Weapons and equipment Books

Book SynopsisEver since man first took to the air, combat aircraft have been at the cutting edge of aviation technology, resulting in some of the greatest and most complex designs ever built. Military Aircraft features 52 of the most important military aircraft of the last hundred years. The book includes all the main types, from biplane fighters and carrier aircraft to tactical bombers, transport aircraft, multirole fighters, strategic strike aircraft and stealth bombers. Featured aircraft include: the Fokker Dr.1 triplane, the legendary fighter flown by German flying ace Manfred von Richthofen, ‘the Red Baron’, during World War I; the Mitsubishi A6M Zero, Japan’s highly-manoeuvrable fighter that dominated air-to-air combat in the early part of the Pacific War; the tank-busting Il-2 Shturmovik, the most produced aircraft in World War II; the Harrier jump jet, a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) fighter that has been service for more than 40 years; the B-2 Spirit bomber, an American precision strike aircraft used in recent conflicts in Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan; and the F-22 Raptor, an air superiority fighter with state-of-the-art stealth technology that makes it almost invisible to radars. Each entry includes a brief description of the model’s development and history, a profile view, key features and specifications. Packed with more than 200 artworks and photographs, Military Aircraft is a colourful guide for the military aviation enthusiast.Table of ContentsIntroduction World War I and World War II Fokker Dr.1 Sopwith Camel SPAD XIII Junkers Ju 87 Stuka Messerschmitt Bf 109 Hawker Hurricane Supermarine Spitfire Mk V Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress Junkers Ju 88 Mitsubishi A6M Zero Douglas SBD-1 Dauntless North American B25 Mitchell Focke-Wulf Fw 190 Douglas C-47 Skytrain De Havilland Mosquito Ilyushin Il-2M3 Shturmovik Republic P47 Thunderbolt Avro Lancaster North American P-51 Mustang Yak-9 Grumman F6F Hellcat Me 262 B-29 Super Fortress Northrop P-61 Black Widow Lockheed F-80 Shooting Star Cold War and Modern Era North American F-86 Sabre MiG-17 Boeing B-52 Stratofortress Lockheed C-130 Hercules Avro Vulcan MiG-21 MD F-4 Phantom II Lockheed SR71 General Dynamics F-111 AV-8B Harrier II Lockheed C-5 Galaxy Tupolev Tu-22M 'Backfire' Grumman F-14 Tomcat MD F-15E Eagle Fairchild A-10 Thunderbolt II Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon Panavia Tornado GR.Mk 1 Dassault Mirage 2000H MiG-29 'Fulcrum' MD F/A-18 Hornet Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk Sukhoi Su-27 'Flanker'/Su-34 Northrop B-2 Spirit Dassault Rafale Eurofighter Typhoon Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Index

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Book SynopsisWINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZEThe Making of the Atomic Bomb is the seminal and complete story of how the bomb was developed, from the turn-of-the-century discovery of the vast energy locked inside the atom to the dropping of the first bombs on Japan. Few great discoveries have evolved so swiftly - or have been so misunderstood. From the theoretical discussions of nuclear energy to the bright glare of Trinity, there was a span of hardly more than twenty-five years. What began as merely an interesting speculative problem in physics grew into the Manhattan Project, and then into the bomb, with frightening rapidity, while scientists known only to their peers - Szilard, Teller, Oppenheimer, Bohr, Meitner, Fermi, Lawrence and von Neumann - stepped from their ivory towers into the limelight.  Richard Rhodes gives the definitive story of man's most awesome discovery and invention. Told in richTrade Review'A stirring intellectual adventure...clear, fast-paced and indispensable' -- Carl Sagan'A monumental and enthralling history... Alive and vibrant in the book are all the scientists...and each human being stands vividly revealed as a man of science, of conscience, of doubts, or of hubris' * San Francisco Chronicle *'The comprehensive history of the bomb - and also a work of literature' -- Tracy Kidder'The best, the richest and the deepest description of the development of physics in the first half of this century that I have yet read, and it is certainly the most enjoyable' -- Isaac Asimov'A great book. Mr Rhodes has done a beautiful job, and I don't see how anyone can ever top it' -- Luis W. Alvarez, Nobel Laureate for Physics, 1968'What I read already impressed me with the author's knowledge of much of the history of the science which led to the development of nuclear energy and nuclear bombs and of the personalities which contributed in the U.S. to the development of these. I was particularly impressed by his realization of the importance of Leo Szilard's contributions which are almost always underestimated but which he fully realizes and perhaps even overestimates. I hope the book will find a wide readership' -- Eugene P. Wigner, Nobel Laureate for Physics, 1963'I found The Making of the Atomic Bomb well written, interesting and one of the best in the great family of books on the subject. It is fascinating as a novel, and I have learned from it many things I did not know. Mr Rhodes has done his homework conscientiously and intelligently' -- Emilio Segrè, Nobel Laureate for Physics, 1959

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Book SynopsisA compelling visual guide to the history of the military!Travel through time and explore 5000 years of weaponry in stunning detail with this riveting military book - from the spears and swords of ancient times to the guns and grenades of modern warfare.This beautifully illustrated definitive military guide charts the evolution of battlefield technology. Here''s what you''ll find inside:- It includes objects taken from collections that are not available to the public or have never been photographed before- Features comprehensive catalogues of the key weapons, armour, equipment, and military technologies of each period, along with full specification details and information about special features- Includes stunning close-up virtual tours on subjects as diverse as a Roman fort, a medieval castle, a WWI trench system, a WWII tank, and a modern aircraft carrier, to name a few- Narrative spreads and timelines provide historical context for

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Book SynopsisA variety of factors surround military firearms they needed to be produced in large numbers to a standardised pattern at an affordable price. This books examines the transition from traditional hand-craft methods to the beginnings of mechanised manufacture using as examples the French Model 1777 and the Russian Model 1808 infantry muskets. A number of factors led to this choice. The French Model 1777 musket, designed by Honoré Blanc working under General Gribeauval, contained many novel features which became blueprints for the arms of numerous countries and was copied in its entirety by Russia. Another factor is that they are the only firearms whose manufacture is covered in contemporary accounts. A third factor is that they provide contrasts in their methods of manufacture; the French 1777 musket was largely produced by hand-craft methods, whereas in Russia we see the beginnings of extensive mechanisation in the early 19th century. Another important aspect which appears is interc

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Book SynopsisModern Military Aircraft is a fascinating guide to the most important military aircraft developed since World War II. This highly illustrated book features a wide range of aircraft that served in the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, conflicts in the Middle East and the Falklands. Types of aircraft range from front line fighters to reconnaissance aircraft to bombers to interceptors and helicopters. Spanning such famous planes as the Lockheed Blackbird and the MiG-21, Modern Military Aircraft also includes lesser-known examples such as the South African Atlas Cheetah and the EH101 Merlin helicopter. Arranged by countries, each of the 75 featured aircraft is presented with outstanding fully annotated three-view colour artworks, development and service history, specification tables and colour and black-&-white photographs. With a wealth of information and splendidly presented, this book is a must for aviation enthusiasts.Table of ContentsIntroduction Czech Republic/Slovakia France Italy International Israel Japan South Africa Sweden Taiwan United Kingdom United States USSR/Russia Index

