In issue #86 I reviewed the first volume (British 7th Amoured Division 1940-45) of a new, "Vanguard," series, published in Britain by Osprey and in the U.S. by Squadron/Signal. The subject of this review is Volume #2 of this series. The format is the same: 7 1/4" x 9 1/4" with 40 pages plus paper covers, including eight pages of color plates by Mike Chappell . This work should not be confused with one of the same title, by Horst Scheibert, published by Squadron/Signal, reviewed here in issue #79. Whereas that volume's emphasis was decidedly on its photographs and illustrations, this one has much more text. However, it is also thoroughly illustrated with black and white photos and Chappell's color plates. The text gives a brief history of this elite German unit of WWII from its prewar beginnings as an independent motorized infantry regiment, through France in 1940 and into Russia in 1941, its expansion there to a motorized infantry division in early 1942, its redesignation as a panzer-grenadier division (though possessing more and better tanks than any Army panzer division) in early 1943, to its final expansion to a panzer corps in November, 1944. This corps consisted of the original division plus the Fuhrer Grenadier Brigade, the Fuhrer Escort Brigade, Panzer-Grenadier Division 'Brandenburg,' Panzer-Grenadier Division 'Kurmark' and the (Luftwaffe) Parachute-Panzer Division 'Hermann Goring.' These units were not immediately assembled together, however. The two brigades participated in Hitler's 1944 Ardennes offensive and the ensuing Battle of the Bulge, and 'Hermann Goring' Division remained in Italy until January 1945. The text also contains sizable sections covering uniforms and insignia and equipment and weapons. This is a satisfactory volume covering an interesting subject. 'Grossdeutschland' (which I believe means 'greater Germany') was the one German regular army unit to receive the elite status in recruiting, equipment and organization accorded to the SS panzer divisions and the Luftwaffe parachute and 'Hermann Goring' divisions. This work is a good complement to the other work on the same subject mentioned above. Get that volume for the pictures and organization charts and this one for the text and additional pictures. This volume sells for $5.95 and should be available at better hobby shops.

More Book Review

Panzer Colors II - by Bruce Culver
B-25 Mitchell in Action - by Ernest R. McDowell
U.S. 1st Infantry Division 1939-45 - by Philip Katcher
Fallschirmpanzer-Division 'Hermann Goring' - by Bruce Quarrie
French Napoleonic Artillery - by Michael Head