Osprey Men-at-Arms Series SC (1973-2011 OSPREY) comic books 1971-1973

Add to cart Very Good $2.50

Volume 1 - 1st printing. "The American Provincial Corps 1775–84!". Written by Philip Katcher. Art by Michael Youens. Initially British officials were reluctant to accept the offers of loyal subjects to form fighting units but eventually the potential of a Provincial corps was realized. Yet they never received the whole-hearted support of the British regular army and this was a factor in their evental defeat. Nonetheless the Provincial Corps served with distinction – even fighting against the Spanish in Nicaragua and the Bahamas – and some remained in service for several more years by relocating to Canada. This book examines their experiences in this continental conflict and details their uniforms and equipment. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

Volume 4 - 1st printing. "The Army of the German Empire 1870–88!" Written by Albert Seaton. Art by Michael Youens. The army of the German Empire was born out of the once great Prussian army that Napoleon Bonaparte had humbled at the battles of Jena and Auerstadt. The eventual defeat of Napoleon initiated a slow process of military reform that gained momentum during the pan-German and expansionist policies of King william I of Prussia and his chancellor Bismarck. This book charts the consolidation of prussian power and details the structure of the new imperial army that was created after the triumph of the Franco-Prussian War of 1870. uniforms and equipment are also examined in full detail. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

Volume 5 - 1st printing. "The Austro-Hungarian Army of the Napoleonic Wars!" Written by Albert Seaton. Art by R. Ottenfeld. In 1804, Francis II was forced by Napoleon to abdicate his position as Holy Roman Emperor. Instead, he became the Emperor of a new nation state, Austria-Hungary. Within his borders, he ruled a people of vast ethnic diversity including Germans, Hungarians, Czechs, Slovaks, Croats, Ukrainians, Poles, Russians, Rumanians, Italians, and Belgians. This book encapsulates the history of this thrown-together nation state and examines its soldiers as they battled throughout the Napoleonic Wars, covering all of the major campaigns and battles in which they fought. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

Volume 6 - 1st printing. "The Austro-Hungarian Army of the Seven Years War!" Written by Albert Seaton. Art by R. Ottenfeld. This book traces the development of the dominance of the Austrian hapsburgs in eastern Europe as they established themselves as eventual rulers of Austria, Hungary, Bohemia, Moravia, and Silesia. The latter was the setting for severe fighting as the Austro-Hungarian army tried and failed to resist Prussian attempts to seize the region. The Seven Years War pitted Fredrick the Great of Prussia against Maria Theresa of Austro-Hungary as each struggled for control of their respective empires and dominance of the continent. The organisation, uniforms and equipment of the army is examined and illustrated. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

Volume 7 - 1st printing. "The Black Brunswickers!" Written by Otto von Pivka. Art by Michael Roffe. In 1809 the dispossessed Friedrich Wilhelm of Brunswick, consumed by his desire for revenge against Napoleon, entered into an agreement with the Austrians to raise a new corps of infantry and cavalry. As a physical expression of this vengeance he decided to clothe his new troops all in black and adopted as his badge the skull and crossbones, resulting in his corps' christening as Die Schwarze Schar (the Black Horde). This book details the pivotal role that the Black Brunswickers played in major battles of the Napoleonic Wars, including Quatre Bras and Waterloo, and outlines the organization, uniforms and equipment of these formidable troops. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

Volume 8 - 1st printing. "The Black Watch!". Written by Charles Grant. Art by Michael Youens. In the wake of the Jacobite rebellions, companies of trustworthy Highlanders were raised from royal clans to protect the populace, deter cattle stealing and guard against any possible Jacobite incursion. Soon after its formation, the companies organized into a regiment of foot known famously as the 'Black Watch', the name thought to derive from their dark-coloured tartans and their role to 'watch' the Highlands. This book explores the uniforms, equipment and history of the Black Watch, from their involvement in the battles of Fontenoy and Ticonderoga in the mid-18th century, through to the Korean War of the 1950s. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

