Osprey Warrior 59 : German Infantryman (1) 1933-1940

On 30 January 1933 Adolf Hitler dismantled the Weimar Republic and established the Third Reich, with himself as Führer (leader) and head of state. On 15 March 1935 he abolished Weimar's armed forces, the Reichswehr (which consisted of 2 Group Commands, 7 Infantry Divisions and 3 Cavalry Divisions), and replaced them with the Wehrmacht, which expanded rapidly. By September 1939, it numbered 3,180,000 men, and was a massive step forward in terms of efficiency and potency. The common German infantryman played a crucial role in the events that led to the outbreak of war, in the annexations of Austria, Bohemia, and Moravia, and the burden of duty lay on his shoulders during the opening moves of the conflict, in the invasion of Poland, the conquest of Norway and Denmark, the Low Countries and France. The Wehrmacht was unstoppable in this period, as it defeated almost every country that took the field against it. This book examines the recruitment, training, weapons and equipment of the German infantryman in the eventful years building up to and including the triumph of Blitzkrieg. Weaponry, team roles, tactics, training and personal equipment are all covered. Text by David Westwood with illustrations by Adam Hook.

Contents

• Introduction
• Chronology
• Enlistment
• Training
• Appearance and Equipment
• Everyday Life
• Experience of Battle
• Colour Plate Commentary
• Museums
• Collecting
• Re-Enactment
• Index