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Osprey- Jagdpanther vs 17-PDR Achilles North-West Europe 1944-1945 by Frank Baldwin
| ISBN Number: | 9781472862716 | Publisher: | Osprey Publishing |
| Published: | Saturday, July 5, 2025 | Retail Price: | $23.00 |
| Reviewed By: | Russ Clark |
Osprey- JAGDPANTHER VS 17-PDR ACHILLES North-West Europe 1944-1945
This fully illustrated book covers the two most effective tracked anti-tank ordnance weapons in NW Europe during 1944-1945, the 17 pounder Achilles and Jagdpanther. Development, design, and operation of these machines of war is covered in this book as well as the story of what happened when they met each other during combat in February 1945.
Book Specifications
Author: Frank Baldwin
Pages: 80
Soft cover 7.25"x9.75"
Introduction
The introduction provides the reader with a wide range of information for both tank destroyers. History behind their designs and intended purposes along with the radical differences between the two are covered in great detail. The chapter starts off with some differences between the Jagdpanther and Achilles with a brief history of where they came from. After you get through the first third of the chapter, focus is switched to the Jagdpanther. You will learn the basic history of the Jagdpanther's origin and it's intended purpose. Finally the same level of detail is given to the Achilles and ends with a basic chronology of the two subjects throughout the war.
Design and Development
The second chapter is self explanatory for the most part. A deep dive is taken into both of these self propelled anti-tank weapons. The Achilles is covered first this time. The history of the 17 PDR British modification of the US M10 is covered in great detail along with much information on the turret and chassis of the M10. The Jagdpanther is covered next with a lesson on combining the 88mm PaK 43 anti-tank gun and Panther tank chassis.
This chapter deals with the technical differences between the M10 and Jagdpanther. The difficulty comparing the two due to their major differences is also taken into account. The topics covered in this chapter are Firepower, Protection, Mobility, Strategic Mobility, and Command and Control. Each vehicle is discussed and compared in relation to each section of this chapter while providing all the facts and technical specifications.
The Combatants
The difference between tanks and self-propelled anti-tank guns is discussed in this chapter. The role that the arms of service that operated the self propelled anti-tank guns played on the development of AFV's is also a large part of this chapter. British and Canadian anti-tank organization, tactics, training, and their growth over the years is part of this chapter. Other topics in this chapter are the 6 anti-tank regiment RCA, German anti-tank organization, German anti-tank tactics and training, and Schwere Panzerjager-Abteilung 655.
The Strategic Situation
This is a short chapter with only four pages. A map showing the lines of advance of the British and Canadian forces in North-West Europe 1944-1945. The locations of three Jagdpanther equipped anti-tank battalions that fought the British and Canadians are also shown during operation Bluecoat, operation Market Garden, and Operation Veritable. At this later stage of the war the priorities of Germany and the Allies is explained and how they planned to accomplish their goals.
This is a short chapter with only four pages. A map showing the lines of advance of the British and Canadian forces in North-West Europe 1944-1945. The locations of three Jagdpanther equipped anti-tank battalions that fought the British and Canadians are also shown during operation Bluecoat, operation Market Garden, and Operation Veritable. At this later stage of the war the priorities of Germany and the Allies is explained and how they planned to accomplish their goals.
Combat
This a long chapter consisting of sixteen pages. It is broken down into three sections, D-day and After, Beyond Normandy, and Operations in 1945. Each section is packed full of heavily detailed descriptions of operations carried out by both the Allies and Axis powers. How each tank destroyer performed along with the challenges they faced is written about extensively, including how each side was forced to use these machines and why. You get a good feel for how the war played out in this time period. Some examples of operations written about in this book include Operation Perch, Operation Marlet and Epsom, and Operation Jupiter and Hill 112. The last section of the chapter titled "Operations in 1945" tell the story of Operation Veritable and the Reichwald battles where the 17-pdr M10 and Jagdpanther first met. Great photos of the Jagdpanther and Achilles during this time period of the war are in this chapter. Nestled in the middle of the chapter is a two page illustration of the gun sights of both tank destroyers & show the dramatic differences between the two sights.
Statistics and Analysis
Although short, this chapter is a nice easy read that breaks down the differences between the M10 17-pdr and Jagdpanther. The difference between the Jagdpanther itself and the Jagdpanther on paper is a major factor when comparing the Achilles and Jagdpanther. This chapter explains this very well along with many more facts.
Aftermath
As with any highly impactful moment in time that lead to the creation of machines that are the centerpiece of daily life in wartime, there is an aftermath. Said machines do not simply go away. This is the aftermath of these two great beasts, the 17-pdr M10 Achilles & Jagdpanther.
Conclusion
What a pleasure it has been to do this review. I had no idea how much I didn't know about either one of these tank destroyers. The amount of information in this book is staggering. Having this much information on these two tank destroyers and artillery in general is a powerful tool for anyone and adds to the wealth of knowledge for everyone. I feel it is a wonderful tribute to the solders that served in North-West Europe in 1944-1945 and all the men who operated, repaired, maintained, or otherwise involved with these machines. It has been an honor to read and review this book. Thank you.
Highly Recommended for Beginner to Advanced builders.
Thanks goes out to Osprey Publishing for this review book.
Reviewed by Russ Clark
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