New Vanguard SC (1993 Osprey Military) comic books

Volume 1 - 1st printing. "Kingtiger Heavy Tank 1942–45!" Written by Hilary Doyle and Tom Jentz. Art by Peter Sarson. 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. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 2 - 1st printing. "M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank 1982–92!" Written by Steven J Zaloga. Art by Peter Sarson. The M1 Abrams was the most radical departure in US tank design since World War II. Until the advent of the M1 in the early 1980s, the US Army had relied on the steady evolution of the M26 Pershing tank, through the M46, M47, M48 and M60. The M1 design came at a time when there were a host of important new tank technologies coming to fruition, in terms of structure and weaponry: these were integrated into it. This book details the design, development and operational use of one of the world's best main battle tanks. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 3 - 1st printing. "Sherman Medium Tank 1942–45!" Written by Steven J Zaloga. Art by Peter Sarson. 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. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

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Volume 4 - 1st printing. "Churchill Infantry Tank 1941–51!" Written by Bryan Perrett. Art byMike Chappell and Peter Sarson. TThe 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. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 5 - 1st printing. "Tiger 1 Heavy Tank 1942–45!" Written by Hilary Doyle and Tom Jentz. Art by Peter Sarson. Probably the most famous tank of the World War II, the Tiger I was originally conceived in 1941 in response to the German Army's experience in fighting British tanks and anti-tank guns in Western Europe and the North African desert. Following the invasion of Russia, the appearance of the Soviet T-34 and KW tanks lent a further impetus to the programme. The Tiger's power and performance on the battlefield is emphasised by tables of relevant performance throughout the book, which clearly show the battlefield survivability of the Tiger and its superiority to many allied tank designs. This comprehensive and extremely detailed text is accompanied by a fine selection of black and white photographs showing the tank in use. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 6 - 1st printing. "T-72 Main Battle Tank 1974–93!" Written by Hilary Doyle and Tom Jentz. Art by Peter Sarson. The Russian T-72 Ural tank is the most widely-deployed main battle tank of the current generation. Used by the armies of the former Warsaw pact and Soviet Union, it has also been exported in large numbers to many of the states in the Middle East. This book reveals the previously secret history behind the tank. Steven J Zaloga examines the conditions under which the T-72 was designed and produced. Technical aspects of the weapon are also discussed, including its EDZ reactive armour which, when it first appeared in December 1984, gave NATO a nasty shock. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $7.00

Volume 6 - 2nd and later printings. "T-72 Main Battle Tank 1974–93!" Written by Hilary Doyle and Tom Jentz. Art by Peter Sarson. The Russian T-72 Ural tank is the most widely-deployed main battle tank of the current generation. Used by the armies of the former Warsaw pact and Soviet Union, it has also been exported in large numbers to many of the states in the Middle East. This book reveals the previously secret history behind the tank. Steven J Zaloga examines the conditions under which the T-72 was designed and produced. Technical aspects of the weapon are also discussed, including its EDZ reactive armour which, when it first appeared in December 1984, gave NATO a nasty shock. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Add to cart FN- 5.5 $9.80

Volume 7 - 1st printing. "IS-2 Heavy Tank 1944–73!" Written by Steven J Zaloga. Art by Peter Sarson. 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. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 8 - 1st printing. "Matilda Infantry Tank 1938–45!" Written by David Fletcher. Art by Peter Sarson. 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. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 9 - 1st printing. "T-34/76 Medium Tank 1941–45!" Written by David Fletcher. Art by Peter Sarson. 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. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $7.00

