Land forces and warfare Books

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisA new history and analysis of the German and Soviet tank forces that battled on eastern German soil in the final months of World War II.The final months of World War II on the Eastern Front saw the Wehrmacht fighting with exhausted armoured divisions, albeit now armed with the most advanced and heaviest tanks of the war, to slow the Soviet advance. The Red Army meanwhile was rolling relentlessly westwards, with its own highly developed tank forces now equipped with T34/85s and the huge IS-2 heavy tanks, intent on taking Berlin and as much German territory as possible.This book is a history and analysis of the state of these two mighty armoured forces, as their battles decided the fate of Germany. It covers their initial encounters on the German frontier in 1944 (East Prussia), the fighting of the Oder-Vistula offensive in January 1945 and describes the condition of the German tank forces and their Hungarian allies as they were beaten back. It also considers the huge impact of ThTrade ReviewPhotos show tanks and AFVs in various campaign locations, and top-notch artwork by Felipe Rodriguez. Recommended. -- John Ham * Tankette *It is another worthy addition to this series and fans of Zaloga’s previous works will not be disappointed. * The Aviation Historian *Table of Contents(Subject to confirmation) Introduction The Campaign The Tanks, Doctrine and Organization Technical Factors Analysis Further Reading

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn early 1940, a battle raged to control the ice-free, iron-ore port in northern Norway with changing fortunes until the very end. This highly detailed book covers both the naval battles and the individual Norwegian, British, Polish, French and German units that fought the land campaign over northern Norway. Highly detailed maps guide you step by step through the events. Few other books on Narvik give you as much detail on the forces of the fighting five. From Gebirgsjägers to Guardsmen, Fallschirmjägers to Foreign Legionnaires, it offers you an impressive level of tactical detail, even down to company command, whilst also helping you understand the strategic confusion surrounding the whole Allied expedition to the north too. Among the naval clashes covered in this action-packed story are the destroyer battles in the fjords, the sinking of the aircraft carrier HMS Glorious and the roles the famous battlecruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau played in the fighting. No less dramaticTrade ReviewThe author has done a great job of covering this topic in great detail, looking at both sides of the conflict covering tactics, commanders, troops on the ground and equipment. He also takes a detailed look at some of battles which includes some of the naval skirmishes. Anyone thinking of recreating parts of this conflict on the tabletop, then this is an ideal companion to pick up. You’ll definitely find plenty of background information that will provide a plethora of ideas to re-create. -- Jason Hubbard * Irregular Magazine *Table of ContentsORIGINS OF THE CAMPAIGN CHRONOLOGY OPPOSING COMMANDERS Allied German OPPOSING FORCES Allied German Orders of battle OPPOSING PLANS Allied German THE BATTLE OF NARVIK The German landing and the naval battles, 10–13 April 1940 German deployments and tactics The Allied landings at Narvik Gratangen, 24–25 April 1940 Beisfjord Gressdalen and Roasme, 1–13 May 1940 The Bjerkvik landing, 13 May 1940 Stautner on the Litlebalak position, 22 May 1940 Kuberg The Orneset landing and Beisfjord, 28 May 1940 Defending the ore railway Point 620 and Haugfjell Bodø Stien, 17–18 May 1940 Pothus, 25–26 May 1940 The Allied evacuation AFTERMATH Conclusion BIBLIOGRAPHY INDEX

