Osprey Men-at-Arms Series SC (1973-2011 OSPREY) comic books 1973-1975

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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.

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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 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 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 - 2nd and later printings. "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.

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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.

Volume 36 - 1st printing. "The Army of Northern Virginia!" Written by Philip Katcher. Art by Michael Youens. On the 27 June, 1862, with the American Civil War already a year old, General Robert E. Lee assumed personal command of troops engaged in driving the Federal Army of the Potomac out of Richmond – troops which would henceforth be known as The Army of Northern Virginia. Philip Katcher explores in absorbing detail all aspects of the army, including infantry, cavalry, artillery, technical and medical corps, paying particular attention to equipment, weapons and uniforms. Contemporary and museum photographs, together with the author's expert text, combine to a paint a vivid and accurate picture of what life was like for the average confederate soldier. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

Volume 37 - 1st printing. "The Army of Northern Virginia!" Written by Philip Katcher. Art by Michael Youens. On the 27 June, 1862, with the American Civil War already a year old, General Robert E. Lee assumed personal command of troops engaged in driving the Federal Army of the Potomac out of Richmond – troops which would henceforth be known as The Army of Northern Virginia. Philip Katcher explores in absorbing detail all aspects of the army, including infantry, cavalry, artillery, technical and medical corps, paying particular attention to equipment, weapons and uniforms. Contemporary and museum photographs, together with the author's expert text, combine to a paint a vivid and accurate picture of what life was like for the average confederate soldier. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

Volume 38 - 1st printing. "Army of the Potomac!" Written by Philip Katcher. Art by Michael Youens. For General George B. McClellan, the dejected Union troops who poured into Washington fresh from defeat at Bull Run on Monday 22 July, 1861, were to provide the raw material which he would train, equip, organise and ultimately transform from a mere mob into an effective fighting force. In October 1861 the Army of the Potomac officially came into being. This entertaining volume from the same team of author Philip Katcher and artist Michael Youens who produced Men-at-Arms 37 The Army of Northern Virginia, explores how this transition came about, with a particular emphasis on weapons, uniforms and equipment. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

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Volume 39 - 1st printing. "The British Army in North America 1775–83!" Written by Robin May. Art by Gerry Embleton. For sheer guts, the Redcoats' behaviour at Bunker Hill, Saratoga and other bloody encounters has rarely been surpassed. The Americans won, but only just, and then thanks to foreign intervention and a small number of dedicated and valiant patriots who were continually let down by their own people. Robin May's splendid work looks at the British Army that fought in the American Revolution from 1775 to1783. It details the soldiers who faced the difficulties of campaigning in America along with the gross inefficiency and corruption at home which, along with their generals' often blundering conduct, were as deadly enemies as the Americans. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

Volume 40 - 1st printing. "The British Army of the Crimea!" Written by J.B.R. Nicholson. Art by Michael Roffe. The British Army's involvement in the Crimean War of 1854-56 is often remembered only for the ill-advised 'charge of the Light Brigade' during the battle of Sevastopol as memorialized in Tennyson's poem. Nevertheless, the British Army, together with the French and Turkish armies, posed a formidable threat to Russia's expansionist ambitions. This book examines the uniforms of the various branches of the British Army involved in the conflict, including general officers and staff, artillery, infantry and the most colourful branch of all - the cavalry. Numerous illustrations, including rare contemporary photographs depict the army's uniforms in vivid detail. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $3.95.

Volume 41 - 1st printing. "The Gurkha Rifles!" Written by J.B.R. Nicholson. Art by Michael Roffe. The Gurkhas have a long and distinguished service record. This book examines the uniforms, equipment, history and organisation of the Gurkha rifles. It traces the 19th origins of the now famous Gurkha regiments and also covers their service history during the Great Mutiny and the 3rd Afghan War. During the two World Wars the Gurhah rifles performed countless tours of duty and their regimental battle honours listed in the book bear testimony to their extensive service. A series of full colour illustrations accompany the text. Softcover, 40 pages, PC/PB&W.

