Description

Using first-hand accounts and many previously unpublished images, this highly illustrated new book provides a detailed analysis of Germany's Panzergrenadier in World War II.

Throughout history, infantry has been the main attacking force deployed by armies around the world, but positioning substantial infantry forces has always required precious time to assemble the troops to launch an attack or form defensive positions. Transportation of men and their equipment has been a major issue through the ages, and one that was only partly alleviated by the establishment of railway systems in the 19th century and motor vehicles in the early 20th century.

With the development of the German Panzerwaffe, military planners realized both the enormous potential of the tank as a breakthrough weapon, but also the issues faced by support units following the attacking force – including the infantry. A tank assault moved rapidly forwards and this required a motorized infantry which could keep pace with the attack and provide all necessary support. This motorized infantry element for a Panzer division was an integral Schützenbrigade (rifle brigade), and it was equipped with a suitable means of transport – the Schützenpanzerwagen (armoured personnel carrier).

During Operation Barbarossa, German forces were faced by the Red Army and unforeseen weather conditions. With the onset of the harsh Russian winter the operation failed, and the war in the east entered a new phase. From experience gained from the operation, a new arm of the military was created: the Panzergrenadier

This groundbreaking book describes the development and evolution of the armoured infantry force that accompanied the German Panzers as they crossed the battlefields of Europe, as well as detailing the vehicles and equipment that were developed to support their specialized role.

Table of Contents

Introduction

1. 1936 – A New Infantry
2. The Schützenpanzerwagen
3. 1939 – Poland
4. 1940 – France
5. 1941 – New Challenges
6. 1941 – Variants
7. 1942 – Armoured Infantry
8. 1943 – In Combat
9. 1944 – Defending the Reich
10. Weaponry

Index

Product details

Published Sep 16 2021
Format Ebook (Epub)
Edition 1st
Extent 304
ISBN 9781472841803
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations Fully illustrated in b/w
Series General Military
Short code GNM
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Thomas Anderson

Thomas Anderson is a specialist on German armoured…

Resources

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