Achtung - Geocache!

Published in 1937, Achtung - Panzer! (English: Attention - Tank!) is a book on the application of tank and motorized warfare. Although often overlooked, Achtung - Panzer! may be one of the most influence works of the 20th century. The book was the blueprint for the organization and employment of the Panzerwaffe, later the Panzertruppe (German Armored forces) during World War II. Contrary to the myth of early war German tank superiority, the Blitzkrieg victories that overran Europe from 1939 - 1941 were achieved with tanks that were fewer in number and possessing inferior technology. It was the tenants contained within Achtung - Panzer!, superior tank organization and employment; that provided Germany an early doctrinal and operational advantage and enabled its victories. Without the doctrinal principles espoused in Achtung - Panzer!, the history of World War II and the 20th Century would have been radically different.

The book has gone through at least 8 major editions (1937, 1938, 1950, 1957, 1963, 1990, 1992) and been published in over 9 languages (German, English, French, Russian, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Turkish).

The author, Generaloberst Heinz Guderian; is considered the father of German tank warfare. While Guderian was not the first or most prolific of the early tank advocates, it could be argued that he was the most influential and successful. Guderian was the first to take less concrete concepts and translate them into workable military doctrine and tactics. While other individuals usually cited by western historians as paramount to early tank warfare struggled to be heard by their own governments, Guderian was entrusted to develop workable doctrine in the form of Achtung - Panzer!. Other countries eventually incorporated Guderian’s ideas into their own armored forces, but only after suffering defeat by German panzer divisions putting Achtung - Panzer! into practice on the battlefield.

After successfully commanding large Panzer formations from 1939 - 1941, Guderian was relieved of command in December 1941 for refusing to follow Adolf Hitler's "stand and die" orders during the retreat from Moscow. His professionalism was such that he was one of the few senior leaders recalled and given greater levels of responsibility despite openly defying Hitler. Guderian was promoted to the last Chief of Staff of the German Army before the final surrender in April 1945. Despite this close association with Hitler, Guderian was also one of the few senior German Generals whose reputation survived the war intact and was not charged with any crime by post-war Allied tribunals. Although his deteriorating health prevented his recall to active duty, he was a critical advisor to the formation of the West German Army (the Bundeswehr) until his death in 1954.

In keeping within the tradition of old school Panzer tactics, this is meant to be a an old school geocache hide. No fancy puzzles, just a hide to hone your geocaching searching skills. Like General Guderian, you may have to employ some advanced tactics to make the find. Viel Glück.

Additional Waypoints

P0AY1ZR - Parking
N 38° 58.475 W 104° 42.933
Parking