German Self-propelled Artillery at War 1940 1945

The German Panzerwaffe used towed artillery to break through enemy lines, but converting tanks into self-propelled artillery carrying vehicles proved more effective. This led to the development of several weapon systems, including the Pz.Kpfw.I and II, Pz.Kpfw.II Wespe, Pz.Kpfw.III/IV Hummel, Sturmpanzer Brummbar, and Grille series. These vehicles provided close firesupport for infantry and acted as anti-tank weapons. This book provides a unique insight into German self-propelled artillery from its early triumphant war years to final defeat in 1945.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 30 August 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The German Panzerwaffe's ability to engage its foes rapidly with concentrated force was a formidable asset on the battlefield, but it often required additional firepower to break through enemy lines. Initially, towed artillery was used to provide this additional firepower, but as the war progressed, converting tanks into fast-moving self-propelled artillery carrying vehicles proved to be far more effective. As a result, a number of weapon systems were introduced, including the Pz.Kpfw.I and II, the Pz.Kpfw.II Wespe, the Pz.Kpfw.III/IV Hummel, the Sturmpanzer Brummbar, and the Grille series based on the Czech Pz.Kpfw 38(t) tank chassis. These and other armoured vehicles were capable of providing both close firesupport for infantry and acting as anti-tank weapons.

This highly illustrated book delves into the key role played by German self-propelled artillery from its introduction in 1940 in France to North Africa, Italy, Russia, and North-West Europe. It analyses the development of numerous variants that came into service as these formidable weapon systems were adapted and up-gunned to face the ever-increasing enemy threat. With rare and often published photographs, this book provides a unique insight into German self-propelled artillery from its early triumphant war years to its final defeat in 1945.

The Pz.Kpfw.I and II were the first self-propelled artillery tanks introduced by the Germans in World War II. They were designed to provide close firesupport for infantry and were equipped with a 7.5cm gun. The Pz.Kpfw.II Wespe was a modified version of the Pz.Kpfw.I with a 10.5cm gun. The Pz.Kpfw.III/IV Hummel was a larger and more powerful tank with a 15cm howitzer. The Sturmpanzer Brummbar was a heavily armoured tank with a powerful 15cm gun. The Grille series was based on the Czech Pz.Kpfw 38(t) tank chassis and was equipped with a variety of guns.

These self-propelled artillery tanks played a crucial role in the German military strategy of blitzkrieg, which relied on the rapid movement and concentrated firepower of armoured vehicles to break through enemy lines. They were also used in the defensive positions to provide cover for infantry and to engage enemy tanks. The development of these weapon systems was a result of the German military's emphasis on technological innovation and the need to adapt to changing battlefield conditions.

Despite their effectiveness, the German self-propelled artillery tanks were not without their weaknesses. They were vulnerable to anti-tank weapons, such as the Soviet Katyusha rocket launcher, and were often outranged by enemy artillery. Additionally, the high cost of production and maintenance of these tanks limited their availability on the battlefield.

In conclusion, the German self-propelled artillery tanks played a significant role in World War II. They were capable of providing close firesupport for infantry and acting as anti-tank weapons. The development of these weapon systems was a result of the German military's emphasis on technological innovation and the need to adapt to changing battlefield conditions. While they were not without their weaknesses, they were a formidable force on the battlefield and helped to secure the German victory in many key battles.

Weight: 332g
Dimension: 244 x 190 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399068680