Read more less

Book SynopsisWINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE FOR BIOGRAPHY 2013Completely absorbing' Amanda Foreman''Enthralling' GuardianThe Three Musketeers! The Count of Monte Cristo! The stories of courseare fiction. But here a prize-winning author shows us that the inspiration forthe swashbuckling stories was, in fact, Dumas's own father, Alex - the sonof a marquis and a black slave... He achieved a giddy ascent from privatein the Dragoons to the rank of general; an outsider who had grown upamong slaves, he was all for Liberty and Equality. Alex Dumas was thestuff of legend' Daily MailSo how did such this extraordinary man get erased by history? Why arethere no statues of Monsieur Humanity' as his troops called him? TheBlack Count uncovers what happened and the role Napoleon played inDumas's downfall. By walking the same ground as Dumas - from Haiti toTrade ReviewRichly detailed, highly researched and completely absorbing... A triumph -- Amanda ForemanTotally thrilling... Brings to life one of history's great forgotten characters -- Simon Sebag MontefioreWe believe we know the glories of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. We believe we understand the horror of slavery and the oppression of Africans. But what is the relationship between the grand goal of liberation and the deep tragedy of racism? As Reiss shows us, answers can be found in the extraordinary life of a forgotten French hero of the great revolutionary campaigns - a hero who was black -- Timothy SnyderTom Reiss can do it all: gather startling research and write inspired prose; find life's great stories and then tell them with real brilliance. In The Black Count the master journalist-storyteller opens the door to the truth behind one of literature's most exciting stories, and opens it wide enough to show the delicate beauty of the lives within -- Strauss, National Book Critics Circle Award winning author of Half a Life and Chang and EngA terrific story…(Reiss) is to be congratulated for retrieving such a splendid character from the dustbin of history -- Dominic Sandbrook * Sunday Times *A terrific story, every bit as good as one of Dumas’s novels, and Reiss tells it with suitable gusto and swagger -- John Preston * Mail on Sunday *A rarefied, intimate literary study delineating a roiling revolutionary era * Bookseller *Brilliant… Reiss directs a full scale production that jangles with drawn sabres, trembles with dashing deeds and resonates with the love of a son for a remarkable father -- Hugh MacDonald * Glasgow Herald *Fascinating * Robin’s Reviews *Enthralling…a swashbuckling tale -- Nigel Jones * Guardian *Richly imaginative… In 1802, Marie-Louise gave birth to their third child, Alexandre, Dumas pere. That Alexandre was a figure of vast appetite and incredible energy, but thanks to Reiss we now know that Dumas grandpere was even more interesting. A statue in his honour once stood in the Place Malesherbes in Paris, but it was destroyed by the Nazis since it celebrated a man of mixed race. There still isn’t a monument to him, but there should be -- Leo Damrosch * Scotsman *A cross between military biography and literary detective story…the author’s eye for colourful detail and palpable enthusiasm for his subject make for a highly entertaining read -- Andrew Lynch * Sunday Business Post *Heartfelt…highly readable…relentlessly, lovingly researched, indexed, cross-referenced and anecdotal. It is sustained by the author’s admiration for a singular individual, the brilliant father of a novelist whose subject was heroism and justice, the concepts by which his beloved sire had lived -- Eileen Battersby * Irish Times *A fascinating tale even more incredible than those penned by his famous son… Reiss writes his history with a suitably swashbuckling edge and brings to life a man who deserves to be remembered in his own right * Hampshire Chronicle (syndicated review) *This brilliantly researched book…deserves a film treatment all of its own -- Christopher Hudson * Daily Mail *

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn World War Two, allied armies were issued with identification guides to the enemy armour they might encounter on the battlefield. These black & white printed books were a vital aide for soldiers dealing with the confusion of fighting and the difficulty of identification at distance or in all weathers. The German tanks were often lethal to become entangled with and known to be formidable pieces of military engineering. The German army deployed a wide variety of tanks in many different variants and forms of camouflage. The likes of the Tiger have become famous and continue to be fascinating examples of World War Two firepower. This book features a unique collection of colour illustrations, showing in detail the vehicles' development and differences in design. The artwork is accompanied by descriptions and technical information about each tank, written by respected expect Craig Moore, making this an essential handbook for anyone interested in the German armed forces and World War Two armour.

Read more less

Book SynopsisWith rare, often unpublished photographs and full captions Hitler's Heavy Tank Battalions provides a superb record of the Wehrmacht's Schwere Panzerableilung on operations between 1942 and 1945. In addition to the Tiger I and successor Tiger II heavy tanks, these battalions were equipped with Pz.Kpfw III's, Flakpanzer IV, Sd. Kfz 7/1 self-propelled anti-aircraft guns, Sd.Kfz 9 and 10 halftracks, Sd.Kfz 2 and Kettenkrad gun tractors. The Tigers required substantial maintenance and the Berge Panther armoured recovery vehicle played a key role. Heavy tank battalions saw action on the Eastern Front, in Italy and North West Europe before being pushed back to Berlin for the final defensive battles and there are graphic photographs and descriptions of vehicles on operations in all these theatres. While feared by the Allies in the early years, these units suffered increasing attrition from anti-tank artillery, ground attack aircraft and mechanical issues. Modellers and equipment buffs in particular will find this latest Images of War book extremely useful and fascinating.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe historical development of amphibious warfare and illustrated directory of ocean-going vessels, amphibious vessels and landing craft, with 600 photographs, newly updated and extended.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn the seventh and final book on the Tiger in this series Dennis Oliver examines the first tanks that left the production line to go into service on the Eastern Front in an effort to break the Russian defences around Leningrad.