Volume 10 - 1st printing. "Warrior Mechanised Combat Vehicle 1987–94!" Written by Christopher Foss. Art by Peter Sarson. The Warrior has been an important component of the British Army since the first production example was handed over in May 1987. It has seen action in many parts of the globe and the British Army alone uses eight different specialised versions of the vehicle, while Desert and Arctic Warriors are also produced for countries with extreme climates. In this authoritative text Christopher Foss examines the development and operational life of the Warrior, the British army's most modern armoured personnel carrier, and its many variants, focussing on its role in 'Desert Storm' and other campaigns. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 11 - 1st printing. "M3 Infantry Half-Track 1940–73!" Written by Steven J Zaloga. Art by Peter Sarson. 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. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 12 - 1st printing. "BMP Infantry Fighting Vehicle 1967–94!" Written by Steven J Zaloga. Art by Peter Sarson. The Russian BMP infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) was one of the most significant innovations in infantry tactics in the latter half of the 20th century. Built in response to the threat of nuclear warfare, it was the world's first IFV, providing the infantry squad with unprecedented firepower, mobility and protection. With over 55,000 manufactured since 1966, the BMP is also numerically one of the most important armoured vehicles ever built. This richly illustrated book examines the development and design of the BMP, detailing its armaments, performance in combat and variants. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 13 - 1st printing. "Scorpion Reconnaissance Vehicle 1972–94!" Written by Christopher Foss. Art by Peter Sarson. The Scorpion reconnaissance vehicle was part of the Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (CVR) series first devised in the mid-1960s. Designed to be light enough to be carried and parachute-dropped if necessary, the CVR, with the designation 'tracked' added, entered service with the British Army in 1972. Since then the Scorpion and its variants - the Scimitar, Striker, Spartan, Samaritan, Sultan and Sampson - have seen action in many theatres. Backed by numerous photographs and colour plates, this book examines the development and design of the Scorpion, detailing its firepower, forms of protection, performance in combat and variants. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 14 - 1st printing. "Crusader and Covenanter Cruiser Tanks 1939–45!" Written by David Fletcher. Art by Peter Sarson. 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. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 14 - 2nd and later printings. "Crusader and Covenanter Cruiser Tanks 1939-45!" Written by David Fletcher. Art by Peter Sarson. 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. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $7.00

Volume 15 - 1st printing. "Flammpanzer German Flamethrowers 1941–45!" Written by Hilary Doyle and Tom Jentz. Art by Peter Sarson. 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. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $7.00

Volume 16 - 1st printing. "Leopard 1 Main Battle Tank 1965–95!" Written by Hilary Doyle and Tom Jentz. Art by Peter Sarson. Development of the Leopard 1 can be traced back to November 1956, when the operational requirement for a new battle tank was formulated by the Federal German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr). Originally a Franco-German project, the tank under design was named the 'Standard-Panzer'. The French later dropped out, however, and on 1 October 1963 the 'Standard' tank was officially named 'Leopard', an appropriate choice considering Germany's wartime pedigree with the formidable Tiger and Panther. This book traces the development and service record of the Leopard 1, detailing its control systems, modifications and variants. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 17 - 1st printing. "KV-1 & 2 Heavy Tanks 1939–45!" Written by Steven J Zaloga. Art by Peter Sarson. 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. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Add to cart Very Fine $4.50

Volume 18 - 1st printing. "M2/M3 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle 1983–95!" Written by Steven J Zaloga. Art by Peter Sarson. One of the most sophisticated armoured fighting vehicles in the world, the M2/M3 Bradley is the United States equivalent of the British Warrior, combining the role of personnel carrier with the formidable armament of a 25mm cannon and TOW anti-tank missiles. With a maximum road speed of 66kmh it also has a degree of manoeuvrability dreamed of by other armoured vehicles. In this book Steven Zaloga examines the different variants of the Bradley in detail and looks at the changing tactical requirements of the US Army for an armoured personnel carrier. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 19 - 1st printing. "Sturmgeschütz III Assault Gun 1940–42!" Written by Hilary Doyle and Tom Jentz. Art by Peter Sarson. The workhorse of the German Army that swept across Poland, France and Russia, the Sturmgeschütz III saw service in all theatres of World War II, both in an infantry support role and as a tank destroyer. Cheaper and quicker to produce than a tank, the assault gun proved a remarkably effective weapon. Its design and development, production, capabilities and operational history are all closely examined, as is its tactical employment and organisation into units. This book uses original German combat and experience reports to show how the Sturmgeschütz fared in action, whilst also providing information on both retrofitted and production modifications. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 20 - 1st printing. "T-34-85 Medium Tank 1944–94!" Written by Steven J Zaloga. Art by Peter Sarson. The T-34-85 tank is one of those rare weapons that have remained in service for more than half a century. First introduced in 1944, it has seen combat in nearly every corner of the globe. Steven Zaloga and Jim Kinnear look at this long-serving tank at length. Although long obsolete in Europe, it has proven a reliable and potent weapon in many Third World conflicts, and is still in service with more than a dozen armies around the world. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 21 - 1st printing. "Merkava Main Battle Tank MKs I, II & III!" Written by Steven J Zaloga. Art by Peter Sarson. The Merkava, or Chariot, was the first tank entirely designed and built by the Israeli Army. The IDF had previously been using a variety of vehicles, acquired from various sources, including in particular the Sherman and Centurion. The Merkava was designed specifically for the type of warfare and opponents that Israel faced. The resulting tank was heavily armoured and packed a powerful 105mm main gun backed up with a digital fire control system and laser range-finder. This title examines the development and deployment of the Merkava, investigating the changing technical aspects of the various marks, creating a useful and comprehensive study of Israel's most formidable tank. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 22 - 1st printing. "Panther Variants 1942–45!" Written by Hilary Doyle and Tom Jentz Art by Peter Sarson. 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.. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $7.00

