The 6th Panzer Division 1937–45

Osprey Vanguard #28

by Helmut Ritgen

Text by Oberst a.D. Helmut Ritgen with original wartime photographs by the author. This well-informed account of the 6th Panzer Division is especially useful because the author fought with the 11th Panzer Regiment. It documents the inception, formation and structure of the division and chronologically follows its progress throughout the war. The text is supported by colour photographs taken by the author during World War II and offers a detailed examination of life in the Panzers whilst simultaneously documenting their relentless progress. Feared by Allied infantrymen and devastating in their swift prosecution of the early war the Panzers were the modern German fighting men; well equipped, superbly motivated and unstoppably successful. Until the Allies were able to consolidate their troops, re-engineer their equipment and redraw their tactics the Panzers dominated Europe with a thunderous conquering power.

Genres: War

48 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1982

Reviews

[Robert Hepple · Rating 3 out of 5]

Published in 1982, 'The 6th Panzer Division 1937-45' is number 28 in the Osprey Vanguard series of short military books. And short it is, giving a limited potted operational history of the unit involved supported by over 70 photos. What gives this book the edge is a small selection of very good colour photos from the period taken by the author who was a member of the unit concerned and had access to good quality Agfa colour film. The images that result are just jaw-dropping in my opinion.