Německé obrněné průzkumné jednotky – Anderson Thomas (2024)

Reconnaissance forces were a key component of the Wehrmacht's tank divisions during World War II. These highly mobile divisions urgently needed quality intelligence from the battlefield, and motorized units the size of a battalion provided this information. Reconnaissance units were equipped with various armored vehicles and motorcycles, often operating far ahead of the front line to scout terrain, observe enemy positions, and estimate enemy forces. They thus provided crucial information needed before any armored assault. ***** In the second half of the war, as Germany focused on strategic defense, armored reconnaissance units increasingly engaged in combat operations, often even holding certain parts of the battle line. At the same time, more modern means began to be implemented, with motorcycles gradually being phased out and specially constructed armored personnel carriers (Schützenpanzerwagen) taking their place. ***** This richly illustrated publication by Thomas Anderson contains original German archival materials, combat reports, and previously unpublished photographs, detailing the entire history of the reconnaissance units of the tank divisions.