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Book SynopsisAusführung A to G (Sd.Kfz.142), The German Sturmgeschütz series of assault guns was a successful and cost-effective range of armoured fighting vehicles, of which some 10,000 were built during the Second World War. Based on the chassis of the Panzer III tank, the turret was replaced by an armoured fixed superstructure fitted with a more powerful 7.5cm StuK 40 L/48 gun. Originally intended as a mobile assault weapon for infantry support, the StuG was constantly modified and saw extensive use on all battlefronts as an assault gun and tank destroyer. Its fixed superstructure with limited-traverse mounting for the main armament was simpler and cheaper to build than the turret of the battle tank, plus its low height meant it was easy to camouflage and conceal. Towards the end of the war, more StuGs were built than tanks., StuGs also saw combat when used by several Axis allies, notably Romania and Finland; they were also exported TO Bulgaria, Hungary, Italy, and Spain. The Soviet Union gave some of their captured German vehicles to Syria in the 1950s, which continued to use them up until the War over Water against Israel in the mid-1960s. By the time of the Arab-Israeli Six-Day War in 1967, all of them had been either destroyed, stripped for spare parts, or emplaced on the Golan Heights as static pillboxes., Author: Mark Healy is the author of the Haynes T-34 Tank and Panther Tank Manuals as well as Midway 1942, The Tiger Tank Story and Zitadelle: The German Offensive against the Kursk Salient 14-17 July 1943. He also produced the best-selling video series Die Deutschen Panzer. He lives in Dorset.

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Book SynopsisAircraft of World War II details the design and specifications of 75 of the most important warplanes used during the conflict, from the venerable Fairey Swordfish biplane, through legendary aircraft such as the Supermarine Spitfire and Douglas C-47 Dakota, to the Messerschmitt Me-262, the first operational jet fighter. Presenting the information in an innovative format, the book features three-view colour artworks of each aircraft along with informed text giving a detailed account of the aircraft’s development. Examining each featured aircraft over two spreads, full technical information is provided for each type, including maximum speed, range and powerplant. Arranged by country, expertly written and attractively presented, Aircraft of World War II is an accessible guide for any aviation enthusiast.Table of ContentsIntroduction France Italy Japan Poland Soviet Union United Kingdom United States Index

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Book SynopsisThe United States built the best strategic bombers of World War II, and by the end of the conflict America’s bombers dominated the skies in both Europe and the Pacific. American Bomber Aircraft of World War II is a detailed guide to all the bombers deployed by the USAAF and US Navy from 1941 to 1945. Organised chronologically, this book includes all the great types of the era, such as the B-17 Flying Fortress, which led the daylight bombing campaign against German industrial targets; the B-24 Liberator, which carried out the famous raid on the Ploesti oil refinery in Romania in 1943; the rugged Grumman TBF Avenger torpedo bomber, flown by US Navy pilots at the Battle Midway in that key turning point in the Pacific War; and the B-29 Superfortress, the aircraft most responsible for degrading Japan’s ability to wage war with their constant aerial attacks throughout 1944 and 1945. The guide is illustrated with profile artworks and three-views, as well as two-page dynamic artworks of some of the more famous aircraft in service, such as the highly- adaptable B-25 Mitchell, which served in every theatre in a variety of roles, the Douglas Dauntless SBD naval scout plane, and the Martin B-26 Marauder, one of the fastest medium bombers of its era. Illustrated with more than 100 authentic artworks with accurate markings and camouflage, American Bomber Aircraft of World War II is an essential reference guide for modellers and military aviation enthusiasts.Table of ContentsIntroductionBOMBERS: Strategic Bombers Douglas B-18 Bolo Boeing B-17 B-17C B-17D B-17E B-17F B-17G Consolidated B-24 Liberator B-24A, B-24C B-24D B-24F, B-24G B-24H B-24J North American B-25 Mitchell B-25C B-25G B-25H B-25J PBJ-1H Boeing B-29 Superfortress Consolidated B-32 DominatorTactical Bombers Vultee A-31 Vengeance Martin 166 B-10 Martin 167 Maryland Martin 187 Baltimore Curtiss A-12 Shrike Douglas DB-7/A-20 Havoc Douglas A-26 Invader Martin B-26 Marauder: B-26A–G modelsNaval Bombers Northrop BT-1 Brewster SB2A Buccaneer Grumman TBF Avenger Curtiss SBC Helldiver Curtiss SB2C Helldiver Lockheed Hudson/Ventura Vought SB2U Vindicator Douglas SBD Dauntless Douglas TBD Devastator Douglas AD-1 Skyraider Consolidated TBY Seawolf Martin AM-1 MaulerTransports & Flying Boats DC-3/Douglas C-47 Skytrain Curtiss C-46 Commando Martin PBM Mariner Grumman J2F-4 Duck PBY Catlina Vought OS2U Kingfisher Curtiss SO3C-1 SeamewIndex

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Book SynopsisThe Lee-Enfield is one of the 20th century's most recognisable and longest-serving military rifles. It was adopted by the British Army in 1895 and only replaced by the L1A1 SLR in 1957. It saw combat from the Boer War onwards, and thousands are still in use today; it is estimated that 17 million have been produced. Soldier's recollections of the rifle are overwhelmingly affectionate (it was known as the Smellie); today it remains a very popular target rifle for competitive shooting, and modern copies are being manufactured to meet demand. Featuring first-hand accounts, brand-new full-colour artwork and close-up photographs, this is the story of the Lee-Enfield, the innovative, reliable and long-lived rifle that equipped British and other forces through the world wars and beyond.Trade ReviewThere is much to praise about this book and very little to find fault with. I highly recommend it and give it an “excellent” 5 out of 5. * Army Rumour Service *Table of ContentsIntroduction /Development /Use /Impact /Select Bibliography /Index

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Book SynopsisJousting is the most iconic form of mounted combat. For more than five hundred years, the sport itself, and the chivalric culture that surrounded it, took on almost mythical qualities. Here, Tobias Capwell explains the glitz and glamour of a sport that attracted enormous popular audiences throughout the late middle ages.

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Book SynopsisThis book describes and illustrates the armies of the embattled Ottoman Turkish Empire involved in 19th-century wars during the Empire''s long spiral of decline.During the so called ''long 19th century'', between the end of the Napoleonic Wars in 1815 and the outbreak of World War I in 1914, the difficulties faced by the Ottoman Turkish Empire were a recurrent factor in international geopolitics. Against a background of RussianOttoman rivalry, France and Britain supported the Empire during the Crimean War (185456), but not in the RussoTurkish War (187778). Portraying the uniforms, arms and appearance of Ottoman troops during this period, this book traces the history of the Ottoman Empire throughout this period, when no fewer than ten wars of regional insurgency and foreign expansion against the Empire were fought in territories in south-eastern Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. Using rare photos and illustrations from Turkish, Balkan and other Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION – The 18th-century army – The ‘New Army’, 1794–1807 – The Empire during the Napoleonic Wars CHRONOLOGY, 1815–1914 REFORMS UNDER MAHMUD II, 1826–39 – Disbandment of the Janissaries – Rebirth of the New Army – Reconstruction and reserves, 1829–36 THE TANZIMAT, 1840–53 – Military regions and army corps – Conscription THE CRIMEAN WAR, 1853–56 – Ottoman campaigns – Bashi-bazouks under European command – The Anglo–Turkish Contingent – Polish volunteers THE RUSSO–TURKISH WAR, 1877–78 – Summary – Military Service Law, 1869 – The Ottoman Army, 1877 – Second-line reserves and auxiliaries THE LATE OTTOMAN ARMY – Military Service Law, 1879 – Hamidye irregulars, 1890s – Further 1890s reforms THE ‘YOUNG TURKS’ REVOLUTION – The army in 1909–14 ARMIES OF VASSAL STATES – Egyptian army, 1815–82 – Tunisian army, 1830–81 – Serbian army, 1808–76 – Montenegrin army, 1830–76 – Moldavian army, 1830–59 – Wallachian army, 1830–59 SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY PLATE COMMENTARIES INDEX

