Tanks from 1916 until today

Book Review

Tanks from 1916 until today.

Roger Ford’s book follows the development of armoured fighting vehicles from their beginning in 1916 to the modern AFV of the early 21st Century. The book is organized into five chronological sections, giving the reader a very good impression of the tactical and technological changes involved. Diorama builders and modellers will be inspired by the many colourful illustrations and photos of tanks in action.

176 Pages by Roger Ford
Brown Packaging Books
ISBN: 3860706764

  • 80 Full-Colour Illustrations
  • 80 Black/White and Colour Photos
  • Tables with Technical Data
  • Much Background Information

A difficult birth

This first section covers the impressive history of the early tanks. The reader is made aware of the tremendous technical, tactical and logistical difficulties encountered by the tank developers.

The illustrations show many interesting camouflage patterns which may be recreated in miniature.

Tanks between the wars

The time between the wars saw the tank in the role of infantry support vehicle. However, the Headquarters of the German Wehrmacht already dealt with issues of armoured warfare on a large scale, and appropriate vehicle types were put into production.

  • Light Tank Mk VII Tetrach
  • Cruiser Tank RAM Mk II
  • Renault Schneider B1
  • Renault R-35 (Renault ZM)
  • Hotchkiss H-39
  • Light Tank 7TP (Poland)
  • Carro Armato CA.11 (M11/39)
  • Christie M1928
  • M2A3
  • T-17
  • T-28
  • T-37
  • T-40
  • Typ 95 "Ha-Go"
  • Typ 97 "Te-Ke" Tankette
  • Carro Veloce L6/40
  • Fiat Ansaldo L35/lf (Flamethrower)
  • PzKpfw I
  • PzKpfw II

Camouflage during this period consisted primarily of a single colour being applied to the entire vehicle. However, the vehicles themselves are interesting enough to stimulate the modeller.

Blitzkrieg

The invasion of Poland, in September 1939, launched a new era of armoured warfare. The race between tank and anti-tank resulted in may new developments before the war was over.

Due to the increased effectiveness of anti-tank weapons and allied air forces, German armoured vehicles increasingly adopted multi-colour camouflage patterns. The illustrations show many interesting examples which may be copied by modellers. Many of the tanks remained in service after the war, some to this day.

The period from Potsdam to Vietnam

During the Cold War tanks were valued for their firepower, speed and NBC protection. Tanks became a key weapon on the battlefield, but the appearance of cheap anti-tank rockets and guided missles seemed to end the tanks domination.

Modellers will find many classic types during this period, and a number of camouflage patterns. Unfortunately, the American, British, and Russian patterns used in Central Europe are not covered in sufficient detail.

The modern tank

Suprisingly, the tank is making a big comeback on the verge of the 21st Century. Armour protection and electronics have improved significantly, providing the tank with better survivability and combat power. Camouflage patterns still play a role, but the many colour photos show how quickly a pattern is obscured by dust and dirt when the tank is in action.

The book provides a good introduction into armoured warfare, but this will have to be followed by a study of anti-tank weapons. To understand the relationship between tank and anti-tank is important in order to fully appreciate armoured combat and the development of AFVs.

Sample from Karl Müller Verlag

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