Miltary - World War 2

Artikelname: 88 mm FlaK 18/36/37/41 and PaK 43 1936–45
Artikelbeschreibung: The German 88 mm was by far the most famous and versatile artillery weapon of World War II. It was first used as an anti-aircraft weapon by the Condor Legion during the Spanish Civil War and saw further service in the German invasions of Poland and France, where it was first used in its anti-tank role. This role was particularly successful and the 88 became feared by tank crews from North Africa to Russia. Apart from these two main roles the 88 mm was used as the main weapon on late-war German tanks, as a self-propelled gun, and even as an aerial weapon. This book covers all these variants, explaining their design, development and operational use.

Artikelname: Afrikakorps 1941-43
Artikelbeschreibung: The campaign in North Africa between September 1940 and May 1943 holds not only an enduring fascination for postwar generations; but also a perhaps unique degree of nostalgia for some surviving participants. The campaign was no less costly in terms of human lives and material than many others; but regret at the cost is accompanied by positive memories in the minds of many veterans. This is not to suggest that the dead have been forgotten; but an almost mystical bond nevertheless exists, even between former enemies, amongst veterans of the desert campaign. Gordon Williamson examines the history, organisation and uniforms of Rommel's Afrikakorps.

Artikelname: Allied Commanders of World War 2
Artikelbeschreibung: The Second World War, unlike the First, fostered the projection of 'characters'. Thanks to the media, many of the Allied commanders became household names, known as much for their successes and defeats on the battlefield as for their personalities. This book provides a brief review of the careers of some of the most notable figures to achieve high command in the Allied forces, a list that includes General of the Army Omar Bradley, Field Marshal Sir Bernard Montgomery, General George Patton and General of the Army Dwight D. Eisenhower. These characters are brought to life through numerous illustrations, including photographs and colour plates.

Artikelname: Ardennes, 1944: Peiper and Skorzeny
Artikelbeschreibung: From the earliest planning stages of the German counter-offensive in the Ardennes, Hitler was convinced of the importance of taking the Meuse bridges. He resolved that, when his forces broke through the US lines, one special unit should be dressed in American uniforms and issued with American weapons and vehicles. In this guise they could take advantage of the surprise and shock of the breakthrough, and move forward to the Meuse bridges as if they were retreating Americans. Jean-Paul Pallud details their organisation and the fateful sequence of events that followed.

Artikelname: Army Panzer Uniforms in Colour Photographs
Artikelbeschreibung: The uniforms of the German tank troops - Panzertruppe - were probably the most dramatic of any worn by World War 11 combat units. As these Panzer Divisions spearheaded Germany's victorious advances in the early years of the war, so the appearance of the black-clad tank crews became one of the enduring images of the new Blitzkrieg warfare. Today, 60 years after they were last worn in action, accurate references for the dress, insignia and personal equipment of these armoured vehicle crews are particularly sought-after by modellers and collectors. Surviving examples of these uniforms are rare, and command high prices when they come to the market. In this book the experienced Australian collector, photographer and writer WADE KRAWCZYK presents clear, close-up colour photographs of a remarkable range of varying patterns of original Panzer headgear, uniforms and insignia, with detailed explanatory text. The collection is completed by examples of Panzer-related documents, war-time portraits and other ephemera.

Artikelname: Axis Cavalry in World War II
Artikelbeschreibung: It is often forgotten that the German Wehrmacht of 1939-45 relied heavily upon horses. Not only was the majority of Army transport and much of the artillery dependent on draught horse teams; the Germans also kept a horse-mounted cavalry division in the field until the end of 1941. After withdrawing it, they discovered a need to revive and greatly expand their cavalry units in 1943-45. The Army and Waffen-SS cavalry proved their worth on the Russian Front, supported by other Axis cavalry contingents - Romanian, Hungarian, Italian, and locally recruited. In this book an experienced horseman describes that last generation of horse-soldiers in a text supported by tables, photographs, and meticulous colour plates.

Artikelname: Axis Forces in Yugoslavia 1941–45
Artikelbeschreibung: On 6 April, the German 2nd and 12th Armies, Italian 2nd and 9th Armies, and the Hungarian 4th, 5th and Mobile Corps invaded Yugoslavia from Italy, Germany, Rumania, Bulgaria and Albania. Few of the Royal Yugoslav Army's 30 divisions actively resisted, and after 11 days the Yugoslav High Command surrendered. In Croatia, a puppet state was installed. Axis forces quickly occupied the principal towns and patrolled the main road and rail links, but in the villages, countryside and mountains a vicious and complex guerrilla war was brewing. This title takes a close look at the German, Italian, Croatian, Serbian, Montenegrin, Bulgarian, Macedonian, and Slovenian units that fought for the Axis powers in Yugoslavia.

Artikelname: B-17 Flying Fortress Units of the Eighth Air Force vol 1
Artikelbeschreibung: The Boeing B-17 has come to epitomise the American war effort in Europe, the huge four-engined heavy day bomber taking the fight to Germany from the late summer of 1942 through to VE-Day. The primary operator of the Flying Fortress in Western Europe was the 'Mighty Eighth'. This volume, which is the first of two dealing exclusively with the 'Mighty Eighth', covers the 15 Bomb Groups of the First Air Division, each of which controlled four squadrons. The evolution of the force is traced through first-hand accounts of those individuals that took part in the action.

Artikelname: B-17 Flying Fortress Units of the Eighth Air Force vol 2
Artikelbeschreibung: The Boeing B-17, which has come to epitomise the American war effort in Europe, took the fight to Germans from the late summer of 1942 through to VE-Day. Its primary operator in Western Europe was the 'Mighty Eighth', who controlled 27 bomb groups for much of the war. This second of two volumes covers the 14 Bomb Groups of the Third Air Division. First hand accounts, period photography, profile artworks and nose art scrap views bring to life aircraft from each of the groups within the Third Air Division.

Artikelname: B-17 Flying Fortress Units of the MTO
Artikelbeschreibung: Although the Fifteenth Air Force was dismissed as 'minor leaguers' by the Eighth Air Force, strategic bombers from this outfit had done a 'major league' job on Axis targets in southern Europe following its formation in Italy in November 1943. And the heavy bombers employed by the Fifteenth were of course the venerable B-17 and B-24. At its peak strength, the Fifteenth's B-17 force comprised six groups of four squadrons each, all controlled by the 5th Bomb Wing. Having been a part of the Fifteenth Air Force in 1944, author Bill Hess has long been waiting to write a definitive account on 'his air force'.

Artikelname: B-17 Flying Fortress Units of the Pacific War
Artikelbeschreibung: The B-17 saw combat in the Pacific from the moment a formation of these bombers arrived at Pearl Harbor during the midst of the 7 December 1941 Japanese attack. By the end of the war, SB-17 rescue craft were saving combat crews in the waters off Japan. This book reveals why, to the public, the Flying Fortress was better known than the Spitfire, the Boeing 747, or Lindbergh's Spirit of St Louis. The name recognition enjoyed by the B-17 was that company's reason for creating B-17 Steak Sauce and Osprey's reason to round out the saga of this great wartime aircraft.

Artikelname: B-24 Liberator Units of the Eighth Air Force
Artikelbeschreibung: The B-24 Liberator was built in greater numbers than any other US warplane, yet its combat crews live, even today, in the shadow of the less plentiful, but better-known, B-17. Accounts of the 'Mighty Eighth' in Europe, and indeed many of the books and films that emerged from the greatest air campaign in history, often overlook the B-24, even though it was in action for as long as the Flying Fortress, and participated in just as many perilous daylight bombing missions.

Artikelname: B-24 Liberator Units of the Fifteenth Air Force
Artikelbeschreibung: The B-24 was heavily utilised in the North African and Mediterranean theatres by the USAAF's Fifteenth Air Force, with operations over the Ploesti oilfields in Rumania being some of the most famous missions undertaken by the big American 'heavy' in World War 2. The stirling work of the Fifteenth Air Force is often overshadowed by the glamorous 'Mighty Eighth', yet the men flying the B-24 fought ceaselessly right through to VE Day. This is the third of five titles planned to chart the operational history of the Consolidated heavy bomber, and is the first single volume to exclusively cover the Fifteenth Air Force's B-24 units.

Artikelname: B-24 Liberator Units of the Pacific War
Artikelbeschreibung: Ever present in the Pacific from Pearl Harbor to VJ-Day, the B-24 Liberator proved to be the staple heavy bomber of the campaign. From its ignominious beginnings in the Allied rout in the Philippines and the Dutch East Indies, the bomber weathered the Japanese storm with a handful of bomb groups, which played a crucial role in checking the enemy's progress firstly in New Guinea, and then actively participating in the 'island hopping' campaign through the south-west Pacific.

Artikelname: B-25 Mitchell Units of the MTO
Artikelbeschreibung: From November 1942 through to May 1945, the backbone of the USAAF’s medium bomber force was provided by the clutch of bomb groups equipped with the B-25 Mitchell. First seeing action in North Africa in the wake of Operation Torch, and in the Battle of El Alamein, the ‘bombing twin’ proved to be one of the most successful allied combat types in the Mediterranean Theatre of Operations (MTO). The first of four volumes planned for the Combat Aircraft series on the Mitchell, this title includes first-hand accounts, 30 colour profiles and more than 100 colour and black and white photographs of the B-25 in the MTO.

Artikelname: B-26 Marauder Units of the Eighth and Ninth Air Forces
Artikelbeschreibung: The medium bomber 'workhorse' of the Ninth Air Force, Martin's much-maligned B-26 Marauder recovered from its poor start with the Eighth Air Force to go on and equip no less than eight bomber groups in the ETO. Although initially dubbed 'the widow maker', a change of tactics from low- to medium-level bombing for the Marauder soon improved the crews' chances of survival – indeed, by war's end it boasted a lower loss-per-sortie ratio than any other twin-engined bomber in the USAAF. This volume covers all aspects of Marauder operations in Western Europe, featuring first hand accounts from surviving B-26 crews, plus an analysis of the tactics employed.