Add to cart Near Mint $7.00

Add to cart Very Fine $4.50

Volume 23 - 1st printing. "Challenger Main Battle Tank 1982–97!" Written by Simon Dunstan. Art by Peter Sarson. The successor to the Chieftain from the 1960's, work began in 1976 on development of a new MBT specifically for the Iranian army, who needed a more capable tank than the Chieftain to suit their climatic and geographical conditions. However, once the revolution occurred in 1979 the British army was reluctantly forced to accept this new design themselves. Once in service there were technical problems resulting in various modifications. However, the Challenger would go on to great success in the Gulf War, playing crucial roles in both Desert Storm and Desert Sabre operations. In this book, Simon Dunstan examines this tank in detail, evaluating its performance both on the test range and in the field of battle. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 24 - 1st printing. "Leopard 2 Main Battle Tank 1979–98!" Written by Simon Dunstan. Art by Peter Sarson. The successor to the Chieftain from the 1960's, work began in 1976 on development of a new MBT specifically for the Iranian army, who needed a more capable tank than the Chieftain to suit their climatic and geographical conditions. However, once the revolution occurred in 1979 the British army was reluctantly forced to accept this new design themselves. Once in service there were technical problems resulting in various modifications. However, the Challenger would go on to great success in the Gulf War, playing crucial roles in both Desert Storm and Desert Sabre operations. In this book, Simon Dunstan examines this tank in detail, evaluating its performance both on the test range and in the field of battle. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 25 - 1st printing. "SdKfz 251 Half-Track 1939–45!" Written by Bruce Culver. Art by Jim Laurier. 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. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 26 - 1st printing. "German Light Panzers 1932–42" Written by Bruce Culver. Art by Jim Laurier. 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. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 27 - 1st printing. "Panzerkampfwagen III Medium Tank 1936–44!" Written by Bruce Culver. Art by Jim Laurier. 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. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 28 - 1st printing. "Panzerkampfwagen IV Medium Tank 1936–45!" Written by Bryan Perrett. Art by David Smith. 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. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 29 - 1st printing. "German Armoured Cars and Reconnaissance Half-Tracks 1939–45!" Written by Bryan Perrett. Art by David Smith. 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. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 30 - 1st printing. "Amtracs!" Written by Bryan Perrett. Art by David Smith. 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. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 31 - 1st printing. "The M47 and M48 Patton Tanks!" Written by Steven J Zaloga. Art by Jim Laurier. With Cold War fears mounting, the M47 and M48 were rushed into production – teething troubles were inevitable. In the decade that followed, however, these tanks proved to be the backbone of US armoured units. In its lifetime, the Patton has played vital roles in three wars, including Vietnam, and has served with more than 25 nations; it has spawned derivatives such as the Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge, an anti-aircraft variant, and has undergone diverse armament modifications. This book provides a comprehensive view of the M47 and M48 Patton tanks, combining technical information with fascinating accounts of the performance, development and deployment of this battle-tested and truly international fighting machine. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 32 - 1st printing. "The Long Range Desert Group 1940-1945!" Written by Robin Jenner. Art by Peter Sarson. Formed on 3 July 1940, the Long Range Desert Group was the brilliant product of the vision of Major Ralph Bagnold of the Royal Corps of Signals. As a model for what is now commonly know as a Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol unit, the Group can have few equals. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $7.00

Volume 33 - 1st printing. "M3 & M5 Stuart Light Tank 1940–45!" Written by Steven J Zaloga. Art by Jim Laurier. 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. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $7.00

