Osprey Men-at-Arms Series SC (1973-2011 OSPREY) comic books 1975-1977

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 43 - 1st printing. "Napoleon's German Allies (2)!" Written by Otto von Pivka. Art by Gerry Embleton. On 14 October 1808, Napoleon persuaded Herzog Peter Friedrich Ludwig of Oldenburg to join the Confederation of the Rhine by the Treaty of Erfurt – the military contingent to be maintained by the duchy was set at an infantry battalion of 800 men in six companies. Similarly, Friedrich August, Herzog of Nassau, was charged, under the terms of the treaty with co-ordinating and organising the military efforts of all the tiny states of its neighbours. In this fine addition to Osprey's Men-at-Arms series, Otto Von Pivka details the campaign history and uniforms of Napoleon's Nassau and Oldenburg allied troops. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

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Volume 46 - 2nd and later printings. "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.

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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 53 - 1st printing. "Rommel's Desert Army!" Written by Martin Windrow. Art by Michael Roffe. The desert war produced commanders of dash and originality on both sides and the memory of the German commanding general, Erwin Rommel, has endured as the epitome of skill, daring and soldierly integrity. His victories were brilliant until he was bested by poor health, lack of reinforcements and an opposing commander who was his equal. The contribution of his various troops is detailed in a full order of battle which includes his veteran Afrika Korps and Italian allies, and their uniforms are shown in full colour arwork. 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.

Volume 55 - 1st printing. "Napoleon's Dragoons and Lancers!" Written by Emir Bukhari. Art by Angus McBride. France was to call up a total of 1,600,000 men during the Napoleonic Wars, of whom a mere 600,000 were to survive. For those conscripted into service, one of the better fates would be recruitment as a cavalryman. Napoleon's dragoons were not just any band of individuals sorted and labelled cavalrymen; they were mounted infantrymen, trained to be adept with both musket and sabre, and proud of that distinction. Originally mounted for the sake of mobility but generally fighting on foot, they evolved into an army equally at home sabring at the charge as firing dismounted. Softcover, 50 pages, PC/PB&W.

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Volume 55 - 2nd and later printings. "Napoleon's Dragoons and Lancers!" Written by Emir Bukhari. Art by Angus McBride. France was to call up a total of 1,600,000 men during the Napoleonic Wars, of whom a mere 600,000 were to survive. For those conscripted into service, one of the better fates would be recruitment as a cavalryman. Napoleon's dragoons were not just any band of individuals sorted and labelled cavalrymen; they were mounted infantrymen, trained to be adept with both musket and sabre, and proud of that distinction. Originally mounted for the sake of mobility but generally fighting on foot, they evolved into an army equally at home sabring at the charge as firing dismounted. Softcover, 50 pages, PC/PB&W.

Volume 56 - 1st printing. "The Mexican-American War 1846–48!" Written by Philip Katcher. Art by Gerry Embleton. ‘There never was so fine an American army,' wrote second-lieutenant, John Sedgwick, in describing the troops under Major-General Zachary Taylor in 1846. Another then second-lieutenant, destined to see many more armies; U.S. Grant, also thought highly of them: ‘The rank and file were probably inferior ... to the volunteers that participated in all the later battles of the war; but they were brave men, and then drill and discipline brought out all there was in them.' Philip Katcher writes the story of the regulars and volunteers who fought in the Mexican-American War, detailing the infantry, cavalry, artillery and staff of both the American and Mexican armies. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

Volume 57 - 1st printing. "The Zulu War!" Art by Angus McBride. By the end of the nineteenth century the fame of the Zulu was world-wide, and their army was one of the few non-European military organisations to have become the subject of serious historical study. Their very name is still synonymous with bravery, discipline and military skill. This excellent addition to Osprey's Men-at-Arms series tells the story of the Zulu's at war, from their rise to unrivalled power under the fearsome Shaka to the final devastating defeat against the British at Ulundi, detailing Zulu weapons and tactics, and the famous battles in which they fought. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