Add to cart Fine $9.00

Volume 8 - 2nd and later printings. "The Black Watch!". Written by Charles Grant. Art by Michael Youens. In the wake of the Jacobite rebellions, companies of trustworthy Highlanders were raised from royal clans to protect the populace, deter cattle stealing and guard against any possible Jacobite incursion. Soon after its formation, the companies organized into a regiment of foot known famously as the 'Black Watch', the name thought to derive from their dark-coloured tartans and their role to 'watch' the Highlands. This book explores the uniforms, equipment and history of the Black Watch, from their involvement in the battles of Fontenoy and Ticonderoga in the mid-18th century, through to the Korean War of the 1950s. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

Volume 9 - 1st printing. "Blücher's Army 1813–15!". Written by Peter Young. Art by Michael Roffe. The Prussian army of 1813–15 was very different not only in appearance but in spirit from that of 1806. Blücher was essentially a cavalryman and, despite his years and heavy responsibilites as Commander-in-Chief, he thought nothing of leading cavalry charges in person. Although this was dangerous, he succeeded in driving his raw regiments to to victory. this book by a leading military historian analyses the corps, regimental and squadron strength of the infantry, cavalry and artillery arms of Blücher's army. The text is accompanied by eight colour plates and several contemporary illustrations to depict the uniforms and experiences of the troops who participated in the final defeat of Napoleon. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

Volume 10 - 1st printing. "The Buffs!". Written by Gregory Blaxland. Art by Michael Youens. The Buffs originated in 1572 from a company of 300 men raised from London trained bands sent to aid the Protestant cause in Holland. Upon their return to England, the Company re-formed as a single regiment, the Holland Regiment, which later became known as 'The Buffs'. In the years that followed, this highly esteemed regiment served in conflicts ranging from the Peninsular War to World Wars I and II. This book details the history of the Buffs from their inception to their demise as an independent unit in 1967, focusing particularly on their uniforms, including the distinctive dragon badge. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

Volume 11 - 1st printing. "Chasseurs of the Guard!". Written by Peter Young. Art by Michael Youens. The Chasseurs of the Guard had its origins in the Guides raised by General Bonaparte during his Italian Campaign of 1796. Not only did the Chasseurs prove to be excellent soldiers, but they also served as Napoleon's immediate escort whenever he went on campaign. This book provides an overview of the regimental history of the corps, profiling some of its most memorable personalities, including Jean-Baptise Bessières, Marshal of France, and Prince Eugene de Beauharnais, Commander of the Chasseurs à cheval. The uniforms, guidons and standards of the Consular Guard, later renamed the Imperial Guard, are illustrated throughout the book. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

Volume 13 - 1st printing. "The Cossacks!" Written by Albert Seaton. Art by Michael Youens. The term ‘Cossack' was originally applied to the Tartar raiders who roamed the Southern Plain, the word coming from the Turko-Tartar, meaning at first ‘free adventurer'. In the 15th century when it began to refer to a people ditinguished by their own tongue and customs who formed separate communities. These strong, free Cossack communities were seen as a threat to the Tsar until in 1671 they were obliged to swear fealty. From that date onwards Cossacks served in all of Russia's wars, most famously when 50,000 Don Cossacks fought against Napoleon of which nearly half died in battle or on campaign. The Cossacks eventually developed their own military structure with rank titles , uniforms and equipment all of which are detailed in in this volume. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

Volume 15 - 1st printing. "Foot Grenadiers!" Written by Charles Grant. Art by Michael Roffe. This book examines the uniforms, equipment, history and organisation of Napoleon's Foot Grenadiers. Their experiences at Ulm, Austerlitz, Berlin, in Russia and at Waterloo are all summarised. Uniforms are shown in full illustrated detail. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

