Doberman Posted March 31, 2001 Share Posted March 31, 2001 I'm fairly new to this fighting in the mud stuff, coming from an air power background. As a result I've got plenty of tomes covering the planes used by the various services during WWII, but very little (and nothing comprehensive) dealing with infantry weapons and armor. Can you guys recommend a couple of encylopediac type books covering allied & axis weaponry? I'm sure this is probably covered in a FAQ somewhere, but I'd like a bit of personal commentary and some insight into specific titles. What's the verdict on the Peter Chamberlain "Encyclopedias" of tanks that I found on Barnes&noble.com? The online reviews for the German version are pretty glowing. A couple of infantry books I'm considering are "U.S. Infantry Weapons of World War II" by Bruce Canfield and "Germany's Infantry Weapons, 1939-1945" & "Allied Infantry Weapons of World War Two" both by Terry Gander. Any infantry tactics "must have" titles, other than Rommels? Thanks, D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrSpkr Posted March 31, 2001 Share Posted March 31, 2001 You should definitely read "Company Commander" by Charles MacDonald. True story of a captain's experience leading an infantry company from fall 1944 to the end of the war. Terrific descriptions of tactics, fears, etc. Also has a great section on the Battle of the Bulge. In the Bulge, his unit was hit hard - two Congressional Medals of Honor earned during the initial onslaught by other members of his regiment. MrSpkr ------------------ But we're saying goodbye to them all We're Harry's police force on call! So put back your pack on The next stop is Saigon Don't bless the few bless 'em all! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
109 Gustav Posted March 31, 2001 Share Posted March 31, 2001 This was covered a couple weeks ago. Had nothing else to do, so ran a search. This one is the most recent http://www.battlefront.com/discuss/Forum1/HTML/017694.html More suggestions http://www.battlefront.com/discuss/Forum1/HTML/005606.html Here's a website devoted entirely to a CM reading list http://go.webring.yahoo.com/go?ring=combatmission&id=24&go ------------------ The Last Defense- Made any scenarios? Send them here! Well my skiff's a twenty dollar boat, And I hope to God she stays afloat. But if somehow my skiff goes down, I'll freeze to death before I drown. And pray my body will be found, Alaska salmon fishing, boys, Alaska salmon fishing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capt. Toleran Posted March 31, 2001 Share Posted March 31, 2001 Doberman -- To answer your question about the Chamberlain Encyclopedias -- The German One -- 5 out of 5, a very good read, and lots of good pictures. After reading this, I felt like I knew a lot more about German tank development. One warning -- it assumes prior technical knowledge of suspensions, which I did not have. The Allies one -- 3 1/2 out of 5 -- not organized as well as the German one, not as many exact armor dimensions for each tank, but more text on tank development. I didn't feel it was as concise as the German one, but some may appreciate the lengthy discussions on each tank. Also, not as many good pictures. I also didn't like that it didn't plainly state production numbers up at the top (and sometimes omits production numbers altogether) -- the German one had everything in an easy-to-read, easy to find format. However, it did take more of a beginners approach to tank construction, which might be appreciated. [This message has been edited by Capt. Toleran (edited 03-30-2001).] [This message has been edited by Capt. Toleran (edited 03-30-2001).] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrcobbler Posted March 31, 2001 Share Posted March 31, 2001 I'll second that last note on the 'Encyclopedia of German Tanks' by Chamberlain. Excellent pics and information about all types of armor. A great reference book for looking up the difference between a 'pantherA' and 'pantherG'. (I don't know, they'll both kill ya'!) Shoeman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mlapanzer Posted March 31, 2001 Share Posted March 31, 2001 I'm not really that noligible on the real technical aspects of armor. But try going to your local modeling store they have should have some great picture books of different armor. I've seen alot of those since my best friend is heavy itno modeling. "Closing with the Enemy" how GI's fought the war in Europe,1944-1954.Is a great read and everytime I reread it I learn something new plus there is a great Bibliography to lead to other sources. Another great read is "Panzer commander: the memiors of Hans Von Lucke. A Panzer commander who fought on every front of the war. Also I have access to the FM manual on the Sherman. Would anyone be interested in a photo copy of it. If there were enough people interested in it I could get quality copies of it an offer it to cover my cost. ----- "PHHFFFFFFT" Bill the cat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrSpkr Posted March 31, 2001 Share Posted March 31, 2001 MlaPanzer- I would be interested if the cost was reasonable. . . MrSpkr ------------------ But we're saying goodbye to them all We're Harry's police force on call! So put back your pack on The next stop is Saigon Don't bless the few bless 'em all! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluefish Posted March 31, 2001 Share Posted March 31, 2001 The 'Oxford Companion to World War II' It's the Bible. ------------------ "C'mon you son's of bitches, do you want to live forever?" Gysgt Dan Daly USMC Belleau Wood, France 1918 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
russellmz Posted March 31, 2001 Share Posted March 31, 2001 Originally posted by Doberman: Can you guys recommend a couple of encylopediac type books covering allied & axis weaponry? I'm sure this is probably covered in a FAQ somewhere, it is now ------------------ russellmz, Self-Proclaimed Keeper for Life of the Sacred Unofficial FAQ. "They had their chance- they have not lead!" - GW Bush "They had mechanical pencils- they have not...lead?" - Jon Stewart on The Daily Show Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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