Military Model Scene

Title: The Armour of Rommel's Afrika Korps

Author: Ian Baxter

Publisher: Pen and Sword

ISBN: 978-1-52672-293-3

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There seems to be little let-up in new books in the Images of War series, and another from author Ian Baxter. This one returns to the topic of the German Afrika Korps and the war in North Africa. It is a subject which offers a good look at the range of armoured vehicles used by German armoured units during WW2 and I think useful to stop and consider for a moment that despite the fame of the Afrika Korp in WW2, it really only existed from 1941 through to 1943, so roughly 2 years. The bulk of the book is split across 3 chapters, covering Desert Blitzkrieg 1941, Attack & Retreat 1942 and finally Destruction in Tunisia. To add to this there are 4 Appendices which are full of useful information.  These cover the DAK Order of Battle; Panzers Operational in Africa 1941-1943; Heavy & Light Armoured Vehicles Used in North Africa 1941-1943, and finally a list of Halftracks Operational in North Africa 1941-43.

Each chapter begins with some background text to set the scene, followed by a collection of good clear archive photos.  Some of these archive shots have been used a few times previously but overall the collection provides an interesting and unusual archive. The pictures are all provided with helpful and descriptive captioning.

Such a variety of AFVs on show, from the smaller Pz I and Pz II in the early days, later bolstered by more of the longer gun barrelled 50mm gun in the Pz III and the Mk IV before the final months in Tunisia saw the deployment of the heavy Tiger I (but never Panthers). Add the halftracks, the armoured cars and the SP artillery it makes for a really good mix of equipment in use.  Some good diorama ideas for modellers in here too.

 

Thanks to Pen and Sword for this review copy.

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Robin