A unique compilation of translated reports written by panzer commanders shortly after action, offering detailed descriptions of panzers in battle throughout World War II. Hitler's totalitarian government established an all-controlling bureaucracy which affected all aspects of civilian life in Germany and also that of the country's military. Unit commanders of the Wehrmacht were ordered to keep meticulous records of everything, from vehicles to paperclips and as war began the collation of detailed after-action reports. These would be written by battalion, platoon and - most often - by an individual panzer commander. Many of these reports would be illustrated by the commander, particularly if a tank had been captured by the enemy. This volume, based on research into thousands of these reports and including the translations of hundreds of them, gives an entirely new perspective on panzerwaffe operations throughout World War II. This volume covers the blitzkrieg operations in the first years of World War II, covering Poland and the fall of France. The detailed text is illustrated with some 200 photographs, many unpublished, supported by detailed captions; accurate maps of battles; photographs of uniform, badges of rank, insignia/regalia and specific awards/medals and artwork of individual tanks. AUTHOR: It all began with a plastic kit... Still being an enthusiastic modeller, the author quickly found his interest in the history behind the weapons and soldiers. Thomas Anderson, an independent sales representative, has been working for many years for a number of historical and modelling magazines, and as advisor for model manufacturers. His interest on German military history is focused on the ?eld of the Sturmartillerie and Panzerjager units and their equipment. Thomas Anderson is aged 51, he is married and lives with wife and three children in the little town of Hanigsen near Hanover, Germany. 200 photographs and diagrams