Read more less

Book SynopsisGeneral Anders was a significant and controversial figure in the politics of Allied command

Read more less

Book SynopsisHighly illustrated introduction to one of the most important German tanks of the Second World War with over 150 archive photographs plus specially commissioned colour profiles.

Read more less

Book SynopsisIllustrated by over 100 photographs, the majority sourced from Russian archives and previously unpublished.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe fifty-ton British Centurion tank, developed during the darkest days of the Second World War, was designed to out-gun and out-perform the latest German tanks, such as the formidable Panzer V Panther. It was one of the most successful tanks ever produced, and this volume in the TankCraft series by Robert Jackson is the ideal introduction to it. The Centurion came into service too late to test its ability in action with German armour, but in the post-war world it earned a fearsome reputation in action during the many conflicts of the Cold War era, from the Middle East to Vietnam. Nearly 4,500 were built, serving with the armies of some twenty nations. The Centurion's chassis was also adapted to fulfil a variety of tasks, including armoured recovery, bridge-laying and guided weapons carrier. As well as tracing the history of the Centurion, Robert Jackson's book is an excellent source of reference for the modeller, providing details of available kits and photographs of award-winning models, together with artworks showing the colour schemes applied to these tanks. Each section of the book is supported by a wealth of archive photographs.

Read more less

Book SynopsisOne of the most versatile fighting vehicles in the British army and many other forces for a quarter of a century, the Universal Carrier - more popularly known by its original title of Bren Gun Carrier - was developed as a fast and agile infantry-support vehicle. In this volume in Pen & Sword's LandCraft series, Robert Jackson traces its design and manufacturing history and describes its operational role throughout its long career. The Bren Carrier served in every theatre of the Second World War, from northwest Europe, North Africa and the Soviet Union to the Far East. Then, with the war over, it was operated by many belligerents in a string of other conflicts around the world, including Israel's struggle for independence and the war in Korea. A selection of archive photographs showing the Bren Carrier in action gives a graphic impression of how adaptable it was and records the variety of equipment it could carry. The book is an excellent source for the modeller, providing details of available kits together with specially commissioned colour profiles which illustrate how the Bren Carriers used by different units and armies appeared.

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn spite of the relatively small numbers involved, the Tiger I and Tiger II tanks of the German Army and Waffen-SS heavy Panzer formations played a central role in resisting the Allied invasion of France in the summer of 1944\. British and American tank crews found to their dismay that the Tigers could survive numerous hits while a single round from one of their 88mm guns was enough to penetrate the strongest armour. In his latest book in the TankCraft series Dennis Oliver uses archive photographs and painstakingly researched, exquisitely presented colour illustrations to examine the part these powerful tanks played in the Normandy battles and also the units that operated them. As with previous titles, a large part of this book showcases available model kits and aftermarket products and accessories, complemented by a gallery of skillfully constructed and painted models. Descriptions of technical details as well as modifications introduced during production and in the field are also provided giving the modeller all the information and knowledge required to recreate authentic miniature representations of the Panthers that fought in the fields and hedgerows of Normandy during the summer of 1944.

Read more less

Book SynopsisCombining the destructive firepower of the 75mm gun with the mobility of the Pzkpfw IV medium tank , the Jagdpanzer IV was quite possibly the most effective tank destroyer of the Second World War. From early 1944 these vehicles were allocated to the anti-tank battalions of Panzer and Panzergrenadier divisions and saw action in Normandy, the Ardennes and the final battles in Germany . In his latest book in the TankCraft series, Dennis Oliver uses contemporary photographs and meticulously researched, superbly presented colour and monochrome illustrations to tell the story of these self-propelled anti-tank guns and the units which operated them in the German defence of the Western Front. As with all the books in the TankCraft series, a large part of this work showcases available model kits and aftermarket products, complemented by a gallery of expertly constructed and painted models. Technical details as well as modifications introduced during production and in the field are also explained giving the modeller all the information and knowledge required.

