Customer Reviews

Flammpanzer German Flamethrowers 1941-45 (New Vanguard)

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There are probably few weapons more feared by the infantryman than flamethrower tanks. Not surprisingly, the German Army, who deployed the first man-portable flamethrowers in WWI, experimented with flamethrower-equipped AFVs and fielded various tank and half-track models during World War II. Authors Doyle and Jentz chronicle the German WWII experience in FLAMMPANZER, part of Osprey's 'Fighting Armor of WWII' series.

On the plus side, FLAMMPANZER has some great photos and artwork on the Panzerkampfwagen II(F), B2(F), Mittlere Flammpanzerwagen, etc. And several after-action reports give the reader somewhat of an idea of how those fire-breathing metal monsters performed in combat. If only the text was as interesting as the artwork! Unfortunately it's dry as a bone and reads like a Tank School tech manual. Dull, dull, dull.

FLAMMPANZER only sells for $15.95 so it's your call, folks. But I give it a thumbs-down.

In its 48 some pages this book, in a very succinct manner, provides a very good overview of the development of German Flame throwing tanks over the course of the war, from its beginning to its end. The book provides an excellent overview of all the major types of flame throwing vehicles showing how the Germans started out originally converting vehicles that had become obsolete (i.e., Panzer I, II, IIIs) and later in the war converting personnel carriers and Hetzers to this role. There are also 8 pages of color camouflage schemes that would be of interest to modelers.

The book not only covers the physical characteristics of these vehicles but how, tactically and doctrinally they were utilized and under what conditions they were most useful (or not). There are also discussions of combat experiences. This is done quite well through the use of translations of German field reports. Most impressive.

The only real weakness of the book is that it is quite "dry". The book does a good job at discussing technical and historical issues but never seems to bring the vehicles or their actions to life. Nevertheless, this reviewer still highly recommends the book to anyone interested in a good succinct introduction to the topic.