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Panzerwaffe 1945 Vol. IV continues the series of late war photo books by this Polish publisher. The emphasis here is on the final days of the Wehrmacht’s Panzer Divisions and ad hoc units on the Italian and Western Fronts. The text, in common with Vols. 1 and 2, is basic military history and troop movements. I missed Vol. 3 which is now sold out, but I'm still looking for a copy.
There are no personal accounts by the vanquished or victors. There is a bit more detail about sPz Abt 504 than about any unit in Volumes 1 and 2, and the original Polish text is clearly and fluently translated into English.
There are several quite clear maps of particular operations. The color profiles are perhaps more related to the photos that are in the book than previously, and as always, the artwork is excellent if one allows that many profiles do not have corresponding photos.
What photos are useful for modeling?
Panther Ausf G with a striking, angular, brush or roller applied whitewash scheme over - probably - a factory ambush scheme.
A wrecked StuG M42 75/34 with a good camouflage scheme #2xx (overpainted and KOed before number was repainted).
Panther Ausf A (early) #331 with full Zimmerit treatment.
Tiger I #3 of sPz Abt 508 - old to Tiger fans, but good for newbies.
PzKpfw IV Ausf H #834 of 26. PD with field applied Zimmerit.
Panther Ausf A (early) #I03 (0 is verrrry narrow or is a 1) with square pattern Zimmerit.
Panther Ausf A (maybe late) #214 with square pattern Zimmerit.
PzKpfw P 40(i) #121 with a great camouflage scheme.
RSO (box cab) possibly from a component of 2. PD with a unit insignia. While I question the artist’s illustration of the insignia, it’s definitely there.
SdKfz 251/1 Ausf D #114 well camouflaged and in a good diorama setting.
JgPz IV #221 unfortunately neither the barrel, glacis, nor front road wheels can be seen, but it’s rare enough to get the number! Bailey bridge in background.
JgPz IV L/70 #313 in good setting.
Tiger I hybrid #F02 of Gruppe Fehrmann.
Also, many of the photos of the Jagdtigers of sPj Abt 512 and 653 are collected in one place, though there is virtually nothing in the way of markings to see beyond good ole X7.
If you have earlier volumes, you know what to expect and will want this one. If you need a basic resource for the late Italian and Western Fronts, this is a good choice.
Vol. IV is not the eye-opener that Vols. 1 and 2 were, if only because many of us will have seen these photos in Western sources, but it is still a very worthwhile reference for someone beginning a photo collection.
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