Artikelname: B-29 Superfortress Units of World War 2
Artikelbeschreibung: The ultimate piston-engined heavy bomber of World War 2, the first production B-29s were delivered to the 58th Very Heavy Bomb Wing in the autumn of 1943. By the spring of 1944 the Superfortress was bombing targets in the Pacific, and by war’s end the aircraft had played as great a part as any weapon in ending the conflict with the Japanese. Indeed, the final dropping of two atomic bombs from the B-29 convinced the Japanese to sue for peace. This book traces the wartime career of the B-29, as the aircraft went from strength to strength in the Pacific Theatre.

During the tumultuous months of 1940, Portsmouth was mutilated by some of the fiercest air raids experienced outside London and, at the same time, was subjected to the threat of invasion and uncertainties of the Battle of Britain. The effects of these events on the city made an important chapter in its history. Amongst the many lesser known controversial stories of those perilous times is the scheme to illuminate Hayling Island at night as a decoy for Portsmouth.

The authors have meticulously scoured USA, British and German records, to compile a detailed study of the effects of the aerial warfare over the county in these momentous years. The aircrew and aircraft that involuntarily reached the ground are vividly described and fully illustrated.

Artikelname: Blenheim Squadrons of World War 2
Artikelbeschreibung: Built in large numbers in the years leading up to World War 2, Bristol's Blenheim saw use as both a fighter and bomber thanks to its high speed in relation to the biplane types it was then replacing. Aside from its work as the staple medium RAF bomber from 1939 through to 1942, Belnheims also served as pioneer radar-equipped nightfighters in 1940/41 and long-range patrol aircraft with Coastal Command. Obsolete in Europe by the end of 1940, the Belnheim continued to serve as a frontline bomber in North Africa, the Mediterranean and the Far East well into 1943.

Bognor at War is compiled largely from the photographs of the late Frank L’Alouette and the captions have been painstakingly researched using contemporary records and eye witness accounts to provide a unique photographic record of one town at war.

Artikelname: Britain's Air Defences: 1939-45
Artikelbeschreibung: German daylight raids on Britain began in the summer of 1940. They were expected and the country had been preparing for quite some time. Searchlights were in place, Fighter Command had been expanded, and anti-aircraft guns were being manufactured. It was from these first preparations that Britain developed tactics to counter the many air raids over the following years. This book shows how Britain prepared for air raids in the run up to the war and details all the tactics that were developed during the war to counter the many aerial attacks. Among the defence systems covered are anti-aircraft guns, barrage balloons and the RADAR system.

Artikelname: British Anti-tank Artillery 1939–45
Artikelbeschreibung: The rapid development of the tank as an offensive weapon following its introduction in World War I gave artillery theorists cause for concern during the 1920s and 1930s. By the beginning of World War II anti-tank guns had been developed, initially at around 37mm and 2 pounds in weight of shot. By the end of the war, monster anti-tank weapons were being developed, able to penetrate an armour thickness of up to 200mm at a range of 1,000 yards. This book explores the British efforts to keep up in a war of development, which saw heavier and more powerful guns eventually replaced by experimental ideas in an attempt to stop the German onslaught.

Artikelname: British Army 1939–45 Vol 1
Artikelbeschreibung: The Second World War was Britain's last conflict as a world power. For a year it saw Britain standing alone against the fascist dictatorships; winning it demanded the sacrifice of the entire national wealth. This first book of three describes the uniforms developed for European service. It traces the appearance of the 'Tommy' from pre-war mobilization, through the years of defeat and endurance, to D-Day and the long fighting advance to Northern Germany. The book also includes a campaign summary, infantry organization tables, lists of arms and services and basic specifications of a number of heavy weapons.

Artikelname: British Battlecruisers 1939–45
Artikelbeschreibung: When war broke out in 1939, only three true battlecruisers remained in the Royal Navy including HMS ‘Hood’, the world's largest and fastest capital ship for much of her life, which would be destroyed in action against the German battleship ‘Bismarck’. Out of the remaining two battlecruisers (‘Repulse’ and ‘Renown’) one was sunk by Japanese aircraft off Singapore, whilst the other served with distinction until the end of the war. This book traces the pre-war development of these spectacular warships, then describes their wartime exploits, using this to demonstrate their operational and mechanical performance. It examines what life was like on these wartime battlecruisers when they sailed into action.

Artikelname: British Battledress, 1937-61
Artikelbeschreibung: In the 1930s the War Office grew increasingly aware of the need for a new and more rational combat dress, and by 1937 the design for what would become known as 'battledress' was complete. Though the change in uniform was initially disappointing to the British soldiers, the new battledress served its purpose well, clothing the servicemen for more than 25 years with reasonable warmth and convenience. Complete with a wealth of photographs, diagrams and colour plates, this book offers a history of British battledress up to 1961, detailing its evolution in design, materials, sizes and applied insignia.

Artikelname: British Commanders of World War 2
Artikelbeschreibung: This book examines the key British commanders of World War II across the three branches of service. As well being provided with biographical details for each of the 24 commanders selected, we are given fascinating insights into their personalities and their style of command. Assessments of their combat records and performances under pressure are also supplied. Contemporary images and magnificent colour artworks provide details of their uniforms, dress and appearance during wartime service. The commanders brought to life by this book include Auchinleck, Alan Brooke, Cunnigham, Freyberg, Harris, Montgomery, Ramsay, Slessor, Slim, Tedder and Urquhart.

Artikelname: British Motor Torpedo Boat 1939–45
Artikelbeschreibung: During the Second World War, flotillas of the Royal Navy's Motor Torpedo Boats and other coastal forces fought a deadly war for control of the English Channel and the North Sea. These small, fast boats attacked enemy convoys, escorted freighters, landed secret agents and even raided enemy ports. Unsung heroes, these craft and their tiny crews helped stave off defeat in the dark days of 1940. The same vessels then took the fight to other waters, and by the end of the war, British MTB's had seen service in the Mediterranean, the Baltic and the Far East. This book examines the development and operation of these frail, sleek little warships, and describes the way they were manned and how they fought.

Artikelname: British Reconnaissance Corps in World War 2
Artikelbeschreibung: This book recounts the combat service, and explains the organization, of the 'Recce' Corps, whose units provided the mobile spearhead of the British infantry divisions from the Far East to Europe. Trained to probe ahead and locate the enemy, and to screen the flanks and rearguard when under attack, the Recce troopers fought both from their light armoured vehicles and on foot. The text is illustrated with rare photos from private collections and colour illustrations of uniforms, insignia and the armoured cars of a corps whose contribution to victory was largely forgotten after disbandment at the close of World War II.

Artikelname: British Soldier: From D-Day to V-Day
Artikelbeschreibung: From the beaches of Normandy to the banks of the Baltic Sea, the British Soldiers have etched their name in History during the liberation of Europe.In Vol. 1, the author concentrates on every part of the individual kit of the soldier: head-dress, uniforms, equipment, insignia and medals.

Artikelname: British Soldier: From D-Day to V-Day: Vol 2
Artikelbeschreibung: From the beaches of Normandy to the banks of the Baltic Sea, the British Soldiers have etched their name in History during the liberation of Europe.Vol. 2 features organisation, armament, heavy equipment, AFVs as well as field guns and the main types of military transports with their appropriate markings.With over 1200 illustrations, the combination of the two volumes makes an complete encyclopaedia of the British land formations in Western Europe in 1944-1945.

Artikelname: British Submarines 1939–45
Artikelbeschreibung: The submarine was the invisible but formidable weapon of the Royal Navy during World War II. This book examines the three major classes – ‘S’, ‘T’ and ‘U’ – detailing their design, development and modification. The major submarine engagements of the war are recounted, including the Norwegian campaign, the battle of Malta in March 1942, Operation Pedestal, and many other engagements in all theatres between the British subs, German U-Boats and Japanese subs. Using many previously unpublished sources and his own extensive underwater explorations, Innes McCartney gives a highly detailed account of the British submarine.

Artikelname: C-47/R4D Skytrain Units of the Pacific and CBI
Artikelbeschreibung: From Pearl Harbor to VJ-Day, the humble Douglas C-47/R4D carried out missions every bit as strategically important, and as dramatic for the aircrew involved, as those of the fighters and bombers in the vast Pacific/CBI theatres. The C-47's wartime operations paved the way for post-war military and civil air transport, proving that aircraft could safely conduct routine flights from the USA, Australia and India throughout the Pacific and South-east Asia. The flights also demonstrated how the USAAF was able to invest in, and carry out, a mission that it had barely prepared for in terms of doctrine pre-war. In addition to linking theatres, the C-47 found itself in the vanguard of combat operations on virtually a daily basis in New Guinea, Burma, the Philippines, the SWPA and China. The importance of these missions, and the dangers faced by crews tasked with carrying them out, is chronicled in numerous first-hand accounts from the aircrew involved in this unique volume on the Allies' favourite transport aircraft of World War 2

Artikelname: C-47/R4D Units of the ETO and MTO
Artikelbeschreibung: The C-47 units of the USAAF were an integral part of some of the most dramatic episodes of the European war: the airborne assaults in North Africa, Sicily, Normandy, southern France, Operation Market Garden and the crossing of the Rhine. The mass fratricide off Sicily, the night drop for D-Day and the Bastogne supply missions are also covered, along with more typical accounts of training, formation flying, airdrops and casualty evacuation missions. This book details an aircraft that remains a popular favourite and an acknowledged design classic, carrying out missions every bit as strategically important and as dramatic for the aircrew as those of the fighters and bombers.

Artikelname: Camouflage Uniforms of the Waffen SS: A Photographic Reference
Artikelbeschreibung: Finally a book that unveils the shroud of mystery surrounding Waffen-SS camouflage clothing. Illustrated here, both in full colour and in contemporary black and white photographs, this unparalleled look at Waffen-SS combat troops and their camouflage clothing will benefit both the historian and collector.