Read more less

Book SynopsisSent to France in August 1914 the North Irish Horse (NIH) were the first British reservist regiment to see action (at Le Cateau) before fighting as rearguard on the long retreat to the outskirts of Paris. For the next four years they saw action in many of the major battles (Ypres, Somme, Passchendaele, Cambrai) and were involved in the final advance to victory. The book not only describes the Regiments actions by squadron but focusses on the officers and men; their background, motivation and courageous deeds and sacrifices. The author places the Regiments achievement in the context of the overall war and also reflects on the effect that unfolding events (eg the Easter Rising) in Northern Ireland had on the Regiment and its members. The book draws on a wealth of primary source material, much unpublished including war diaries, personal accounts, letters and memoirs. Thus in addition to compiling the first history of the NIH, the author succeeds in painting a valuable picture of The Great War at the fighting end

Read more less

Book SynopsisFew tank designs have been as effective, versatile and long-lived as that of the British Centurion. Conceived during the Second World War as the answer to the superior German Tiger and Panther tanks and to the lethal 88mm gun, this 52-ton main battle tank incorporated the lessons British designers had learned about armoured fighting vehicles during the conflict, and it was free of the major faults that had impaired the other British tank designs of the time. The Centurion was so successful that it served in the British Army and in numerous other armies across the world from 1945 until the 1990s. Pat Ware's highly illustrated history of this remarkable tank covers its design and development, its technical specifications and the many variants that were produced. He tells the story from the design brief of 1943, through testing and trials to the tank's entry into service. And he traces the course of the Centurion's subsequent career as it was up-dated, up-gunned and adapted to operate in varied conditions and conflicts all over the world including Korea, the Indo-Pakistan wars, Vietnam and the Arab-Israeli wars. His expert account of this remarkable fighting vehicle is accompanied by a series of colour plates showing the main variants of the design and the common ancillary equipment and unit markings. His book is an essential work of reference for enthusiasts.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis highly illustrated title details the history of the Panzer III throughout World War II, from its early development in the pre-war years through its pivotal role in the Blitzkrieg campaigns in Poland and Western Europe and its eventual obsolescence on the Eastern Front.The Panzer III was the mainstay of the German armored force in the early years of World War II, and spearheaded the victories in Poland, Western Europe, and the Balkans. Designed and developed in the mid-1930s, it was originally equipped with a 3.7cm gun and with 30mm thick armor. Early combat in Poland and France saw the need for this to be upgraded, and later models were armed with a 5cm KwK L/42 gun and had the frontal armor reinforced to 60mm by adding extra plating. This later version proved to be particularly effective during the campaigns in the Balkans and against British armor in the North African desert campaign. However, in the first months of Operation Barbarossa -- the German invTrade ReviewA well written, well examined and thorough dive into an often-forgotten part of the German armoured machine. * Classic Military Vehicle *Well illustrated and superbly researched... this is a reference book with class and is sure to please anyone with an interest in WWII German tanks, from modeller to historian. * Gun Mart & Militaria Mart magazine *Table of ContentsBlitzkrieg Panzer 1. Development 2. Production Begins 3. Combat in Poland 4. Combat in France 5. Further Development 6. The Balkan Invasion 7. North Africa 8. The Invasion of Russia 9. Progress 10: In Africa 11. Russia–1942/43 12. Support Vehicles Index Acknowledgements

