The Combat History of schwere Panzer-Abteilung 503

In Action in the East and West with the Tiger I and II
Dr. Franz-Wilhelm Lochmann, Richard Freiherr von Rosen & Alfred Rubbel
J.J. Fedorowicz Publishing, ©2000
ISBN 0-921991-55-X
Hardbound, 392 Pages

Reviewed by Chris Banyai-Riepl

If I had to sum up this book in one word, it would be astounding.  The amount of research and compilation in this book is absolutely unbelievable.  Personal accounts, official documents, and unpublished photos make this a book that any WW2 armor buff should have.  The book is broken down into six main parts.  The first section is titled "Organization of the Battalion" and covers some of the basics of schwere Panzer-Abteilung 503.  The rest of the book dives into the battles fought by the tanks of the battalion, starting with "First Employment in the Kalmuck Steppes (1942/43)", moving next to "In the Ukraine (1943/44)", then a step west with "Normandy (1944)", then fighting "In Hungary, Austria, and Czechoslovakia (1944/45)", and finally, "The End (1945)".  Throughout the book there are well-written accounts of combat by people who were there, as well as lots of excellent photos spread throughout.  This book is easily the best history on this unit out there, and a great reference for Tiger tank operations in general during the Second World War.  This is definitely a book you'll want to get, both for the photo quality and the interesting read.

This book is available from Roll Models for $64.00.