Panzer Divisions

The Blitzkrieg Years 1939–40

Panzer Divisions cover

Description

At the outbreak of World War II in September 1939, Germany's armoured forces - the Panzerwaffe - were still in their infancy.

The restrictions imposed by the Treaty of Versailles meant that German tank production lagged behind its enemies. Initial armour campaigns in Poland were not overly successful and changes were needed before the invasion of France. This book examines the organizational changes, developments in doctrine and tactics and improved command and control that provided the basis for the spectacular success of the Panzer divisions in 1940. Achieving tactical and operational surprise, the Panzer divisions broke through enemy defences, enveloping a large number of hostile forces at Dunkirk.

The legend of the Blitzkrieg was born.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Combat mission
Doctrine and training
Unit organization
Tactics
Command, control, communications and intelligence (C3I)
Weapons and equipment
Lessons learned
Chronology
Bibliography
Glossary
Index

Product details

Published Jan 20 2013
Format Ebook (PDF)
Edition 1st
Extent 96
ISBN 9781472800824
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations 71 b/w; 24 col
Series Battle Orders
Short code BTO 32
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Pier Paolo Battistelli

Pier Paolo Battistelli earned his PhD in military…

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