Military Model Scene

Title: German Tanks in France 1940
Author: Steven J. Zaloga
Publisher: Osprey
ISBN: 978-1-4728-5944-0

'Armor in the Wehrmacht's greatest Blitzkrieg victory', number 327 in the New Vanguard series from Osprey. A 48-page soft-cover book, with artwork by Felipe Rodriguez.
After a brief Introduction to set the scene, this gets straight into the meat of the subject, covering the Doctrine & Organisation of the German Panzer force at this early time in the war. This is followed with Technical Factors of each of the various Panzers used at this time (Pz I, II, III, IV) along with the (then) newly acquired Czech tanks, the Pz 35(t) and the Pz 38(t), plus the very early Panzerjager and Sturmgeschutz. It is at this point I will draw your attention to the excellent artwork from Felipe Rodriguez, which includes the tanks shown in the Panzer Grey/Brown disruptive patterns rather than the plain panzer grey scheme that we see more often. This leaves the second half of the book to cover the Campaign itself, including the clashes at Gembloux and the first major tank battle, at Hannut, along with the assault to cross the Meuse and the subsequent drive to the coast. It includes the various 'Halt' orders that were imposed, allowing the evacuation at Dunkirk to succeed. The story is rounded off with small sections on a Battle Analysis and the Technical Lessons.
I like this one, covering this first year of the war, not a Panther or Tiger in sight. Within the text there are a number of data tables which support the story. The technology of armour at this time is interesting. A time when the French 25mm anti-tank gun was still effective, before the armour race set in. Recommended, another great little book from author Steve Zaloga.
Thanks to Osprey for the review copy.

Robin