Knight's Cross Panzers: The German 35th Tank Regiment in World War II (Stackpole Military History Series)

For the first time in English, this is the unit history of a tank regiment on the Eastern Front. It relies on firsthand accounts, after-action reports, letters, diaries, and newspapers

From the first day of World War II to its bitter end, the German 35th Tank Regiment (Panzer-Regiment 35)—the most decorated armored regiment in the German Army—was in the thick of the Third Reich's war in Europe, rumbling into Poland in 1939, France in 1940, and Russia in 1941 and spending four brutal years on the Eastern Front. With muzzles blazing and tracks rattling, these brash panzer troops roared into battle wherever their commanders sent them—usually into the toughest situations imaginable. Knight's Cross Panzers captures the 35th's fighting spirit and combat prowess in the words of the men who led the crews, drove the tanks, and loaded the guns.

Hans Schäufler is a veteran of the 35th Tank Regiment.

• First time in English• Unit history of a tank regiment on the Eastern Front• Relies on firsthand accounts, after-action reports, letters, diaries, and newspapersJoin the German soldiers of the 35th Tank Regiment as they drive their tanks into battle from the beginning of World War II to the very end. As part of the 4th Panzer Division, the regiment invaded Poland in 1939, France in 1940, and Russia in 1941. It spent the rest of the war on the Eastern Front, fighting in bloody battles at Orel and Kursk and surrendering in Lithuania. Panzer-Regiment 35 in five years of war Knocked out in Warsaw The campaign in the East My first encounter with a T-34 The fighting around Mzensk The major setback The second winter in Russia The nutcracker The fighting for Kowel "Swimming islands" of resistance Defensive fighting for Tuchel Gruppe Küspert. The campaign against Poland The campaign in the West The campaign in the East, 1941 Retreat and defense during the first Russian winter Russia, 1942-43 With the 11. Panzer Division Russia, 1944 The fighting in Kurland The fighting for West Prussia The last days of Panzer-Regiment 35.