Sturmgeschütz Book Review
By David L. Veres
| Date of Review | October 2017 | Title | Sturmgeschütz |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author | Thomas Anderson | Publisher | Osprey Publishing |
| Published | 2017 | ISBN | 9781472820518 |
| Format | 272 pages, hardbound | MSRP (USD) | $45.00 |
Review
Thomas Anderson demystifies iconic Nazi German armor in Sturmgeschütz from Osprey Publishing.
Subtitled "Panzerjäger, Waffen-SS and Luftwaffe Units 1943-45", the hefty, handsomely illustrated hardback recaps the type's wartime deployments with the:
- Waffen-SS
- Luftwaffe Field Divisions
- Panzertruppe and
- Infantry
Over 272 pithy pages, Thomas Anderson mines and milks archival and other primary sources for his authoritatively succinct summary. And from infantry support weapon to tank destroyer, he competently recaps efforts, often internecine, to define Sturmgeschütz missions.
While contents concentrate on the SdKfz 142 StuG III, Anderson also covers the StuG IV, PzJg 38 Hetzer and other designs. Notes on the Borgward B IV Landungsträger demolition carrier proved particularly intriguing.
Over 200 images – photos and organizational schematics – illustrate the account. Extended, explanatory captions, action accounts, tables and an index also season the study.
Nitpicks?
This volume definitely demands a glossary or abbreviations list. And who honestly doubts that the Soviets were not "interested ... in supporting Polish fighters" during 1944's Warsaw Uprising?
But I quibble.
Sturmgeschütz – the "low-profile, turretless assault gun" – remains an iconic Nazi German weapon. And author Anderson avers that it was "possibly the most significant armored fighting vehicle of World War II".
Was it really? Judge for yourself. Grab this enthralling, informative effort.
Recommended!
My sincere thanks to Osprey Publishing for this review sample!