Volume 16 - 1st printing. "Frederick the Great's Army!" Written by Albert Seaton. Art by Michael Youens. This book examines the uniforms, equipment, history and organisation of the men who served in the army of Frederick the Great. Major engagements in the First and Second Silesian Wars and The Seven Years' War are all covered. Uniforms are shown in full illustrated detail. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

Volume 17 - 1st printing. "The French Foreign Legion!" Written by Martin Windrow. Art by Michael Roffe. It is arguable that no group of fighting men in the history of European arms has been so misrepresented by ill-informed publicity as the French Foreign Legion. Though initially conceived in 1831 as a means of drafting recently discharged foreign soldiers to Algeria, the Legion has developed into a sophisticated force of motorized infantry, airborne troops and light armour. In this book, acclaimed French Army expert Martin Windrow examines the history and uniforms of the French Foreign Legion, from its service in the Carlist War of 1835-36 to World War II and beyond, debunking many of the prevalent myths surrounding this formidable force. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

Volume 18 - 1st printing. "George Washington's Army!" Written by Peter Young. Art by Michael Roffe. This book examines the uniforms, equipment, history and organisation of George Washington's Army. The chronology of the American Revolution is summarised, and its major personalities introduced. Uniforms are shown in full illustrated detail. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

Volume 19 - 1st printing. "The Iron Brigade!" Written by John Selby. Art by Michael Roffe. This book examines the uniforms and equipment, history and organisation of the Iron Brigade during the American Civil War. The major battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg are all covered. Uniforms are shown in full colour artwork. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

Volume 20 - 1st printing. "Japanese Army of World War II!" Written by Philip Warner. Art by Michael Youens. 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. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

Volume 21 - 1st printing. "The King's Regiment!" Written by Alan Shepperd. Art by Michael Roffe. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

Volume 23 - 1st printing. "Montcalm's Army!" Written by Martin Windrow. Art by Michael Roffe. The peace of Aix-la-Chapelle in 1748 did not end the hostility between the French and British in North America. The French began by inciting the native tribes but it was only in 1756 that war was officially declared. The newly appointed French general was the Marquis de Montcalm-Gozon de Saint-Veran.A brilliant and much loved officer, montcalm was hampered by the bitter factional feeling with New France and his victories were tarnished by the savage buthery of some of his Indian and Canadian allies. This volume traces the actions of his army during the Seven Years' War, including his final defeat to Wolfe at Quebec. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

Volume 24 - 1st printing. "The Panzer Divisions!" Art by Richard Hook. For the first three years of the Second World War the German Army's armoured formations dominated the world's battlefields. During this period the Panzerwaffe swept away all that was before them, achieving victories over numerically superior and sometimes better equipped opponents. This remarkable book by Martin Windrow deals with one of the German Army's most effective and feared rapid attack forces, including a summary of every Panzer division's war record and an extensive examination of uniforms, equipment and decorations. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

Volume 25 - 1st printing. "The Royal Artillery!" Written by W.Y. Carman. Art by Michael Roffe. The Royal Regiment of Artillery originated in 1716, when two companies of artillery were formed to ensure that a regular force of gunners was readily available. The Regiment expanded rapidly in the 18th century and, since then, has seen service in campaigns worldwide, from the Boer and Crimean wars of the 19th century, to World Wars I and II. Today the Regiment forms a powerful and complex branch of the Army - the only section that has employed nuclear weapons. This book outlines the history, development and uniforms of the Royal Regiment of Artillery up to the late 1960s. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

Volume 26 - 1st printing. "Royal Scots Greys!" Written by Charles Grant. Art by Michael Youens. For almost three centuries the Royal Scots Greys have had the proud distinction of being Scoland's only regular cavalry regiment, famed for their distinguished service record from Marlborough's wars to World War II. Indeed, the Greys at Waterloo form one of the most memorable features of military history. With their cry of ‘Scotland forever!' they charged upon the French ranks seizing the imperial eagle of the French 45th Regimental. This book also looks at how this traditional cavalry unit struggled to come to terms with the realities of modern warfare during the Anglo-Boer war and World War I. Equipment and organisation used in all these combats is detailed in full and uniforms are shown in full colour artwork. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

