Osprey Men-at-Arms Series SC (1973-2011 OSPREY) comic books 1998-2000

Volume 42 - 2nd and later printings. "The King's German Legion!" Written by Otto von Pivka. Art by Michael Roffe. The King's German Legion was the largest and most respected of the foreign corps which fought as integrated elements of the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars. The light and heavy cavalry, light and line infantry, and horse and foot artillery of the KGL made major contributions to Wellington's victories during the Peninsular War, and several units covered themselves with glory at Waterloo. This book offers a comprehensive overview of the KGL from its origins to its disbandment, including its uniforms, weapons, flags and standards. Meticulous illustrations offer unprecedented details of this impressive fighting force. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

Volume 52 - 2nd and later printings. "The Royal Green Jackets!" Written by Christopher Wilkinson-Latham. Art by Michael Roffe. The Royal Green Jackets are widely acknowledged as innovators who developed much of the thinking of the British infantry in the fields of tactics and training, mobility and marksmanship, equipment, management and individual initiative from the 18th century onwards. They were the first to wear green uniforms as camouflage rather than red and to fire the more accurate rifle instead of muskets. This book examines the history of the component regiments of the Royal Green Jackets and describes the action of individual regiments in the Napoleonic Wars, Boer War, and World Wars. Numerous illustrations and photographs depict the Green Jackets' uniforms in vivid detail. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

Volume 54 - 2nd and later printings. "Napoleon's Artillery!" Written by Robert Wilkinson-Latham. Art by Michael Roffe. At the end of the Royalist regime, the artillery arm of the French Army was, as Napoleon was later to declare, 'the finest and best composed corps in Europe.' Designed by the great master of artillery, Jean Baptiste de Gribeauval, the equipment consisted of some of the best pieces in Europe. This book examines the equipment and performance of Napoleon's artillery in the Revolutionary Wars, Napoleonic Wars and Waterloo campaign. The organization of the Imperial Army is also covered, including the key French failure to develop 'Shrapnel' or 'spherical case shot' - a weapon used against them to great effect by the British. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

Volume 61 - 2nd and later printings. "The Portuguese Army of the Napoleonic Wars!" Written by Otto von Pivka. Art by Michael Roffe. In 1806, at the beginning of the Peninsular War, the Portuguese army was not at the peak of military efficiency. Nevertheless, under British tutelage it played an important part in the fight against Napoleon. Under Wellington's command, the Portuguese army distinguished itself in battles at Bussaco, Fuentes de Onoro and Albuera, and in 1813 helped the Allies win a decisive victory at Vittoria. Beginning with a chronology of Portugal's part in the Peninsular War, this book examines the uniforms, equipment and organization of the Portuguese army's various units. Detailed colour plates and numerous illustrations complement the text. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 185 - 2nd and later printings. "The Russian Army of the Napoleonic Wars (1)!" Written by Philip Haythornthwaite. Art by Paul Hannon. In 1795 the Russian army was as vast as the territory from which it was drawn. The College of War calculated that the regular army amounted to 541,741 men, plus 46,601 enrolled cossacks, and at least a further 100,000 irregular cavalry which could be mobilised in time of war. Inspired by the icons paraded by their priests before battle, the Russian infantry were capable of astonishing feats and total, blind obedience to orders. Philip Haythornwaite examines the organisation and uniforms of the remarkable Russian infantry troops who fought in the Napoleonic Wars. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 314 - 1st printing. "Armies of the Ottoman Empire 1775–1820 !" Written by David Nicolle. Art by Angus McBride. At the close of the 18th century the Ottoman Empire still had huge military potential. It was a complex structure of military provinces, autonomous regions and virtually independent 'regencies'. The Ottoman Empire had a larger population than its land could actually support which resulted in bloated cities, migration to under-populated mountainous areas, widespread banditry and piracy. It also meant that Ottoman armies had a ready pool of military manpower. With numerous illustrations, including eight full page colour artworkss by Angus Mcbride, this fascinating text by David Nicolle explores the armies of the Ottoman empire from 1775 until 1820. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 315 - 1st printing. "The French Army 1939–45 (1)!" Written by Ian Sumner and Francois Vauvillier. Art by Mike Chappell. The French Army of 1939 was considered by contemporaries to be the strongest army in the world at that time. In fact, as the events of the next ten months soon revealed, the Army was riddled with fatal weaknesses. In this book, the first of two volumes examining the French Army of the Second World War, Ian Sumner and François Vauvillier examine the organisation, uniforms and equipment of the army of 1939-40 and Vichy France. It includes orders of battle and formation charts as well as many illustration and colour uniform artworks. