Panzer-Grenadier, Motorcycle and Panzer Reconnaissance Units: A History of the German Motorized Units,1935-1945

This is the first photographic and textual documentation of the organization, equipment and operation of three units that were closely related: Panzer-Grenadier, Motorcycle & Panzer Reconnaissance Units.

As they were always in service at the focal points of World War II, they bore the main burden of the battles. Almost without pause, in the last years of the war they were thrown – often separated from their own divisions – into one endangered sector after another. As opposed to the non-motorized combat troops, they had the advantage of greater mobility and armor. These reasons, despite all hardships, led to the fact that – aside from Stalingrad, North Africa and the dissolution of the motorcycle units – the majority of the units described here remained in existence until the end of the war. Yet of the panzer grenadiers and motorcycle riflemen of the early war years, only a few survived the war, and almost none left unwounded.

It is the intention of this book to portray the troops described here in their totality, not only their relationship to each other, their changes during the course of the war, their combat service in connection with other unit types, but also their differences.

250 selected photos in large format are intended to recapture the feelings and impressions that were related to the battle and transport vehicles.

It was a world of its one, full of experiences, tension and drama – but also sorrows, a world, which all those who were part of it never can or will forget.

Along with the overview of all of the units, is a complete listing of the divisions and brigades to which Panzer-Grenadiers, Motorcycle & Panzer Reconnaissance units were assigned.

Horst Scheibert
Hardcover 175 pages 1990