Helion & Co.

German Light Divisions 1938-39

Volumes 1 and 2

This review is a combined review of BOTH volumes of a two volume set covering the creation, organization and use of German Light Divisions from pre-WWII to the Polish Campaign. Both volumes are sold separately, but will be reviewed as a set in this review.

The German Light divisions were transitional in nature, filling the gap between traditional cavalry units and the development of motorized units, culminating in the massive Panzer divisions as used throughout WWII. Although the first Panzer divisions were created in 1935, the traditional cavalry devotees in the higher ranks of the German Army pressed forward with the Light division creation, intending these formations to serve like traditional cavalry units had, doing reconnaissance and exploiting breakthroughs. A total of four Light Divisions were formed and fielded successfully in 1938-39, but following the Polish Campaign it was decided to convert these Light divisions to Panzer divisions.

Vital Statistics

Format - softcover, portrait format

Page Count - Vol. 1 - 109 pages, Vol. 2 - 167 pages

Size - 8.25” x 11.5”

Photos - Vol. 1 - 149 B/ W images, Vol. 2 - 249 B/ W images

Tables / drawings / diagrams - organizational tables, maps, full color renderings throughout both volumes

All text and photograph captions are in English

What’s between the covers?

Above - table of contents, Volume 1

Above - table of contents, Volume 2

This volume 1 opens with a nice examination of the traditional German cavalry units, including many interesting photographs.

The entire concept of the Light Divisions was based largely upon traditionalists in the German Army who felt that cavalry doctrine remained valid in the 1930’s. Used in a similar manner to horse cavalry, these Light divisions did perform well in their only real combat actions during the Polish campaign of 1939. However, this didn’t save the Light divisions from being converted / upgraded into proper Panzer divisions after the Polish action by progressives in the German High Command.

Above - a two page photo spread picturing the varied units found in the Light divisions. Horse cavalry, bicycle troops, motorcyclists, motorized artillery all seen above.

Above - the formation of the 1st Light Brigade in 1937 preceded the formation of the larger divisional units by a year, sort of a proof of concept. Light tanks units, armored car recon units, motorized artillery and infantry units made up this brigade, as seen in the table in the above image.

Above - crisp color renderings of vehicles used by the Light Divisions can be seen in these volumes.

Above - some great looks at transporting the light pre-war tanks, including an “oops” on the left side…

A good many informative maps illustrate the movements of the Light divisions, including the so called “Flower Campaigns” of the occupation of Austria and then the Sudetenland where instead of bullets, the Germans were mostly greeted by flowers thrown at them.

Above - the Germans made full use of captured foreign equipment, excellent images are included of nicely camo’d armored vehicles.

Volume 2 of this two volume set concerns itself with what’s traditionally considered the opening campaign of WWII, the German invasion of Poland, and the actions of the German Light divisions there. This volume is particularly well stocked with maps showing movements and actions of the Light divisions.

The photographic coverage of the Polish campaign was quite thorough, with seemingly all aspects of the campaign seen through a camera lens (from the German perspective). Just about all of the mechanized equipment used by the German Army (both German produced and foreign) is seen in these photos.

A NOTE ON THE PHOTOS - the vast majority of the photos included in both volumes are quite crisp and clear, and of a good size. There are only a few images in these volumes which may be a bit grainy or dark. However, even these few images are well chosen for interest.

Above - the variety of equipment seen in the images in both volumes is fascinating.

Throughout both volumes of this set, the author’s text work is clearly written, being very informative and easily followed. The story of these unique German units is quite interesting, the author’s text captures this well.

Above - another two page spread featuring well done color renderings of various early war vehicles.

These two books contain a wealth of information of all sorts on the units and equipment used by the Light divisions. Numerous tables, charts and drawings provide lots of information, such as the above tables of tactical markings.

Above and below - The level of detail in both volumes drills down to the uniforms and personal equipment used by the soldier in these units.

Above - early war Panzer crew uniform, including headgear.

Conclusions

This two volume set is a terrifically thorough look at these short-lived German Light divisions. The author’s attention to even the smallest of details is impressive, as is his ability to convey a vast amount of information in a clear, easy to follow manner.

The author covers the origins of the Light divisions and follows their development and wartime use through the Polish campaign in a logical, thorough manner. All text and photo captions are clear and informative.

The photographs are quite wide ranging, with a wide variety of German and captured equipment pictured. Photo quality is really good to outstanding throughout both volumes. The addition of the full color renderings is a nice bonus, as are all of the maps and tables.

While I’d recommend people buy both volumes of this set for a very complete look at these interesting units, if for example your main interest was the Polish Campaign, you could simply buy Volume 2 of the set. But honestly, both of these volumes are well worthy of a place in your bookcase!

Highly Recommended! 

Thanks to Casemate for the review copies! 

Reviewed by Chuck Aleshire, AMPS Chicagoland

AMPS 2nd Vice President, Midwest Region

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