Tank Turret Fortifications [Hardcover]

Something new to the field of study of fortifications is the topic of this book. For many years numerous articles have appeared on the topic of tank turrets used as fortifications, and even some details in books on fortifications, but no single book has come out on the subject in English. This specialized study covers the use of turrets from tanks and specially made tank type turrets in defensive positions. In some cases entire tanks or just their chassis were buried and turned into defensive positions, but the use of turrets on concrete fortifications is the core of this work.

The author goes back to the origin of the armored turret in modern fortifications and how a special mobile armored two man turret was created with a 53-mm gun that could be rolled into position. World War I left many outdated tanks after a period of years and the French took a number of their FT-17 tanks and turrets and added them to their defenses of the intervals while the Soviets did the same with similar outdated tanks and some that just were not successful models. It is quite interesting to see how the author has identified how they were first used near Leningrad and then added to the defensive sectors of the so called Stalin Line if you have read about the German experience against similar positions during their drive on Lenningrad in 1941. The French also created a special tank-like turret that was used only with its own special concrete position. During World War II the use of these turrets was increased and new and better additions were created, especially by the Germans. After the war the Soviets were still mounting tanks, now from their heavy Joseph Stalin models and the Italians and others were mounting old Sherman and British tank turrets in land defense early in the Cold War

One the the main parts of the book covers the use of turret type fortifications in World War II and there are many charts, photos and illustrations which in some cases help give a good view of what these positions consisted of and even how some were created. The author also covers armored trains and patrol boats that used tank turret, plus goes through some of the major fortifications and regions where the turret fortifications were employed.

The book briefly describes the tanks that these turrets came from and identifies some of the components taken from tanks, such as the gun or chassis that might have been used individually. A large part of the book is mostly a reference, while many other sections make interesting reading and there are numerous photos, drawings and charts that support the text. There is a great deal information in this book and if your interested in fortifications or only tanks, especially of the World War II era, this book is a must.

I have always been interested in fortifications in general and this book fills in an area that has long been overlooked.I saw my first fortified tank turret in the Longest Day and thought right away how sensible this was. This book covers not only WWII, but their use in many other periods. This is also an important reference book for any 1/35 scale armor modeler. Enjoy it!

Insteresting concept, burying the turret in the earth and making a fortified position. In Tom Clancy book about a war between China and Russia, Russia used (Stalin) tanks turret in the ground to make fortified positions which slowed down the Chinese.
In fact Russia still has these on the border between China and Russia. The Germans use4d them in WW2 as well as many other countries.