Waffen-SS Armour in Normandy
The Combat History of SS-Panzer Regiment 12 and SS-Panzerjäger Abteilung 12, Normandy 1944, based on their original war diaries
6x9, high quality binding and paper
304 pages
82 photos and documents
Although I contributed to this volume to a minimal degree, it's obviously impossible to grasp the completed project until seen.
First, and significant for me due to my own rough use of books, the volume is typical Helion quality with high end binding and paper. The KTB (War Diaries) used reside in the Prague Military Archives and provide a literal day-by-day account of the "Hitlerjugend" armored elements, the division already known historically for its defensive determination in combat during the Normandy campaign. Here the actions of the known, such as Wunsche, von Ribbentrop and others, as well as significant previously unknown are detailed. The daily entries are specific facts rather than post-war recollections which can vary in accuracy. Likewise units attached to the division are noted in detail, including the corps Tiger units. Anecdotal information is given throughout the text.
My own personal reading interest is of the "telephone data" type information. The extensive appendix area provides data on strength, losses, decorated personnel, and other aspects via the Anlagen of the KTB. I appreciated these the most (again my reading "style") as they give a view of the division that adds to its reputation after suffering such heavy losses but continuing in the defense. While tank components are always more known and written about, I had heavier interest in the accounts of the Panzerjäger Abteilung as this unit is overlooked in general with all divisions along with any Sturmgeschutzabteilung. The volume is significant in concert with Meyer's history to grasp the day-by-day actions of "Hitlerjugend" in Normandy. I recommend it for all reasons stated and congratulate the author on what must have been a research nightmare to include all data given outside the KTB for better understanding of the events and personnel. Quality new volumes on the Waffen-SS containing actual research and new information are sparse. This is one of them.
Everything else in the book.
Comment