Tiger Tank Battalions in World War II (Spearhead) [Paperback]

George Forty (Author)

Book Description

Series: Spearhead | Publication Date: January 18, 2009

It was in Tunisia that the Allies first encountered the fearsome Tiger tank--when rounds from a 75mm artillery gun fired from a mere 50 meters away bounced off the side of the German monster. It was no wonder that the fearsome vehicle, despite its design flaws and unwieldy size, quickly gained an aura of invincibility.

This book is the first to tell the story of the Tiger tank in battle. With over 100 photographs, the book brings to life the combat service of the German armys independent Tiger tank companies. From the development of a prototype for Hitlers birthday in 1942, to the tanks role at Leningrad, Tunisia, and Kursk, the book follows the fate of this most feared weapon of World War II--till it quite literally ran out of fuel at the Battle of the Bulge.

Along with the story of the tanks performance, Tiger Tank Companies in World War II includes technical descriptions of its main and secondary armament, tables of tactical organization, and engine and drive train specs.

Editorial Reviews

Review

International Plastic Modelers Society
"This book is the first to tell the story of the Tiger tank in battle. With over 100 photographs, the book brings to life the combat service of the German army's independent Tiger tank companies. From the development of a prototype for Hitlers birthday in 1942, to the tank's role at Leningrad, Tunisia, and Kursk, the book follows the fate of this most feared weapon of World War II--till it quite literally ran out of fuel at the Battle of the Bulge. Part of the 'Spearhead' series published by the Zenith Press, this highly informative and lavishly illustrated book chronicles the story of the German Tiger tank during World War II."

The Aptos Times
"George Forty has created an all-encompassing text that covers the origin and history of the Panzer Kampfwagen VI or Tiger tank and its development into a permier fighting maching during World War II...

"The inclusion of 25 color and 75 black and white photos, 10 maps and diagrams, and a short reference section makes this a book anyone interested in the use of armor in World War II will want to read and add to his library. For the price, you won't find a better or more detailed volume that gives the particulars of the German battalions that employed the famed Tiger tank during World War II."

Book Description

This book is the first to tell the story of the Tiger tank in battle.  With over 100 photographs, it brings to life the combat service of the German army’s independent Tiger tank battallions.  Chester Hearn follows the fortunes of one of the most feared weapon of World War II from the development of a prototype for Hitler’s birthday in 1942 to the Battle of the Bulge, where the tank literally ran out of fuel.  His account also includes technical descriptions of the Tiger’s main and secondary armament, tables of tactical organization, and engine and drive train specs.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Zenith Press; 1st edition (January 18, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0760330492
• ISBN-13: 978-0760330494
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #998,164 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Examining a Legend: Tiger Tanks in Action!, February 10, 2009

By 

Michael OConnor "Wordsmith" (Wausau, WI USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tiger Tank Battalions in World War II (Spearhead) (Paperback)

Despite a comparatively small production run, Germany's Tiger tank must rank as the most popular tank of all time. Noted armor authority George Forty surveys the 13 battalion-sized Army and Waffen SS units that went to war in Tigers and therein credited a combat legend.

Like other 'Spearhead' volumes from Zenith Press, TIGER TANK BATTALIONS IN WORLD WAR II examines development, combat history, equipment and insignia and personnel associated with the weapon or unit along with furnishing a combat assessment, bibliography, etc. The book contains over 100 b&w and color photographs, numerous maps, charts and sidebars.

As borne out in the book, the Tiger was master of the battlefield yet had mechanical feet of clay. Many more Tigers were lost due to breakdowns than enemy action. And while tank aces like Michael Wittmann could gain tactical victories by destroying dozens of enemy AFVs, there were never enough Tigers available to make a strategic difference.

Having purchased several other 'Spearhead' volumes like THE STONEWALL BRIGADE IN THE CIVIL WAR and THE 1ST MARINE DIVISION IN VIETNAM, I had assumed the series dealt with individual units. Given the evidence in hand, that obviously isn't the case.

However I have to say I enjoyed the other volumes more. Because they focused on one unit, the reader got a more detailed, up-close-and-personal understanding of, for instance, the Stonewall Brigade in action. By contrast, Forty's volume surveys a baker's dozen Tiger units. I would have preferred it if he had focused in on one battalion, say the 503rd, and explored that unit's history and personnel.

In any case, TIGER TANK BATTALIONS IN WORLD WAR II is an interesting, authoritative, well-illustrated chronicle of some of the deadliest tank units the Third Reich fielded. Tank afficiandos will want to add George Forty's book to their collection. Recommended.