Jagdpanzer 38t Hetzer, 1944-45 (New Vanguard Series, 36) [Paperback]

Hilary Doyle (Author), Mike Badrocke (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: New Vanguard | Publication Date: January 25, 2001

The Jagdpanzer 38 is one of the best known German armoured fighting vehicles from World War II. Rushed into series production in the record time of less than four months, it was instantly recognisable by the sleek appearance created by its well-sloped armour. Many experts in post-war armour hold the opinion that this tank destroyer was just the answer to Germany's problem of dealing with the numerically superior American M4 Medium tank (known to the British Army as the Sherman) and the Russian T-34.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

The unrivalled illustrated reference on fighting vehicles, transport and artillery through the ages. Each volume is illustrated throughout, making these books uniquely accessible to history enthusiasts of all ages.

About the Author

HILARY DOYLE has written numerous books on AFV's including the 'Encylopedia of German Tanks'. Hilary lives in Dublin, Ireland, with his wife and three children. TOM JENTZ is one of the world's leading AFV researchers and is best known for the 'Encyclopaedia of German Tanks'. Tom lives in Maryland with his German wife and two children.

Product Details

• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (January 25, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1841761354
• ISBN-13: 978-1841761350
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 0.1 x 9.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,175,205 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Useful Little Handbook, July 26, 2008

By 

Stephan Bullard "sgbullard" (Hartford, CT USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Jagdpanzer 38t Hetzer, 1944-45 (New Vanguard Series, 36) (Paperback)

This is an excellent overview of the Jagdpanzer 38, Hetzer. Despite its short length, a great deal of information is packed into this book. The development, production, deployment and combat history of the Hetzer are all covered, often in great detail. In addition, several interesting features add tremendously to the books value. First, many useful data tables are included. These cover: 1) Hetzer production history; 2) accuracy and penetration of the main armament firing different ammunition; 3) vehicle performance characteristics; and (perhaps most interesting) 4) direct comparisons of the ability of the Hetzer to penetrate and be penetrated by Cromwell, Churchill, Sherman A2 & A4, T-34/85 and JS-122 tanks when hit in different areas. Also included is a long section transcribed from the Hetzer training manual that details point-by-point the actions needed to be taken by all crew members during an engagement with enemy armor. The only down side to the book is the lack of photographs of Hetzers in the field. There are excellent production photos and photos detailing preserved specimens, but there is only one of a Hetzer in use (and in this case it is simply driving down a street). Still, you are unlikely to find a better overview of this little studied Jagdpanzer.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For its size it does a spectacular job, April 7, 2009

By 

Yoda (Hadera, Israel) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jagdpanzer 38t Hetzer, 1944-45 (New Vanguard Series, 36) (Paperback)

Despite its mere 48 page size this book does an extraordinary job at providing an introduction to this vehicle. It starts by giving a history as to why, exactly, this vehicle was developed to begin with, its evolution from the drawing boards through its various models and weaknesses and strengths in terms of performance. It also includes English translation of the relevant sections of the German technical/training manual for crews of this vehicle that give a very good feel for what each crewmen was supposed to do in terms of his duty. It does all of the above exclusively through the use of PRIMARY research (i.e., original German sources) as opposed to have to use any secondary sources (in English or any other language). This is what gives this book its trully unique element. Even the majority of photographs were taken by the authors. The photographs, taken at a variety of museums worldwide, show not only various angles of the vehicle along with different variants, but also have excellent interior shots. They also provide good coverage of very minor details (i.e., development of placement of loops for towing vehicle, etc.) Excellent reference or model builders or those very curious about this vehicle.

With respect to color plates has many camoflauge schemes hence for model builders an excellent reference. All plates based on real vehicles currently at museums worldwide. Very very well researched. There are also a few photos of the vehicle being built, tested and in prototype (including wooden mock-ups). The only weakness of the book is that it has no photos/illustrates of the vehicle at the front or in combat (as another reviewer has already pointed out).

All and all an excellent introduction to this vehicle for a 48 page book that should require a mere hour or so to read. It does a better job than many books two to three times its length. One of Osprey's best "New Vanguard" series.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars osprey hetzer, August 14, 2008

By 

G. beck "eoghan" (pgh pa) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Jagdpanzer 38t Hetzer, 1944-45 (New Vanguard Series, 36) (Paperback)

Excellent book, well researched and put together. Super artwork, just what you can expect from an Osprey book!