Osprey Elite Series SC (1984-2008 OSPREY) comic books 1993

Volume 44 - 1st printing. "Security Forces in Northern Ireland 1969-92!" Written by Tim Ripley. Art by Mike Chappell. The conflict in Northern Ireland remains unlike any other campaign conducted by the British Army this century. There have been no set-piece battles, no decisive victories or crushing defeats; just a grinding, relentless series of small scale operations in response to riots, bombings, sectarian murders and terrorist ambushes. Tim Ripley, a specialist in modern military affairs and research associate at Lancaster University's Centre for Defence and International Security Studies, profiles the operations, tactics, uniforms and equipment of the British and Irish Security Forces and the main terrorist groups involved in 'the Troubles' from 1969-92. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 45 - 1st printing. "Armies of the Gulf War!" Written by Gordon L Rottman. Art by Ronald Volstad. Besides continuing a long history of world-wide peacekeeping, the commitment of US troops to the Gulf reunified the country and restored a national pride lost in the aftermath of Vietnam. It also proved that the US armed forces were again the most capable military force in the world. This volume by veteran Osprey author Gordon L. Rottman focuses on the structure, equipment, effectiveness, and employment of the 680,000 coalition troops which fought in the Gulf War, covering not only the US forces, but also those of Britain, France, the Arab League and Iraq. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 46 - 1st printing. "US Army Air Force Book 1!" Written by Gordon L Rottman. Art by Francis Chin. In June 1941 the US Army's air organisations were consolidated under a single command, the Army Air Forces or AAF. Its expansion was rapid and massive, and its contribution to the war effort was substantial. Books abound describing the AAF's impressive combat record, but little has been published to record what the men inside the machines wore to stay alive and effective in the air and on the ground, or, as often as not, in the water. Gordon L. Rottman's detailed treatment discusses the flying clothes, accessories and equipment worn and used by individual airmen fighting their often desperate battles in the sky. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 47 - 1st printing. "South African Special Forces!" Written by Robert Pitta. Art by Simon McCouaig. This book provides a highly detailed account of the history, organisation, uniforms and insignia of South African Special Forces from their origins up to the early 90s - units such as the 44 Parachute Brigade, the Hunter Group and the infamous SWA Police COIN Unit 'Koevoet'. These elite units of the South African Defence Force and the special anti-terrorist units of the South African Police Forces comprised the largest, best trained and best equipped of any country in southern Africa. Robert Pitta and Jeff Fannell provide the text in a volume packed with photographs and illustrations. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 48 - 1st printing. "Nelson's Navy!" Written by Philip Haythornthwaite. Art by Bill Younghusband. Despite the many celebrated victories of the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars, the role of the Royal Navy should never be overlooked. The 'wooden walls' formed the country's first and most important line of defence, and ranged throughout the world to protect Britain's trade-routes and in support of the land forces and overseas possessions. This book covers the huge variations in uniforms not just in the Navy but the Royal Marines and Infantry regiments which served alongside naval crews. It also looks at the organisation, training and recruitment of the force and corrects a number of misconceptions regarding impressment and training. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 49 - 1st printing. "The Gurkhas!" By Mike Chappell. The origins of the Gurkhas date back to 1815, when one of the most skilled and determined opponents that the British soldier had to overcome in battle was the Nepalese warrior. The British were so impressed with the military skills of these fighters that they began recruiting units exclusively from Nepal. From this beginning grew the now famous Gurkha units. This volume examines the development of the Gurkhas through the various wars and confrontations of the 19th century, through the First World War, Second World War and the various postwar conflicts including Malaya, Borneo and the Falklands. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.