Volume 33 - 2nd and later printings. "M3 & M5 Stuart Light Tank 1940–45!" Written by Steven J Zaloga. Art by Jim Laurier. 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. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 34 - 1st printing. "Sturmartillerie & Panzerjäger 1939–45!" Written by Steven J Zaloga. Art by Jim Laurier. Originally the German assault gun was designed as an infantry support weapon, but the changing conditions of the battlefields of the Second World War forced it to adapt to perform a number of different roles, most importantly as a tank destroyer, although the infantry support role was never wholly discarded. If the much-glamorised Panzer divisions were the sword of the German army then the assault gun and tank destroyer units were its shield. As the Panzers' grip on the battlefield began to fail, though, it was left to the assault gun and tank destroyer crews to take up the burden. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 35 - 1st printing. "M26/M46 Pershing Tank 1943–53!" Written by Steven J Zaloga. Art by Tony Byan and Jim Laurier. Originally the German assault gun was designed as an infantry support weapon, but the changing conditions of the battlefields of the Second World War forced it to adapt to perform a number of different roles, most importantly as a tank destroyer, although the infantry support role was never wholly discarded. If the much-glamorised Panzer divisions were the sword of the German army then the assault gun and tank destroyer units were its shield. As the Panzers' grip on the battlefield began to fail, though, it was left to the assault gun and tank destroyer crews to take up the burden. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 36 - 1st printing. "Jagdpanzer 38 'Hetzer' 1944–45!" Written by Hilary Doyle and Tom Jentz. Art by Mike Badrocke. 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. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 37 - 1st printing. "Sturmgeschütz III and IV 1942–45!" Written by Hilary Doyle and Tom Jentz. Art by Peter Sarson and Mike Fuller. As the Second World War dragged on, heavy German losses in armoured vehicles and tanks ensured that assault gun units had to play an increasingly vital role in supporting the beleaguered infantry and countering Allied armour, particularly on the Eastern Front. The Sturmgeschütz was one of the most numerously produced and effectively deployed of the German armoured vehicles. This book reveals how the Sturmgeschütz provided the backbone of Germany's armoured forces in every theatre and on every front during the long fighting-retreat of the final years of the war. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 38 - 1st printing. "American Civil War Artillery Part 1!" Written by Philip Katcher. Art by Tony Bryan. Perhaps the most influential arm of either army in the prosecution of the American Civil War, the artillery of both sides grew to be highly professional organizations, centralizing their artillery, organizing artillery battalions from individual batteries and giving their commanders higher ranks than field artillerymen had previously held. In battle, the introduction of the 12-pdr. Napoleon , followed closely by rifled cannon, provided a range and power previously unknown on American soil. This book details this vital cog in the war-machine of both sides. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 39 - 1st printing. "Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf.G, H and J 1942–45!" Written by Hilary Doyle and Tom Jentz. Art by Tony Bryan. 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. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $7.00

