German Infantry Weapons 1939-45 by Terry Gander
Good book. Lots gun information but also information about design, development, and requirements versus wartime realities. German Infantry Weapons perfectly complements Gander's other book Allied Infantry Weapons of World War Two.
The Germans are famed for their advanced weapons development but I'm amazed how many captured enemy weapons were pressed into service, especially in '44 and later. The many uses of enemy rifles, handguns, artillery, etc. highlight how the krauts would never win the war's battle for industrial output. As Gander writes, "Enough [Lee-Enfield rifles] were left behind by the British Expeditionary Force for entire German divisions based in France to employ them as their standard rifle".
Gander mentions in Allied Weapons how all the armies would constantly need their weapons replaced. The U.S. had the output to supply ourselves and assist the Limeys and Canucks at the same time. Never mind the ungrateful Russians (to be fair, it's difficult to be grateful with a few million friends and relatives laying around dead).
Development information - including rejected designs - is neat to read about. Seeing how designs were decided on and the politics behind those decisions.
Did not have time to read all the way through this but it is a great book. Came from Waupun PL.
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