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Book SynopsisThe Russian Air Force is the world’s second largest military air arm, capable of deploying more than 4,000 military aircraft, including 1,522 helicopters, 497 trainers, 873 fighters, 424 transports, and more. Illustrated throughout with detailed artworks with authentic markings and exhaustive specifications, Technical Guide: Modern Russian Military Aircraft is a compact guide to the military aircraft deployed by the Russian Air Force from the end of the Cold War to the present. Organised by type, this book includes every significant aircraft used by the Russian military over the last 30 years, from the latest Sukhoi Su-57 stealth fighter and Kamov Ka-50 ‘Black Shark’ attack helicopter to the evergreen Sukhoi Su-25 close air-support aircraft and the venerable Ilyushin Il-76 airlifter transport. The guide is illustrated with profile artworks, three-views, and dynamic view artworks of the more famous aircraft still in service, such as the Sukhoi Su-27 ‘Flanker’, Mikoyan MiG-29 multirole fighter and Tupolev Tu-160 heavy bomber. Illustrated with more than 110 detailed artworks, Technical Guide: Modern Russian Military Aircraft is an essential reference guide for modellers and aviation enthusiasts with a passion for modern military aircraft.Table of ContentsContents include: Fighters & Attack Aircraft Mikoyan MiG-29 Mikoyan MiG-29K Mikoyan MiG-29M and MiG-35 Mikoyan MiG-31 Sukhoi Su-24M Sukhoi Su-25 Sukhoi Su-27 Sukhoi Su-30 Sukhoi Su-33 Sukhoi Su-34 Sukhoi Su-35 Sukhoi Su-57 Sukhoi Checkmate Long-Range Bombers Tupolev Tu-22 Tupolev Tu-95MS Tupolev Tu-160 Transport & Reconnaissance Antonov An-124 Antonov An-140 Antonov An-148 Beriev Be-200 Ilyushin Il-76 and Il-78 Ilyushin Il-112 Beriev Be-12 Beriev A-50 and A-100 Ilyushin Il-20 and Il-22 Ilyushin Il-38 Ilyushin Il-80 Ilyushin Il-82 Tupolev Tu-142 Tupolev Tu-214 Trainers Tupolev Tu-134 Yakovlev Yak-130 Yakovlev Yak-152 Helicopters Kamov Ka-27 Kamov Ka-29 Kamov Ka-31 Kamov Ka-52 Kamov Ka-226 Kazan Ansat Mil Mi-8 Mil Mi-14 Mil Mi-24 and Mi-35 family Mil Mi-26 Mil Mi-28 Mil Mi-38

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Book SynopsisOrganised chronologically by type, German Aircraft of World War I offers a highly-illustrated guide to the main types of aircraft used by the German Air Force during World War I. The book offers a comprehensive survey of German aircraft, from the Albatros B.1 and Fokker E.II of the early years, to the more sophisticated Fokker D.VII and Junkers CL.1 of the final months of the war. All the major and many minor types are featured, including monoplanes, biplanes, single-seater fighters, two-seater fighters, bombers, ground attack aircraft, night bombers, giant bombers and floatplanes. This includes both well-known and lesser- known models, such as the LVG and Pfalz single-seater fighters, the Gotha and Zeppelin Staaken large bombers, AEG ground attack aircraft, and the Albatross, Halberstadt and Brandenburg two-seater biplanes. Each featured profile includes authentic markings and colour schemes, while every separate model is accompanied by exhaustive specifications. Packed with 110 full-colour artworks with detailed specifications, German Aircraft of World War I is a key reference guide for military modellers and World War I enthusiasts.Table of ContentsContents: Introduction Single Seat Fighters D types Albatros D.I Albatros D.II Albatros D.III Albatros D.V & Va Fokker D.I, D.II, D.IV Fokker D.III Fokker D.V Fokker D.VI Fokker D.VII Halberstadt D.II, D.III, D.V Junkers D.I Roland D.II & D.IIa Roland D-VIa & D-Vib Pfalz D.III & IIIa Pfalz D.VIII Pfalz D.XII Siemens-Schuckert D.I Siemens-Schuckert D.III Siemens-Schuckert D.IV Dr & F types Fokker Dr.I E types (Eindecker – armed monoplanes) Fokker E-I Fokker E-II Fokker E-III Fokker E-IV Fokker E-V/D-VIII Pfalz E-types (E-I & E-II) Two-seater Reconnaissance and General Purpose A & B types Albatros B-types Aviatik B-types Fokker A-series Fokker B-series Taube C types (armed two seat biplanes) AEG C-types Albatros C-III Albatros later C-types Aviatik C-types DFW C-types Halberstadt C-types LFG Roland C.II and C.III 'Walfisch' LVG C.II and C.IV LVG C.V and C.VI Rumpler C.I Rumpler C.III and C.IV Ground Attack and Escort Fighters CL types (close support & two seat fighters) Halberstadt CL.II and CL.IV Hannover CL-II Hannover CL-III and CL-IIIa Junkers CL.I J types (ground attack) Albatros J.I and II Junkers J.I Bombers and Seaplanes G & K types (Grossflugzeuge – large bombers, originally Kampfflugzeuge – battleplane) AEG G.I - IV Friedrichshafen G.III & IV Gotha G.I (the Gotha UWD is a seaplane version) Gotha G.II-V Rumpler G series R types (Riesenflugzeuge – giant bombers) Siemens-Schuckert R-series Zeppelin-Staaken R-series W types and other seaplanes (Wasser – floatplane) Gotha WD series Hansa-Brandenburg W.12 (1917) (fighter) Hansa-Brandenburg W.19 (reconnaissance) Hansa-Brandenburg W.29 (1918) (fighter) (includes AEG J.I) Airships Zeppelin and Schutte-Lanz dirigibles

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Book SynopsisThe Fairbairn-Sykes Commando dagger has become iconic as the most widely recognized fighting knife in the world. The origins of the dagger can be traced to Shanghai in the 1930s where W. E. Fairbairn and US Marine officers including Sam Yeaton carried out experiments to develop what they considered the perfect knife for close combat. When Fairbairn and Sykes became instructors for the Commandos, they refined the design which would evolve into the classic Fairbairn-Sykes dagger. The dagger was first used during early Commando raids into occupied Europe but saw action in every theatre of World War II. US Rangers and Marines who had trained with the Commandos took their Fairbairn-Sykes daggers home, and this also influenced the development of American Special Forces daggers. The Fairbairn-Sykes remained in use with many units after the war. It has become a symbol of Commando and special forces units throughout the world.Table of ContentsIntroduction/ Development/ Use/ Impact/ Conclusion

