Osprey Elite Series SC (1984-2008 OSPREY) comic books 1988

Volume 14 - 1st printing. "The British Army in the 1980's!" By Mike Chappell. The British Army currently enjoys, both at home and abroad, the reputation of being one of the best in the world. Composed entirely of volunteers, its morale sustained by its curious and little-understood attitudes towards tradition, the British Army attracts respect and admiration from the military expert and the layman alike. Written and illustrated by a former British Army infantryman with 22 years' experience, this book details the Army's history, organization, uniforms and distinctions. The text is backed by numerous illustrations and photographs. Softcover,64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 15 - 1st printing. "The Armada Campaign 1588!" Written by John Tincey. Art by Richard Hook. In the latter part of the 16th century, Spain was the major international power and her leader, King Phillip II, pledged to conquer the Protestant heretics in England. He envisioned a two pronged attack. He would send his 'Invincible Armada' of 125 ships into the English Channel where it would link up with the Duke of Parma. The Armada would ferry the Duke's soldiers across the straight of Dover and these troops would march on London, seize the Queen, and proceed to conquer the entire country. Over 400 years have passed since this momentous expedition 'sailed and failed', but its fascination and significance remain undiminished. Softcover,64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 16 - 1st printing. "NATO Armies 1949-87!" Written by Nigel Thomas. Art by Ronald Volstad. The defeat of Hitler on 8 May 1945 left Western Europe militarily vulnerable and economically exhausted. The Soviet Union, however, had since 1940 annexed 180,000 square miles of Eastern Europe, occupied a further 390,000 square miles, and now seemed poised to advance still further westwards with its six-million strong forces. The increasing Soviet threat brought forth demands for a permanent Western Military alliance, and on 4 April 1949, the North Atlantic Treaty was signed in Washington DC. This book explores the history, organization and uniforms of NATO armies - excluding the United States and Great Britain - as they were in the late 1980s. Softcover,64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 18 - 1st printing. "Israeli Elite Units since 1948!" Written by Sam Katz. Art by Ronald Volstad. In 1947, when the UN partitioned Palestine into Jewish and Arab states, the true war for Israel's existence began. Throughout the War of Independence the PAL'MACH (Hebrew abbreviation for 'Strike Companies') spearheaded Israel's forces. Disbanded in 1949, the PAL'MACH was replaced by other specialist units, including paratroop forces, the GOLANI Infantry Brigade, the Naval Commandos, and territorial and other reconnaissance commando formations. An acknowledged expert on the Israeli Defence Forces, Samuel Katz presents an overview of these IDF elite units, including the mysterious SAYERET MAT'KAL, a highly classified elite unit whose exploits involve the 1972 raid on a hijacked Belgian Sabena Boeing 707. Softcover,64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 19 - 1st printing. "The Crusades!" Written by David Nicolle. Art by Richard Hook. Born of a mixture of religious fervour, military ardour and political will, the Crusades remain a fascinating and misunderstood aspect of medieval history. Born amid immense suffering and bloodshed the Kingdom of Jerusalem remained a battlefield for almost 200 years. The Crusades raised to campaign for it gave rise to the Military Orders of the Templars and Hopitallers as well as numerous smaller orders, and were a backdrop to the careers of some of history's most famous leaders including Richard 'The Lionheart' and Saladin. David Nicolle recounts the background and events of these fundamental campaigns that scarred the Late Medieval period. Softcover,64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 20 - 1st printing. "Inside the US Army!" Written by Gordon L Rottman. Art by Ronald Volstad. When conscription was eliminated in the early 1970s, the US Army found itself with a very different kind of soldier. While the personality of the Army remained the same, the organization of its higher levels of command and combat formations, and the internal structure of its units underwent major changes under the 'Army of Excellence' program of the 1980s. This book explores the US Army of the late 80s, including the training methods, weapon systems, Reserve Components, organization and uniforms of one of the world's most potent fighting forces. The text is illustrated with numerous photographs and eight colour plates. Softcover,64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.