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 316 - 1st printing. "The German Army 1939–45 (2)!" Written by Nigel Thomas. Art by Stephen Andrew. Hitler first considered an invasion of Great Britain in autumn 1940, then scheduled Operation Barbarossa, the conquest of the European part of the Soviet Union, for May 1941. Anxious to emulate Hitler's successes, the Italian dictator Mussolini embarked upon unnecessary military adventures in North Africa and the Balkans, which forced Hitler's intervention, diverting and depleting precious German resources, and a six-week postponement of Barbarossa. In this second of four volumes [Men-at-Arms 311, 316, 326 & 330] on the German Army of the Second World War, Nigel Thomas examines the uniforms and insignia of the forces involved in North Africa and the Balkans. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 317 - 1st printing. "Henry V and the Conquest of France 1416–53!" Written by Paul Knight. Art by Graham Turner. This book details the English army that Henry V led back into France in 1417 to conquer Normandy and again take the war to the French. In 1422 Henry died, and was succeeded by the nine-month-old Henry VI: by 1429 English fortunes were in decline, but more than 20 years of warfare would pass before the English were driven from France. This period of the war is often ignored in preference to the battles of Crécy, Poitiers and Agincourt but in fact is the decisive phase of the conflict. This title examines the army that fought these campaigns in detail looking at its composition, organisation, equipment and weaponry. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 318 - 1st printing. "The French Army 1939–45 (2)!" Written by Ian Sumner and Francois Vauvillier. Art by Mike Chappell. By 16 June 1940, De Gaulle, with the decisive support of Churchill, had come to the conclusion that, whatever happened, France could not stand to one side in the struggle against Nazi Germany. And so, Free France was born. In this companion volume to MAA 315: The French Army 1939-45 (I) , Ian Sumner and François Vauvillier examine the history, uniforms and insignia of the Free French, Fighting French and the Army of Liberation. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 319 - 1st printing. "British Forces in North America 1793–1815!" Written by René Chartrand. Art by Gerry Embleton. The end of the American Revolution in 1783 confirmed the independence of the republic of the United States of America from Great Britain. Britain, however, still managed to make its presence felt in North America. Britain's Orders in Council concerning trade were a major irritant which, added to other issues including the sale of Louisiana and the impressment of American soldiers by the Royal Navy, finally caused the United States to declare war on 19 June 1812. This volume examines in detail the organisation, tactics and equipment of the British forces between 1793 and 1815. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 320 - 1st printing. "Armies of the Caliphates 862–1098!" Written by David Nicolle. Art by Graham Turner. The 8th century heralded the start of a golden age in the history of the Islamic world. At this time, the Sunni Muslim 'Abbãsid Caliphate, with its capital at Baghdad, ruled virtually the entire Islamic world. Islamic military power peaked in the 9th century, but by the end of this golden age in the 11th century, the 'Abbãsid Caliphs had little political and virtually no military power. Featuring numerous photographs of artefacts and eight full colour plates by Graham Turner, David Nicolle's book examines the recruitment, organization, weaponry and uniforms of the armies of the Caliphates from 862-1098. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 321 - 1st printing. "Spanish Army of the Napoleonic Wars (1)!" Written by René Chartrand. Art by Bill Younghusband. The Spanish Army was transformed during the 18th century by an influx of progressive officers who modernised and expanded it. It was closely modelled on the French armies of Louis XIV and Louis XV in tactical doctrine, organisation, armament and uniforms. In battle, they were often brave to the point of carelessness, and were thus sometimes difficult to control. The army also had several Swiss and Walloon regiments, less given to all-out attacks, but renowned for their steadiness under fire. In this first of three volumes, Réne Chartrand examines the organisation and uniforms of the Spanish Army of the Napoleonic Wars. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 322 - 1st printing. "The French Indochina War 1946–54!" Written by Martin Windrow. Art by Mike Chappell. The states of Indochina had been French colonies or protectorates since the 19th century. However, in March 1945 the Japanese interned all French troops and officials, and turned over all civil government to local authorities. The power vacuum caused by the Japanese surrender allowed the Viet Minh, a strong revolutionary organisation, to be established throughout Vietnam. When the French returned to the north, incidents between French and VM troops were inevitable, negotiations collapsed and the French opted for a military solution. This book examines the history of the conflict and the forces of both sides. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 323 - 1st printing. "The Austrian Army 1836–66 (1)!" Written by Darko Pavlovic. Art by Darko Pavlovic. In the mid-19th century, Austria comprised a heterogeneous, multi-ethnic empire consisting of the Austrian or 'German' area; the Hungarian area; the Military Border; and the Kingdom of Lombardy-Venetia. The diverse nature of the empire made it difficult to create a unified and up-to-date military system, especially with remnants of feudalism still strong in some provinces. This book examines the Line infantry, Grenz infantry (Border troops) and Jägers (riflemen) that formed the Austrian infantry. Numerous illustrations and photographs of uniforms, rank insignia and regiments complement the text, as well as eight full colour plates. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 324 - 1st printing. "The North-East Frontier 1837–1901!" Written by Ian Heath. Art by Michael Perry. Despite the fact that it was events on the North-West Frontier which perennially awed and captivated Victorian audiences, British India's North-East Frontier saw at least as much military activity. Even the heroid 11-day defence of the isolated outpost of Kohima against overwhelming odds – fewer than 200 British-officered troops against perhaps 6,000 Nagas – failed to capture the public imagination. Today, after the passage of another century, Britain's numerous campaigns and conquests in Assam and the surrounding hills have faded even further into the mists of obscurity. This fascinating text by Ian Heath examines the peoples and places of the North-East Frontier. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 325 - 1st printing. "French Foreign Legion 1914–45 !" Written by Martin Windrow. Art by Mike Chappell. 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. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 326 - 1st printing. "The German Army 1939–45 (3)!" Written by Nigel Thomas. Art by Stephen Andrew. Operation Barbarossa, the attack on the Soviet Union, commenced on 22 June 1941. It became the biggest conflict in military history, with some three million German troops and about 900,000 allies facing almost 4.7 million Soviet troops. The effects would colour postwar European history for the next 50 years. This title examines the history of the conflict, and the organisation, uniforms and insignia of the German Army on the Eastern Front from 1941-43. The book contains numerous illustrations and photographs throughout, incuding eight fine full-page colour plates by Stephen Andrew. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 327 - 1st printing. "US Marine Corps in World War I 1917–18!" Written by Mark Henry. Art by Darko Pavlovic. Though the US Marines initially struggled to maintain their distinctive identity within the huge American Expeditionary Force in France, their unforgettable performance at Belleau Wood, Soissons, St Mihiel, Blanc Mont and the Meuse-Argonne established their reputation as 'the most aggressive body of diehards on the Western Front'. This book describes the organization of this formidable force from 1917-18 and details their uniforms, insignia and decorations, weapons and equipment. Numerous photographs and eight full colour plates vividly depict the various ranks of the US Marine Corps. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 328 - 1st printing. "The Austrian Army 1836–66 (2)!" Written by Darko Pavlovic. Art by Darko Pavlovic. The huge, multi-national Austro-Hungarian army was a major factor in mid-19th century European politics. Sharing borders with ramshackle Ottoman Turkey and volatile Italy, the Empire was threatened both internally – by growing nationalist esentments – and externally by the ambitions of France and Prussia. The Imperial and Royal Army was representative of the Empire, its composition and gorgeously complex uniforms echoing the historical traditions of both German-speaking Middle Europe and the East-facing Hungarian borderlands. This detailed analysis of its cavalry arm – Kurassiers, Dragoons, Chevauxlegers, Hussars and Uhlans – follows the author/artist's similar treatment of the Austro-Hungarian infantry in Men-at-Arms 323, and includes detailed tables of regimental distinctions. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 330 - 1st printing. "The German Army 1939–45 (4)!" Written by Nigel Thomas. Art by Stephen Andrew. In early 1943 the annihilation of the 6th Army at Stalingrad marked the irreversible turning-point of the war in the East. Despite occasional local successes gained in the face of great odds – testimony to the Wehrmacht's extraordinary resilience – from now on Germany was on the defensive. Despite Hitler's damaging interference the quality of German field leadership, and of new weapons, remained high; but each new Soviet offensive pushed the front line closer to – and finally, across – the borders of the Reich. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 331 - 1st printing. "Scots Armies of the English Civil Wars!" Written by Stuart Reid. Art by Graham Turner. In the summer of 1642 the First Civil War between king and parliament had broken out in England. Initially both sides were confident of victory, but after the first campaigns ended in stalemate they began looking for allies. The meddling of the Stuart Kings with Scotland's religious traditions provoked the National Covenant, and later the Solemn League and Covenant. Yet many Scots continued to support the King, and after his execution, his exiled son.This fine text by Stuart Reid examines the Scots armies who fought in the English Civil Wars, and features numerous illustrations and photographs, including full page colour plates by Graham Turner. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 332 - 1st printing. "Spanish Army of the Napoleonic Wars (2)!" Written by René Chartrand. Art by Bill Younghusband. The French 'invasion by stealth' of her uneasy ally Spain, and the final proclamation of Napoleon's brother Joseph as king, led to the spontaneous outbreak of a war of resistance in May 1808 that would rage for six years. Despite Napoleon's clear advantage, the Spanish Army was never completely destroyed, their stubborn resistance typified by epic sieges at Zaragoza and Gerona and nationwide guerrilla warfare. The second of three volumes, this book examines the history, uniforms and equipment of the Spanish Army who, with the help of guerrillas and 'armed peasantry', stood up to Napoleon's Grand Army against all odds. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 333 - 1st printing. "Armies of Medieval Russia 750–1250!" Written by David Nicolle. Art by Angus McBride. In the centuries following the first expeditions down the great rivers of northern Russia by Viking traders and adventurers, the foundations for a new state were laid. Many influences combined in this colourful culture which grew up first around the great cities of Kiev and Novgorod – Scandinavian, Finnish, Slav, steppe Turkish, Byzantine. By the time of the Mongol invasions of the 12th century the small enclaves of the old pagan Rus', tolerated by the Khazar Khans for their commercial usefulness, had evolved into a Christian nation. Its story is told here infascinating detail, and illustrated with striking colour reconstructions of the warriors themselves. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 334 - 1st printing. "Spanish Army of the Napoleonic Wars (3)!" Written by René Chartrand. Art by Bill Younghusband. This volume – covering the final years of the Peninsular War and the long trek over the Pyrenees into France – concludes the author's remarkable in-depth study of the army that fought alongside Wellington's redcoats throughout the Peninsular War. Prior to 1813 it was the Spanish armies that bore the brunt of the fighting and this text – based on primary research in Spanish and British archives which will be new to most readers – fills a large and long-standing gap in our knowledge of those Napoleonic campaigns which have always fascinated English-speaking students of the period. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 335 - 1st printing. "Émigré and Foreign Troops in British Service (2)!" Written by René Chartrand. Art by Patrice Courcelle. Following his study of the astonishing range of French Royalist and foreign mercenary units employed by Britain in the period 1793–1802 (Men-at-Arms 328), the author describes - often for the first time in an English language publication - the part played by their successors during the crucial years of the Napoleonic Wars. He covers not only relatively well-recorded units, such as Roll's, Meuron's and Watteville's Swiss corps, but also the unjustly neglected Italians, Corsicans and Greeks, and such exotica as the African and Ceylon regiments. Uniform details of nearly 40 corps are based on impressive primary research, and this book and its companion volume make a genuinely new contribution to Napoleonic studies. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 336 - 1st printing. "The German Army 1939–45 (5)!" Written by Nigel Thomas. Art by Stephen Andrew. This book covers the high command, the developments in unit organisation, the campaigns and the uniforms and equipment of the German Army in the last two years of the war in North-West Europe and Italy. Despite the huge pressure of fighting on three fronts, ever-worsening shortages of manpower and equipment, and Allied command of the skies, Germany's decimated divisions fought on with impressive skill and determination. This period also saw a fascinating mixture of obsolescent, newly designed, and field-made combat clothing which gave the German soldier a radically different appearance from his predecessor of just five years before. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 337 - 1st printing. "French Armies of the Hundred Years War!" Written by David Nicolle. Art by Angus McBride. The fourteenth and fifteenth centuries were a time of great upheaval for medieval France. In 1328 the Capetian line came to an end. This was the trigger for the Hundred Years War as successive English kings attempted to uphold their claim to the French throne. Catastrophic defeats at Crécy and Poitiers shook the French kingdom to its core. A period of respite followed under Bertrand du Guesclin, but an even more devastating assault was to follow, under the warrior-king par excellence Henry V, and the French disintegration continued until 1429. This book details how the French began a recovery, partly triggered by the young visionary Joan of Arc, that would end with them as the major European military power. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 338 - 2nd and later printings. "The King's German Legion (1)!" Written by Mike Chappell. Art by Mike Chappell. The formation of the King's German Legion resulted from the occupation of Hanover, their homeland, by the French in 1803. After assorted expeditions including Copenhagen in 1807 and Moore's retreat to Corunna, the Legion joined Sir Arthur Wellesley in the Peninsula. It was here that they were to earn undying renown as the crack corps of Wellington's army. The Legion represented about 20% of Wellington's fighting strength and distinguished itself in all the major actions, including their famous charge at Garcia Hernandez during the Salamanca campaign. