About the game

Axis Commanders

Heinz Wilhelm Guderian

Commander of Tank Operations

available only in Strategic Edition

Description

BIOGRAPHY

“Schneller Heinz” (“Fast Heinz”) or “Hammering Heinz,” as he was called, is considered the father of motorized warfare. He pioneered tank construction in Germany and around the world. He climbed from ensign-cadet to colonel general and Inspector General of Armoured Troops.

During World War I, Guderian served as a Signals Officer, codebreaker, intendant, quartermaster, intelligence director, and a member of the General Staff Corps. He received a number of awards. After the war, he continued his service with the Reichswehr and commander of the XVI Army Corps by the beginning of World War II.

During the Invasion of France, Guderian made the Blitzkrieg strategy a reality, spearheading the assault with his own division, far ahead of the rest. However, his immediate superior, General Field Marshal Kluge, required he follow orders more closely instead of acting independently. This began a tense relationship between them. At the end of the campaign, Guderian was promoted to colonel general.

In 1941, Guderian lead Panzergruppe 2, which drove with crushing success into Soviet territory. The Blitzkrieg doctrine allowed him to pierce far into Soviet territory, surrounding enemy forces and trapping the Workers’ and Peasants’ Red Army on the Southwestern Front at Kiev.

On February 28, 1943, Guderian became the Inspector General of Armoured Troops. He personally supervised the introduction of many changes to tank construction, often inspecting factories, shooting ranges, and testing grounds.

From July 1944 to March 1945, Guderian was Chief Staff of the Army.

EFFECTIVENESS ON THE BATTLEFIELD

This commander relies on a rapid, crushing attack by an armoured spearhead force, actively supported by assault infantry and machine gunners. Heavy and medium tanks are well-protected and fast.

Specializations

  • Heavy Tanks
  • Medium Tanks
  • Light Tanks
  • Tank Destroyers
  • Machine Gunners
  • Assault Infantry
  • Attack Aircraft
  • Paratrooper Squad
  • MG Nest
  • Anti-Tank Mines
  • Anti-Personnel Mines
  • Anti-Tank Gun

Talents

  • Attack Aircraft
    Request an attack aircraft to attack targets in specified area.
    Attack Aircraft: Supply Points required: less by 2
    • Attack Aircraft
  • Paratrooper Squad
    A squad of assault paratroopers will land in a random location on the map.
    Paratrooper Squad: Supply Points required: less by 1
    • Paratrooper Squad
  • Armadillo
    Guderian's tank destroyers and heavy tanks have increased survivability, while medium and light tanks receive an extra layer of armour.
    Heavy Tank, Tank Destroyer: +30% Construction Quality (Vehicles) / Endurance (Infantry)
    Medium Tank, Light Tank: +15% Armour
    • Heavy Tanks
    • Tank Destroyers
    • Medium Tanks
    • Light Tanks
  • Fast Heinz
    Under Fast Heinz's command, heavy tanks, tank destroyers, and assault infantry are able to cover a significant distance in a short time.
    Heavy Tank, Tank Destroyer, Assault Infantry: +2 Movement speed
    • Heavy Tanks
    • Tank Destroyers
    • Assault Infantry
  • Squad Interaction
    Refurbished medium and light tanks have a greater chance of damaging enemy optics. Experienced machine gunners can easily provide a burst of fire in a given sector, dealing colossal damage both to enemy infantry and to armoured vehicles (with grenades).
    Medium Tank, Light Tank: +20% Chance to damage optics
    Machine Gunners: -40% Reload time; +25% Damage to infantry, Damage to vehicles
    • Medium Tanks
    • Light Tanks
    • Machine Gunners
  • Outpost
    The commander orders more reinforcing bars be used when concrete is poured for bunkers, improving their armour and total strength.
    MG Nest: +30% Construction Quality (Vehicles) / Endurance (Infantry); +15 Armour
    • MG Nest
  • Mining Expert
    Guderian insists on searching for more effective means of mine laying for every type of terrain. The blast radius and the chance of stunning the enemy with an explosion are increased.
    Anti-Tank Mines: +20% Chance to stun; +4 Fragmentation radius (AP)
    Anti-Personnel Mines: +20% Chance to stun; +4 Fragmentation radius (AT)
    • Anti-Tank Mines
    • Anti-Personnel Mines
  • Progressive Optics
    State-of-the-art guidance systems increase the effective range of anti-tank guns.
    Anti-Tank Gun: +12 Shot range
    • Anti-Tank Gun