Artikelname: Canadian Airborne Forces Since 1942
Artikelbeschreibung: Canada's 1st Parachute Battalion earned a fearsome reputation on D-Day and in the two months of grim fighting that followed. It jumped again in the Rhine crossings, and fought its way deep into Germany by VE-Day - only to be disbanded soon afterwards. In the post-war era soldiers struggled to keep airborne skills alive until an ambitious new Airborne Regiment was raised in 1968. Since its controversial disbandment in 1995, the airborne torch has been carried onwards by the Parachute Companies of three Canadian infantry regiments who have recently served in Afghanistan. This book details the fascinating history of the Canadian Airborne forces.

Artikelname: Canadian Forces in World War II
Artikelbeschreibung: Canada was the first Commonwealth country to send troops to Britain in 1939. During 1939-45 hundreds of thousands of Canadians - more than 40 per cent of the male population between the ages of 18 and 45, and virtually all of them volunteers - enlisted. Canadians fought with tragic courage at Hong Kong and Dieppe; with growing strength and confidence in Sicily, Italy and Normandy; and finally provided an entire Army for the liberation of NW Europe. This concise account of an extraordinary national effort in the cause of freedom is supported by data tables, photos, and eight colour plates by Canada's most knowledgeable military illustrator.

Artikelname: Churchill Infantry Tank 1941–51
Artikelbeschreibung: The Churchill was undoubtedly one of the most successful British tanks of the Second World War. Although it suffered from being underarmed, a defect common to most British armoured vehicles of the period, it was nevertheless loved by its crews: its cross-country ability was unrivalled and it was less inclined to 'brew-up' from a direct hit than the Sherman. It was also adaptable. Modified Churchills played a crucial part in the initial D-Day landings and in the subsequent advance through France. Bryan Perrett traces the life of this slow-moving but effective and respected tank from its initial inception through till its eventual obsolescence.

Artikelname: Crusader and Covenanter Cruiser Tanks 1939–45
Artikelbeschreibung: The Covenanter (which never saw active service) and Crusader Cruiser tanks were developed between 1939 and 1940. The Crusader first saw action in the North African desert in June 1941: its speed and sleek design made it a hard target to hit, and the tank was well-respected by the Afrikakorps for its velocity in combat. But its hurried development prior to World War II also made it prone to mechanical failure. This book examines the Covenanter and the many variants of the Crusader tank, detailing the designs, developments and disappointments of these infamous World War II tanks.

Artikelname: D-Day Paratroopers: British, Canadian & French
Artikelbeschreibung: The very first ground actions on 6th June 1944 were fought by the Red Berets, the renowned British and Canadian paratroopers of the 6th Airborne Division, dropped over the Caen region, plus the lesser-known French SAS who jumped over Brittany the same day to fight a guerilla war against the Germans. This book offers every detail about these elite soldiers. This is the second volume in the two-book coverage of the Allied paratroopers in Normandy on D-Day 1944. In the spectacular illustrated style developed by Histoire & Collections, the books show in full colour recreations the detail of the troops' uniforms, equipment, special materials, insignia and details the orders of battle.

Artikelname: D-Day Paratroopers: US Airborne Divisions in Normandy
Artikelbeschreibung: On 6th June 1944, American paratroopers of the 82nd and 101st US Airborne Divisions were dropped over the Cotentin, on the western part of the Normandy beachhead. These troops engaged the German forces behind the Atlantic Wall defences as the main forces landed on Utah Beach. This is the first volume in the two-book coverage of the Allied paratroopers in Normandy on D-Day 1944. In the spectacular illustrated style developed by Histoire and Collections, the books show in full colour recreations the detail of the troops, uniforms, equipment, special materials, insignia and details the orders of battle.

Artikelname: Dragoon:August 15,1944 the Other Invasion of France
Artikelbeschreibung: On August 15, 1944, Operation ‘Dragoon’ was launched in Provence. Three American divisions sailing from Naples landed between Cavalaire and Saint-Raphaël. They were followed from Corsica, Taranto and Oran by four French divisions, who captured the cities and ports of Toulon and Marseilles after tough fighting. Then Americans and French rushed north, chasing the Germans, and liberated Lyons seventy days ahead of schedule. This adventure, with its long and meticulous planning, the incertitudes, the amphibious forces, the role played by Corsica, the German defenses, the Resistance fighters, the commandos, the airborne troops, the convoys and the assaults on the beaches, the capture of beachheads, ports, etc., is detailed here.

Revealed herein are the untold details of a patrol network that operated in a disguise during World War II. Their force would have been one to be reckoned with had a Nazi invasion taken place. The record of the secret hides and the many personal reminiscences combine to form an important part of local history.

Artikelname: Fallschirmjager in Crete
Artikelbeschreibung: Crete's invasion by German paratroopers in 1941 became and remains the role model for all airborne military operations in the twentieth century. Crete was a military centre with major naval strategic importance, and the Allies had expected an Axis seaborne invasion to capture it. Instead, an elite attack force of crack airborne troops, followed by transport aircraft, took the island in hours and the Luftwaffe's dominance of skies ensured that no Allied naval retaliation was possible. This book explains the organisation of the operation and proceeds to document with first hand accounts from actual participants in the invasion force each step of the battle.

Artikelname: Finland at War 1939-45
Artikelbeschreibung: In the face of Soviet invasion in 1939–40, and once again in1941–44, the armies raised by Finland – a tiny nation of only 4 million people - astonished the world by their effective resistance. At the end of both these campaigns – the Winter War, and the Continuation War – the fiercely patriotic defiance of vastly stronger Soviet forces by Marshal Mannerheim's soldiers won their country a unique prize: although forced to accept harsh terms, Finland was never occupied by the Red Army, and retained its independence. This book explains and illustrates, for the first time in English, the organization, uniforms, equipment and tactics of Finland's defenders.

Artikelname: First Special Service Force 1942-1944
Artikelbeschreibung: This is a concise history of the unique integrated commando-style brigade of US and Canadian volunteers formed in 1942. Hand picked, and trained in airborne, amphibious, mountain and winter warfare, demolitions and close-quarter tactics, they left a combat legacy still recognized amongst today's Special Forces. This book explores the remarkable results the FSSF achieved in Italy - in the harsh mountain fighting on the Winter Line, in the trenches of Anzio, and in the breakthrough to Rome. Accompanied by unique combat photography and illustrations of their distinctive uniforms, this is an insight into a famous, but little explored unit.

Artikelname: Flammpanzer German Flamethrowers 1941–45
Artikelbeschreibung: The first attempt at mounting a flamethrower in a German tank was not the result of an engineering design process but rather occurred as a field expedient, when German troops involved in the Spanish Civil War mounted small back-pack flamethrowers on their PzKpfw Is. The German authorities took up this idea and from early 1939 began to design a flamethrowing tank based on the Panzer II. This was the first in a long line of German tanks to be equipped with flamethrowers. During World War II versions of the Panzer III, Sturmgeschütz and half-track were all given flamethrowers. This book examines their development, weapons and operational use, often using original German combat reports.

Artikelname: French Foreign Legion, 1914-45
Artikelbeschreibung: In this worthy addition to the Men-at-Arms series, Martin Windrow examines the history and uniforms of the French Foreign Legion from the start of the First World War to the end of the Second World War. The author's knowledgeable text covers such topics as a comprehensive battle history of the Legion on the Western Front 1914-18, the colonial campaigns in Morocco, Syria and Indochina, the Battle of France and campaign in Tunisia. This volume is splendidly illustrated throughout, containing a wealth of contemporary photographs and eight full page colour plates by Mike Chappell.

Artikelname: From Leningrad to Berlin: Dutch Volunteers in The German Waffen SS 1941-1945
Artikelbeschreibung: When in June 1941 Nazi Germany invaded the Soviet Union, the SS appealed to young men in occupied areas to support the crusade against Bolshevism. At least 20,000 Dutchmen came forward to put their names down for this cause. The vast majority of them served in what was first called the legion, later the brigade and later still the 'Nederland' division. In From Leningrad to Berlin the history of the largest Dutch Waffen-SS unit on the eastern front is described for the first time.The main sources drawn on when writing this book were documents that survived the war, such as unit diaries and Berlin-generated paperwork on Dutch volunteers preserved in archives in Moscow and Prague, which can now be consulted in Dutch archives. By extensively studying the relevant literature the author has endeavoured to place the history of Dutch Waffen-SS volunteers in its rightful political and military context.

Artikelname: G.I. Collector's Guide
Artikelbeschreibung: Everything that was issued to the GI in Europe in 1943-45 is to be found in this book. Each chapter follows the spirit of the original QMC catalog, but here, every single item is photographed in colour(with every single label inside the garments and pieces of equipment shown in insert). Not only this book is an absolute must for the collector. It is also, for the general readership interested in military History, a perfect demonstration of what a big, industrialized country is able to provide his boys (and girls!) when the need has come.

Artikelname: German Airborne Troops 1939–45
Artikelbeschreibung: Airborne operations have often been called a vertical envelopment, and therein lies one of the best descriptions of their value. The essence of an envelopment is to pin the enemy in place so that it can be destroyed. A strong enemy force to one's rear disrupts supplies and communications and makes one more vulnerable to an attack from the front. It also has a major psychological impact. To an aggressor the value of airborne troops, used properly, far outweighs their numerical strength. Bruce Quarrie's engaging text tells the story of the German airborne troops of the Second World War.

Artikelname: German Armoured Cars and Reconnaissance Half-Tracks 1939–45
Artikelbeschreibung: Flexibility, mobility, and the ability to effectively communicate were all key requirements that the units operating armoured cars and reconnaissance half-tracks demanded – and that were also crucial to the Panzerwaffe and German Army as a whole. Bryan Perrett’s treatment of the development and history of German armoured cars and recce vehicles fully accounts for the crucial role that such units, and more importantly their vehicles, played during the course of World War II. Full orders of battle are also given, along with technical details and specifications of the vehicles assigned to particular units.

