The 6th Panzer Division 1937-45 (Vanguard) [Paperback]

Helmut Ritgen (Author)

Book Description

Series: Vanguard | Publication Date: July 1, 1982

Text by Oberst a.D. Helmut Ritgen with original wartime photographs by the author. This well-informed account of the 6th Panzer Division is especially useful because the author fought with the 11th Panzer Regiment. It documents the inception, formation and structure of the division and chronologically follows its progress throughout the war. The text is supported by colour photographs taken by the author during World War II and offers a detailed examination of life in the Panzers whilst simultaneously documenting their relentless progress. Feared by Allied infantrymen and devastating in their swift prosecution of the early war the Panzers were the modern German fighting men; well equipped, superbly motivated and unstoppably successful. Until the Allies were able to consolidate their troops, re-engineer their equipment and redraw their tactics the Panzers dominated Europe with a thunderous conquering power.

Product Details

• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (July 1, 1982)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0850454530
• ISBN-13: 978-0850454536
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 0.4 x 9.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,194,569 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Book more on historical development of division than battle history, April 25, 2009

By 

Yoda (Hadera, Israel) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The 6th Panzer Division 1937-45 (Vanguard) (Paperback)

This book is much more a history of the division's organization over time (formal organization as in organization chart, weapons and leadership) than a history of the battles it was in (though participation in major campaigns are discusses though at a high level). This book is unique in that the author was a former Oberst (Colonel) in the division. Thus he is able to provide unique first hand insights into the organizational history of the division. He also provides a few first hand accounts of two or three battles that illustrate well first hand combat but these comprise only about 1 page of the book's 40 page length. The author also provides many photos from his personal collection on the division. Many of these are in color, rare from the German side. The book, however, provides few color plates/drawings illustrating equipment and personnel. Hence for model builder looking for such a reference this book cannot be recommended even at the most rudimentary level (even though many photos are good).