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Book SynopsisCreated during the Peace of Amiens, the nineteen regiments of cuirassiers that existed during the course of the 1e Empire were, after the Imperial Guard, perhaps the most famous and recognisable soldiers of the epoch. This book explores the long gestation of clothing and equipping the cuirassiers, the development of the arm from twelve regiments to twenty-one – if we include the carabiniers from 1811 – and how their clothing evolved across the period. As well as assessing the curiassiers, the story of the evolution of the uniforms of the carabiniers is also told. Much ink has been spilt on the two regiments and their uniforms, yet, as with the cuirassiers, precious little archive research has been carried out. This is one of a series of ground-breaking books which will be the defacto study of this perennially popular subject for historians, researchers, wargamers, re-enactors and artists. Using archive records to ‘set the record straight’, as well as contemporary illustrations and original items of uniforms, the author sets out to describe the uniform of every regiment of Napoleon’s army. Using archive sources found in the Archives Nationales and Service Historique du Armee de Terre in Paris, the author’s unrivalled research over a period of twenty years, will reveal exactly how, for the first time in over 200 years, Napoleon’s army was mounted, clothed and equipped. Having been granted to access to over 1,000 archive boxes, the author assesses how the regulations were adopted in practice. This vast resource, as yet untapped by the majority of researchers and historians for understanding the Napoleonic era in general, include the many regimental archive boxes preserved in the French Army archives. These sources provide, potentially bias free empirical data from which we can reconstruct the life story of a regiment, its officers and above all its clothing. What did trumpeters wear? Did cavalry regiments really have sapeurs? We answer these questions and present the reality of how regiments were dressed derived from diaries, letters, inspection returns, regimental accounts and even cases of fraud. For the first time, this unique series of books discusses the wide ranging 1806 uniform regulation and the more famous Bardin regulation which applied to all arms of the Army and explores the way in which regiments on campaign adopted and adapted their uniforms. For the first time since the days of Napoleon, we can say exactly what was worn by the French army.

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Book SynopsisThis study looks at how the Soviet armed forces developed and deployed a range of machine guns that fitted with their offensive and defensive infantry tactics across six years of total war.In 1939, three machine guns dominated the Red Army's front-line infantry firepower the DShK 1938 heavy machine gun, the PM M1910 medium/heavy machine gun and the Degtyaryov DP-27, a lighter, bipod-mounted support weapon. Confronted by cutting-edge German technology during the Great Patriotic War (194145), the Soviets responded with the development of new weaponry, including the RPD light machine gun, the 7.62×54mmR SG43 medium machine gun and the improved version of the DP-27, the DPM. Taken together, all these weapons gave the Red Army a more practical range of support weapons, better able to challenge the Germans for fire superiority on the battlefield. Fully illustrated, this study explains the technology and the tactics of these machine guns. Noted authority Chris McNabTable of ContentsIntroduction Development Use Impact Conclusion Further Reading Index

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Book SynopsisThis title presents a detailed account of the development of swords, sabres, spears and lances illustrated with over 230 photographs and images. It provides a fascinating history of edged weapons, written by a leading antique sword expert and lavishly illustrated with over 230 images. It includes information on Japanese, Chinese, African and Indian swords as well as covering in detail the development of the weapon in Western Europe. It contains descriptions of the fighting techniques of some of the most skilful warriors of their time, including the hoplite spearmen of ancient Greece, Roman gladiators, and the Japanese Samurai. It is a superb reference work for military historians, curators, and all enthusiasts of edged weaponry of every period. This book traces the fascinating history of swords, spears and lances through to the 21st century. From their Palaeolithic origins and the appearance of the first swords in Bronze Age Europe and Mesopotamia, it describes how the weapons carved out some of the greatest civilizations in the world. With special sections on the sword in Japanese, Chinese, African and Indian cultures as well as an examination of the American sword and Naval swords, this book presents a broad-ranging work on swords throughout world history, and forms an indispensable resource for the keen collector and enthusiast.

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Book SynopsisOf all the infantry small arms developed during World War II, one that generated the most interest was the German ‘assault rifle’, the StG 44 Sturmgewehr. This innovative weapon inspired the Soviet AK-47 in 7.62x39mm calibre. In the West, the NATO countries looked hard at new weapons to upgrade their own infantry arsenals and counter the AK-47, resulting in the design of the Fusil Automatique Léger or FAL. It proved to be a successful battle rifle and was soon adopted by the military and police forces of no fewer than 93 nations. The FAL dominated the militaries of the West to such a degree that its nickname became the Right Arm of the Free World. The FAL fulfilled every role it was asked to perform and remains a viable and well-respected weapon to this day.Trade ReviewFor those of us who did have a love affair with this rifle, it is a book that should be on our bookshelves if not in our hands, and for those who have never experienced the weapon, it's an interesting and illuminating read that may help to understand why it was so revered. - arrse.co.ukTable of ContentsIntroduction/ Development /Use /Impact /Conclusion /Bibliography

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Book SynopsisWorld War II marked the zenith of railway gun development. Although many of the railway guns deployed at the start of the conflict were of World War I vintage, Germany''s ambitious development programme saw the introduction of a number of new classes, including the world''s largest, the 80cm-calibre Schwerer Gustav and Schwerer Dora guns, which weighed in at 1,350 tons and fired a huge 7-ton shell.This book provides an overview of the types of railway guns in service during World War II, with a special focus on the German railway artillery used in France, Italy and on the Eastern Front, and analyzes why railway guns largely disappeared from use following the end of the war.Table of ContentsIntroduction / French Railway Artillery / Belgian Railway Artillery / German Railway Artillery / Italian Railway Artillery / Soviet Railway Artillery / Finnish Railway Artillery / Japanese Railway Artillery / British Railway Artillery / US Railway Artillery / Conclusion / Bibliography / Index

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Book SynopsisAn affordable yet comprehensive work covering the full range of modern infantry small arms, describing weapons from all nations.

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Book SynopsisIt is said that artillery won the Second World War for the Allies - that Soviet guns wore down German forces on the Eastern Front, negating their superior tactics and fighting ability, and that the accuracy and intensity of the British and American artillery was a major reason for the success of Allied forces in North Africa from El Alamein, in Italy and Normandy, and played a vital role in the battles of 1944 and 1945\. Yet the range of weapons used is often overlooked or taken for granted - which is why this highly illustrated history by Simon and Jonathan Forty is of such value. They stress the importance of artillery on every front and analyse how artillery equipment, training and tactical techniques developed during the conflict. The selection of wartime photographs - many from east European sources - and the extensive quotations from contemporary documents give a graphic impression of how the guns were used on all sides. The photographs emphasize the wide range of pieces employed as field, anti-aircraft and anti-tank artillery without forgetting self-propelled guns, coastal and other heavyweights and the development of rockets. The authors offer a fascinating insight into the weapons that served in the artillery over seventy years ago.