Read more less

Book SynopsisUsing first-hand accounts and rare and unpublished images, this highly illustrated title tells the full story of the German reconnaissance troops in World War II. When the Wehrmacht was first formed in 1935, tactical reconnaissance was carried out by motorcycle rifle units (Kradschützen). However, with the development and large-scale introduction of wheeled armoured vehicles in the late 1930s, motorized reconnaissance battalions (Aufklärungs-Abteilungen) were introduced. Equipped with a mixture of armoured cars and motorcycles, they often operated far ahead of battlefront to survey the terrain, observe enemy positions and identify enemy forces key information required ahead of any armoured assault. In the second half of the war, with Germany on the strategic defensive, armoured reconnaissance troops found themselves increasingly drawn into combat operations, and even holding sectors of the line. At thTrade ReviewIf you have any interest in WWII, this is an absolute must-read. * Wargames Soldiers & Strategy Magazine *Table of ContentsIntroduction 1. Motor Reconnaissance 2. Armoured Cars 3. Motorized Battalion 4. 1939 – Poland 5. 1940 – France 6. North Africa 7. Soviet Union 8. 1943 – The Force Grows 9. Modern Reconnaissance 10. Captured Vehicles Index Acknowledgements

Read more less

Book SynopsisA highly illustrated study of Operation Lüttich, the German Panzer counteroffensive against the Normandy bridgehead in August 1944 that backfired, leading to a collapse of the German position in northern France.Fully illustrated with stunning full-color artwork, this book tells the story of Operation Lüttich, the failed offensive which ended any prospect of Germany winning the battle of Normandy.Following the successful landings in Normandy on D-Day and consolidation during Operation Cobra, the Wehrmacht was ordered to begin a counteroffensive named Operation Lüttich. The plan was to send a large Panzer force across the First US Army sector, cutting off its spearheads, and finally reach Avranches on the coast. Had this succeeded, it not only would have cut off the First US Army spearheads, but also Patton''s newly deployed Third US Army operating in Brittany. However, thanks to an intercepted radio message, thTable of ContentsOrigins of the campaign/Chronology/Opposing commanders/Opposing armies/Orders of battle/Opposing plans/The campaign/Aftermath/The battlefields today/Further reading/Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisTwice a year, 150 anxious recruits gather at SAS headquarters in the UK, their minds focused on one objective: to become SAS soldiers in one of the world’s most elite regiments. Yet between arriving and receiving the famous winged dagger badge, stands nearly four months of the toughest military selection process in the world. Could you rise to this exceptional challenge of mind and body? How to Pass the SAS and Special Forces Selection Course shows you how. Beginning with essential preparation, the book covers fitness training, navigation skills and the four-week selection course itself. Find out how to keep the instructors happy, how to deal with exhaustion during Test Week, and how to survive disaster strike on bleak mountains. But having been selected, there’s still training. Learn how the recruits acquire the skills of an SAS soldier, from hostage rescue to handling foreign weapons, from parachute training to surviving jungle courses, from escape and evasion to resistance and interrogation. Illustrated with black-and-white photographs and instructive artworks and including first-hand accounts, How to Pass the SAS and Special Forces Selection Course is an exhaustive, lively guide to the process of becoming one of the world’s best soldiers.Table of ContentsChapter One: The Regiment Chapter 2. Application and Preparation Chapter 3. The Skills Required Chapter 4. Selection Chapter 5. Continuation Training Chapter 6. Combat Survival Training Chapter 7. Life in the Regiment SAS Chronology SAS Organization Index

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisA Brilliant book on the revolution of tank warfare Daily Express; A vividly clear account of a triumph that nearly wasnt . Evening Standard

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom their introduction in 1940, the German army''s Sturmgeschütz assault guns played a vital role in the campaigns of the Blitzkrieg era, the gargantuan struggles in Russia and the final defensive battles. Evolving from a mobile bunker-buster, armed with a short-barrelled howitzer, the Sturmgeschütz III was up-armoured and up-gunned and by 1943 its tank killing abilities were widely recognised. In 1944, largely as an emergency quick-fix, the Sturmgeschütz IV entered service and over 10,000 examples of both versions had been built by the end of the war. Although not as well known as the Tiger or Panther tanks, they were among the most frequently encountered German armoured vehicles and as the Wehrmacht's resources continued to decline, the assault guns were thrown into every operation and increasingly substituted for gun tanks in official unit establishments. In the second volume in the TankCraft series to examine the Sturmgeschütz, Dennis Oliver employs official documentation and unit histories to investigate the formations that operated these vehicles and uses archive photos and extensively researched colour illustrations to examine the markings, camouflage and technical aspects of the Sturmgeschütz III and Sturmgeschütz IV that served on the Eastern Fronts during what was almost certainly the pivotal year of the campaign. A key section of his book displays available model kits and aftermarket products, complemented by a gallery of beautifully constructed and painted models in various scales. Technical details as well as modifications introduced during production and in the field are also examined, providing everything the modeller needs to recreate an accurate representation of these historic vehicles.

