This richly illustrated new study tells the complete history of German light Panzer tanks in World War II. The light Panzer tanks that outfitted the early Panzer divisions were originally intended as training machines or temporary solutions, suitable only until the arrival of the better-armed and armored PzKpfw III and PzKpfw IV. However, despite their limitations, they ultimately played a central role in the victorious campaigns of the German army from 1939 to 1942. This richly illustrated title describes the development and organizational history of the PzKpfw I, introduced in 1934, and the PzKpfw II, introduced in 1936. It explains how the annexation of the German-speaking Sudetenland in 1938 and, subsequently, of Czechoslovakia itself provided an unexpected advantage for the Panzerwaffe in the form of two light tanks from the Czech army, introduced into German service as the PzKpfw 35(t) and PzKpfw 38(t). It also covers the extensive operational service of these tanks in Poland, France, and during the invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941. From late 1941 onwards, they were withdrawn from the front line, but their chassis were used until the end of the war for self-propelled guns and light tank destroyers. The specialist in German armor, Thomas Anderson, supports this comprehensive study of German light Panzers with archival material, post-action reports, and rare photographs.