Germany's Secret Weapons in World War II

by Roger Ford

During the course of a long, hard-fought war, scientists and engineers of the Third Reich mounted a campaign aimed at nothing less than changing the nature of warfare itself. This is a catalog of their campaign, looking in depth and in detail at its successes and its failures. Detailed chapters cover: Jet Aircraft; Rocket-powered Aircraft; Hybrid Aircraft and Gliders; Rotary-Wing Aircraft; Submarines and Their Weapons; Tanks and Anti-Tank Weapons; Artillery; Anti-tank Weapons; Air-to-Air Weapons; Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Weapons; and Surface-to-Surface Missiles. Superbly illustrated with full-color artworks. Hdbd., 8 1-2"x 11 1-4", 144 pgs., 40 bandw ill., 47 color.'

Genres: Military Fiction, History, World War II, Military History, Germany

144 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1999

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the more popular subjects among World War II aficionados is that of the Wunderwaffen, the exotic munitions that the Germans developed over the course of the war. Though these advanced and at times even revolutionary weaponry were developed too late to win the war for Germany (and it is arguable whether they could have even if they had been introduced sooner), they shaped the evolution of weapons and warfare right down to the present day.

Roger Ford's book is not a comprehensive examination of these weapons. What he does instead is examine German wartime weapons development in a number of categories, from jet aircraft and missile technology to tanks and submarines. In each he focuses primarily upon the designs that were pursued to the prototype or early production stage, explaining how they were developed that the obstacles that blocked or delayed their introduction to service. In doing so, he helps to explain the technological and bureaucratic challenges that inhibited their use, as well as the flamboyant nature of some of the weapons (such as the massive "Schwere Gustav" cannon) that that were so impractical as to be wasteful curiosities.

Well argued and supported by numerous illustrations, Ford's book is is an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning more about Germany's secret weapons. His analysis of the weapons' value and their influence on postwar development is particularly good, and while at times he can be a little opinionated (he is really contemptuous of the Tiger tank), its blatantness is actually a plus, as it helps to identify more clearly where his biases lay. Overall, this is a good book and one that should be read by anyone seeking to understand both Germany's "wonder weapons" and their legacy for modern warfare.

[Friedrich Mencken · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a single reference in the entire book. I guess we are just supposed to take the author at his word. Lots of interesting pictures and explanations of machines and weapons systems. But other than that it is impossible to distinguish fact from opinion and speculation.

[Walt Milowic · Rating 4 out of 5]

An extensive review of German weapons, many I had not heard of before. Great pictures and explanations of the weapons and how and why they were produced, including Hitler's part in all weapon production decisions.

[Chris Shepheard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good primer that leaves you wanting to know more.