Panzer Battles

by F.W. von Mellenthin and Maj. Gen. F.W. Von Mellenthin

Book Overview

When Sam Donaldson interviewed General Norman Schwarzkopf in his quarters in the Gulf, PANZER BATTLES was one of the books on his desk. A model military history, this is one of the few close looks we will ever have of the tactics, the planning, and the operations of tank warfare from a participant. It was the decisive victories of the German Panzer divisions in North Africa in World War II that taught the Allies the importance of an integrated combat...

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0345321588
• ISBN13: 9780345321589
• Release Date: July 1985
• Publisher: Ballantine Books
• Length: 480 Pages
• Weight: 0.46 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 4.2" x 7.1"

Customer Reviews

Case studies in armored warfare

I actually read this book BEFORE the first Gulf War, and when, during operation Desert Shield, a camera crew showed this book sitting on General Schwartzkopf's nightstand I knew immediately what Africa Korps operation Schwartzkopf was going to try to repeat in the coming Desert Storm, -- namely, the battle of the Gazala line, only instead of a dust storm to cover the shift of his tanks to the outer flank in the desert, he would use the airforce to blind his opponents. And sure enough...

From a Military Enthusiast

Though not as great a work as Mansteins memoirs "Lost Victories" Mellenthin's account of his experiences in WWII may be one of the greatests combinations of military theory and history ever produced. At the age of 20 I have already read this book three times and hope to read it again soon. I would recomend it to anyone who is intrested, especialy those new to the field of military theory and tactics. This is truly a great work.

Absolutely terrific

This book is an invaluable work in understanding the complexities of warfare. Others have commented on a few possible inaccuracies. While I have not looked into these complaints, there can be no doubt that this book is doubly effective, first as one of the few comprehensive accounts of armored warfare in WWII told from the German Staff Officer's perspective, and second as an excellent guide in understanding the complexities and necessities of waging mechanized war on a large scale.V. Mellenthin provides dozens of keen insights into the art and science of warfare. Though his comments concerning Rommel and the African Campaign are supposedly the centerpiece of Panzer Battles, I would argue that the most interesting and instructive parts of the book deal with the years 1942-1944 in the Soviet Union while he served with and under Gen. Balck, a less known but superb officer of the War.Regardless of what theatre of the war in Europe you are interested in, you can't go wrong with this terrific book. So thick are the lessons and so fascinating is the narrative that I have come back to read this book again and again. Don't miss out on it.

Superb insights into German strategy and operations in WWII.

The author does an excellent job in recounting the panzer battles against the British in North Africa, against the Soviets in Southern Russia, and against the Americans in France and Germany. Von Mellenthin's personal account of the strategic and operational level planning are excellent. His clear precise writing and the many maps make this a valuable resource for military historians. The author's analysis of panzer tactics and the evolution of the same is excellent. He presents overwhelming evidence that reinforces the perception that on the tactical and operational level the Germans were geniuses; however, Hitler was a strategic imbecile.

Great read for people interested in history and soldiers

A very good book covering World War 2 from the perspective of a German General Staff Officer. Especially interesting is Part 2 about the war in the Western Desert. Von Mellenthin describes Rommel's leadership methods, the reasons for victories and defeats. In Part 3 he writes about the Russian theatre, the skills of Generals like Manstein or Balck, who takes the author with him as his Chief of Staff from Corps to Army level in Russia and to Army Group G in the Western Front. I can highly recommend Panzerbattles not only for readers of military history but also for soldiers who want to know more about lessons learned in World War 2.