Read more less

Book SynopsisCovers tank guns from eight countries (Britain, France, Germany, the Soviet Union, Japan, Italy, Czechoslovakia and the United States).

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn overview of German Gebirgsj ger (Mountain Troops) from their formation in 1935 to the end of the Second World War.

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom an internationally acclaimed expert in the field comes a detailed, analytical, and comprehensive account of the worldwide evolution of tanks, from their inception a century ago to the present day. With new ideas stemming from the latest academic research, this study presents a reappraisal of the development of tanks and their evolution during World War I and how the surge in technological development during World War II and the subsequent Cold War drove tank developments in Europe and America, transforming tanks into fast, resilient, and powerful fighting machines. From the primitive, bizarre-looking Mark V to the Matilda and from the menacing King Tiger to the superlative M1 Abrams, Professor Ogorkiewicz shows how tanks gradually acquired the enhanced capabilities that enabled them to become what they are today--the core of combined-arms, mechanized warfare.Table of ContentsIntroduction Acknowledgements Chapter 1: The Origin of the Species Chapter 2: The ‘Invention of the Tank’ Chapter 3: First World War Battlefield Debut Chapter 4: Post-War Anticlimax Chapter 5: Britain’s Lead and Failings Chapter 6: Tank Development in Europe and America Chapter 7: Creation of the Armoured Forces Chapter 8: Panzers and their Second World War Opponents Chapter 9: The Cold War’s Five Dominant Countries Chapter 10: On the Peripheries of Major Powers Chapter 11: Asia Catches Up Chapter 12: Epilogue Appendixes Notes Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisA fully illustrated and expertly researched guide to the tanks of Hitler''s formidable war machine.The Panzers that rolled over Europe were Germany''s most famous fighting force, and are some of the most enduring symbols of World War II. However, at the start of the war, Germany''s armor was nothing extraordinary and it was operational encounters such as facing the Soviet T-34 during Operation Barbarossa which prompted their intensive development. Tactical innovation gave them an edge where technological development had not, making Hitler''s tanks a formidable enemy. Hitler''s Tanks details the development and operational history of the light Panzer I and II, developed in the 1930s, the medium tanks that were the backbone of the Panzer Divisions, the Tiger, and the formidable King Tiger, the heaviest tank to see combat in World War II. Drawing on Osprey''s unique and extensive armor archive, Chris McNab skillfully weaves together the story of thTable of ContentsINTRODUCTION 1: The Light Panzers 2: The Panzer III 3: The Panzer IV 4: Panther Medium Tank 5: Tiger I Heavy Tank 6: King Tiger 7: Panzer Crews FURTHER READING INDEX

Read more less

Book SynopsisA concisely detailed guide to the Allied tanks that fought from D-Day to the break out from Normandy, their qualities, numbers and performance, and how they were used on the battlefield.When Allied tanks began to roll off the landing craft on D-Day, it marked the start of one of the great periods of tank warfare in World War II. Often outgunned by the German Panzers, and fighting in the close confines of bocage country, they nevertheless managed to break out of Normandy and begin the liberation of Europe. It was a battle that was dominated by the Americans'' legendary Sherman, but also saw a wide and complex range of armour committed to battle across the many armies involved, from British Churchills and special-purpose ''Funnies'' to the Canadians'' Ram tank.This book explains the qualities, strengths and weakness of the major British and US tank types as well as associated Allied units in Normandy including those of the Canadians, Poles and French, and descriTable of ContentsTHE CAMPAIGN DOCTRINE AND ORGANIZATION British tank organization in Normandy US tank organization in Normandy TECHNICAL FACTORS British tanks and AFVs British cruiser tanks British infantry tanks British tank destroyers British light tanks US TANKS AND AFVS IN NORMANDY BATTLE ANALYSIS Organizational and doctrinal lessons Technical lessons Tank casualties FURTHER READING INDEX

