PzKpfw V Ausf A, D & G: Panzer v Panther (Tanks in Detail) [Paperback]

Jonathan Forty (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 2003 | Series: Tanks in Detail (Book 3)

During World War 2 the combatants produced countless types of tank, military transport, self-propelled guns and other specialised military transport for use against the enemy. Some of these types were successful; others less so. But all played a role in the unfolding drama of the war. During the invasion of Russia, the Germans soon had to battle with Russia's outstanding new T-34 medium tanks and the excellent KV-1 heavy tank, both of which had better armour and armament than the Panzer III and Panzer IV. The Germans urgently initiated the design of an entirely new medium/heavy tank - Project VK3002. A contract to build the Panther was awarded to MAN with a target of 250 a month, but by the end of 1942 this was increased to 600. Initially in service it was unreliable, but when all mechanical problems were cured, it gained a reputation as an all-round excellent tank, and over 6,000 in total were built. An armoured recovery version, Bergpanther V, was developed as it was not impossible to recover Panthers using half-track vehicles or Bergpanzer IVs. Other types included command and artillery observation vehicles. The most important variant was Jagdpanther - possibly the best tank destroyer of World War 2. Fitted with the formidable 88mm flak gun, a powerful engine and a low profile armoured superstructure, it was widely and rightly feared on the battlefield. Designed with the modeller, preservationist and wargamer in mind, Ian Allan Publishing's new 'In Detail' series is intended to provide the reader with a comprehensive history of the type of tank, self-propelled gun and military transport featured. Each volume includes a detailed history of the unit in service, along with information on variants, markings, unit allocations etc. Alongside the comprehensive illustrative section, which will include detailed shots of models in colour, the book will also include scale drawings and comprehensive guidance notes on camouflage.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Jonathan Forty lives in Dorset and is the author of a number of books and has actively assisted his father in recent years researching and complling books on a range of military subjects. George Forty served in the Tank Regiment, where he reached the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. After active service, he took over as curator of the Tank Museum and began a second career as one of Britain's foremost military historians. He is the author of numerous books on military many of which have been for Ian Allan Publishing, including Channel Islands at War, The Battle of Crete and, the latest published in November 2002, Fortress Europe.

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Ian Allan Publishing (July 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0711029415
• ISBN-13: 978-0711029415
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.3 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,317,827 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Reference For Your Workbench, August 7, 2005

By 

Penelope Heathcliff Barnaby "Writer" - See all my reviews

This review is from: PzKpfw V Ausf A, D & G: Panzer v Panther (Tanks in Detail) (Paperback)

If you build scale models of tanks, this series of books is for you. Dimensionally small enough to fit on your workbench without taking up much space, but packed to the gills with lots of great information.

This book covers the best tank of WW2, the Panzer V Panther (hey, no booing from the T-34 crowd!). As always, Jonathan Forty's text is concise, easy to read and absorb. The photos are spectacular. I thought that the Panther was pretty well covered in photos by now, but there were still some pictures in this book that I had never seen before.

We're also treated to many wonderful line drawings that are crisp and easy to discern. Color illustrations depicting camo patterns, identification, etc. is also included. There are plenty of interior photos, engine details, and gun as well as photos of a Panther factory.

There is even a discussion and photos of the "Ersatz M10". This was a conversion performed on some Panthers to make them look like the US M10 tank destroyer so they could slip behind enemy lines as "friendlies" and wreak havoc.

All in all, a great book from a great series of books. Note that this only covers the standard turret versions of the Panther. If you're looking for coverage of the Jagdpanther, you'll have to look into the Tanks In Detail book on Jagdpanzers.