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Book SynopsisModern Artillery brings together 300 of the most important examples of artillery used or designed since 1900. Beginning with the guns that pounded the trenches in World War I, the book details all the major forms of artillery in service throughout the century. From hand-held anti-tank devices, anti-aircraft guns and field pieces of World War II to the recent tactical and strategic missiles, the book provides a wide survey of the development and use of artillery, with the entries conveniently placed into categories for easy reference. Each artillery piece featured is illustrated by a full-colour artwork and accompanied by a detailed specifications table giving the country of origin and technical details of the weapon, including where appropriate the calibre, elevation, muzzle velocity, traverse and range, all measurements being provided in imperial and metric. Each entry also contains a piece of text summarizing the weapon’s development and service history. Presented in a handy, pocket-book size, arranged by type and with 300 colour illustrations, Modern Artillery is an authoritative and accessible reference work, which will appeal to anyone with an interest in military technology.Table of ContentsIntroduction Almirante Padillo 155mm Model 77 Howitzer 22.5cm Heavy Trench Mortar 24.5cm Heavy Trench Mortar 149mm Skoda Model 14 Howitzer Skoda 75mm Mountain Gun M1915 Skoda 305mm Howitzer SBA T-70 ASTROS 2 Avibras X-40 Sexton CSS-1 CSS-2 CSS-3 CSS-4 Type 63 155/45 Norinco SP Gun Type 70 Type 63 47mm Skoda vz 36 10cm Skoda Light Howitzer vz 14/19 M53/59 DANA D-3000 Walid Canone de 75 Mle 1897 Canon de 105mm Schneider Mle 1913 155mm Rimailho Howitzer Model 1904TR 155mm Gun Model TR 155mm Howitzer Mle 1950 194mm Gun GPF Canon de 240 L Model 1884 St Chamond Mortier de 280 sur Chenilles 20mm Tarasque Brandt 60mm LR Gun-mortar 81mm Mortar Mle 27/31 Brandt 120mm Mortar Pluton SSBS S-3 Crotale Mistral Canon de 240 Mle 93/96 sur Affuit-truck St-Chamond Canon de 320 Mle 1870/93 sur Affuit-truck Schneider AMX-13 DCA Mk F3 155mm GCT 155mm Roland Krupp 75mm Field Gun M1903 7.5cm Infantry Gun IG18 75mm Mountain Gun Geb. G. 36 77mm FK16 77mm Field Gun M96nA 10cm M1917 Gun 105mm leFH 18 105mm leFH18(M) 120mm Krupp Howitzer M1905 13.5cm FK 1909 15cm L/40 Feldkanone i.R. 15cm Field Howitzer FH17 sFH18 21cm Howitzer 21cm Mrs 18 The Paris Gun 28cm Kustenhaubitze Big Bertha Rheinmetall Rh202 20mm Flak 30 20mm Flakvierling 38 37mm Flak 37 37mm Flak 43 5cm Flak 41 77mm German 1914 88mm Flak 18 88mm Flak 41 105mm Flak 38 12.8cm Flak 40 7.92mm Panzerbuchse 39 Granatbuchse 39 2.8cm Panzerbuchse 41 37mm Anti-Tank Gun 1918 37mm Pak 35/36 5cm Pak 38 75mm Pak 40 75mm Pak 41 8cm PAW 600 Raketenpanzerbuchse 43 88mm Pak 43/41 Flak 18 12.8cm Pak 44 12.8cm K44 Panzerfaust SGrW 34 81mm Mortar 15cm sIG 33 infantry gun Henschel Hs117 Schmetterling 21cm K12(E) 28cm K5(E) 80cm Gustav German Armoured Trains 38cm Gun ‘Max E’ Gepard StuG III Ausf F StuG III Ausf G sIG 33 Hummel Panzerhaubitse 2000 Panzerwerfer 42 Wurfgranate 42 Nebelwerfer 41 Light Artillery Rocket System (LARS) 155mm Howitzer FH-70 Soltam M68 Gun TCM-20 Soltam 120mm Mortar B-300 Light Support Weapon Rascal Light 155mm SP Howitzer 65mm Mountain Gun Canonne da 75/27 Obice de 75/18 Mod 35 OTO-Melara 105mm Mod 56 149mm Siege Gun, Model of 1877 Obice da 210/22 305mm Howitzer 305/17 Mod 17 20mm Breda Model 35 40mm Breda 40/L/70 45mm Brixia Model 35 Mortar AP/AV 700 multiple grenade launcher SIDAM-25 76mm Otomatic Air Defence Tank Palmaria Type 35/75mm Gun 15cm Howitzer M1915 75mm Type 88 Type 97 Anti-tank Rifle Type 2 Anti-tank Grenade Launcher 47mm Model 01 Anti-tank Gun 50mm Type 89 Grenade discharger 70mm Battalion Gun Type 92 Type 81 Tan-SAM Type 4 Army 20cm Rocket Polish Armoured Train 155mm ODE FH-88 Gun- howitzer CIS-40-AFL Grenade launcher 155mm Gun G-5 G-6 Valkyr 155mm Santa Barbara SB- 155/39 Howitzer 155mm Howitzer FH-77A 40mm Bofors L/60 40mm Bofors L/70 75mm Bofors Model 29 Bofors 75mm Model 34 Bofors RBS-70 Bandkanon Oerlikon GAI-BO1 Oerlikon 20mm Oerlikon GDF-001 35mm RSD 58 GDF-CO3 ADA TS 2.75in Mountain Gun Ordnance QF 13pdr 15pdr BLC Field Gun QF 15pdr Gun Mk 1 Ordnance QF 18pdr Gun Ordnance QF 4.5in Howitzer Ordnance BL 60pdr Mk 1 105mm Light Gun L118 Ordnance BL 5in Howitzer Mk I Ordnance BL 5.5in Gun Mk 2 BL 6in 26-cwt Howitzer Mk 1 BL 6in 30cwt Howitzer 155mm Royal Ordnance Light Towed Howitzer 7.2in Howitzers Marks 1 to 4 BL 8in Howitzer Mark 7 Polsten 20mm Ordnance QF 3in 20cwt 13pdr 9cwt AA Gun 3.7in QF Gun Mk 1 Ordnance QF 4.5in Gun .55in Boys Anti-tank Rifle QF 2pdr Mk VII QF 6pdr 7cwt Gun Mk 2 2.5in Northover Projector Ordnance QF 17pdr Gun 3.7in RCL Gun PIAT 95mm Infantry Howitzer Ordnance ML 3in Mortar Thunderbird Seaslug Bloodhound Blowpipe Rapier Starstreak 12in Railway Howitzer Mk 5 13.5in Gun ‘Sceneshifter’ Bishop Abbot AS-90 2in Rocket 3in Rocket Land Mattress 105mm Howitzer M2A1 105mm Howitzer M3 4.7in Field Gun M1906 155mm Gun M2 155mm Howitzer M198 8in Howitzer M1 240mm Howitzer M1 16in M1919 Coast Gun 914mm Mortar ‘Little David’ M167 Vulcan 37mm M1A2 3in M3 90mm M1 37mm Anti-tank Gun M3 M1A1 2.36in Rocket Launcher 3in Gun M5 106mm RCL Rifle M40A1 M203 Grenade launcher 60mm Mortar M1 60mm Mortar M19 75mm Pack Howitzer M1A1 RAW (Rifleman’s Assault Weapon) SMAW Rocket, MGR-1B, Honest John Pershing MGM-118 Peacekeeper Titan LGM-30F Minuteman 2 BGM-109G Tomahawk Nike Ajax Nike Hercules Talos M48 Chaparral MIM-104 Patriot MIM-23 HAWK FIM-92 Stinger M163 Vulcan M42 Sergeant York M56 M7 Priest M40 M109 M109A6 Paladin M110A2 M8 4.5in MLRS 76.2mm Field Gun M1942 76.2mm Field Gun M1939 122mm D-30 15cm Gun M1877 152mm Gun-Howitzer M1937 (ML-20) 152mm Howitzer M1943 (D- 1) 152mm Howitzer M09/30 203mm Howitzer M1931 (L/25) 23mm ZU-23 85mm M39 PTRS 1941 Anti-tank Rifle PTRD 1941 Anti-tank Rifle 76.2mm Model 1942 AGS-17 Grenade launcher 82mm PM-37 Mortar 82mm Vasilek automatic mortar 120mm M1938 Mortar 160mm Mortar M1943 SS-1 Scud B SS-12 Scaleboard SS-4 Sandal SS-5 Skean SS-11 Sego SS-9 Scarp SS-13 Savage SS-17 Spanker SS-19 Stiletto SS-18 Satan SS-20 Saber SA-1 Guild SA-3 Goa SA-4 Ganef SA-6 Gainful SA-7 Grail SA-8 Gecko ZSU-23-490mm M1 ZSU-57-2 ASU-57 SU-76 M1974 ISU-152 M1973 M-13 M-30 BM-21 BM-27 BM-24 FROG-7 Index

