GERMAN TANK DESTROYERS: WWII

1-2171220

Examines the development and deployment of all the tank destroyers used by the German army including the Hornisse, Jagdpanzer 38, Jagdpanzer IV, and Elefant. Includes 250 color and black-and-white photographs and illustrations.

From the early days of World War II, it was clear that the Wehrmacht's antitank units would need to be motorized as existing horse- or automobile-drawn units were too slow to be effective. Initially, antitank guns were mounted onto available, usually obsolete, tank chassis, such as the Panzerjager I and II. However German engineers would soon turn to the heavy chassies of the Panzer IV, the Panther, and the Tiger for their tank hunters.

It became apparent during the invasion of France that enemy antitank guns were both more powerful and better armored, and improvement became a priority during Barbarossa as German units faced off against the new Soviet tanks. The appearance of the Soviet T-34 in July 1941 meant that the Germans had to quickly come up with something equally powerful. The result was the motorized panzerjager, faster and more mobile than older towed versions. This was followed in 1942 by the introduction of the 75mm gun. Further designs and modifications were informed by reports from the front line.

Some of these conversions were very successful and resulted in fearsome tank destroyers deployed to great effect by the Wehrmacht. The lightweight Hetzer, for example, was based on a modified Panzer 38(t) and entered service in 1944. This small tank became Germany's main tank destroyer during the final stages of the war, and would continue in use around the world even after 1945. Though they may not have looked that intimidating, the Landser were soon won over, and were comforted to have something reliable to stand between them and the Soviet tanks.