Reference, Firefly Collection, Under the Gun 1, Panzers in the Bocage

FIREFLY COLLECTION

Under the Gun 1, Panzers in the Bocage. By Karl Berne. Soft covers, 34 pages (including inside and outside rear covers), 8.25 x 11.75-inches. Contains 54 B&W photos, nine pages of color plates and two pages of charts. ISBN 978-0-9806593-0-6.

The second new book from the Oliver Groups Firefly Collection is the first title in a new series called Under the Gun, of which it is Number 1. This title details the use of various German AFVs (and some artillery pieces) that opposed the Allied landings in Normandy and which fought until the close of the Falaise gap and the advent of the Breakout.

It is authored by Karl Berne, who opens up with a section of text that runs through most of the first five pages of the book. A brief introductory paragraph is followed by segments describing the Panzer- and Panzer-Grenadier-Divisionen, which were deployed as well as the schwere Panzer-Abteilungen, various Sturmgeschütze-Brigaden and Abteilungen, Funklenk-Panzer units and Panzerjäger-Abteilungen. A brief run-down is provided on the main actions seen by these units and their equipment is also described where known. This is supported by a chart listing the assets of 21.Panzer-Division, some local replacement and training units, as well as some anti-tank formations. A further chart printed on the inside rear cover details the organization of the various units that fielded the Tiger I and Tiger II. Al of this information is rich in detail, especially where it concerns the larger formations. To the authors credit, where data does not support a definitive conclusion regarding a units vehicles, he does not draw one.

The photos do not contain much that is new, especially if the reader has other books on the Normandy campaign. This is made up by concise and informative captions, many of which explain the markings seen or the circumstances surrounding the particular AFV in question. On the other hand, there are indeed several unfamiliar images, so altogether, this aspect of the book is quite well-done. Reproduction is, in most cases, more than acceptable, demonstrating that my comments regarding Combat Camera 1, Cromwell & Centaur, also reviewed here at ToT, describe the exception to the rule.

The nine pages of color plates (including the outside of the back cover) provide information on no less than 51 different AFVs. These include Tiger I, Tiger II, Panther Ausf.A and G, Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf.H and J, StuG.III. Ausf.G and Sd.Kfz.251 Ausf.D. The plates are very well rendered, presumably by Dennis Oliver (no credit is provided anywhere in the book) and are also well-captioned. Most are a single profile view, but there are numerous thumbnail images that compliment these. They show variations in markings or details pertinent to the overall appearance of the vehicle in question. As the reader may recall, I recently reviewed some water-slide decal sheets from Bison Decals here at ToT. The markings provided on these sheets compliment this book rather well and taken together they should prove to be a boon to the modeler interested in this period.

Overall this is a fine product and is aimed directly at the modeler. Readers should also note that a banner on the front cover of this book proclaims it to be a limited edition. So, if Normandy is your period of interest, it is advisable that you act now.

Highly recommended.

Frank V. De Sisto

Firefly Collection books are available in North America from DragonUSA, at: www.dragonusaonline.com.

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