"Questions About Armored Thunderbolt by Zaloga" Topic

How accurate are Zaloga's assessments and data generally considered to be? I've noticed some math errors in his Appendices but that doesn't mean the data are also incorrect. Thoughts? Thanks!

PS if the data are correct there are some great tidbits of information buried in there. For example pg 259 shows a US 3" ATG outside Humain that reportedly knocked out 15 Panzers. Many people always quote German successes like Villers Bocage but rarely the Allied Ones! If true this was very impressive!

I consider Zaloga's work to be highly valuable. My only caveat is that reading Zaloga should be accompanied by reading sources from the other side of the street as well – Jentz for instance.

Strictly my opinion, of course.

B

Mr Zaloga devotes 11 pages in his Bibliographic Essay detailing the myriad of sources used. The data, at the very least, is considered very accurate. His narrative is considered accurate. The only issue is some may quibble with some of his conclusions.

I have enjoyed all his books. He uses facts and logic to challenge common conceptions without being a revisionist.

For example pg 259 shows a US 3" ATG outside Humain that reportedly knocked out 15 Panzers.

It would depend on what the source for that information was. If it was just from an AAR then you have to treat kill claims with a large pinch of salt. If it is verified by matching losses from the other side then you can be sure it is dependable. That is the thing about Villers Bocage the losses the British suffered that day were well detailed by them and there is an extensive photo record too. It is not just relying on German claims of the number of kills.