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Book SynopsisAllied Fighters 1939–45 offers an highly-illustrated guide to Allied fighter aircraft that fought in Europe during World War II. Featuring all the main models flown by the Allied air forces from 1939 to 1945, the book offers a wealth of detail, including unit markings, organization, numbers of aircraft flown by campaign and exhaustive specifications for each model.The book is arranged first by country and then chronologically by campaign so that every aspect of the air war in Europe is covered. The guide features fighters from throughout World War II, including early models, such as the Morane Saulnier MS.406C.1, Hawker Hurricane Mk I and Fokker D XXI, and the most advanced fighters of the period, such as the Lavochkin La-7, P-51K Mustang and Gloster Meteor Mk I.The book also covers aircraft that were used for air-to-air combat (Supermarine Spitfire), ground attack (P-47 Thunderbolt), bomber escort (P-51B Mustang), night defence (Bristol Beaufighter) and photographic reconnaissance (P-38 Lightning).Packed with more than 200 profiles and dozens of archive photographs of every major Allied fighter aircraft, Allied Fighters 1939–45 is a core reference volume for modellers and World War II aviation enthusiasts.Table of Contents1. Polish Air Force 2. Norway/Netherlands/Belgium 3. Armee de l’Air 4. RAF Advanced Air Striking Force 5. RAF Fighter Command 6. RAF Desert Air Force 7. Soviet V-VS 8. RAF Fighter Command 9. RAF 1st Tactical Air Force 10. RAF 2nd Tactical Air Force 11. US 8th Air Force 12. US 9th Air Force 13. US 12th Air Force 14. US 15th Air Force 15. RAF Fighter Command 16. RAF Coastal Command and FAA 17. Soviet V-VS 18. Minor airforces (Brazil, Italian co-belligerent, Greece etc) Appendices Orders of battle, glossary, terminology, total production numbers. Index

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Book SynopsisSmall men, with big egos and moustaches, the hussars of Napoleon's army wore some of the most flamboyant and stylish uniforms of the epoch. In this book, the uniforms of the seventeen regiments of hussars are discussed in detail by renowned historian Paul L. Dawson, along with the dress of their brethren in the thirty-two regiments of Chasseurs à cheval, with an emphasis on the highly elaborate dress of the trumpeters.Having been granted access to over 1,000 archive boxes, held in the Service Historique de l'Armée de Terre in Paris and the Archives Nationales, the author is able to assesses how the wide ranging 1806 uniform regulations and the more famous Bardin regulations were adopted in practice. This vast resource, as yet untapped by the majority of researchers and historians for understanding the Napoleonic era in general, provides detail never previously revealed to the general public.This is possible because every year a regiment would be inspected, and the condition of the unif

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Book SynopsisA detailed analysis of the organization, uniforms and weapons of the French Imperial Guard created by Napoleon I. The author describes how this large military body evolved from the Consular Guard created by Bonaparte as early as 1799 and how this came to include dozens of different military units belonging to each branch of service (infantry, cavalry, artillery, specialist corps). The Imperial Guard was a 'miniature army' made up of veteran soldiers, who were dressed with the most spectacular and elegant uniforms ever seen on the battlefields of Europe. The Guard also included several 'exotic' non-French units that are also covered in the text: Egyptian Mamelukes, Polish and Lithuanian lancers, Tatar scouts, Dutch grenadiers and lancers. The way in which Napoleon employed the Guard in battle is discussed and also how it differed from the rest of the French Army in terms of military dress and weaponry.

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Book SynopsisBetween the late 8th and late 11th century Viking warriors had a massive impact not just in northern Europe, but across a huge arc from the western Mediterranean round through northern Europe and the Baltic to the Middle East and Central Asia. Their success depended in part on their skills in battle, their unique sense of strategic mobility, and on the quality of their weapons and equipment. Written by an expert on early medieval weaponry, this book examines the weapons of the typical Viking warrior, dispels some of the myths of the popular image, such as double-headed axes, and considers the range of weapons that actually underpinned the Vikings' success including bows and arrows.Drawing upon contemporary literary and historical accounts from the North Atlantic to the Arab world, surviving examples of weapons and armour, and practical experimentation and reconstructions by modern weapon-smiths and re-enactors, this study casts new light on how Viking weapons were made and u

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Book SynopsisFeaturing specially commissioned artwork and carefully chosen photographs, this study charts the SVD Dragunov rifle''s development, combat use and lasting legacy, from Vietnam to Syria.Developed as a medium-range sniping rifle in the Soviet Union during the 1960s, the Dragunov stood out against most Western sniping rifle types by being semi-automatic, a configuration that marginally lowers accuracy compared to bolt-action sniping rifles, but which allows for faster follow-up shots. Even so, the SVD is still capable of taking precision killing shots out to 800m and beyond, making it a thoroughly practical combat weapon for marksmen and snipers.In this fully illustrated study, Chris McNab explores the Dragunov''s development and performance in detail. But the story of this weapon really comes to life with its combat history. It is the world''s most widespread sniping rifle, still in use in the former Soviet armies and sold to more than 40 countries worldwide. ItTrade ReviewThe versatility and effectiveness of this weapon really comes through in this excellent introduction. * Military Modelcraft International *Once again Osprey have educated me with one of their excellent titles covering a niche subject. * The Military Enthusiast Book Club *Table of ContentsIntroduction Development Use Impact Conclusion Bibliography Index

