Heer Im Focus Edition No.3

Axel Urbanke (editor)

Luftfahrtverlag START

Reviewed by Brett Green

Summary

FirstRead

Published by Luftfahrtverlag Start, this third edition continues the series' established formula of presenting carefully researched Second World War subjects through a combination of rare photographs, detailed captions and informative supporting text. Rather than concentrating on a single campaign or formation, the title offers a collection of features covering armour, camouflage, captured equipment and lesser-known operational episodes.

The cover suggests the focus is on 1944 to 1945, but there is plenty of other interesting material dating as far back as 1812!

The colour plates are amongst the most striking and interesting aspects of the book.

Specifics of the book are:

• Soft Cover

• 68 pages

• 66 photos with 11 in colour

• 1 colour profile

• 1 colour emblem

• 11 colour maps

The lead article examines the deployment of the 12. SS-Panzer-Division Hitlerjugend during the Ardennes Offensive, illustrated with a selection of seldom-seen photographs taken during the winter of 1944–45. Captured equipment is another recurring theme, including an interesting feature on an Sd.Kfz. 251 serving with U.S. forces and a particularly striking article describing a captured KV-1 in German service, highlighted by a rare contemporary colour photograph.

Other highlights include the employment of 2./(Jagdpanzerkompanie) Sturm-Panzerjäger-Abteilung 178 and its Hetzer tank destroyers during the closing months of the war, an examination of the Waffen-SS Hochgebirgsschule in a series of colour photographs, and a fascinating study of aerial camouflage techniques employed by the Tigers of schwere Panzer-Abteilung 508 at the Anzio–Nettuno bridgehead to reduce their vulnerability to Allied air attack. The issue also steps away from the battlefield with an historical feature linking the German crossing of the Berezina in 1941 with Napoleon's disastrous crossing of the same river in 1812, supported by detailed colour maps.

Production quality is excellent throughout. The 68-page publication contains 66 photographs, including eleven in colour, complemented by a colour profile, unit emblem and 11 colour maps. The photographs are well reproduced and, as with previous Heer im Focus titles, the detailed captions in both German and English offer valuable context rather than merely describing what is visible in the images. This combination of quality illustrations and well-researched text makes the magazine an especially useful reference for historians and military modellers seeking authentic vehicle finishes, camouflage patterns and field modifications.

Some of the vehicles covered are Panzer IV Ausf. J, KV-1, Hetzer, Panther, Jagdpanther and many others.

Heer im Focus No. 3 successfully combines unusual subjects, high-quality imagery and solid research into an engaging publication. Whether your interests lie in German armoured formations, captured vehicles or the finer details of late-war operations, this edition offers plenty to absorb and deserves a place on the bookshelf of Second World War enthusiasts and modellers alike.

Highly Recommended

Thanks to Luftfahrtverlag Start for the sample www.luftfahrtverlag-start.com