Hitler's Artillery 1939 - 1945

Book excerpt: Hitler's Artillery 1939 - 1945 is a highly illustrated record of the firepower of the German war machine between 1939 - 1945. Many of the photographs, all from the author's collection, come originally from the albums of individuals who took part in the war. The images and text cover the guns in service with the Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS and provide a unique visual record of artillery pieces. These include the 7.5cm 1.IG18, the 10.5cm infantry gun, the powerful 15cm field howitzer, heavy 18cm and 21cm mortars and others including captured French, British and Russian guns. These and other weapons are seen in action in Poland, the Low Countries, France, Balkans, North Africa, Italy and, of course, Russia. Initially a key part of the Blitzkrieg offensive concept. The emphasis became defensive as the tide turned against the Germans. Using over 250 rare and unpublished photographs together with detailed captions and accompanying text, this book provides a unique insight into German weaponry from early Blitzkrieg campaigns to the final demise of the Nazi empire.