The German Armored Division

Based on the original German 1940 training documents

To better prepare American officers to take on the German war machine, the U.S. War Dept. created this manual to instruct field officers about the structure, and organization of the German army Armored divisions. The idea was to give our forces an education on the makeup, composition, and general tactics of German units they were likely to encounter first in North Africa and later in Europe.


Created from a captured Dec. 1940 German training manual, the book details the particular structure of Panzer groups; how they are outfitted, commanded and their specific tactics in both reconnaissance, attack and defense. It also details numerous 'best practices' for logistics, communications, and supply. Overall it gives a very complete overview of how such German units move, fight and react. A unique historical reference for those interested in World War 2 tank warfare and tactics.


The book has also been enhanced by the addition of a photo reference appendix showing all the various German tanks described in the document.

Keywords: battalion, group, squad,division,raid,sabotage,tactics,panzer,unit,logistics,strategy,organization