Artikelname: German Army Elite Units 1939–45
Artikelbeschreibung: In World War II a number of German Army units and divisions were classed as élites, and were distinguished by special insignia of various kinds. For some this status was simply a matter of lineage - e.g. the Infantry Regiment 'List', which traced its identity to the Bavarian unit with which Hitler had served in World War I. Some, like the 'Grossdeutschland' and Panzer-Lehr divisions, were raised from particularly high grade personnel. Other titles honoured extraordinary battlefield exploits or heroic sacrifice, like the 'Brandenburg' and 'Hoch und Deutschmeister' divisions. This fact-packed introduction to these famous units is illustrated with rare photographs and detailed colour plates.

Artikelname: German Battleships 1939–45
Artikelbeschreibung: In this, the first of a five volume series covering the capital ships of the German Navy of World War II, Gordon Williamson examines the design, development and operational use of the battleships used by the Kriegsmarine. The ‘Schlesien’ and ‘Schleswig-Hostein’ were used mostly as training ships until the end of the war when they took part in bombardment of Soviet troop movements in East Prussia. The ‘Scharnhorst’ had a successful career until her sinking at the battle of the North Cape, and the ‘Gneisenau’ with her ignominious end as a block-ship. Bismarck's short but glorious career and Tirpitz's lonely vigil in Norway's distant Fjords until sunk by RAF bombers using the massive 'Tallboy' bombs are also covered.

Artikelname: German Combat Equipments 1939–45
Artikelbeschreibung: The field equipment of the German Army in World War II was closely related to that used throughout World War I and earlier, yet it was of relatively light weight, ruggedly constructed, well designed, functional, and generally of a high quality, though this deteriorated in the later war years. A high degree of design standardisation was maintained in most categories of equipment, though materials and their colours often varied widely. There were also many different specialisations for the various arms of service as well as theatres of combat, such as the Afrikakorps in the Western Desert. This title investigates all manner of German combat equipments throughout World War II, from belt buckles to magazine pouches.

Artikelname: German Commanders of World War 2
Artikelbeschreibung: This fascinating study by Anthony Kemp outlines the careers and characters of a number of senior German commanders. To those who read military history many of the names are familiar. It is a paradox, however, that few biographies have been written. The impression still exists today of German generals as stiff-necked, scar-faced, monocled Prussians. Whilst in a few cases this was certainly true, the fact remains that all of them were men, some more ordinary than others. With a variety of photographs, eight full-page colour plates by Angus McBride, accompanied by ten pages of commentaries.

Artikelname: German Commanders of World War 2 Vol 2
Artikelbeschreibung: This second of two selections of Germany’s World War II field commanders summarizes the careers, and illustrates the appearance, of 26 men who rose to prominence in the Waffen-SS, Kriegsmarine and Luftwaffe. The subjects range from the commanders-in-chief and generals to younger officers whose fame and promotions were earned in combat on land, at sea and in the air. Some were dedicated supporters of the Nazi regime; others were motivated simply by patriotism and their military training. Every commander has an individual colour portrait expertly drawn by the respected World War II illustrator Malcolm McGregor.

Artikelname: German Commanders of World War2 vol 1
Artikelbeschreibung: This first of two studies examines the careers and illustrates the appearance and uniforms of 19 of the German Army’s leading field commanders in World War II. Their service covers the whole arc of that army’s wartime experience, from stunning success in 1939–41, through the hugely costly middle years on the Russian Front to the stubborn defensive fighting in both East and West in 1943–45. Also included are five more junior unit commanders chosen because their service typifies the achievements of combat leaders in regimental and battalion commands. The colour portraits are in the uniquely meticulous style of the respected World War II illustrator Malcolm McGregor.

Artikelname: German Destroyers 1939–45
Artikelbeschreibung: The German destroyer fleet of World War II consisted of nine classes: the Diether Von Roeder Class, the Leberecht Maas Class and the wartime classes Z23, Z35, Z37, Z40, Z43, Z46 and Z52. These vessels, though fewer in number than the British destroyer fleet, tended to be much bigger and more powerful than their allied counterparts. They served their country well in operations in the Channel, North Sea, the Far North and in the rescue of civilians from East Prussia during the final days of the war. This title describes their design, development and operational use from the fjords of Narvik to the final days of the war.

Artikelname: German E-boats 1939–45
Artikelbeschreibung: By the outbreak of World War II, Germany had done much to replace the Kaiser's High Seas Fleet, which was scuttled following their surrender at the end of World War I. Forced to build anew, the Kriegsmarine possessed some of the most technically advanced warships in existence. Although the heavy units of the fleet were too small in number to pose much of a threat, Germany was particularly well served by her Navy's smaller vessels, in particular the U-Boats and the S-Boats. Known to the allies as the E-Boats ('Enemy'), they performed sterling duties in the Black Sea and English Channel, where they became a particular scourge.

Artikelname: German Heavy Cruisers 1939–45
Artikelbeschreibung: The development of this excellent and successful class of warship only became possible after the Anglo-German naval agreement of 1935 eased restrictions on the types of ship Germany could build; even then only five of the class were permitted: the Admiral Hipper, the Blücher, the Prinz Eugen, the Seydlitz and the Lützow. These Cruisers were designed for Atlantic operations and had eight 8 inch guns, 12 10.5 cm heavy anti-aircraft guns and 17 smaller calibre anti aircraft guns as well as twelve torpedo tubes and their own compliment of up to six aircraft. This title covers the design, development and operational history of the Heavy Cruisers of the Admiral Hipper class.

Artikelname: German Light Cruisers 1939–45
Artikelbeschreibung: The German Navy of World War II was small in number, but contained some of the most technologically advanced capital ships in the world. This meant that although the Kriegsmarine never felt capable of encountering the might of the British Navy in a fleet action, her ships were individually more than a match for the outdated vessels of the Royal Navy. Nowhere was this more the case than in Germany's fleet of light cruisers. There were only six vessels in this fleet: the Emden, Leipzig, Köln, Königsberg, Karlsruhe and Nurnberg. This book describes their design, development and varied operational history throughout the course of the Second World War.

Artikelname: German Light Panzers 1932–42
Artikelbeschreibung: The light tanks of the Panzerwaffe make a fascinating subject for technical and historical study. Operation Barbarossa was the light tanks' swan song: thoroughly experienced and at the peak of self-confidence, the Panzergruppen brought Moscow to almost within Hitler's grasp. However, the effectiveness and popularity of the light panzers was only proven because Hitler's Panzerwaffe (despite their technical excellence) was poorly equipped. The critically short supply of the Panzerkampfwagen III and IV placed an ever-increasing onus on the light tanks that filled out the Panzerwaffe's ranks during the glory years. In this book, Bryan Perrett examines the evolution of the PzKpfw I and II.

Artikelname: German Military Police Units 1939–45
Artikelbeschreibung: he military policeman must be one of the least appreciated yet most indispensable military figures in modern history. In the mobile warfare of the 20th century no army could keep its vital supply routes open without the military policeman. This book documents the organisation, uniforms and insignia of the many and varied German military police units of World War II. Their duties included traffic control; maintaining military order and discipline; collection and escorting prisoners of war; prevention of looting; disarming civilians; checking captured enemy soldiers for documents; collection of fallen enemy propaganda leaflets and providing street patrols in occupied areas.

Artikelname: German Mountain & Ski Troops 1939–45
Artikelbeschreibung: Fighting in every theatre from the burning sands of North Africa to the icy wastes above the arctic circle the German Army's Gebirgstruppen troops were some of the most effective in the whole of the Wehrmacht. Their esprit de corps and morale were extremely high and their commanders, men such as Eduard Dietl, the 'Hero of Narvik', and Julius 'Papa' Ringel, were idolised by their men. Dietl himself was the first soldier of the Wehrmacht to be awarded the coveted Oakleaves to the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross. In this book Gordon Williamson details the uniforms, organisation and combat histories of these elite troops.

Artikelname: German Pocket Battleships 1939–45
Artikelbeschreibung: After the end of World War I, the German Navy came up with the concept of the Panzerschiffe, or Pocket Battleship, as a method of circumventing treaty limitations on the size and types of ship Germany was permitted to build. New, more modern production methods, where welded construction prevailed over the older riveting process, were combined with the development of modern engines capable of fast speeds and a very powerful armament, far superior to that on any enemy Cruisers. This book covers these three sister ships, the ‘Deutschland’, the ‘Admiral Graf Spee’ and the ‘Admiral Scheer’, which formed the core of the Kriegsmarine's fighting power at the start of World War II.

Artikelname: German Soldiers of World War Two
Artikelbeschreibung: Every soldier is shown full page, front and back, with numerous detail views on headdress, equipment, etc. The chronological order is retained, while the widest selection of sihouettes of 3rd Reich armed forces membres is featured, from the most famous uniforms to the lesser known ones.

Artikelname: German U-Boat Crews, 1914-45
Artikelbeschreibung: If one single weapon in Germany's arsenal can be said to have come closest to winning the war for the Third Reich, it was without doubt the U-Boat. German U-Boat technology, training, tactics and combat successes far exceeded those of any of the other combatant nations, and even as the Third Reich was crumbling, technically advanced vessels such as the Type XXI, many years ahead of its time, were being put into volume production. Gordon Williamson provides a fascinating overview of the achievements of the U-Boat Waffe in both wars, together with a study of the uniforms and insignia worn by U-Boat crews.

Artikelname: Germany's Eastern Front Allies 1941–45
Artikelbeschreibung: The 1930s were a time of growing tension for the smaller states of Eastern Europe. Since the end of the First World War they had enjoyed an independence which most of them had not known for centuries, but this was now threatened by the growing power of Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia. Instead of combining for self defence, they were bitterly divided. The Munich crisis showed how little reliance could be placed on the Western democracies, whose power to intervene militarily in Eastern Europe was negligible. In effect this left the smaller East European states with little alternative but to become clients of either Germany or Russia.

