection of photos isnt confined to the above operation or time period, as the images span all the way from 1939 through to 1945. The range of vehicles is extraordinary coverage includes the Panzer I, Panzer II, Panzer III, StuG III, Panzer IV, Panther and Tiger I. There is also a liberal assortment of tank destroyers (e.g. Marder, Nashorn and Jagdtiger), 4x4 and 8x8 armored cars and a number of halftrack types featured within the covers. Highly detailed captions accompany each picture, highlighting features of production variants and units that specific vehicles belong to.

In the center of the book are 16 color plates by the accomplished illustrator Laurent Lecocq, and these offer sample camouflage schemes and markings from throughout the war period. This carefully assembled and well-researched book is bound to enthuse modelers and military buffs alike, for thats precisely the audience the author had in mind when compiling this volume.