Lesen und Verstehen

Lesen und Verstehen!
(Reading and Understanding)

From time to time we will review books that will be particularly helpful to your 2. Panzer German Impression. We will feature books with information on 2. Panzer itself, as well as general info. on the German soldier we are portraying.

These books are all available at, or can be ordered from, Barnes & Nobel and Borders.

DIE 2. PANZER-DIVISION Franz Steiner This is it, the unit history of 2nd Panzer! Out of print for years, it has been reprinted. The compete history of the unit we portray from inception, through Poland, France, the Balkans, Russia, Normandy, the Ardennes and even post war with the veterans organization. Unfortunately the late-war period we portray is not as heavily illustrated in photos as early war. But with hundreds of photos & English/German text, this is a must-have for all 2nd Panzer reenactors and historians. Order by ISBN number 3-89555-090-6.
ARDENNES 1944 HITLER'S LAST GAMBLE IN THE WEST Osprey Military Series. By James Arnold. This well-laid out book nicely details a blow-by-blow history of the Battle of the Bulge, with lots of non-published photos and 3-D topographical maps. Best of all, there's lots of attention paid to the German units, unlike many contemporary histories of this offensive, where you wonder if the Germans even showed up except to be slaughtered. None of this "We validated their parking, then we punched their ticket," bravado. 2nd Panzer operations are well-covered. All-in-all 'Ardennes 1944' brings the maneuvering to life better than most treatments I've read. A fitting tribute to the incredible bravery shown on both sides.

DIE 2. PANZER-DIVISION
Franz Steiner

This is it, the unit history of 2nd Panzer! Out of print for years, it has been reprinted. The compete history of the unit we portray from inception, through Poland, France, the Balkans, Russia, Normandy, the Ardennes and even post war with the veterans organization. Unfortunately the late-war period we portray is not as heavily illustrated in photos as early war. But with hundreds of photos & English/German text, this is a must-have for all 2nd Panzer reenactors and historians. Order by ISBN number 3-89555-090-6.

ARDENNES 1944
HITLER'S LAST GAMBLE IN THE WEST
Osprey Military Series. By James Arnold.
This well-laid out book nicely details a blow-by-blow history of the Battle of the Bulge, with lots of non-published photos and 3-D topographical maps. Best of all, there's lots of attention paid to the German units, unlike many contemporary histories of this offensive, where you wonder if the Germans even showed up except to be slaughtered. None of this "We validated their parking, then we punched their ticket," bravado. 2nd Panzer operations are well-covered. All-in-all 'Ardennes 1944' brings the maneuvering to life better than most treatments I've read. A fitting tribute to the incredible bravery shown on both sides.

GERMAN INFANTRYMAN AT WAR
Ian Allan Publishing By George Forty

One of the best histories ever on what it was like to be a German soldier. Using documents, Soldbuchs and memories from actual German veterans, Forty gives us an overview on the different campaigns in which these men fought. But the emphasis here is on day-to-day life: haircuts, hospitals, transport flights in 'Tante-Ju' (the beloved Ju 52 aircraft), food, getting leave home. He doesn't waste much time on the big picture which has been covered to death, but brings these vets to life as very human young men in incredible circumstances.

THE PANZERS AND THE
BATTLE OF NORMANDY
Editions Heimdahl By Georges Bernage

Already a classic, this book blends my favorite combination by showing the big picture of the movement of the German armored formations in Normandy, while paying attention to stories about individual soldiers and platoons.   While drawing heavily on experiences of the Waffen SS, it cover all Panzer units engaged, including 2. Panzer.
   Bernage brings the reader to the level of the combatants and tells the story of individual crews waging battle against ever-increasing odds. Lots of photos and individual crew histories, as well as color shots of the battlegrounds today.

FIGHTING TECHNIQUES OF A PANZERGRENADIER
MBI Publishing
Dr. Matthew Hughes & Dr. Chris Mann

Training, techniques and weaponry are the heart of this awesome book. Tactics in the field, handling of weapons and an evaluation of just what those weapons could do makes for some enjoyable reading if you're one of the guys piling out a half track! The Dr.'s know their German tactical doctrine, even throwing in German pen and ink illustrations showing everything from a Gruppe (squad) maneuvering on foot, to SPW's (tracks) cooperating with tanks, to how to split a Soviet's face open with an E-tool ! (Don't try this at home!)