Volume 29 - 1st printing. "The Soviet Army!" Written by Albert Seaton. Art by Michael Roffe. In the years between the Russian Revolution of 1917 and World War II, the Soviet Army underwent dramatic changes in conscription, organization and effectiveness. The Russian Army in World War I had been lacking in leadership and drive, but was transformed by the Soviets into a force to be reckoned with, as evidenced by its crucial victory at Stalingrad. Enhanced by colour plates, illustrations and photographs, this book traces the development of the Soviet Army from its Tsarist heritage, through the tumultuous years of the Red Army, to its full modernization in 1957, Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

Volume 30 - 1st printing. "The Stonewall Brigade!" Written by John Selby. Art by Michael Roffe. Softcover, 50 pages, PC/PB&W.

Volume 30 - 1st printing. "30th Punjabis!" Written by James Lawford. Art by Michael Youens. Softcover, 50 pages, PC/PB&W.

Volume 32 - 1st printing. "United States Marine Corps!" Written by John Selby. Art by Michael Roffe. This book examines the uniforms, equipment, history and organisation of the United States Marine Corps, from 1775, through their service in World Wars 1 and 2, through to Korea and Vietnam. Uniforms are shown in full illustrated detail. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

Volume 33 - 1st printing. "The US Cavalry!" Written by John Selby. Art by Michael Roffe. The US cavalry has distinguished itself in battle since the American Revolution of the 1770s. Since then, the cavalry has seen action in the American Civil War and in frequent battles with Native American tribes on the western frontier, and more recently in World War II and the Korean War. This book details the history of the cavalry from its formation to the late 1960s, while profiling some of its most memorable leaders. The text is backed by numerous illustrations, including contemporary photographs, sketches, maps and eight colour plates. Softcover, 50 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $3.95.

Volume 34 - 1st printing. "The Waffen-SS!" Written by Martin Windrow. Art by Jeffrey Burn. In the early 1920s, a tiny group was formed within the SA to serve as Hitler's personal bodyguard. Originally labelled the 'Stosstruppe Adolf Hitler', they later became known as the SS – Schutz Staffeln, or 'protection squads'. From these humble beginnings, the SS rose to a nominal strength of 38 divisions of over 800,000 men by 1945, representing a sizeable portion of Germany's land forces and more importantly a quarter of her tank forces and a third of her mechanised infantry. Martin Windrow provides a splendid in-depth review of the history, uniforms and insignia of the infamous Waffen-SS. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

Add to cart Very Fine $2.50

Volume 35 - 1st printing. "Wellington's Peninsular Army!" Written by James Lawford. Art by Michael Roffe. At the beginning of the Napoleonic period the British Army's record left something to be desired. During the Peninsular War, however, Wellington led and trained an army that never knew a major defeat on the field. Even Wellington himself described his army as 'able to go anywhere or do anything'. This book examines the formidable British Army which played an integral part in stalling Napoleon's advance, focusing on the staff, infantry, cavalry, artillery and sieges and sappers. Numerous illustrations, including eight colour plates, vividly depict the weaponry and uniforms of Wellington's Peninsular Army. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

Add to cart Very Good $6.40

Volume 49 - 1st printing. "The Coldstream Guards!" Written by Charles Grant. Art by Michael Roffe. The Coldstream Guards is the oldest serving regular regiment in the British Army. First called 'Monck's Regiment of Foot' the regiment was formed by Oliver Cromwell in 1650, and was later re-named the 'Coldstream Guards' after the Scottish village where Monck assembled his troops before marching into London. In the years following the English Civil War, the troops saw action in the Napoleonic Wars, the Crimea, Egypt, Sudan and South Africa, and World Wars I and II. This book outlines the history of the Coldstream Guards from its inception to the end of World War II, detailing the uniforms and equipment of this prestigious unit. Softcover, 50 pages, PC/PB&W.