German Guns of the Third Reich is an illustrated record of German light and heavy artillery, heavy mortars, anti-tank and anti-aircraft guns at war. Using previously unpublished photographs, many of which have come from the albums of individuals who took part in the war, it presents a unique visual account of the various German guns that were deployed for action between 1939 and 1945.

The book analyses the development of the German gun at war and shows how it became of decisive importance for the preparation and the successful conduct of attack and defence. It describes how German forces carefully built up their assault forces utilizing all available guns and making into an effective killing machine. It shows how various Panzerj'ger and Panzergrenadier units fought on the battlefield using a host of anti-tank guns with lethal effect.

Throughout the book it depicts life as a gunner, how the guns were deployed for action, and illustrates the various modes of transport that were used to move the guns from one battle front to another. Each chapter details the various guns that went into production and eventually saw action on the battlefield.

Each chapter deals with the different guns from the Infantry gun to the monstrous super heavy like the tracked Cm. Morser. The book starts with an introduction and then to the First chapter that deals with Infantry Structure and Training. It then follows through the different types from small to heavy with the last chapter devoted to self-propelled Guns.

I find that the book is a basic primer for those that wish to get a basic idea of what guns the Germans deployed for action during the second world war and how they were transported. There is no real technical information except for the very basic but if you are looking for a lot of images then you shouldn't be disappointed.

The one thing that seems odd is that they have only given a very small chapter on the self-propelled guns and I thought they would have saved this for another Images of War series title that could give the subject better coverage.

inscale.org