Iron Cross

Iron Cross is the UK’s only magazine of German military history from the First World War to the end of the Second World War. Covering all aspects of German military history including the Imperial German forces of the Great War, the Weimar period and the Nazi period. Iron Cross prides itself on the highest quality production with stunning content in the unique and ground-breaking features, often revealing untold stories and publishing photographs that have never been seen before. Iron Cross features specially commissioned and innovative artwork in all issues.

Iron Cross

Editorial

CONTRIBUTORS

Sturmabteilung Koch – The Assault • In the second instalment of a two-part feature detailing the glider-borne raid on Fort Ében-Émael in Belgium on 10–11 May 1940, Dr Niklas Napp examines the paratroopers’ daring attack and capture of both the fortress and nearby bridges.

Deutschland/Lützow • The name ship for Germany’s trio of powerfully armed Deutschland-class pocket battleships, Deutschland, which became Lützow in late 1939, was a potent symbol of the Third Reich’s militaristic ambitions in the lead up to the Second World War. Tony Holmes and Martin Mace detail the vessel’s operational history.

Alpenflieger • In July 1915, a handpicked group of pilots attached to the Alpenkorps undertook a perilous and clandestine bombing raid against the Italian mountain town of Cortina d’Ampezzo. Flying frail 80 hp monoplanes, they struggled to climb over the Dolomites. Their aircraft were ‘disguised’ as Austro-Hungarian machines, as Italy and Germany were not yet at war. Greg VanWyngarden tells the story of this mission largely through the words of one of its participants.

A Captive ‘Friedrich’ • When Luftwaffe ace Hauptmann Rolf Pingel was forced down just inland from the Kent coast on 10 July 1941, he provided the RAF with an intact Bf 109F-2. It was the first complete example of the type acquired by the British, and once repaired the fighter was test flown for evaluation. Andy Saunders examines Pingel’s story and the history of the aircraft he delivered into the RAF’s hands.

‘Monsun’ Gruppe • No fewer than 41 U-boats of the Kriegsmarine’s ‘Monsun’ Gruppe sailed to the Far East in search of prey or carrying important cargo during the Second World War, but only four returned to their home ports. Mark Wood examines this somewhat forgotten campaign fought at a high cost to Germany’s U-boatmen.

Glider Training

Next Issue • The next issue of Iron Cross will be on sale from 24 June 2026, and the following features will be included as just some of the magazine’s unique content.

BOOKS & PRODUCTS

Cretan Sidecars

Capturing Crete – The Weapons Used • Operation Merkur (Mercury), in May–June 1941, was the codename for the German invasion of the strategically important island of Crete. Thomas Anderson examines the ‘hardware’ employed to secure this Mediterranean prize.

Winter War Weapons Accessories • In an effort to allow Wehrmacht troops to retain some form of fighting ability in the depths of winter on the Eastern Front, the German small arms industry devised various accessories to keep weapons functioning in the field in sub-zero temperatures. Michael Heidler details some of the innovations that made it into the frozen frontline.

A Broad Chest