Read more less

Book Synopsis''What a brilliant book this is a terrific narrative of Hitler''s Ardennes offensive of December 1944 superb storytelling that achieves a skilful balance between drama and detail.'' - James HollandThe Battle of the Bulge was the last major German offensive in the West. Launched in the depths of winter to neutralize the overwhelming Allied air superiority, three German armies attacked through the Ardennes, the weakest part of the American lines, with the aim of splitting the Allied armies and seizing the vital port of Antwerp within a week.It was a tall order, as the Panzers had to get across the Our, Amblève, Ourthe and Meuse rivers, and the desperate battle became a race against time and the elements, which the Germans would eventually lose. But Hitler''s dramatic counterattack did succeed in catching the Allies off guard in what became the largest and bloodiest battle fought by US forces during the war.In this book, Anthony Tucker-JoneTrade ReviewAnthony Tucker-Jones’s study of these battles is timely and important. * Professor Peter Caddick-Adams, author of 'Snow and Steel: Battle of the Bulge 1944–45' *What a brilliant book this is… a terrific narrative of Hitler’s Ardennes offensive of December 1944 – superb storytelling that achieves a skilful balance between drama and detail. * James Holland, author of 'Brothers in Arms' *Tucker-Jones has delivered another gem. Hitler’s Winter takes the reader on a breath-taking ride from the “other side of the hill” and is a must-read compendium to the vast corpus of Allied accounts of the Battle of the Bulge. Simply stunning. * David O’Keefe, author of 'Seven Days in Hell' *Anthony Tucker-Jones offers a fresh insight into the Battle of the Bulge that few historians have matched. Although several books have been written about the Ardennes from the German perspective, very few authors have captured the spirit of the conflict through the eyes of the combatants themselves. * Mike Guardia, author of 'Arracourt 1944: Triumph of American Armor' *An excellent themed analysis of why the objectives set by Hitler could never be achieved. * Aspects of History *For those who want to fully understand the Battle of the Bulge, then this is a 'must read'. * Iron Cross *Table of ContentsForeword by Professor Peter Caddick-Adams Prologue: The Pied Piper List of Maps List of Illustrations PART ONE: A DARING PLAN 1. Scarface 2. Big or Small Solution 3. The Holy Grail 4. How Many Rivers? PART TWO: SCRAPING THE BARREL 5. People’s Grenadiers 6. Exhausted Panzers 7. Unleash the Tigers PART THREE: WHERE'S THE LUFTWAFFE? 8. Fighter not a Bomber 9. The Big Blow 10. ‘Stubble-hoppers’ PART FOUR: INTO BATTLE 11. Peiper Leads the Charge 12. Krauts Speaking English 13. The Losheim Gap 14. Falcon Takes Flight PART FIVE: RACE AGAINST TIME 15. Victory at St Vith 16. Stalled at Bastogne 17. Clear Skies PART SIX: HERE COME THE AMERICANS 18. Almost to the Meuse 19. American Counter-attack PART SEVEN: TOO LATE TO HELP 20. Rockets to Antwerp 21. Battle of the Airfields 22. Alsace Diversion PART EIGHT: COMPLETE FAILURE 23. Back Where They Started 24. Where Did It All Go Wrong? Appendix Notes and References Bibliography Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisCombining the destructive firepower of the 88mm gun with the outstanding mobility of the Panther series, the Jagdpanther is quite probably the best-known tank destroyer of the Second World War. In the vehicle's first action on 30 July 1944, three Jagdpanthers managed to destroy eleven British tanks in a vicious two minute firefight near the village of Les Loges in Normandy, cementing the Jagdpanther's reputation as a potent tank killer. In his fifth book in the TankCraft series, Dennis Oliver uses contemporary photographs and meticulously researched, superbly presented colour and monochrome illustrations to tell the story of these heavy self-propelled anti-tank guns and the units which operated them in the German defence of the Western Front. As with all the books in the TankCraft series, a large part of this work showcases available model kits and aftermarket products, complemented by a gallery of expertly constructed and painted models. Technical details as well as modifications introduced during production and in the field are also explained giving the modeller all the information and knowledge required.Trade Review"Impressive!"--AMPS Indianapolis "Really interesting concept to combine historical, technical and modeling content in one book. Nicely illustrated. Good selection of paint schemes tied to specific units and periods; good kit and accessory reviews; good, brief unit histories... As a first Jagdpanther book for modelers seeking an economical source on models, accessories and paint schemes, this is valuable... Highly Recommended for Beginner to Intermediate builders."--AMPS

