Military Model Scene

Title: Tanks in the Battle of Germany 1945
Author: Steven J. Zaloga
Publisher: Osprey Publications
ISBN: 978-1-4728-4871-0

Number 312 in the New Vanguard series from Osprey, looking specifically at the tanks in use on the Eastern Front during the final battles for Germany in 1945. from well known author Steve Zaloga. A 48-page soft-cover book in the usual style for the series. It is also the second book on the topic of the tank battles in Germany in 1945, and follows on from the author's earlier one dealing with the Western Front.
Starting from the Soviet offensive that started in January 1945, it takes us through the final battles in Budapest, 'Spring Awakening' in Hungary and of course the final battle for Berlin itself. Then there is a comparison of the Doctrine & Organisation of both the Wehrmacht and their Allies, as well as the Red Army and their Allies. Next is a comparison of Technical Factors, comparing the various types of tank and assault guns/tank destroyers used by both sides. Things like the change from the T-34/76 to the T-34/85, which allowed for a 3-man turret crew so that the commander was not distracted from his role by having to load the main gun as well. The weapons at this stage of the war were tending toward larger, heavier weapons while Germany was also under pressure for new AFV production, so plenty of tables with production figures, comparative technical details, losses, deployment numbers etc. It's all rounded off with a Battle Analysis and the Technical Lessons.
Plenty of archive images to illustrate the text, and the lovely artwork is from the very talented Felipe Rodriguez. An interesting little book and paired to the earlier book on the Western Front, this makes for a good pair to have on your bookshelf and for great value.
Thanks to Osprey for the review copy.

Robin