The German 88: The Most Famous Gun of the Second World War

by Terry Gander

The German 88 mm guns became the most famous and feared artillery pieces of the Second World War. They appeared in a whole series of forms ranging from anti-aircraft to anti-tank and tank-guns, including several self-propelled platforms. Although primarily anti-aircraft guns they gained an awesome reputation as anti-tank weapons, a reputation that remains to this day. Terry Gander, in this in-depth, highly illustrated study, tells the story of the 88 from its first manifestations during the Great War to its clandestine development in Sweden, its production in Germany, its first 'multi-role' initiation during the Spanish Civil War and its part in the campaigns of 1939-40. As well as a detailed technical description of the gun and its development, his book features vivid accounts of the 88 in action in many of the main theaters of the Second World War, in North Africa, Italy, France and Germany, and on the Eastern Front.

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 19, 2009

Reviews

[JD · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a relatively short book on the subject of probably the most recognizable gun from World War 2. Though filled with lots of technical data on the gun barrels, ammunition, platforms, mobility, etc. it lacks detail in operational history, and only the most well known actions the guns were involved in are touched on. Overall a good and quick read on the subject matter.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gander has drawn an intimate, highly detailed analysis of the 88's evolution, concluding with a salient analysis of German military intuition, flexibility and adaptability. We should all be grateful such intelligence never penetrated into Hitler's mind, nor his inner circle.