Artikelname: Germany's Eastern Front Allies Vol 2
Artikelbeschreibung: The Baltic nations - Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania - enjoyed a brief independence between the World Wars before being annexed by the USSR in 1940. The grim experience of Soviet occupation made it inevitable that after the German invasion of Russia in 1941 they would fight beside the Wehrmacht as allies against the Red Army while always hoping for restored independence. That hope was crushed again in 1944-45; yet 'Forest Brother' guerrillas continued to fight against hopeless odds for years after the second Soviet occupation. This extraordinary story is illustrated here with rare photos, insignia charts, tables of units and detailed uniform plates.

The Spanish Civil War had been a conflict between the nationalists and conservatives on one side, and what they saw as the opposing anarchic atheistic Marxism which was eroding the traditional Catholic values of Spain. The nationalists eventually won with the aid of Germany against the Soviet backed Marxists, and four years later, the Spaniards seized the opportunity to settle a score with those who had attempted to disintegrate their country. John Scurr's book provides an absorbing account of the organisation, campaigns and uniforms of Germany's Spanish volunteers who fought from 1941-45.

Artikelname: Halifax Squadrons of World War 2
Artikelbeschreibung: The second of Britain's four-engined bombers to enter frontline service, Handley Page's Halifax has forever lived in the shadow of Avro's superb Lancaster. However, it was a Halifax which became the first RAF 'heavy' to drop bombs on Germany when No 35 Sqn raided Hamburg on the night of 12/13 March 1941. Between 1941-45, the Halifax completed some 75,532 sorties [compared with the Lancaster's 156,000] with Bomber Command alone, not to mention its sterling work as both a glider tug and paratroop carrier with the Airborne Forces, maritime patrol mount with Coastal Command and covert intruder with the SOE.

Artikelname: Helldiver Units of World War Two
Artikelbeschreibung: The most numerous Allied dive-bomber of World War 2, the Curtiss Helldiver endured a prolonged gestation period to mature into one of the most effective aircraft of its type to see service in the Pacific theatre of war. Some 7200 aircraft were built between 1942 and 1945, the type making its service debut over Rabaul on 11 November 1943 in the hands of VB-17, this unit flying SB2C-1Cs from the deck of USS Bunker Hill. Although hated by the myriad crews sent into combat strapped to a Helldiver, the bomber was responsible for the destruction of more Japanese targets than any other dive-bomber.

Artikelname: Heroes of the Soviet Union 1941–45
Artikelbeschreibung: The Great Patriotic War began on 22 June 1941, when the Germans invaded the Soviet Union. Over 10 million Soviet soldiers took part in the war and of those about 12,600 earned the Soviet Union’s highest military award - the Hero of the Soviet Union - for deeds of great daring and self sacrifice. This book covers the male recipients of the Hero of the Soviet Union award during the Great Patriotic War. Snipers, fighter pilots, partisans and spies are all included, together with the famous aces Pokryshkin and Kozhedub, who both gained the award an amazing three times.

Artikelname: Heroines of the Soviet Union 1941-45
Artikelbeschreibung: When the Great Patriotic War began many women volunteered for the armed forces, but most of them were rejected. They were steered towards nursing or other supportive roles. Many determined women managed to enter combat by first volunteering as field medics and nurses, then simply picking up a gun during the battle, and charging boldly into the line of fire. In the area of aviation, women also contributed greatly to the war effort. In rickety biplanes, they flew bombing missions at night, without parachutes; their only protection was the darkness. This book tells the stories of the brave women that were awarded the Soviet Union's most prestigious title - Hero of the Soviet Union - for their bravery in protecting their homeland.

Artikelname: Hitler Youth
Artikelbeschreibung: The recruitment of children into a political organisation and ideology reached its boldest embodiment in the Hitler Youth, founded in 1933 soon after the Nazi Party assumed power in Germany. The result was a potent tool for bending young minds and hearts to the will of Adolf Hitler.

Artikelname: Hitler's Bandit Hunters: The SS and the Nazi Occupation of Europe
Artikelbeschreibung: In August 1942, Hitler directed all German state institutions to assist Heinrich Himmler, the chief of the SS and the German police, in eradicating armed resistance in the newly occupied territories of Eastern Europe and Russia. The directive for "combating banditry" (Bandenbekampfung) became the third component of the Nazi regime's three-part strategy for German national security, with genocide (Endlosung der Judenfrage, or "the Final Solution of the Jewish Question") and slave labor (Erfassung, or "Registration of Persons to Hard Labor") being the better-known others. An original and thought-provoking work grounded in extensive research in German archives, "Hitler's Bandit Hunters" focuses on this counterinsurgency campaign, the anvil of Hitler's crusade for empire.

Artikelname: Hitler's Renegades: Foreign Nationals in the Service of the Third Reich
Artikelbeschreibung: One of the least palatable but most fascinating aspects of World War II was the integration of willing foreign volunteers into the German Army and Waffen-SS. From countries ranging from India to the Balkans, entire divisions were made up of non-German combatants who saw action in every theater. Some of these units evolved into tenacious and elite formations, equal in fighting ability to any of the Wehrmacht's regular troops. Hitler's Renegades is the story of the two million men who made the conscious decision to side with Hitler, even when some of them found Nazi Germany itself and its ideals abhorrent. World War II historian and photo archivist Christopher Ailsby attempts to explain why they made that fateful choice. Illustrated with vivid black-and-white photographs (many previously unpublished) of the non-German units in action, this book is the first to chronicle the story of all the foreign troops in Hitler's service, to detail their significance to the war, and to describe how they fared in its aftermath.

Artikelname: III. Pz. Korps at Kursk
Artikelbeschreibung: The German IIIrd Panzer Korps has suffered hell during the Battle of Kursk, the greatest armoured clash of WWII. This book is an incredibly precise account, yard per yard, hour per hour, of the ten days of the battle that was fought on a 6-mile front by the elite of German Panzer forces, opposing the Soviet army. Thanks to first-hand witnesses and photographs provided with accurate captions written by the actor themselves, the author traces the lines of a gigantic fight. Many unpublished photos, never read before accounts and colour profiles of tanks and AFVs make this book an invaluable reference guide

Artikelname: Imperial Japanese Navy Aircraft Carriers 1921–45
Artikelbeschreibung: The Imperial Japanese Navy was a pioneer in naval aviation, having commissioned the world's first built-from-the-keel-up carrier, the Hosho. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, it experimented with its carriers, perfecting their design and construction. As a result, by the time Japan entered World War II and attacked the United States at Pearl Harbor in 1941, it possessed a fantastically effective naval aviation force. This book covers the design, development and operation of IJN aircraft carriers built prior to and during World War II. Pearl Harbor, Midway and the first carrier vs carrier battle, the battle of the Coral Sea, are all discussed.

Artikelname: Imperial Japanese Navy Submarines 1941-45
Artikelbeschreibung: During World War II the Imperial Japanese Navy was at the forefront of submarine technology. It fielded the largest pre-nuclear submarines in the world, some capable of carrying floatplane bombers, which operated alongside fast combat vessels and midget submarines, all equipped with the best torpedoes available. The Japanese submarine fleet should have been an awe-inspiring force but, despite playing a crucial scouting role and enjoying several notable successes, it was surprisingly ineffective. Using unique color plates, Mark Stille describes the astounding technical advances of this range of vessels, and the wartime tactics responsible for their failure.

Artikelname: Infantry Mortars of World War II
Artikelbeschreibung: The mortar has proved to be one of the most influential and prevalent infantry support weapons of the 20th century. Throughout the course of World War II many different varieties of this weapon were used by the six main armies of the war: Britain, the USA, the Soviet Union, Germany Italy and Japan. Although the concept of the mortar was similar throughout these armies, calibres and usage varied enormously, dependent upon tactical use and terrain. This title covers all variants from the British 3-in.-equipped 'Heavy Weapon Companies', through to the Soviet12cm mortars, which were incorporated into the Tank Corps for the storming of Berlin in 1945.

Artikelname: Inter-Allied Commando 1940-45
Artikelbeschreibung: The largest, but least-known of all Britain's elite wartime Commando raiding units, No.10 (Inter-Allied) was recruited from volunteers from many nations who had fled to Britain after their own countries fell to the Nazis. Alongside Poles, Frenchmen, Dutchmen, Belgians and Norwegians, the unit included a small number of remarkably brave German and Austrian refugees. These commandos took part in daring raids, intelligence missions and conventional infantry battles, earning many decorations for gallantry and leadership. Detailing the wartime exploits of these courageous fighters, some of whom went on to form the nucleus of their liberated nations' new special forces, this book gives an insight into a fascinating unit that is often overlooked.

Artikelname: Irish Regiments in the World Wars_1
Artikelbeschreibung: For nearly 250 years, Irish soldiers made up a significant minority of the British Army. In 1914-18, despite the rising movement for Irish independence, more than 200,000 Irishmen volunteered, and won an imperishable reputation. Although independent Eire remained neutral in World War II, more than 40,000 volunteers from the South joined forces from Ulster to serve in the British forces. This book places the records of such heroic names as the Inniskillings, the Munsters, the Dublin Fusiliers and the Royal Irish Rifles in the context of the World Wars, and illustrates a selection of their uniforms and insignia.

Artikelname: IS-2 Heavy Tank 1944–73
Artikelbeschreibung: The Iosef Stalin tanks were the ultimate heavy tanks developed by the Soviet Union and were popularly called 'Victory tanks' due to their close association with the defeat of Germany in 1945. Yet in spite of their reputation, the Stalin tanks emerged from a troubled design, had a brief moment of glory in 1944 and 1945, and disappeared in ignominy after 1960. This title covers the events contributing to the Soviet Union’s need to design the new series, with particular reference to the unsuccessful KV series and the advent of a new generation of heavy German tanks including the Tiger. It also covers their development, operational history and myriad variants.

Artikelname: Jagdpanzer 38 'Hetzer' 1944–45
Artikelbeschreibung: The Jagdpanzer 38 is one of the best known German armoured fighting vehicles from World War II. Rushed into series production in the record time of less than four months, it was instantly recognisable by the sleek appearance created by its well-sloped armour. Many experts in post-war armour hold the opinion that this tank destroyer was just the answer to Germany's problem of dealing with the numerically superior American M4 Medium tank (known to the British Army as the Sherman) and the Russian T-34.

