Tiger Tracks: The Classic Panzer Memoir

Reading this book was like watching "Saving Private Ryan"! If one saw that movie I can tell that this book is the same or better.I started reading war books at early age and in next 38 years read many of them. Eastern front, Europe, Pacific naval battles, island campaigns, U boat war, Africa, Vietnam ... you name it I read it. However this book was so intense that I hardly could put it down before ending a last page. I have it in Kindle, but will order paper copy to join my history books collection.Only complaint I have is that it could be longer with more to read. But you know, it is what it was. Wolfgang Faust experienced deadly tankers duels from first person perspective driving a Tiger tank. No sugarcoating, lengthy describing a nature or BS of any kind, just action with almost no void space in between. Crashing rounds, burning tanks, turrets blown into air, Katyusha rockets, tanks ramming after firing last round, infantry engagements around tanks fighting, equipment breakdowns, hot, cold, no food ... it is all in there. Vividly described with amazing details of action.I did not know that tank German tank engine and transmission had to be replaced every 800-1000 km. Many did not survive no riding around since they were thrown into the battle right from the railroad cars and promptly destroyed in first engagement.I am reading now Faust's second and last book "The Last Panther" describing last days of WWII from his perspective. He survived against all odds, many of his comrades and Russian tankers were left behind burning in their machines. We are lucky that author had superb talent to write an compelling experience for us to read about. We can't tell him to write more books. Unfortunately he didn't live long enough to see his work published. Written word will still survive all times

This book seems a bit incredible, but in fact that describes the eastern front in general from other books I’ve read. If you like the subject matter this book is very interesting to read. I read it every chance i could in anticipation of what would happen next. It seems like it was translated into English.

I have read both Faust books with Tiger Tracts being the less story tension sprung. Still it is a good read. Let us be clear, however, about what type of genre both of his titles (Tiger Tracks/The Last Panzer) fall under. They are historical fiction. Thankfully more memoir feeling than fiction. The latter is not necessarily a fatal flaw for those seeking gold plated tank historical nonfiction. My supposition rests in the purpose of our reads. I read these books for the narrative feel of tank warfare. I liked my Faust voice - half killer/half romantic. He was human in a world of metal carnage. His prowess of tank knowledge was impeccable. He gave a thrilling, haunting, armor piercing first hand taste of German tank warfare. Exactly what I wanted. There are numerous other tank reference resources out there telling about kills, strategy, personal recollections and medals won, but they don't carry the narrative like this author who ever he may be. Load your chamber read accordingly, but don't be surprised if you find yourself seeking and wishing for more Wolfgang Faust.

I have just read Ben's critique and would like to add a few points of my own. In too many times, the armor (pieces) of tanks are blown off, with the crew surviving. The concussion from this alone would turn the crew (especially those immediately behind the plate) into what today is called "spam in a can". Sometimes, yes, they might survive. But too many times... ? For those who wish to study the workings of the Tiger I, the (Bovington) Tank Museum produces a fine manual on the vehicle called "Tiger Tank, Owners' Workshop Manual. (I am in no way associated with the museum and printers, just an owner of the manual.) A slight scan of it will show that it is virtually impossible for the commander to kick the driver in the back, as happens several times in the story. The commander's leg would have to be over 2 meters long, and stretch through the gunner's position. Just not possible. For German WW2 tanks wherein that is possible, perhaps the Mark I and Mark II tanks. Definitely not the higher Marks. (I'm quite familiar with the US M-60, and it is also impossible for the commander to kick the driver in that tank.) There are too many times an 88 armour-piercing round simply bounces off the "Stalin's" glacis plate. Far too many. The IS-1 was also known as the T34/85. It was an expanded turret housing the Soviet 85mm gun, which was a far better weapon than the Soviet 76.2 gun in the T-34 series and the KV-1. (The KV-2 mounted a 152mm howitzer, and so did the SU-152. It was not a naval gun, as the author states.) Where the author got it right is the SU-152 had special armour-piercing ammunition. This was supposed to defeat a Tiger at a long range. The fault was in the sights, which like all Soviet tank sights, never rose to the German (or western) standards until the Soviets had control of the Czech glass industry, after WW2. I can say Tiger Tracks is a good yarn, with lots of action and attention to (some) detail. But a true and accurate recollection? Based on my technical knowledge, and familiarity with armoured vehicles, my vote is "no".

Interteresting view of German struggles to escape Russian capture

This book is a scam. It claims to be written by a WW2 veteran but it definitely isn't. First of all it contains many historical errors, the writer claims to be fighting lots of IS2 tanks in early 1943, when in fact the first time IS2 were used in combat was in early 1944.For anyone who has been in combat, and has knowledge of the battlefield it also becomes apparent that the writer has never served in any war.This book is pure fantasy, but it sold as a historic memoir. I got tricked into buying this and I'm very disappointed.

Me ha encantado el libro salvo xq apenas tiene ilustraciones.

Great read ,you are there at the turn of every page, realalistic, what a story felt as though I was there ,IN REAL TIME , but so terrible a true lesson to be learnt by every generation in Europe .

Um clássico para quem gosta de blindados, especialmente da WWII.