Panzer Reconnaissance

This book tells the story of the German reconnaissance troops in World War II, using first-hand accounts and rare and unpublished images. When the Wehrmacht was first formed in 1935, motorcycle rifle units carried out tactical reconnaissance. However, with the development of wheeled armoured vehicles in the late 1930s, motorized reconnaissance battalions were introduced. They were equipped with a mixture of armoured cars and motorcycles and operated far ahead of the battlefront to survey the terrain, observe enemy positions, and identify enemy forces. In the second half of the war, they were increasingly drawn into combat operations and even held sectors of the line. More modern equipment was introduced, with motorcycles phased out and purpose-built armoured personnel carriers introduced.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 13 April 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

When the Wehrmacht was first established in 1935, motorcycle rifle units (Kradschützen) were responsible for tactical reconnaissance. However, with the development and widespread introduction of wheeled armored vehicles in the late 1930s, motorized reconnaissance battalions (Aufklärungs-Abteilungen) were introduced. These battalions were equipped with a combination of armored cars and motorcycles and were often deployed far ahead of the battlefront to survey the terrain, observe enemy positions, and identify enemy forces. This critical information was essential for any armored assault.

In the second half of the war, as Germany shifted to a strategic defensive position, armored reconnaissance troops found themselves increasingly involved in combat operations. They even held sectors of the line. At the same time, more modern equipment was introduced, with motorcycles phased out and purpose-built armored personnel carriers (Schützenpanzerwagen) introduced. Renowned armor expert Thomas Anderson has drawn on first-hand accounts and rare and previously unseen photographs in this comprehensive and fully illustrated study of the Panzer reconnaissance troops, the crucial eyes and ears of the German armored forces of World War II.

Weight: 1096g
Dimension: 199 x 251 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472855022