Frank Heukemes

[kenneth wolfe]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone had any news on Frank Heukemes. I haven't heard anything about him or his new book (The Panzer Assault Badge) in awhile. On his site it says

The publication of Volume 2 "The Panzer Assault Badge" will be delayed into late 2007, due to private circumstances of the author.

which it's said for quit awhile now. Does anyone know what the deal is, either with or the book?


Thanks
Kenneth

[Thomas Durante]

Hi Ken,

Frank has no plans to finish his PAB book in the near future. I have talked to him on and off over the past few months, but its been a while since we last talked. He has totally gotten out of the hobby. I have a feeling that one day he will be back. Sometimes you need a break from this hobby, or any hobby for that matter. But, someone as dedicated and research-oriented like Frank was, cannot just drop this hobby altogether. He is a true collector and pretty young, so IMO he will come back one day. Same with Robert Zatorski.

Frank was originally going to publish my CCC book, but his lack of interest in mid 2007 made me switch over to Papjay publishing. When I told Frank, I feel he was quite relieved of this commitment to me with his dwindling interest in the hobby.

In the meantime, Phil DeBock has picked up where Frank left off and is set to release the PAB book. I have heard it is quite a large reference book and is in the same style as the GAB & CCC books, so it will no doubt be a great reference for all you PAB lovers. I think he is set to release it later this year, so keep a look out for it.

Tom

[Nick VR]

Such a shame, he's really a nice guy, I hope he can sort his problems out and that he will return to the hobby...

[kenneth wolfe]

1

Hi Tom,

So Phil DeBock is finishing the work that Frank started? Like the actual book that Frank was writting or he just going to write one that was like Frank's? Is Phil on the forum?


Kenneth

[Thomas Durante]

Hi Ken,

I know that Phil talked to Frank, but don't believe any of the info was given to Phil from Frank. Phil is writing his own book, but on the exact same subject, the PAB & Numbered PAB. Same style as the CCC book.

He is not on WAF, but he is on the GCA forum: Germancombatawards.com

Tom

[Arsn]

Robert come back

Hi Ken,

Frank has no plans to finish his PAB book in the near future. I have talked to him on and off over the past few months, but its been a while since we last talked. He has totally gotten out of the hobby. I have a feeling that one day he will be back. Sometimes you need a break from this hobby, or any hobby for that matter. But, someone as dedicated and research-oriented like Frank was, cannot just drop this hobby altogether. He is a true collector and pretty young, so IMO he will come back one day. Same with Robert Zatorski.

Frank was originally going to publish my CCC book, but his lack of interest in mid 2007 made me switch over to Papjay publishing. When I told Frank, I feel he was quite relieved of this commitment to me with his dwindling interest in the hobby.

In the meantime, Phil DeBock has picked up where Frank left off and is set to release the PAB book. I have heard it is quite a large reference book and is in the same style as the GAB & CCC books, so it will no doubt be a great reference for all you PAB lovers. I think he is set to release it later this year, so keep a look out for it.

Tom

[Greg]

You won't be disappointed in Philippe's PAB book. It will be very comprehensive, and a knock-out!

Best,
Greg

[Wim Vangossum]

Indeed, Philippe is a real expert in this field. I also hope someone as Frank Heukemes will come back to this hobby. He is a great researcher but seems to have other concerns around his head at the moment. Lucky enough for us he has some very educated friends around him to continue this serie of combat award books.

Regards, Theo

[Stan]

Frank Heukemes

Theo,

I couldn't have put it better myself.

Stan

[münster]

I think Frank has pursued his first love of rock music, I hope he is having fun and I know its always been his big passion! Hes a really damned good singer!He mentioned to me to play guitar with him awhile ago but Iam much to out of shape and fat now Iam quite sure he will be back soon, and I hope so!

[Don D.]

As we all hope.

[Das Reich]

You won't be disappointed in Philippe's PAB book. It will be very comprehensive, and a knock-out!

Best,
Greg

any idea how it would compare with the williamson / cross book?

[Ludwig]

I got an e-mail from Frank a week ago or so and it made me really glad.
He´s travelling the USA and I really hope he is having a good time.
I also hope he is coming back, because IMO he is no doubt absolutely one of the best!

[upbeek]

any idea how it would compare with the williamson / cross book?

im sure it will be far superior

come back frank

[Greg]

any idea how it would compare with the williamson / cross book?

I don't have the Williamson/Cross PAB book, so I couldn't compare. All I can see is from reading the advertisements for the Williamson/Cross book, it doesn't appear to have been researched anywhere near the level of Philippe's book. I have read Philippe's draft text of most of the chapters, and they are very comprehensive and explanatory. I haven't seen the illustrations, but I know they are being chosen to complement the text.

Best,
Greg