Customer Reviews

Tiger Tank Battalions in World War II (Spearhead)

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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.