Panzer Commander Hermann Balck: Germany's Master Tactician

by Stephen Robinson

Overview

A compelling and in-depth history of one of the world’s greatest armoured warfare commanders, Hermann Balck (1897–1982).During World War II, Balck commanded panzer troops from the front line and led by example, putting himself in extreme danger when rallying his soldiers to surge forward. He fought battles that were masterpieces of tactical operations, utilizing speed, surprise and a remarkable ability to motivate his men to achieve what they considered to be impossible.We follow his journey through the fields of France, mountains of Greece and steppes of Russia. In Greece, through flair and innovative leadership, his soldiers overcame every obstacle to defeat determined Australian and New Zealand soldiers defending the narrow mountain passes. Balck personally led his men to victory in battles at Platamon Ridge on the Aegean coast and in the Vale of Tempe, before entering Athens.This is also the story of a cultured and complex man with a great love of antiquity and classical literature, who nevertheless willingly fought for Hitler’s Third Reich while remaining strangely detached from the horrors around him. The book is the result of extensive research of primary and secondary sources, including Balck’s battle reports and first-hand accounts written by Allied soldiers who opposed him, panzer division war diaries and campaign assessments, and declassified Pentagon documents.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781922539113
Publisher:	Exisle Publishing
Publication date:	05/10/2022
Pages:	304
Product dimensions:	151.00(w) x 234.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Stephen Robinson studied Asian history and politics at the University of Western Sydney, graduating with First Class Honours. He has worked at the Department of Veterans' Affairs researching British atomic weapons tests and as a policy officer in the Department of Defence. Stephen Robinson is also an officer in the Australian Army Reserve and has served as an instructor at the Royal Military College. He also graduated from Australian Command and Staff College.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

1 Breakthrough at Sedan 13

2 The Fall of France 30

3 Intervention in the Balkans 45

4 The Shadow of Olympus 66

5 The Battle of Platamon Ridge 90

6 The Race to Larissa 114

7 The Battle of Tempe Gorge 135

8 Athens and Escape 158

9 Case Blue 186

10 The Chir River Battles 209

11 Disaster at Stalingrad 236

Epilogue 251

Bibliography 268

Notes 274

Index 288