Concord Publications 7029

Sturmartillerie came about due to the efforts of Erich von Manstein, with this new branch designed to support infantry assaults with self-propelled vehicles. It was distinct from the Panzers as it was designed to work closely with the infantry. To fulfill this vision, a whole new series of vehicles was designed. The first and most common numerically was the Sturmgeschütz III. Later, other vehicle types such as the StuG IV were added to the ranks.

This new book, the first volume in a comprehensive two-part study of German Sturmartillerie in World War II, is the work of Frank De Sisto. The book begins with an explanation of the various StuG III Ausfuhrungen (models). The Ausf. G was the ultimate version of StuG III, so a description is given of its essential data and characteristics. The introductory text also covers the organization of Sturmgeschütz units. In typical Concord style, the book is brimming with black-and-white photos of StuGs in action. Photos show all the various production models from Ausf. A through to Ausf. G, and they span combat operations from 1940 to 1945. Readers wishing to see the StuG in action will be thrilled by the variety of pictures on offer, from the city streets of France in 1940, to the dusty summer of Operation Barbarossa, to the desperate winter of 1944/45 on the Eastern Front.

The center of the book gives pride of place to 16 plates by Laurent Lecocq, these showing relevant tactical markings and camouflage schemes in full color. The StuG III, StuG IV, and even the Sturmpanzer IV all have their turn in the limelight in this stimulating and enthralling account of Sturmartillerie in action.