Author: Thomas Anderson
Publisher: Osprey Publishing
ISBN. 978-1-4728-0721-2
Format: English text, size 73/4” x 93/4”, 256 pages, Hard Cover
Review by Bill Curtis
Our thanks to Osprey Publishing for supplying our review copy. Get this good reference book here now at: www.ospreypublishing.com
Initial assessment
Once again Osprey have come up with another book covering not only the Ferdinand and Elefant but also includes Sturmpanzers, Borgward and the Goliath demolition vehicles.
This volume is quite weighty, printed on good quality paper with a great number of Black and white wartime photographs with a text that is informative as well as easy to read.
The contents are as follows:
Introduction
Chapter 1 New Weapons
Chapter 2 Birth of a Regiment
Chapter 3 Kursk-PzJgRgt 656 on the Attack
Chapter 4 From Kursk to Nikopol
Chapter 5 Reconditioning in the Reich
Chapter 6 Combat in Italy
Chapter 7 Back in Russia
Chapter 8 Decline
Index
As one can see from the contents the story of these vehicles is dealt with from inception with technical descriptions that is easy to follow, general layout, drivetrain armament as well as the testing with results. The combat history is covered in some detail supported by a great number of pictures from the period.
As previously stated the Sturmpanzers and demolition vehicles are also covered which is a useful addition to the book but some may find it slightly distracting.
So is it worth including in one’s library? I give this a resounding yes from the outstanding archive pictures which are up to Ospreys high reproductive standards with a text that is easy to read, informative and follows these machines from inception to their last days. History buffs and modeller will find plenty to keep them happy and both Osprey and Thomas are to be commended for a book that fills another gap in the German armour reference.
Now could we please have a similar volume on the Pz IV Aus H and J so I have a reference for my 1:16 scale build?
Highly Recommended
Bill C.