German Infantryman, Haynes Operations Manual.

[Flying10uk]

UK gentlemen and ladies who do their own car repairs will likely be very familiar with "Haynes Workshop Manuals" which are aimed at the home/DIY mechanic rather than for garage use. Haynes manuals are based on a complete strip down and reassembly of the vehicle with photos taken during this process which are then published in the manual, to help the home mechanic. There is also written text, off course, to describe the various procedures that the home mechanic may wish to perform on his/her car. Obviously, a little bit of mechanical ability and knowledge is also desirable, in addition to the Haynes manual, before getting too carried away with one's self, dismantling one's car.

Some years ago Haynes Publishing started producing manuals on a whole host of other non car related subjects such as aeroplanes and the Tiger tank, for example. I suspect that this was because far fewer people are doing their own car repairs because cars are becoming increasingly complex and so fewer Haynes workshop manuals were probably being sold.

One such "Hanes Manual" that has recently been published (2018) is titled the "German Infantryman" by, author, Simon Forty. Following the introduction this 180 page, hardback book has 8 main chapters plus appendices and bibliography and sources at the back. The book contains more than 300 photos and illustrations of which some are wartime originals and some taken present day. The first main chapter deals with militarism and education under the Nazis, including the Hitlerjugend and "Special Schools". Then follows chapters on the growth of the German army and also the soldier which includes training. There are chapters on uniform and equipment such as weapons and vehicles. There is a chapter on medical services and also a chapter on tactics which also deals with sniping.

The book focuses mainly on the "Landser", the ordinary German soldier of WW2 serving his country. Obviously with a book, such as this, about the German army and soldier of WW2 you can't get away from the Nazis completely but it is not the focus of the book. I wouldn't describe the information contained within the book as highly technical; it is good information and, in my opinion adequate for the format of the book. The number one thing which makes it for me with this book are the excellent selection of photos and illustrations.

I purchased my copy off Amazon and I am very pleased with it. German Infantryman Manual (Haynes Manuals): Amazon.co.uk: Simon Forty: 9781785211683: Books

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