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisAn illustrated study of the big guns of Hitler''s army the Wehrmacht''s field artillery, its capabilities and its role in German fighting units of World War II. Often overshadowed in military history by the tanks and aircraft of Blitzkrieg, Germany's artillery was key to its methods of waging war throughout World War II. Field artillery remained the primary killer on the battlefield, often responsible for three-quarters of combat casualties inflicted.Redressing the balance, this book surveys the major Wehrmacht guns of the war, and the basic organizational structure of the German field artillery. Its primary focus is on the divisional field guns, especially the lFH 18 10.5cm field howitzer and the 15cm sFH 18 field howitzer that formed the backbone of German artillery. A brief survey is also made of the infantry guns used at the regimental level, and of corps-level heavy artillery. The issue of the use ofBeutewaffen, captured war-booty field guns, is also looked Table of ContentsIntroduction Artillery organization Infantry guns Light infantry guns Heavy infantry guns Divisional artillery Old and eccentric: the 7.5cm field gun Backbone of the artillery: the 10.5cm light field howitzer 10.5cm gun battery organization 10.5cm leFH 18 operation The 10.5cm mountain howitzer The 15cm heavy field howitzer GHQ artillery 10cm gun 12.8cm K 81 gun 15cm guns 17cm gun K 18 in Mörserlafette 21cm Mörser 18 21cm Kanone Beutegeschütze Rocket artillery 15cm Nebelwerfer 41 21cm Nebelwerfer 42 28/32cm schwere Wurfgerät Artillery in combat Artillery on the Eastern Front 1941–45 Artillery on the Western Front 1944–45 Further reading Index

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Book SynopsisWhile the PP and PPK were intended for police work, the Walther P 38 was produced for the Germany military; all three pistols have garnered a formidable international reputation since the 1930s.The innovative Walther PP (Polizeipistole), a double-action semi-automatic pistol intended for the law-enforcement market, became available in 1929 and went on to arm the police of several European countries in the 1930s. Its smaller cousin the PPK, more readily concealed for undercover work but with reduced magazine capacity, was produced from 1931. Intended to replace the P 08 Luger, the Walther P 38 was issued from 1940 and equipped the armed forces of Germany and other countries during and after World War II, but never entirely replaced the Luger in German service. All three pistols went on to have lengthy and varied service across the world after 1945. Both the PP and the PPK remain in production today, while the P 38 re-emerged as the P1 and equipped West German forces frTrade ReviewThis excellent volume deals with the history of this company, their various designs from the 1930s and how these pistols were used in the service of many post-war nations. The PPK and P 38 are the mainstay of Walther’s reputation and the chapters on their history are outstandingly informative. There is so much information in this book that makes this volume a must have book for anyone interested in these pistols. Osprey Publishing have been producing the Weapon Series for several years and every book in this Series is an excellent concise guide to a particular weapon or class of weapons. This book is yet another outstanding volume added to this Series, and it is very welcomed. All the books in the Series have a similar format namely an introduction to the weapon or class of weapons, a history of their development, a detailed description of their usage, the long-term impact of the weapon / class of weapons on future derivatives / designs, a conclusion, and a highly useful bibliography. If the development of these three Walther handguns appeals to you then you must consider this book as a necessary addition to your personal library. It is priced very competitively and given the quality of the author’s research it is an excellent publication. There are masses of information on various designs / sub-variants, serial numbers, engraving and stampings etc which make this volume a superb read. The author must be congratulated on this volume and all readers will no doubt be pleased by the high quality of his work. If you have one of these guns, then this book will reveal a considerable amount about its history. -- Dr Stuart C Blank * Military Archive Research *The PP, PPK and P38, some of the most famous pistols of the 20th Century, are covered in this new title, number 82 in the Osprey Weapons series. An 80-page soft-cover book in the usual Osprey style. The book opens with an Introduction that gives some historical background to the area of the Thuringen Forest of east-central Germany and a tradition of gunmakers to which Walthers became a part. With some early designs that led to the design of the PP, the Polizei-Pistole, a semi-automatic designed for police and personal use. Then the PPK, a slightly smaller version known generally of the Polizei-Pistole Kriminal, intended to more easily concealed. Added to these was the work on a military pistol, to replace the P08 Luger, something easier to manufacturer and simpler to maintain in the field, this resulted in the P38. There is great detail on the weapons themselves, the markings you will find on them, the numbers made, the serial numbers used, and in terms of the German military, who they were issued to. They proved reliable weapons, with the small PP & PPK popular with AFV and aircrews where they suited the more confined spaces and after the war they remained in production, not only in Germany but in France as well. Fascinating text accompanied by lots of photos of preserved examples long with some beautiful artwork which included cutaways of both the PPK and P38 weapons. These Walther guns remained in production after the end of the war and used by both the German and French military post-war. If you have any interest in these famous guns, either for their wartime military use or with the fame the PPK gained for being used by James Bond then there is a lot to like about this book. I for one was able to discover a little more about my own examples of the PPK and the P38, which for example I now know was made by Mauser at their Obendorf factory. A fine reference to keep if you have any interest in these famous Walther products. Thanks to Osprey for our review copy. -- Robin Buckland * Military Model Scene *I found this book fascinating, in the way the author relates the gradual evolution of the three weapons , their variants and special orders and serial numbers, also including some unusual derivatives that I had never heard of -- Susan Wilson * Army Rumour Service *Table of ContentsIntroduction Development Use Impact Conclusion Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisThis is the absorbing story of the handguns credited to Nambu Kijiro, the principal personal-defence weapons of the Imperial forces.Featuring full-color artwork and carefully chosen photographs, this book charts the origins, development, combat use, and legacy of the Nambu pistols. Cutaway artwork reveals the inner workings of these important handguns, while specially commissioned battlescenes depict them in use in action.Influenced by the German C 96 and other semi-automatic pistols, the first Nambu model was never accepted for universal issue, being confined largely to purchase by Japanese officers. Adopted in 1925, the 14th Year Type was to become the best-known of these handguns, serving in every campaign undertaken by the Japanese in the 1930s and then throughout World War II. It served alongside the bizarrely conceived Type 94, intended as the weapon of airmen, tank crew, and anyone to whom its compact dimensions were useful.When World War II endTrade ReviewWithout a doubt the author has done a great service to those interested in Japanese personal weapons. -- Stuart Blank * Military Archive Research *With a mix of archive and modern photos, along with artwork that does include fine cutaway diagrams, the story of the design is well illustrated. * Military Model Scene *Table of ContentsIntroduction Development Use Impact Conclusion Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisIt is for good reason that artillery is known as the king of battle'. In World War II the United States made good use of self-propelled howitzers, including those based on the chassis of the M4 Sherman tank. After 1945 the US developed both light and medium self-propelled howitzers, based on the M24 Chaffee, M41 Walker Bulldog and Sherman chassis. The first designs were plagued with problems and self-propelled artillery played only a minor role in the Korean War. By the mid 1960s, however, the M107 175mm, M109 155mm and M110 203mms self-propelled howitzers had entered service, and they proved their effectiveness during the Vietnam War. The M107 was relatively short-lived in US service, being retired in the late 1970s, but it played an important role with the Israel Defence Forces. The M109 served with the US Army, as well as in many NATO armies and elsewhere, and saw action in the Middle East, in the Balkans, during the liberation of Kuwait, and in the invasion of Iraq. The M109 has no