Add to cart Near Mint $7.00

Add to cart Fine $2.80

Volume 40 - 1st printing. "American Civil War Artillery 1861–65 Part 2!" Written by Philip Katcher. Art by Tony Bryan. Because of the length of the coastline of the United States, from the beginning American ordnance and engineers placed an emphasis on heavy artillery mounted in coastal defences. The Union army organised its 'Heavy Artillery' into separate regiments, uniformed and equipped differently. While the Field Artillery was assigned across the fighting fronts Heavy Artillery units served the big guns in the forts and the defences of Washington. The Confederates did not differentiate types of artillery and those that became known as Heavy Artillery did so through informal association rather than formal designation. This book details the development and usage of the big guns. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 41 - 1st printing. "Confederate Ironclad 1861–65!" Written by Angus Konstam. Art by Tony Bryan. The creation of a Confederate ironclad fleet was a miracle of ingenuity, improvisation and logistics. Surrounded by a superior enemy fleet, Confederate designers adapted existing vessels or created new ones from the keel up with the sole purpose of breaking the naval stranglehold on the nascent country. Her ironclads were build in remote cornfields, on small inland rivers or in naval yards within sight of the enemy. The result was an unorthodox but remarkable collection of vessels, which were able to contest the rivers and coastal waters of the South for five years. This title explains how these vessels worked, how they were constructed, how they were manned and how they fought. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 42 - 1st printing. "British Napoleonic Ship-of-the-Line!" Written by Angus Konstam. Art by Tony Bryan. The French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars encompassed a period when rival European fleets vied for naval supremacy, and naval tactics were evolving. The British Royal Navy emerged triumphant as the leading world sea power, and the epitome of Britannic naval strength was the Ship-of-the-Line. These 'wooden walls' were more than merely floating gun batteries: they contained a crew of up to 800 men, and often had to remain at sea for extended periods. This book offers detailed coverage of the complex vessels that were the largest man-made structures produced in the pre-Industrial era. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 43 - 1st printing. "Siege Weapons of the Far East Part 1!" Written by Stephen Turnbull. Art by Wayne Reynolds. The prevalence of particular fortress types in medieval China, Mongolia, Japan and Korea demanded the evolution of different modes of siege warfare in each country. The wealthy walled towns of China, the mountain fortresses of Korea and the military outposts of Japan each presented different challenges to besieging forces, and this book reveals the diversity of tactics that were developed to meet these challenges. Most of the Far Eastern weaponry of this period originated in China, but was adapted to fit the demands of siegecraft across the region and the individual strengths and weaknesses of each piece of machinery are studied here. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 44 - 1st printing. "Siege Weapons of the Far East Part 2!" Written by Stephen Turnbull. Art by Wayne Reynolds. From the 11th century AD, East Asian armies made increasing use of exploding missiles and siege cannon to reduce the fortifications of their enemies. Some of these weapons were very similar to those used in Europe - for example, the heavy siege cannon used in the siege of P'yongyang during the Japanese invasion in the late 16th century. Others, like the Korean hwach'a carts mounting over a hundred rockets that were used to bombard the Japanese at Haengiu in 1593, were very different from their European contemporaries. This book details the design and use of the wide range of weaponry available during this period. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 45 - 1st printing. "Union Monitor 1861–65!" Written by Angus Konstam. Art by Tony Bryan. The first seagoing ironclad was the USS Monitor, and its profile has made it one of the most easily recognised warships of all time. Following her inconclusive battle with the Confederate ironclad Virginia on March 9, 1862, the production of Union monitors was accelerated. By the end of the year a powerful squadron of monitor vessels protected the blockading squadrons off the Southern coastline, and were able to challenge Confederate control of her ports and estuaries. Further technological advancements were included in subsequent monitor designs, and by the end of the war the US Navy possessed a modern coastal fleet carrying the most powerful artillery afloat. This book covers the design, development and operational history of the Union's Monitor fleet. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 46 - 1st printing. "88 mm FlaK 18/36/37/41 and PaK 43 1936–45!" Written by John Norris. Art by Mike Fuller. 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. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 47 - 1st printing. "Viking Longship!" Written by Keith Durham. Art by Steve Noon. Viking longships evolved from one-man canoes of the Scandinavian Stone Age, through wood-built-ships of c. 200 BC into the recognisable longboats of the 4th century AD. From this point, the Viking Longship developed into the pre-eminent raider and trader in the North Sea and Baltic, venturing as far afield as the Mediterranean, North Atlantic and modern-day Russia. Keith Durham uses reconstructions, original sources, translations and archaeological evidence to render a vivid picture of the vessels that dominated the seaways of Scandinavia, founded colonies on Iceland, Greenland and the New World and terrorised the coastlines of northern Europe. Also covered are Norman vessels, including the invasion fleet of William the Conqueror. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

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Volume 48 - 1st printing. "The 25-pounder Field Gun 1939–72!" Written by Keith Durham. Art by Steve Noon. Of all the British guns in use during the Second World War, the 25 pounder is the gun that best represents Britain's armed forces. It was adaptable, it packed a powerful punch, and above all it was reliable. This book provides a full combat history of a gun that was used in every theatre of the Second World War and saw extensive service in the postwar years, particularly in Korea and during the Malaysian emergency. The last 25-pounder gun to see action in the British Army was one used by SAS troops at Mirbat, Oman, in 1972. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 49 - 1st printing. "Mississippi River Gunboats of the American Civil War 1861–65!" Written by Angus Konstam. Art by Tony Bryan. At the start of the American Civil War, neither side had warships on the Mississippi River and in the first few months both sides scrambled to gather a flotilla, converting existing riverboats for naval use. These ships were transformed into powerful naval weapons despite a lack of resources, trained manpower and suitable vessels. The creation of a river fleet was a miracle of ingenuity, improvisation and logistics, particularly for the South. This title describes their design, development and operation throughout the American Civil War. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

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Volume 50 - 1st printing. "U-boats of the Kaiser's Navy!" Written by Gordon Williamson. Art by Ian Palmer. As was the case in World War II, one of the greatest threats to Britain during World War I was the German U-boat menace. This book traces the development of the U-boat threat from the Brandtaucher, designed by Wilhelm Bauer, the father of the German submarine arm, in 1850, through to the commissioning of Germany's first U-boat to go into service, the U-1, in 1906. It then covers the main types of World War I U-boat, detailing the operational history of the U-boat service in depth, with a particular focus on the campaigns in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, as well as the slow build up of anti-submarine measures by the allies. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.