need? hmm
i would say no, you dont "need" v1.5 but in the same way you dont "need" a new car because your 15yr old car still runs.
the best comparison is think of v1.5 as gwx, you dont need gwx to play sh3 but would you? because its so much better when you have it.
it really makes no sense not to get v1.5 so unless your in a position where you absolutely cant afford the $10
v1.5 is a game engine tune-up so sh4 v1.5 needs less computer to run so its even more important to upgrade to v1.5 if you have a marginal system.
i can think of no justification not to get it. it really is a "paid for" patch for the game and you dont get much in the way of anything for the german side except the fact that it does have one.
you will need to add mods to give you german missions and op monsun for adding german campaign and content. ATO forum gives you mods and discussions and things for the german side.
click the link in my sig and you can get v1.5 there-------------------------------\/ \/ \/