Read more less

Book SynopsisGoing into WWII, the prevailing strategy of the US command was that takns were not to be used to engage enemy tanks in combat. Rather, tanks were to be the armored spearhead to breach enemy positions. Enemy tanks were to be dealt with by specialized weapons, aptly named tank destroyers. While the 3-inch weapon of the M10 was superior to that found on earlier US tank destroyers, it was still found to be inadequate against the ever-increasing weight of German armor. An even larger gun, the 90mm M3, was placed in a new, bigger open-topped turret on 100 new hulls purpose built for this, and by remanufacturing M10A1s, primarily from US-based training units. As the supply of these chassis was depleted, additional vehicles were created by converting Diesel-powered M10s, resulting in the M36B2\. The M36B1 was built from the ground-up as a tank destroyer, using a hull based on that of the M4A3 but featuring a standard M36 turret. Examination of rare surviving vehicles indicate that the M36B1 hulls were manufactured expressly for this purpose, and were not merely M4A3 hulls that were converted. While US antitank doctrine changed, rendering all the tank destroyers obsolete post-WWII, many of these vehicles were supplied to other nations, and in fact some survived as combat vehicles into the 21st century.

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom July 1943 to the Nazis' final defeat in May 1945 the Panther main battle tank and its variants were the mainstay of Germany's armoured forces. This superbly engineered fighting vehicle offered a lethal combination of firepower, mobility and protection. As this classic Images of War series title reveals, the Panther saw non-stop fighting on the Eastern, Western and Italian fronts. Using rare and often unpublished contemporary photographs with full captions and authoritative text, it provides a comprehensive coverage of elite Panther battalions in action. The book traces the development of the Panther, for example into tank hunter (Panzerjager), and also covers the other supporting vehicles that formed part of the Panther battalions' establishment. These included armoured recovery, Bergepanther, halftracks, Sd.kfz.2 Kettenrad, gun tractors and communications vehicles.

Read more less

Book SynopsisIrish troops had fought for Louis XIV in the 1670s, under Irish officers who had little choice but to fight in foreign service, with the blessing of Charles II. With the accession of James II, and the religious politics of who might earn the English crown, they became embroiled in the Jacobite succession crisis, fighting in Ireland, then sent to France under Lord Mountcashel in 1689. With the fall of Limerick in 1691, Patrick Sarsfield led the second 'flight' of 'Wild Geese' to the continent, to fight in a war for the French, against the Grand Alliance of Europe, in the vain hope that their loyalty might warrant French support in a return to Ireland under a Jacobite king. From the Nine Years War, through the War of the Spanish Succession, and beyond, their descendents would be present at Fontenoy, Culloden and in the Americas, forever destined to fight for a cause and land which had changed beyond recognition. D.P.Graham explains the origins of the brigade and its regiments, the personalities who led them and formed their reputation, and the circumstances of their final dissolution in the aftermath of French Revolution.

Read more less

Book SynopsisOne of the greatest and most terrible years in world history.‘This war has now assumed the character’, wrote Benito Mussolini, before 1941 was six months old, ‘of a war between two worlds’, and the Italian dictator had rarely predicted more truly.Before the year had ended, following Hitler’s surprise assault on Russia and the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, thirty-seven nations were engaged in an all-out war reminiscent of Armageddon, ‘the battle of that great day of God Almighty’.Richard Collier’s latest narrative spans both this entire, devastating year, as well as the events that led up to it. From the hunting of the Bismarck through the North Atlantic to the triumphs of Rommel’s Afrika Korps, from the horror and heroism of besieged Leningrad to the debacles of Hong Kong, Malaya and the Far East, this is a panorama of truly world-wide proportions.An unputdownable narrative of the most extraordinary year in world history, perfect for readers of Max Hastings, James Holland and Antony Beevor.

Read more less