New George Nipe book-II.SS-Panzerkorps

[beret]

as what I see on this thread I am temped to get a copy. btw, new guy here

[pasoleati]

Well, I am now into the book in more detail. I'd say that those who liked his previous books will like this, though my take on his style is only lukewarm. I truly dislike his style of dumping everything into standard 3rd person narrative with lots of the narrative spent of small unit action that would be far better served by verbatim personal accounts.

A good comparison is Valeri Zamulin's Demolishing the Myth. Zamulin provides lots of excerpts from war diaries and orders and similar primary material along with personal accounts while concentrating in his narrative to larger events and very strong analysis of the material.

[R. Murray]

Well, I am now into the book in more detail. I'd say that those who liked his previous books will like this, though my take on his style is only lukewarm. I truly dislike his style of dumping everything into standard 3rd person narrative with lots of the narrative spent of small unit action that would be far better served by verbatim personal accounts.

A good comparison is Valeri Zamulin's Demolishing the Myth. Zamulin provides lots of excerpts from war diaries and orders and similar primary material along with personal accounts while concentrating in his narrative to larger events and very strong analysis of the material.

I should be able to pick up my copy from the post office later today. I've really been looking forward to it since it was announced last year & I was starting to lose hope that it would ever be published.
I've had the Zamulin book for about a month now & I'd recommend it as well.

[Mark C. Yerger]

Without taking away from the contribution, suffering, and horror suffered by individuals, I find first person accounts (infantry for example) repetitive. Only so many ways to say cold, overwhelmed, killed enemy, losses, hand-to-hand, suffer, etc.

That level can be the same as a novel unless from a significant individual of some status or type, or one with a higher level of perspective of events beyond his small are of operational existence at the time.

And Nipe's book does detail individual combats, engagements, etc document as participated in by various levels of individual award holders.

[behblc]

M.Y.

Without taking away from the contribution, suffering, and horror suffered by individuals, I find first person accounts (infantry for example) repetitive. Only so many ways to say cold, overwhelmed, killed enemy, losses, hand-to-hand, suffer, etc.

That level can be the same as a novel unless from a significant individual of some status or type, or one with a higher level of perspective of events beyond his small are of operational existence at the time.

First hand accounts are good to read but I would agree they have to be read within the context of a situation or a series of events which is being unfolded to the reader, outside of this they loose much of their impact and meaning.

Martin Middlebrook has written a series of books on RAF Bomber Command operations in WW2 drawing from the experiences of all concerned ,this being backed up by an accurate and detailed description of the operation as it unfolded .
The basis process has to be that of exacting research - history written "warts and all".

First hand accounts are good to read but without a well researched framework upon which to hang them they appear diluted and detached.

[pasoleati]

My problem with Nipe is that he obviously takes first person accounts and then converts into third person narrative. I.e. "Priller and his men stormed the bunker and blew it up." Obviously based on first person report.

I'd much prefer "I took my platoon and we stormed the bunker and blew it up."

[behblc]

Got my copy this morning , a neighbour had been holding it for me for a day or two as I had been away from home so getting it on a Sunday morning was something of a surprise.

Took it up to my partners house Donegal with me and got a look over it this evening, my impression - very good.
Quality of production - excellent , illustrations very good - some of these I have seen in other books but in no way a spoiler, quality of photos excellent.
Text, I have read some passages and it reads really well so no complaints.

Worth buying, gets my vote.

[Klaus Richter]

I finished reading it and I think it's his best work yet. Definitely one of the best battle histories I have read!

[Mark C. Yerger]

A lot of the new info is interesting such as:

Recognition that SS divs used more effective tactics than Heer Panzer divisions, generally showing the incompetence of GrossD Panzer commanders at the time and the resulting disastrous Panzer losses.

Clear evidence that the Panther units did not cause a massive armor pile up on first day of offensive that prevented GD Pz Regiment from getting into battle during the morning, as has been maintained for years.

[k9mike]

What was the biggest tank battle?

After reading the book. (which I enjoyed)...Wonder what WAS the biggest tank battle of the war then....Since this did not unfold like has been previously believed...Then what was the biggest single tank engagement of the war? Anyone?
Mike

[k9mike]

Second Battle of El Alamein? Seems there were more tanks in actual combat in one area then in the Prokhorovka corridor....

[Ordnancebob(Rob]

Just finished reading this book on Tuesday this week!
I enjoyed this book greatly! I have no problem with his writing style in the third person.

Arte et Marte
Ordnancebob

[MarcRikmenspoel]

Some people make the case that the biggest tank battle of the war took place at the end of June, 1941, in western Ukraine. The Soviet armored reserves tried to strike at the German Panzer spearheads. In desperate fighting, the Germans outmaneuvered the inexperienced Soviets, and finally destroyed their attacking forces.

I haven't studied the campaign enough to form an opinion, but it certainly seems plausible.

[Klaus Richter]

Is that the same battle described in the book "Bloody Triangle?" I believe it is sometimes known as the Battle of Brody.

[MarcRikmenspoel]

Is that the same battle described in the book "Bloody Triangle?" I believe it is sometimes known as the Battle of Brody.

Yes, that's the book, thanks for reminding me. I have only glanced at it, as my focus is on other apsects of the Eastern Front. However, the book does seem worthwhile.