German Tanks in France 1940

Armor in the Wehrmacht's greatest Blitzkrieg victory

German Tanks in France 1940 cover

German Tanks in France 1940

Armor in the Wehrmacht's greatest Blitzkrieg victory

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Description

A fully illustrated new assessment of the German tank force that won its greatest victory in France during 1940.

The German conquest of France in 1940 was arguably the Wehrmacht's greatest military achievement, conquering France in several weeks after having failed to do so in World War I. New Panzer tactics, dubbed 'Blitzkrieg', were at the heart of the German victory.

In this book, renowned armor expert Steven J. Zaloga reassesses the armored force that made the triumph possible, and explains that although the German Panzers won their reputation in France, they were far from being a technological juggernaut. The vast majority were the small PzKpfw I and PzKpfw II light tanks. The more effective medium tanks such as the PzKpfw III and PzKpfw IV were available in relatively small numbers. Their effectiveness had far more to do with training and doctrine than technology.

With illustrations including unpublished photos and superb new artwork, this book examines the wide range of German tanks employed in France in 1940, as well as their organization and tactical doctrine.

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION
DOCTRINE AND ORGANIZATION
TECHNICAL FACTORS
Panzerkampfwagen I
Panzerkampfwagen II
Panzerkampfwagen III
Panzerkampfwagen IV
Czech war booty
Panzerjäger
Sturmgeschütz
THE CAMPAIGN
The Heeresgruppe B attack
The world's first great tank battle
“The Matador's Sword”: Guderian at Sedan
Pursuit to the Channel
June 4: the balance sheet
BATTLE ANALYSIS
TECHNICAL LESSONS
FURTHER READING
INDEX

Product details

Published 25 Apr 2024
Format Paperback
Edition 1st
Extent 48
ISBN 9781472859440
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations Illustrated throughout with 40 photos and 8 pages of colour illustrations
Dimensions 248 x 184 mm
Series New Vanguard
Short code NVG 327
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Steven J. Zaloga

Steven J. Zaloga received his BA in History from U…

Illustrator

Felipe Rodríguez

Felipe Rodríguez Náñez (aka Felipe Rodna) lives wi…

Resources

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