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 339 - 1st printing. "The King's German Legion (2)!" Written by Mike Chappell. Art by Mike Chappell. This title is the completion of a two-part study of the King's German Legion – the largest and most respected of the foreign corps which fought as integrated elements of the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars. The light and heavy cavalry, light and line infantry, and horse and foot artillery of the KGL made major contributions to Wellington's victories in the latter part of the Peninsular War, and several units covered themselves with glory at Waterloo. Drawing upon new research in British and Hanoverian archival sources, Mike Chappell's detailed text and meticulous illustrations offer unprecedented details of this impressive fighting organisation. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 341 - 1st printing. "British Air Forces 1914-18 (1)!" Written by Andrew Cormack. Art by Peter Cormack. The outbreak of World War I found the British Army's Royal Flying Corps with just over 200 fragile, unarmed reconnaissance aircraft, and a uniformed strength of just over 2,000 all ranks; the Royal Naval Air Service had some 50 seaplanes. By the Armistice of 1918 the unified Royal Air Force was the largest in the world, with about 22,650 aeroplanes and 27,330 men operating from some 700 bases. This first in a two-part study describes and illustrates, in unprecedented detail, the uniforms of the RFC and RNAS in 1914-18-20. A detailed and interesting study. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 342 - 1st printing. "The US Army in World War II (1)!" Written by Mark Henry. Art by Mike Chappell. When World War II broke out in September 1939 the US Army – starved of resources since 1919 – numbered just 174,000 men. By VJ-Day, 2 September 1945, a total of 8.3 million had served in an army which had risen to a stable strength of 91 divisions. The Army's contribution to the war against Japan – 20 divisions and numerous smaller units – has tended to be overshadowed by the exploits of the much smaller Marine Corps. This first of three titles describes the organisation, uniforms and equipment of the US Army in the CBI and the Central and South-West Pacific from 1941 to 1945. Men-at-Arms 342, 347 and 350 are also available as a single volume special edition as ‘The US Army in World War II'. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 344 - 1st printing. "Tribes of the Sioux Nation!" Written by Michael G Johnson. Art by Jonathan Smith. The horse culture of the tribes of the High Plains of North America lasted only some 170 years; yet in that time the sub-tribes of the Teton or Western Sioux people imprinted a vivid image on the world's imagination by their fearless but doomed fight to protect their hunting grounds from the inevitable spread of the white man. This text outlines the history, social organization, religion and material culture of the Santee, Yankton and Teton Sioux; rare early photographs include portraits of many of the great war chiefs and warriors of the Plains Indian Wars, and eight detailed plates record details of Sioux traditional costume. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 345 - 1st printing. "The United States Army 1812–15!" Written by James Kochan. Art by David Rickman. The War of 1812 was the true making of the regular regiments and corps of the US Army. Three years' fighting against Britain saw the White House burned down, but also the bloody repulse of the redcoats, then the best infantry in the world, on a number of battlefields. The small constabulary force which entered the war - ill-led, ill-supported, and with an uncertain system of supply - ended it as a professional army with a system of command and services equal to any. This meticulous history of the uniforms of the American regulars is illustrated with many previously unseen paintings and photographs. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 346 - 1st printing. "The Portuguese Army of the Napoleonic Wars (2)!" Written by René Chartrand. Art by Bill Younghusband. Osprey are confident in boasting that this remarkable three-part study will transform the research material available to the English-speaking student of the Peninsular War. Most know that Wellington's Portuguese troops were praised as the 'fighting cocks' of his army; fewer appreciate that they represented between half and one-third of his entire forces. Similarly, most uniform historians have been limited to a few half-understood paintings by Dighton, and brief notes from secondary sources. René Chartrand's recent primary research in Portuguese and British archives now offers a wealth of important new material. This second volume covers the light infantry, cavalry, specialist corps and several supporting military and civilian departments. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 347 - 1st printing. "The US Army in World War II (2)!" Written by Mark Henry. Art by Mike Chappell. It was the Mediterranean theatre which saw the blooding of the US Army against the German Wehrmacht, in North Africa in winter 1943/44. After this rough education the US forces pressed on to Sicily, the South of France and the Italian mainland. Here, faced by difficult terrain , they and their British Commonwealth allies fought a long campaign until VE-Day. This second of a series of three MAA titles covers the uniforms worn on these fronts, including US Army cold weather, airborne and tankers' gear; some particularly interesting and important units, including mountain, Japanese-American and African-American troops; and a variety of crew-served weapons. Men-at-Arms 342, 347 and 350 are also available as a single volume special edition as ‘The US Army in World War II'. Softcover, PC/PB&W.