I’m going to be somewhat unconventional in this review and start at what is normally the end of most. I highly recommend this book. I really enjoyed reading it, though ‘reading’ might be a misnomer. Apart from the picture captions there is only a four page ‘Introduction’, broken into two pages each of Hungarian and English text. Besides being a scale modeler, I am someone with an avid interest in military history and associated vehicles of all types.  But in both areas, I have moved away, somewhat from World War Two subjects. With that in mind, this book was like the movie you go to see with your buddy; only because he/she wanted to go. But you end up really enjoying it, and totally glad you came along.

As part of the brief introduction the author does lay out in a general, but informative, way how German World War Two support vehicles were initially planned for pre-war, standardized, adapted and ultimately supplemented as the war progressed. Chassis of various weights and types are discussed as part of the requirements for support vehicles, troop and cargo carrying vehicles and even for Armored Fighting Vehicles also based on them. So, not just support vehicles in the form of light transports, troop trucks, recovery vehicles and so on, are covered in this book (as the title of the book may, inadvertently suggest). The scope is larger than that, which for me, is a good thing. I suppose, you could say, much of what is covered in this photo study would fit into the category of ‘combat support’ and not just logistical vehicles.

As you progress through the book you may notice it does not follow the traditional layout in the presentation of information, either chronological or by vehicle class/type.  It initially moves from light to medium to heavy vehicles, but then changes pattern and goes on to six and eight-wheeled armoured cars about halfway through, followed by Sdkfz 250 and 251 Half-Track variants appearing closer to the end; as do captured vehicles. Timeframe, also, does not follow a set chronological order. Despite that, this book had me gripped with interest.

As for the photos presented in the book, generally one page is dedicated to each large picture.  In addition, most of the pictures are of high quality, although there are some that are a little grainy or blurred.  However, as most of them I had not seen before, I am glad they were included. In addition, the subject content of many of the photos is unique and/or interesting.  For instance, the photo of the Autoprotetto S.37 on p.43.  The picture is grainy, but the vehicle camo is fascinating, weathering is evident, and shows several interesting features of the vehicle (the open rear door) and background details (the girl, other vehicles and buildings).  

Another great characteristic about the photos included in the book is that the vast majority show vehicles in use, not abandoned or wrecked (though there are several very interesting pictures of that type).  I really like these types of photos as they show how the crews and personnel interacted with their vehicles, specifically how they stowed their kit, in and around the vehicles. As such, this book would be a great addition to the casual or dedicated modeler who builds visually varied vehicles rather than more consistently finished ones.

Having started as I usually finish; I’ll finish as I usually start. PeKo publishing is well established, as is the World War Two Photobook Series, of which this title is Volume 22. As with previous titles, it is in a hardcovered landscape format, of 112 pages, and both binding and paper are of good quality.  Equally well established, and well known, (particularly to fans of the subject and book type) is the author, Tom Cockle. Tom has authored dozens of titles, most, if not all, in a similar vein. His background and knowledge are clear in the accurate, concise and well written picture captions. The photos are from several sources, most from the Péter Kocsis collection. Boy, would I like to see his catalogue! Also, many of the vehicles featured are rare or of lesser-known types, made more unusual by field or workshop modifications. So, the work gone into researching the make, model and type of each piece of equipment represented is much appreciated by me.

The flow and layout of the book is rather random, but each picture is a fascinating study in its own right. You won’t find a table of contents or index, and this may irk some readers. But that factor did not detract from my enjoyment of the book.  In fact, once I got into it the ‘style’, it clicked with me. I have no doubt that this will be a popular title, especially with modellers but hopefully the Support, and Combat Support, vehicle fanbase too. My thanks to Casemate Publishers and Warwheels for the review sample.

Again, "Highly Recommended”.