The Panzer IV programme was started in 1934, forming, alongside the Panzer IIs and IIIs, the "schnellen Truppen", the force that was to become the "Panzerwaffe". At first, German planners envisioned the tank in a secondary role, but during the invasions of the Low Countries and France, it took on a more central role. When the Panzerwaffe turned east to attack the Soviet Union, the Panzer IV initially fared poorly against the better-armed T-34. However, upgrades to its gun and armour protection saw it perform far better, not only against Soviet armour but also against British and American tanks in North Africa and Italy. In 1944, it was slowly replaced by the Panzer V "Panther", but the dire strategic situation meant that it bore the brunt of the Allied D-Day invasion and its aftermath, and it remained in service until the end of the war. Fully illustrated throughout with contemporary photographs, this fascinating study from German armour expert Thomas Anderson tells the complete story of Germany's most widely produced tank of World War II, from its design and development to its many upgrades and variants.
In 1944 the Panzer IV was slowly replaced by the Panzer V 'Panther', but the poor strategic situation meant that the Panzerkampfwagen IV not only remained in service until the end of the war, but in fact continued to form the 'backbone' of the German armoured forces. This fascinating study by World War II German armoured vehicle expert Thomas Anderson is illustrated throughout with contemporary photographs, and it tells the full story of the most widely produced German tank of the Second World War. A comprehensive look at the design, development, variants and use of the Panzerkampfwagen IV.
