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Osprey Panzer Series
Light Panzers
This highly illustrated new study tells the full story of the German light Panzers in World War II.
The light Panzers that equipped the first Panzer divisions were originally intended as training or stopgap machines, suitable only until the arrival of the better-armed and -armoured PzKpfw III and PzKpfw IV. However, despite their limitations, they ended up playing key roles in the victorious campaigns waged by the German Army from 1939 to 1942.
This highly illustrated title describes the development and organizational history of the PzKpfw I, introduced in 1934, and the PzKpfw II, introduced in 1936. It explains how the annexation of German-speaking Sudetenland in 1938 and, subsequently, of Czechoslovakia itself delivered an unexpected bonus for the Panzerwaffe in the form of two Czech Army light tanks, introduced into German service as the PzKpfw 35(t) and PzKpfw 38(t). It goes on to cover the considerable operational service of these tanks in Poland, France and the invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941. From late 1941 onwards, they were withdrawn from front-line service but the chassis were used until the end of the war for self-propelled artillery and tank destroyers.
German armour expert Thomas Anderson draws on archival material, after-action reports and rare photographs in this comprehensive study of the German light Panzers that played a key role in the early years of World War II.
The light Panzers that equipped the first Panzer divisions were originally intended as training or stopgap machines, suitable only until the arrival of the better-armed and -armoured PzKpfw III and PzKpfw IV. However, despite their limitations, they ended up playing key roles in the victorious campaigns waged by the German Army from 1939 to 1942.
This highly illustrated title describes the development and organizational history of the PzKpfw I, introduced in 1934, and the PzKpfw II, introduced in 1936. It explains how the annexation of German-speaking Sudetenland in 1938 and, subsequently, of Czechoslovakia itself delivered an unexpected bonus for the Panzerwaffe in the form of two Czech Army light tanks, introduced into German service as the PzKpfw 35(t) and PzKpfw 38(t). It goes on to cover the considerable operational service of these tanks in Poland, France and the invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941. From late 1941 onwards, they were withdrawn from front-line service but the chassis were used until the end of the war for self-propelled artillery and tank destroyers.
German armour expert Thomas Anderson draws on archival material, after-action reports and rare photographs in this comprehensive study of the German light Panzers that played a key role in the early years of World War II.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 24, 2025
7 people want to read
About the author
Thomas Anderson
267 books3 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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July 15, 2025
With the subject of Light Tanks returning to American and NATO Military thinking, it seems a good time for Thomas Anderson to continue his series on Nazi Vehicles, this time taking Light Panzers. Whereas his previous style has been to present extant German documents with a lot of good commentary, this time he's writing most of the narrative himself, and it's not a problem. What starts as a discussion of all European light tank development- then focuses on German and then Nazi German developments of technology, doctrine and industrial capacity. Then the book expands outward as the actual war develops- and the concept of the light tank itself is questioned. I think any reader will find the book and its plethora of black and white photos a beguiling read.
The early Panzer I and II were as much proof of concept and proof of industrial acumen as they were Armoured Fighting Vehicles. Versailles limitations had been effective - and German industry, while capable of good car manufacturing- still found tanks and larger vehicles daunting and needed a runway of lesser challenges. The Pz I and II did however meet the training requirements as Panzer Divisions learned their craft and waited for the PzIII and PzIV that were always supposed to do the heavy lifting anyway. Then Hitler sped up the timetable- and things escalated quickly. The story of the Czech built 35T and 38T tanks is of particular interest to many. This book tells the story- then goes further and discusses the concept of the light tank in the later war period and then the Cold War. I think its a very strong package on a much modeled and gamed sector of WWII AFVs.
There are some adult themes, mostly political and business, but no graphic injury passages, so this is a good book for the Junior Reader over 11/12 years. For the Gamer/Modeler/Military Enthusiast, its a mixed product. The Gamer is mainly getting background on the vehicles and doctrines that would figure large in the early war period- but limited scenario/campaign help. The Modeler and Military Enthusiast are big winners getting a tonne of good background info and photos of the vehicles in question. The regular audience reader will get a good discussion of the light tank in WWII, its successes and failures.
The early Panzer I and II were as much proof of concept and proof of industrial acumen as they were Armoured Fighting Vehicles. Versailles limitations had been effective - and German industry, while capable of good car manufacturing- still found tanks and larger vehicles daunting and needed a runway of lesser challenges. The Pz I and II did however meet the training requirements as Panzer Divisions learned their craft and waited for the PzIII and PzIV that were always supposed to do the heavy lifting anyway. Then Hitler sped up the timetable- and things escalated quickly. The story of the Czech built 35T and 38T tanks is of particular interest to many. This book tells the story- then goes further and discusses the concept of the light tank in the later war period and then the Cold War. I think its a very strong package on a much modeled and gamed sector of WWII AFVs.
There are some adult themes, mostly political and business, but no graphic injury passages, so this is a good book for the Junior Reader over 11/12 years. For the Gamer/Modeler/Military Enthusiast, its a mixed product. The Gamer is mainly getting background on the vehicles and doctrines that would figure large in the early war period- but limited scenario/campaign help. The Modeler and Military Enthusiast are big winners getting a tonne of good background info and photos of the vehicles in question. The regular audience reader will get a good discussion of the light tank in WWII, its successes and failures.
Displaying 1 of 1 review