Volume 58 - 1st printing. "The Landsknechts!" Written by Douglas Miller. Art by Gerry Embleton. The Landsknechts were German mercenaries who served during the reigns of Maximilian I and Charles V in the sixteenth century. Having signed up, these Landsknechts were read a very detailed code of conduct, organised into companies, paid one month in advance, and sent into battle! Their major weapon was the pike, which could be up to 18 feet in length, but those whose duty it was to advance in the front line carried instead the fearsome Zweihänder; an enormous battle-sword around 66 inches in length! Douglas Miller describes in detail the organisation, tactics, weapons, uniforms and history of these remarkable soldiers. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

Volume 59 - 1st printing. "The Sudan Campaigns 1881–98!" Written by Robert Wilkinson-Latham. Art by Michael Roffe. In the Sudan in 1881 an obscure son of a carpenter pronounced himself the ‘Mahdi' or ‘Guided One of the Prophet', the long-expected Messiah of the Islamic faith. His influence was so strong that Egypt (co-ruled by Britain and France) was plunged into war. Robert Wilkinson-Latham provides an absorbing account of the Sudan campaigns, including the siege of Khartoum, the unpredictable General Charles Gordon, and the Nile Expedition. The author details the organisation and fortunes of all forces involved, painting a fascinating picture of the place and its peoples from 1881–98. Softcover, 50 pages, PC/PB&W.

Volume 60 - 1st printing. "Scandinavian Armies in the Napoleonic Wars!" Written by Jack Cassin-Scott. Art by Michael Roffe. By 1807 Napoleon--well aware of the strategic importance of the Scandinavian nations--was convinced that he must incorporate both Denmark and Norway into his Continental System, either by aggressive diplomacy or by naked force. Having claimed neutrality to sustain its trading links, Scandinavia found itself pitted between two power-hungry nations: Britain and France. This book details the Scandinavian armies involved in the Napoleonic Wars, beginning with the siege of Copenhagen in 1807, to the fall of Denmark and the invasion of Norway in 1813. The text is accompanied by colour plates detailing the uniforms and equipment of the Scandinavian armies. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

Volume 61 - 1st printing. "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 62 - 1st printing. "The Boer War!" Written by Christopher Wilkinson-Latham. Art by Michael Roffe. This book examines the uniforms, equipment, history and organisation of the armies that fought in the Boer War. Both sides are covered, and the campaigns summarised. Uniforms are shown in full illustrated detail. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

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Volume 63 - 1st printing. "The American Indian Wars 1860–90!" Written by Philip Katcher. Art by Gerry Embleton. The wars between whites and Indians, the most famous of which were fought on the great Western plains between 1860 and 1890, were among the most tragic of all conflicts ever fought. To the victor went no less than the complete domination of the continent, to the loser total extinction. Accustomed only to small scale skirmishing and raiding, the Indians were doomed from the start. They had never fought a European-style war with its constant pressure and co-ordinated strategies. Philip Katcher details the armies of both sides, paying particular attention to their organisation and uniforms. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 64 - 1st printing. "Napoleon's Cuirassiers and Carabiniers!" Written by Emir Bukhari. Art by Angus McBride. Owing to the heavy casualties suffered by the carabiniers in the 1809 campaign, the Emperor decreed that they should be armoured to the same advantage as the cuirassiers. In this way the two corps drew together in being the only troops of the Grande Armeé who were armoured, while at the same time they diverged in breaking away from their traditionally similar dress. Emir Bukhari does a splendid job of examining the uniforms and equipment of Napoleon's cuirassiers and carabiniers, in a text complemented throughout by numerous illustrations and diagrams including eight full page colour plates by the ever popular Angus McBride. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 65 - 1st printing. "The Royal Navy 1790–1970!" Written by Robert Wilkinson-Latham. Art by Gerry Embleton. Of all the world's seaborne military organizations, the British Royal Navy is perhaps the most prestigious. Protector of the British Empire and defender of British freedom, it has provided the template on which nearly all other national navies have modelled themselves. This book explores the changes in the uniforms of the Royal Navy from the 18th century to 1970. It includes details from the dress regulations as laid down in the first official illustrated text on the topic, which dated from 1825, up through the present day, and addresses all variations for climate, rank, and equipment requirements. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 66 - 1st printing. "Montgomery's Desert Army!" Written by John Wilkinson-Latham. Art by Gerry Embleton. Originally Churchill's second choice as a commander, Montgomery was to make the 8th Army his own. Indeed, his first task as the new commander-elect of was to restore the morale of the army. The desert army quicly assumed the character of their forthright and cocksure commander, and the troops confidently expected victory. This they achieved at the Battle of El Alamein and the order of battle for the British and Dominion forces is detailed in full. The difficulties of desert warfare and the type of equipment and uniforms are also discussed. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