Artikelname: Japanese Army of World War II
Artikelbeschreibung: In 1941 the Allied forces in the Pacific were devastatingly unprepared for the onslaught of the Japanese Army, which by this time had been fighting for ten years on the Manchurian front. The Allies paid dearly for their lack of planning and found themselves defeated time and time again as the seasoned Japanese forces swept through the Pacific colonies. This book examines the Japanese concept of war and describes the organisation, tactics and weaponry of the Japanese Army from their triumphant invasions of 1941-42 until their ultimate defeat in 1945. Numerous illustrations and colour plates depict the weapons and uniforms of the Japanese troops in vivid detail.

Artikelname: Japanese Paratroop Forces of World War 2
Artikelbeschreibung: For the first time in English, this book offers a concise but fact-packed account of the organization, equipment, and all operations of Japan's small but elite wartime parachute forces. Correcting and amplifying previous accounts based on wartime intelligence, it traces the Imperial Army's Raiding Regiments and the Imperial Navy's parachute-trained Yokosuka 1st & 3rd Special Naval Landing Forces from the first trials units, through their successful assaults in early 1942, to the last desperate battles and raids of 1944–45. The text is illustrated with rare photographs, and meticulouslyreconstructed colour artworkof the men and their gear.

Artikelname: Japanese Special Naval Landing Forces
Artikelbeschreibung: The Imperial Japanese Navy’s Special Landing Force units enjoyed a reputation out of proportion to their small size. Often wrongly termed “Imperial Marines”, they were in fact sailors led by Naval officers, and traced their origins directly to landing parties from warships. Their true combat debut was at Shanghai in 1932; thereafter the SNLF expanded and fought in the assaults that followed Pearl Habor in 1941, and were dispersed as island garrisons during the Pacific campaigns. This book describes their uniforms and equipment in unprecedented detail, including colour photos of original items from private collections.

Artikelname: Jeeps 1941–45
Artikelbeschreibung: The jeep was the most famous military vehicle of World War II, and its name has become synonymous with a whole class of military and civilian all-terrain vehicles. The jeep originated in a prewar US Army requirement for a simple, inexpensive, and robust vehicle for basic utility chores. Its simple design proved to be adaptable to a host of military tasks including use as a scout vehicle, battlefield ambulance, communications vehicle, and staff car. This book, covering “the savior of World War II”, focuses on the design and development of this versatile vehicle used on nearly every front of World War II.

Artikelname: Ju 88 Kampfgeschwader on the Western Front
Artikelbeschreibung: Undoubtedly the most versatile German aircraft of World War 2, the Junkers Ju 88 served as a fighter, bomber and patrol aircraft on every front on which the Luftwaffe fought. Blooded in action during the Blitzkrieg, the Ju 88 soon proved to be a formidable opponent for the beleaguered Allied air forces. This book is the first of three volumes which will cover the Ju 88's extensive wartime service in the bomber role, and it details the aircraft's early campaigns, through to its extensive use in the night Blitz of 1940-41.

Artikelname: Junkers Ju 87 Stukageschwader of North Africa and the Mediterranean
Artikelbeschreibung: The 'terror weapon' of the invasion of Poland, the assault on Scandinavia and the Blitzkrieg through western Europe, the Ju 87 Stuka had had its reputation severely dented during the Battle of Britain, where its vulnerability to fighter aircraft in hostile skies was savagely exposed. Licking their wounds, the Stukageschwader were sent south-east from their bases in France to the warmer climes of the Balkans in early 1941. In mid-1941, again frustrated at the inability of the Italians to defeat numerically inferior Allied forces, the Germans arrived in North Africa. Included in the force were Ju 87s. However, like operations on the African continent, their efforts were doomed to failure, and from mid-1942 onwards the Stuka proved to be little more than cannon fodder for Allied fighters

Artikelname: Junkers Ju 87: Stukageschwader, 1937-41
Artikelbeschreibung: The Ju 87 Stuka was the most feared weapon in the German arsenal in the first year of World War 2, the Luftwaffe using it to deadly effect during the Blitzkrieg between September 1939 and June 1940. Although vulnerable to the enemy fighters due to its moderate speed in level flight and general lack of manoeuvrability, the Ju 87 nevertheless soon came to symbolise the might of Nazi Germany as the mere handful of Stukageschwader supporting the Wehrmacht rampaging out of the Fatherland took a heavy toll of the Allied forces.

Artikelname: Kingtiger Heavy Tank 1942–45
Artikelbeschreibung: As World War II entered its later stages and Germany was forced increasingly onto the defensive, the need for fast-moving mobile forces lessened and the Wehrmacht required better protected and more powerfully armed tanks. After debacles against the T-34, Hitler and the Panzerwaffe were determined not to be unprepared again. The result of this determination was the production of the heaviest and largest tank to see combat during World War II, the Tiger II or Konigstiger (Kingtiger). This title examines this formidable weapon, covering the problems and controversies surrounding its design and production as well as a detailed listing of every unit that was equipped with the Tiger II.

Artikelname: Knight's Cross and Oak-Leaves Recipients 1939–40
Artikelbeschreibung: In 1939 a new grade in the Iron Cross series was introduced, the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes). It was awarded for a variety of reasons, from skilled leadership to a single act of extreme gallantry, and was bestowed across all ranks, grades, and branches of service. As the war progresed, further distinctions were created for bestowal on existing winners, namely Oak-Leaves (Eichenlaub); Oak-Leaves with Swords (Eichenlaub und Schwertern); and Oak-Leaves with Swords and Diamonds (Eichenlaub, Schwerter und Brillanten). This book, the first in a sequence of four, covers winners of the Knights Cross and the Oak-Leaves distinction in the period 1939-40.

Artikelname: Knight's Cross and Oak-Leaves Recipients 1941–45
Artikelbeschreibung: The remarkable early successes of the armed forces of the Third Reich prompted the decision that the supreme decoration for personal valour or outstanding leadership – the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross – was insufficient. To mark further acts of gallantry a new distinction was created in June 1940: the Oak-Leaves clasp. Further decorations in the form of the Swords and, finally, the Diamonds were added. This second title in our series describes and illustrates a selection of recipients of the Knight’s Cross and Oak-Leaves between 1941 and early 1944, when the Wehrmacht was engaged on all fronts, as well as at sea and in the air.

Artikelname: Knight's Cross, Oak-Leaves and Swords Recipients 1941–45
Artikelbeschreibung: On 21 June 1941, as the Wehrmacht stormed forward across frontiers of the Soviet Union, Hitler instituted a new higher grade of the Knight's Cross decoration for galantry and leadership: the silver clasp of the Oak-leaves with Swords. It would be awarded to only 159 men of the approximately 15 million who served in the German armed forces during World War II. This third in a sequence of four titles describes and illustrates a selection of the recipients: from much-wounded front line infantry officers, to Hitler's 'brother-in-law'; from a sergeant pilot fighter ace, to the commanding general of the greatest tank force ever gathered on the Russian Front.

Artikelname: Kriegsmarine U-boats 1939–45
Artikelbeschreibung: This, the first of two volumes on Germany's World War II U-boats, traces their development from the early U-boats of the Kaiser's Navy, the prohibition on Germany having U-boats following the Armistice in 1918 and the subsequent Treaty of Versailles, the secret development of U-boats using a 'cover-firm' in Holland, culminating in the formation of the 1st U-boat Flotilla in 1935 with the modern Type II. The operational history section includes examples from the Classes Type VIIA, Type VIIB, VIID, VIIE and VIIF before concentrating on the mainstay of the U-boat arm, the Type VIIC. Comparisons are also made with the standard allied submarines, their strengths, weaknesses and U-boat tactics.

Artikelname: Kriegsmarine U-boats 1939–45 Vol2
Artikelbeschreibung: This title follows from New Vanguard 51: Kriegsmarine U-boats 1939–45 (1) and charts the continuing development of the U-boat in German service, including the evolution of the Type IX as a long range 'cruiser' intended for solo operations in distant waters. Also covered is the revolutionary Type XXI, conceived of in 1942 and launched in April 1944, the first true submarine rather than submersible, whose arrival was just too late to influence the war. Other vessels covered are the Type XXIII, a small vessel armed with only two torpedoes but technically highly advanced, and the Type X minelayers, which were rarely used in their intended role and more often used as supply boats.

Artikelname: KV-1 & 2 Heavy Tanks 1939–45
Artikelbeschreibung: Named after Klimenti Voroshilov, the People’s Commissar for Defence, the KVs proved a nasty surprise for German tank crews during the early days of Operation Barbarossa. Although slow, they were extremely heavily armoured. This volume examines the transition from multi-turreted tanks to heavy single-turret vehicles, consisting of the KV-1 and 2, and the increased favour given to the heavy single-turret after the Germans began to develop ammunition capable of penetrating even the thickest armour, whilst detailing the design, development and operational history of the Soviet Union’s monstrous KV series of tanks.

Artikelname: Lancaster Squadrons 1942-43
Artikelbeschreibung: The RAF’s most successful heavy bomber of World War 2, the Avro Lancaster formed the backbone of Bomber Command during the large-scale night bombing campaign against occupied Europe. In this, the first of two volumes on the British bomber icon of World War 2, noted English aviation historian Jon Lake recounts the early daylight raids, the first ‘thousand bomber’ raids on Germany and the epic ‘Dambusters’ mission of 16/17 May 1943 by No 617 Sqn, as well as myriad other sorties to numerous German targets in 1942-43. This volume contains more than 100 photographs, 30 all-new colour profiles by leading aviation artist Chris Davey and specially commissioned scale drawings of the Lancaster B I/II by Mark Styling.