Volume 42 - 1st printing. "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 45 - 1st printing. "Napoleon's Polish Troops!" Written by Otto von Pivka. Art by Michael Roffe. In 1795 the kingdom of Poland fell prey to her stronger neighbours, Russia, Prussia and Austria. Following the death of the king of Poland in 1798, his kingdom was divided among these three neighbouring powers. France became increasingly involved, and protested at Poland's treatment, offering refuge for Polish exiles. On 11 October 1796 the Polish Legion was formed in the French army by General Dombrowski and Napoleon. This book covers the uniforms, dress, organisation and equipment of the infantry, artillery, and cavalry of Napoleon's Polish Troops. Among the cavalry units covered are the Chasseurs and Lancers. This title also provides a summary of the Polish divisions' campaigns in Spain, Russia and within Poland itself. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

Volume 46 - 1st printing. "The Roman Army from Caesar to Trajan!" Written by Michael Simkins. Art by Ronald Embleton. Although the common Roman fighting men themselves have left no account, much literature has survived from antiquity. The wealth of archaeological finds, plus the study of surviving Roman scultpure has allowed hisorians to learn much about the nature of the Roman army which conquered an astonishing expanse of territory. Michael Simkins brings all his substantial knowledge to bear on this fascinating subject, covering such topics as army composition, recruitment, training, campaign routine and providing a wealth of detail on weapons, uniforms and equipment. Men-at-Arms 283, 291 and 46 are also available in a single volume special edition as ‘Caesar's Legions'. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

Volume 47 - 1st printing. "The South Wales Borderers!" Written by Christopher Wilkinson-Latham. Art by Michael Roffe. This book examines the uniforms, equipment, history and organisation of the South Wales Borderers, from Marlborough's Wars through to World War 2. The regiment's service in the Napoleonic wars, the Zulu War and in India are all covered. Uniforms are shown in full illustrated detail. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

Volume 48 - 1st printing. "Wolfe's Army!" Written by Robin May. Art by Gerry Embleton. The British victory at Quebec in 1759 was a landmark in the history of North America. In this 'year of miracles', according to Horace Walpole, one could 'never afford to miss a single copy of a newspaper for fear of missing a British victory somewhere'. Of all the pivotal figures in the Seven Years' War, a cast which included George Washington, Sir William Johnson, Lord Howe and Montcalm, Major-General Wolfe remains etched most deeply in Americans' memories for his heroic leadership at Quebec. Enhanced by illustrations and photographs, this book focuses on the British forces throughout their disastrous and triumphant wilderness campaigns which ultimately ensured the birth of the English-speaking United States of America. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

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Volume 50 - 1st printing. "Medieval European Armies!" Written by Terence Wise. Art by Gerry Embleton. Almost continual warfare raged in Europe during the period 1300-1500. These wars were the furnaces in which many of the modern European nations were forged. Parallel with this emergence of the nations came the development of national armies to protect the newly-won borders and independence, yet throughout this period the old feudal method of raising an army persisted. This fascinating study by Terence Wise explores the organisation, weapons and equipment of the armies who fought across medieval Europe, from the Hundred Years War to the fight against the Moors in Spain and the French invasion of Italy. Softcover, 50 pages, PC/PB&W.

Volume 51 - 1st printing. "Spanish Armies of the Napoleonic Wars!" Written by Otto von Pivka. Art by Michael Roffe. Despite Napoleon's clear advantage in the Peninsular War, the Spanish Army was never completely destroyed. Wrought by poor leadership and insufficient training, Spain's armies persisted in the fight against imperial France. This book gives an overview of Spain's confused position during the Napoleonic Era, caught between the competing interests of Britain and France. The book focuses primarily on the uniforms of the Spanish Army in the period before 1808 and during the war years as the Army of King Joseph, as well as the infantry uniforms of 1814-15. Numerous illustrations and eight colour plates vividly depict the uniforms of this often-underestimated force. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

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Volume 52 - 1st printing. "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 - 1st printing. "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.