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Book SynopsisWar bows were a mainstay of armies throughout the world from the earliest recorded battles over three thousand years ago to the 16th century, when firearms finally came of age. Even then, in some cultures, the bow remained in use by elite warriors. The bow gave combatants the ability to fight at distance and it played an important role in some of the most famous battles in human history. In this lively and fascinating study, Mike Loades tells the stories of four of the world''s most renowned war bow types: the iconic medieval longbow that made its mark at Crécy; the horn and sinew composite bows of the East, with their varied forms and sophisticated construction; the crossbow with its mechanical ingenuity; and the distinctively asymmetric yumi of the samurai. For each of these bows, Mike brings the insights of his long career as a historical weapons expert and archer to bear, offering a vivid understanding not only of the technology that went into its creation but alsTrade ReviewThe book can be strongly recommended to anyone interested in the use of the bow and crossbow, particularly as a military weapon. [Mike Loades] presents in a vivid and readable fashion a survey of their use over many centuries. -- Arthur Credland * Military History Matters *Anyone with an interest in war bows or the history of warfare would greatly benefit from a copy of this comprehensive work... Loades's experience with bows, both in terms of their history and real life handling, shines through in this well-researched and beautifully written and illustrated book. * History of War, February 2019 *I don't recall ever reading such a thorough analysis of a weapons system... Lavishly illustrated and engagingly written, this book could only have been written by someone who is a supreme practitioner of the subject. * Miniature Wargames *An up-to-date and super-cool book... it’s been vetted and fed into by some of the leading experts, both academics and archers, in the world today. * Schola Gladiatora *Unquestionably an essential reference work if you have any interest whatsoever in archery in all its forms. * Battlefield Magazine *Table of ContentsIntroduction CHAPTER I: THE LONGBOW Development: The longbow’s genesis and production Use: At full draw Impact: Assessing the longbow CHAPTER II: THE CROSSBOW Development: Lock, stock and lath Use: Steady, steady, steady: shoot Impact: Bolts from the blue CHAPTER III: THE COMPOSITE BOW Development: Engineering the optimal bow Use: Archery – a very martial art Impact: Different bows for different blows CHAPTER IV: THE JAPANESE YUMI Development: The asymmetric bow Use: The Way of the Bow and the Horse Impact: The sting of the samurai Conclusion Acknowledgements Bibliography

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Book SynopsisAn in-depth history of the small arms made by the Sterling Company of Dagenham, Essex, England, from 1940 until Sterling was purchase by British Aerospace in 1989 and closed. The Lanchester and the Patchett Machine Carbines were both developed at Sterling Engineering Co Ltd during World War II. With the appearance of the earliest Patchett prototypes the military began testing them in ever more rigorous trials, wherein the Patchett kept proving its merits. This led to limited UK adoption of the MkII Patchett as the L2A1 in 1953, and the first Sterling', the MkII, as the L2A2 in 1955. Then came Sterling's Crown Jewel', the superb Mk4, adopted as the general-issue UK Gun, Sub-Machine, L2A3' in September, 1955\. Manufactured briefly but intensively by ROF Fazakerley (1955-1959) and by Sterling for over 30 years, nearly 4000,000 were made. Unlike wraparound bolt designs like the UZI, the Sterling was capable of being truly silenced with standard 9mm ball ammunition (as opposed to being merely supressed). The excellent silenced Sterling-Patchett Mk5, adopted as the UK L34A1 in 1967, is the only Sterling remaining in British Service. All prototypes, military Marks, commercial and licensed production models of the Sterling are described, including the Canadian C1 SMG and the Indian 1A Carbine. Contains notes on manufacturing methods and procedures as used at Sterling, ROF Fazakerley, Canadian Arsenals Limited and the Indian Small Arms Factory, Kanpur (Cawnpore), plus extensive notes on inter-model interchangeability, serial number ranges, quantities produced, client-country purchases of the various Sterling Marks, and accessories.

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Book Synopsis'Drawing on the stories of the soldiers who were there, this dramatic history of the SAS is full of bravado. Forged to fight guerrillas in the sweltering jungles of Malaya... Ryan writes with the authority of a man familiar with every nuance of the regiment's tactics, training, weapons and equipment.' - Sunday Times CultureTasked with storming mountain strongholds in the desert. Trained to hunt down the world's most wanted terrorists. This is the extraordinary story of 22 SAS. The history of the modern SAS is one of the great successes of post-war Britain. Since it was revived in 1950 to combat Communist insurgents, the Regiment has gone from strength to strength, fighting covert wars in Oman, Borneo, Northern Ireland, the Falklands, the Persian Gulf and beyond. In the process, it has become one of the most indispensable, and at times controversial, units in the British armyToday, the SAS is regarded as the world's leading Special Forces unit, renowned for its demanding Selection course and its relentless ability to adapt to the changing nature of warfare. More than anything else, however, it is the determination and ingenuity of the SAS soldiers that has made the Regiment what it is today. Drawing on his extensive network of contacts and his own experiences, Chris Ryan tells the story of the men on the ground. From the earliest patrols in the Malayan jungle, through to the storming of the Iranian Embassy, the daring raids behind enemy lines in the Gulf War, and up-to-minute missions to capture or kill notorious terrorists - this is the gripping, no-holds-barred account of Regiment operations. Above all, it is a story of elite soldiers fighting, and triumphing, against seemingly impossible odds.Trade ReviewPraise for Chris Ryan * : *Ryan chooses fiercely up-to-the-minute plots, and laces them with an exceptional eye for detail and insider knowledge ... Fearsome and fast-moving. * Daily Mail *The action comes bullet-fast and Ryan's experience of covert operations flash through the high-speed story like tracer rounds * The Sun *Nobody takes you to the action better than Ryan, because he's the real deal, and this muscle-and-bone thriller will have fans' blood pumping. * Evening Standard *

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Book SynopsisAn iconic medieval missile weapon, the deadly longbow made possible the English victories at Crecy and Poitiers at the height of the Hundred Years’ War. The longbow was the weapon at the heart of the English military ascendancy in the century after 1340. Capable of subjecting the enemy to a hail of deadly projectiles, the longbow in the hands of massed archers made possible the extraordinary victories enjoyed by English forces over superior numbers at Crécy and Poitiers, and remained a key battlefield weapon throughout the Wars of the Roses and beyond. It also played a leading role in raiding, siege and naval warfare. Its influence and use spread to the armies of Burgundy, Scotland and other powers, and its reputation as a cost-effective and easily produced weapon led to calls for its widespread adoption among the nascent armies of the American Republic as late as the 1770s.Table of ContentsIntroduction /Development /Use /Impact /Conclusion /Select Bibliography /Index

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Book SynopsisA brilliant and bloody examination of the axe's foundational role in human history, from prehistoric violence, to war and executions, splashed across newspaper headlines and popular culture. For as long as the axe has been in our hands, we have used it to kill. Much like the wheel, the boat, and the telephone, the axe is a transformative piece of technology ? one that has been with us since prehistory. And just as early humans used the axe to chop down trees, hunt for food, and whittle tools, they also used it to murder. Over time, this particular use has endured: as the axe evolved over centuries to fit the needs of new agricultural, architectural, and social development, so have our lethal uses for it. Whack Job is the story of the axe, first as a convenient danger and then an anachronism, as told through the murders it has been employed in throughout history: from the first axe murder nearly half a million years ago, to the brutal harnessing of the axe in warfare, and from its use in King Henry VIII's favourite method of execution, to Lizzie Borden and the birth of modern pop culture. Whack Job sheds brilliant light on this familiar implement, this most human of weapons. This is a critical examination of violence, an exploration of how technology shapes human conflict, the cruel and sacred rituals of execution and battle, and the ways humanity fits even the most savage impulses into narratives of the past and present.

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