Artikelname: Lancaster Squadrons 1944-1945
Artikelbeschreibung: The RAF's most successful heavy bomber of World War 2, the Avro Lancaster formed the backbone of Bomber Command during the large-scale night bombing campaign against occupied Europe. Produced in massive numbers (over 7300 up to VE-Day), the first examples entered squadron service on Christmas Eve 1941, and tasted combat the following March. The second of two volumes on the British bomber icon of World War 2, this book details Bomber Command's massive nocturnal bombing campaign, its support for the D-Day landings, Tallboy raids against the U-boat pens in France and the battleship Tirpitz in Norway, and the final daylight missions of 1945.

Artikelname: Landing Ship, Tank (LST) 1942–2002
Artikelbeschreibung: The Landing Ship Tank (LST) is one of the most famous of the many World War II amphibious warfare ships. Capable of discharging its cargo directly on to shore and extracting itself, the LST provided the backbone of all Allied landings between 1943 and 1945, notably during the D-Day invasion. Through its history, the LST saw service from late 1942 until late 2002, when the US Navy decommissioned the USS Frederick (LST-1184), the last ship of its type. This book reveals the development and use of the LST, including its excellence beyond its initial design expectations.

Artikelname: Luftwaffe Air & Ground Crew 1939–45
Artikelbeschreibung: The Luftwaffe, honed in the Spanish Civil War, played a vital part in Germany's 'Blitzkrieg' victories in 1939-41. Badly overstretched by war on three fronts in 1942-44, it was crippled by an incompetent commander-in-chief, the losses among experienced aircrew, and shortage of fuel. In 1944-45 it faced a final battle of attrition in skies ruled by the Allies as the Eastern and Western pincers closed on the Reich; but until the very end the dwindling band of veteran pilots - among them the greatest 'aces' the world has ever known - presented a potent threat. This fact-packed review of Luftwaffe uniforms and flying kit is illustrated with rare personal photos, insignia charts, and two dozen meticulously detailed colour figures.

Artikelname: Luftwaffe Field Divisions 1941–45
Artikelbeschreibung: Hermann Göring raised the Luftwaffe Field Divisions [LwFD] during 1942, when Nazi Germany was still making spectacular gains but was first feeling the pinch of its losses on the Eastern Front. The Reichsmarschall decided to raise his own divisions for ground service under the command of Luftwaffe officers. On 17 September 1942, Göring called for volunteers from throughout the Luftwaffe for combat duty in the East. Even before that date, however, some Luftwaffe troops were heavily engaged against the enemy in Russia in a ground role. Kevin Conley Ruffner's engaging text tells the fascinating story of the LwFD.

Artikelname: M10 and M36 Tank Destroyers 1942–53
Artikelbeschreibung: The US Army had a unique tactical doctrine during World War II, placing the emphasis for tank fighting on its Tank Destroyer Command whose main early-war vehicle was the M10 3-inch Gun Motor Carriage, based on the reliable M4A2 Sherman tank chassis. This durable and versatile vehicle saw combat service from the North Africa campaign in 1943. By 1944, its gun was not powerful enough and it was rearmed with the new 90 mm gun, becoming the M36 90mm Gun Motor Carriage. This book details one of the only US armoured vehicles capable of dealing with the Panther and Tiger during the Battle of the Bulge.

Artikelname: M18 Hellcat Tank Destroyer 1943–97
Artikelbeschreibung: The M18 76mm Gun Motor Carriage was developed for the US Army's Tank Destroyer Command. It was the only tank destroyer deployed during World War II actually based on their requirements for speed and firepower. This book examines the development of this vehicle, the controversies over the need for high-speed tank destroyers, and its actual performance during World War II. Special emphasis is placed on examining its performance in its intended mission. Coverage also includes derivative vehicles of the M18 such as the M39 armored utility vehicle.

Artikelname: M24 Chaffee Light Tank 1943–85
Artikelbeschreibung: The history of US light tanks during World War II is a chequered one. The Light Battalions of US Armored Divisions were initially filled with M3A1 and M5 Stuart tanks, however, on the battlefields of North Africa it was realised that these were disastrously under armoured and gunned, and a replacement, or the abandonment of light tank doctrine, was desperately needed. It wasn't until the last few months of WWII that the M24 Chaffee came into service and it was extensively used in combat from the Battle of the Bulge to the final campaigns in Germany. This book will trace the history of this design, its combat record in World War II, its many variants, and its extensive combat record post 1945.

Artikelname: M26/M46 Pershing Tank 1943–53
Artikelbeschreibung: From the moment that the M4 Sherman had been matched against German Panther and Tiger tanks, the American tank crews had known that their vehicles were outclassed by the opposition. What was needed was a more powerful tank, more heavily armed and armored, that could take-on the powerful German panzers on a more equal footing. Although it took time to develop by the latter months of the war numbers of M26 Pershing tanks were reaching the frontline US armored units. Well armored and with a powerful 90mm gun the Pershing was a match for any tank in the German order of battle.

Artikelname: M3 & M5 Stuart Light Tank 1940–45
Artikelbeschreibung: The M3 and M5 family of light tanks were the culmination of American tank development of the 1930s. By the time of the outbreak of the World War II, they were approaching obsolescence, as tank forces in Europe were shifting from light to medium tanks as the main element of their armored forces. First entering combat in the autumn of 1941 in the Western Desert with the British Army, the Stuart quickly proved its inadequacies. The M3 and M5 light tanks proved more suitable in the Pacific theater than in Europe, and fought successfully in many of the major battles including Guadalcanal, Tarawa and Peleliu. This title narrates this distinctive and unusual fighting vehicle's history.

Artikelname: M3 Infantry Half-Track 1940–73
Artikelbeschreibung: As armoured warfare tactics matured, mechanised infantry became a key ingredient in what is now called 'combined arms' doctrine. For the US Army of World War 2, the most important technical aspect of infantry mechanisation was the development of the M3 half-track personnel carrier. Steven Zaloga guides the reader through the early 1930s development of the half-track, its first deployment in action in the Philippines in 1941 and its varied and vital role in international deployments since World War 2. This authoritative text also examines the operators of half-tracks and the troops that they carried.

Artikelname: M3 Lee/Grant Medium Tank 1941–45
Artikelbeschreibung: The highly successful 'stop-gap' M3 medium tank was designed in 1941, and as adequate turret casting facilities were not yet ready, the M3 used an unusual armament configuration patterned after a French tank. British lend-lease demands led to the design of a second turret type with the US version called the Lee and the British version the Grant. It could penetrate Panzer armor, and its explosive firepower was excellent for dealing with German anti-tank guns. This book covers the design, development, service and variants of a vehicle that was the backbone of many World War II forces.

Artikelname: M4 (76mm) Sherman Medium Tank 1943–65
Artikelbeschreibung: The M4 Sherman tank was the mainstay of the Western allies between 1942 and 1945. Fast and modern it was a big success and was transported as far afield as Russia and North Africa. The American Chief of Staff claimed in November 1943 it was 'hailed widely as the best tank on the battlefield today…’. However, by the Normandy invasion of June 1944 this was not the case: the new German heavy tanks such as the Panther and Tiger were completely outclassing the Sherman. This title covers the M4 version armed with the 76 mm gun, examining developments such as the HVSS suspension, using much new archive material.

Artikelname: M8 Greyhound Light Armored Car 1941–91
Artikelbeschreibung: The M8 light armored car was the only significant wheeled combat vehicle used by the US Army in World War II. In conjunction with the lightly armed utility version, the M20, it was the staple of the army's cavalry squadrons for use in reconnaissance and scouting. First entering combat in Italy in 1943, it was widely used throughout the campaign in northwest Europe, though its off-road performance was found to be wanting. This title describes the design and development of the M8, covering the many variants that were produced during World War II and afterwards, along with a comprehensive survey of its operational use.

In 1976 Maj. James Capers Jr. welcomed new men and their families into a force reconnaissance company. 'Only the most capable Marines are selected for this duty due to rigid mental and physical demands. A very thorough screening of each applicant is conducted … to test alertness and endurance. The result is a small elite unit with highly qualified Marines who are considered the best in the world'. Ex-Marine Charles D Melson examines the history, equipment and insignia of the Marine's amphibious and ground long-range patrol reconnaissance specialists in this volume which contains a wealth of photographs and 12 full page colour plates by Paul Hannon.

Artikelname: Matilda Infantry Tank 1938–45
Artikelbeschreibung: The Matilda was the principal British infantry tank in the early years of World War II. It served with the BEF in France and later in North Africa, where it earned the title ‘Queen of the Desert’. Outclassed by increasingly powerful German anti-tank weapons, it still remained a power in the South-East Pacific, and was kept in service until the end of the war by Australian forces. In this title, David Fletcher deals with Marks I to V. Development and operational history are discussed, along with service in other countries, including Germany and Russia. Numerous variants are also covered, including the prototype ‘Hedgehog’ bunker-busting weapon.

The coastal plain of West Sussex has no significant natural defensive positions and has therefore been defended by a number of man-made structures, ranging from the substantial to the comical. All these are described in detail, together with their armaments and the soldiers that manned them. Here is the story of 500 years of fortification from Brighton to Selsey.

In his classic Military Defence of West Sussex, John Goodwin looked at the hardware and practical issues. Herein he examines the problems of military and naval communications and the many solutions, but extends his remit to the entire South Coast. Argumentative Admirals, sinister smugglers and corrupt crews add colour to the fascinating story of flags, shutters, wooden arms and the frustration of poor visibility. Most of these were eliminated by the advent of the electric telegraph, which forms the final part of his story.

Artikelname: Mitsubishi Type 1 Rikko 'Betty' Units of World War 2
Artikelbeschreibung: The most produced Japanese bomber of the war the G4M saw action on every front from the first day of the Pacific conflict through to VJ-Day. The 'Betty's' very long range made it a key weapon during the opening year of the war. However, to achieve this, the aircraft was built with very little protective armour for its crew or fuel tanks, and Allied pilots soon exposed its extreme vulnerability. In the first in a series of volumes examining the key Japanese aircraft of WW2, Dr Osamu Tagaya details the G4M's extensive combat history, and lists all the units which operated the bomber.