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Volume 67 - 1st printing. "The Indian Mutiny!" Written by Christopher Wilkinson-Latham. Art by Gerry Embleton. On the 24 April 1855, Colonel Carmichael Smyth held a parade of the ninety skirmishers of the 3rd Light Cavalry of the Bengal Army at Meerut, some 30 miles from Delhi. The disastrous events that followed sparked an almost wholesale mutiny of the Honourable East India Company's Bengal Native Army. Had the ensuing uprising succeeded, it would have threatened the validity of the entire British Empire. As it was the Mutiny witnessed several tragic and bloody events, from the original incident in Meerut to the horrifying siege of Cawnpore. Christopher Wilikinson-Latham details the history of the conflict, from its beginnings to ultimate resolution. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 68 - 1st printing. "Napoleon's Line Chasseurs!" Written by Emir Bukhari. Art by Angus McBride. The chasseurs, being the indigenous French light horse, can perhaps therefore be equated best with the infantry demi-brigades of this period, a half-trained, unprofessional, make-shift collection, making up with zeal what they lacked in experience, a qualification which in no way diminished the importance of their role within Napoleon's all-conquering army. Emir Bukhari's fine text examines the dress and equipment of Napoleon's line chasseurs, plus the histories of individual regiments in a volume containing a plethora of illustrations and diagrams including eight full page colour plates by popular artist Angus McBride, showing a variety of uniforms in admirable detail. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 69 - 1st printing. "The Greek and Persian Wars 500–323 BC!" Art by Jack Cassin-Scott. In the early 5th century BC, after the fall of the Lydian Empire, the Persian Wars began. It was an ideological conflict which pitted a proud, democratic, freedom-loving people against a tyrannical and mighty empire. The stories of the many battles fought between the Greeks and the Persians are here splendidly brought to life by Jack Cassin-Scott, who details the tactics, organisation and uniforms of the armies of both sides in a volume featuring numerous illustrations and museum photographs, plus eight full page colour plates superbly drawn by the author himself. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 71 - 1st printing. "The British Army 1965–80!" Written by David Smith. Art by Angus McBride. The uniform of the British Army underwent many changes between 1965 and 1980. This book catalogues these changes and outlines in detail the many regimental distinctions which exist throughout this old and prestigious army. Among the formations examined are the Household Division, the Royal Armoured Corps, the Scottish Division, the Queen's Division, the King's Division, the Prince of Wales's Division, the Light Division and the Brigade of Gurkhas. The text is backed by numerous photographs and eight colour plates vividly depicting the nuances of the army's combat and service dress. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 72 - 1st printing. "North-West Frontier 1837–1947!" Written by Robert Wilkinson-Latham. Art by Angus McBride. For over a hundred years British and Indian troops were engaged on the North-West Frontier of India policing the tribes, mounting expeditions, and guarding against the ever-present threat from Russia. Populated mainly by Pathans, one of the fiercest warrior races on earth, the Frontier came to be known as 'The Grim' by generations of British soldiers. This book details not only the three Afghan wars but also the issues surrounding Chitral, Malakand and Tirah. Colour illustrations and photographs offer a rare glimpse into life on the Frontier, illuminating Lord Curzon's remark, 'No man who has read a page of Indian history will ever prophesy about the frontier'. Softcover, PC/PB&W.