Artikelname: Modelling Fallschirmjager Figures
Artikelbeschreibung: The German Fallschirmjager were elite soldiers, a factor that continues to ensure their popular appeal today among modellers. This is the first book to address the subject of German paratroopers for the figure modeller. It covers all the major items of Fallschirmjager uniform and equipment, emphasising the specially designed paratrooper items. Clear step-by-step instructions allow the reader to recreate camouflage patterns in miniature with confidence and ease. The authors also cover painting, superdetailing and conversion techniques, and they also discuss key aspects of scene creation and setting, such as groundwork, balance, and composition, with projects ranging from single-figure studies to full-scale dioramas.

Artikelname: Modelling Panzer Crewmen of the Heer
Artikelbeschreibung: This book provides full details on how to build and integrate realistic Heer Panzer crew figures, and how to paint the key uniform variants and patterns worn by these distinctive troops. Using differing theatres and periods of the war, it shows how to paint common clothing types and patterns, such as the black panzer uniform, Splittermuster, feldgrau, and fatigues, as well as unique and fascinating variants such as Russian camouflage fabric and the motorcycle rubber coat. How to achieve special effects, such as dust-covering figures, and adding key accessories and details are also covered in clear, step-by-step tutorials.

Artikelname: Modelling Waffen-SS Figures
Artikelbeschreibung: Written by one of the world's leading figure modellers, this title features the main patterns of Waffen-SS camouflage and dress and describes in clear step-by-step instructions how to achieve these finishes. Advanced figure sculpting techniques, including conversions, are also covered, providing plenty of detail and diverse challenges to modellers of different abilities, from the less experienced to the highly skilled. Calvin Tan's superb base artwork and his multi-layered painting technique are brought to the fore in this visually detailed, packed and engaging treatment of one of the most enduring, popular figure-modelling subject areas.

Originally Churchill’s second choice as a commander, Montgomery was to make the 8th Army his own. Indeed, his first task as the new commander-elect of was to restore the morale of the army. The desert army quicly assumed the character of their forthright and cocksure commander, and the troops confidently expected victory. This they achieved at the Battle of El Alamein and the order of battle for the British and Dominion forces is detailed in full. The difficulties of desert warfare and the type of equipment and uniforms are also discussed.

Artikelname: Mosquito Bomber/Fighter-Bomber Units 1942–45
Artikelbeschreibung: Truly an example of engineering ingenuity born out of the desperation of war, the legendary 'all-wooden' Mosquito was perhaps the best twin-engined fighter-bomber of its size to see action in World War 2. The first bomber variant to enter service was the B Mk IV, initial examples of which were issued to No 2 Group's No 105 Sqn at Swanton Morley, in Norfolk, in November 1941. Considerably faster than the unit's previous Blenheim Mk IVs, powered by inline rather than radial engines, and made of wood instead of metal alloy, the Mosquito initially proved a challenging mount for both air– and groundcrew alike.

Artikelname: Mosquito Fighter Units of World War 2
Artikelbeschreibung: The second volume in the trilogy of Combat Aircraft titles devoted to de Havilland's 'wooden wonder', this book focuses on the Mosquito fighter/fighter-bomber variants, and their users. From its earliest development phase, the aircraft was considered as much a fighter as a bomber, and this was duly reflected when the original 1940 Air Ministry order for 50 Mosquito bombers was modified to 20 bombers and 30 fighters. This volume is the first of its kind exclusively dedicated to the fighter/fighter-bomber variants of de Havilland's classic wartime aircraft.

Artikelname: Mosquito Reconnaissance Units of World War 2
Artikelbeschreibung: The third volume in the trilogy of Combat Aircraft titles devoted to de Havilland's 'wooden wonder', this book focuses on the Mosquito photo-recce variants, and their users. The design's superb performance, and ability to escape interception by enemy fighters made the Mosquito the ideal choice for the RAF's then embryonic photographic reconnaissance force. The production standard PR1 subsequently became the first Mosquito variant of any kind to see operational service with the RAF, flying its first sortie [over France] on 20 September 1941. These aircraft flew all manner of bomber support missions ranging from simple post-raid photo-recce to weather checking and experimental H2X radar photo-mapping. All are detailed in this volume.

Artikelname: P-61 Black Widow Units of World War 2
Artikelbeschreibung: The first aircraft to be purposely designed as a radar-equipped nightfigher, Northrop's P-61 Black Widow was heavily influenced by early RAF combat experience with radar-equipped aircraft in 1940/41. Built essentially around the bulky Radiation Laboratory SCR-720 radar, which was mounted in the aircraft's nose, the P-61 proved to be the largest fighter ever produced for frontline service by the USAAF. Twin-engined and twin-boomed, the Black Widow was armed with a dorsal barbette of four 0.50-in Browning machine guns and two ventrally-mounted 20 mm cannon. This volume features all the frontline users of the mighty P-61, and includes many first-hand accounts from pilots and gunners who saw action in the Pacific, Mediterranean and Western Europe.

Artikelname: Panther Variants 1942–45
Artikelbeschreibung: The Panther Medium Tank was produced as a direct result of early experiences with the revolutionary Soviet T-34/76. Designers and military experts combined to produce a number of variations to provide armoured support for the many branches of the German army. Whether acting as a command communications vehicle, involved in mobile air defence as a flakpanzer, a Panzer division recovery vehicle, or utilising the turret as a static defence system, the Panther in its many forms was the mainstay of Germany’s plan to keep her enemies at bay on two fronts. This book, the product of 25 years of research, examines the numerous Panther variants in detail.

Artikelname: Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf.G, H and J 1942–45
Artikelbeschreibung: The Panzerkampfwagen IV was one of the most numerous and successful German tanks of World War II. Despite the introduction of the Panther and Tiger tanks, the PzKpfw IV remained the backbone of the German armoured units until the end of the war. This book details all of the variants of the Panzerkampfwagen IV with the long guns 7.5cm KwK 40 L/43 and L/48. Until 1942 armed with a short 7.5cm KwK L/24, it was used primarily in an infantry support role. However with the upgrading to the long 7.5cm it became the main battle tank of the Panzer Divisions.

Artikelname: Panzerkampfwagen IV Medium Tank 1936–45
Artikelbeschreibung: The PzKpfw IV was essentially an integrated support weapon, and its involvement in WWII is difficult to separate from the story of the Panzerwaffe as a whole. A powerful and robust fighting machine, the PzKpfw IV was supplied to various allies of Germany, and remained in service with the Spanish and Finnish armies for some time after the end of the war. In the glory years of 1942-43 the PzKpfw IV was the mainstay of the Panzerwaffe, and Bryan Perrett's in-depth examination of this prolific fighting machine does full justice to the fascinating history and technical details of one of the greatest armoured vehicles ever to have fought.

Artikelname: PV Ventura/Harpoon Units of World War 2
Artikelbeschreibung: A development of the successful Lockheed ‘medium twins’ of the late 1930s, the PV Ventura/Harpoon family of patrol bombers saw widespread service with both the US Navy/Marine Corps and the TAF and Commonwealth from October 1942 onwards. The USAAF also used surplus Venturas originally ordered by the RAF, designated B-34 Lexingtons, in the bomber training and coastal patrol roles. The final variant in this family was the larger PV-2 Harpoon, which was built to a US Navy requirement from March 1944 onwards. Used primarily in the Pacific, 470 Harpoons saw frontline service on anti-shipping and submarine patrols through to VJ-Day. This book covers each of these variants in complete illustrated detail.

Artikelname: S-Boote: German E-boats in Action, 1939-1945
Artikelbeschreibung: This is a thrilling history and a detailed survey of the equipment and vessels of the Schnellbootes - the fast boat flotillas of the German Kriegsmarine during World War Two. The S-Bootes, true sea corsairs, were charged with the harassment and torpedoing of allied convoys which were approaching too close to the Normandy and Mediterranean coasts. It is illustrated with 300 rare and previously unpublished wartime photographs, plus 50 specially commissioned colour plates.

Artikelname: SBD Dauntless Units of World War 2
Artikelbeschreibung: Unquestionably the most successful dive-bomber ever to see frontline service with any air arm, the Douglas SBD Dauntless was the scourge of the Japanese Imperial Fleet in the crucial years of the Pacific War. The revolutionary all-metal stressed-skin design of the SBD exhibited airframe strength that made it an ideal dive-bomber, its broad wing, with horizontal centre section and sharply tapered outer panels with dihedral, boasting perforated split flaps that doubled as dive brakes during the steep bombing attacks

Artikelname: SdKfz 251 Half-Track 1939–45
Artikelbeschreibung: Following in the best traditions of German ingenuity in design and construction of armoured vehicles, the SdKfz 251 firmly realised the concept of a competent cross-country tactical vehicle for armoured infantry units. So successful was this half-track that not only did a modified version of it remain in use with Czech forces well into the 1980s but also, ironically, the armoured infantry tactics that the Germans pioneered with it were adopted by Allied forces in the Second World War and helped them to achieve the eventual defeat of Germany. This book covers the genesis and development of the SdKfz 251, and details the numerous modifications and variations that sprang from combat experience.

Here is the untold story of the secret patrols that used the status of the Home Guard as a cover for their real activities. A veritable warren of holes, tunnels and burrows were the HQs for their work of discreet observation and coded communication. Their network would have been invaluable in the event of an invasion, when their life expectancy was estimated as two weeks. This book includes the personal reminiscenses of some of the heroic men and reveals, for the first time, details of their amazing life in hideouts.

Artikelname: Sherman Medium Tank 1942–45
Artikelbeschreibung: The M4 Sherman tank was the mainstay of the Western allies between 1942 and 1945. Fast and modern it was better than most of the tanks Britain had to offer. The American Chief of Staff claimed in November 1943 that it had been hailed widely as ‘the best tank on the battlefield today’. However, by the time of the Normandy invasion of June 1944 this was not the case. The new heavy tanks being produced by the Germans were able to outclass the Sherman in both armour and armament. This title describes the development and operational use of the Sherman medium tank throughout World War II and beyond.