Osprey Elite Series SC (1984-2008 OSPREY) comic books 1993-1995

Volume 44 - 1st printing. "Security Forces in Northern Ireland 1969-92!" Written by Tim Ripley. Art by Mike Chappell. The conflict in Northern Ireland remains unlike any other campaign conducted by the British Army this century. There have been no set-piece battles, no decisive victories or crushing defeats; just a grinding, relentless series of small scale operations in response to riots, bombings, sectarian murders and terrorist ambushes. Tim Ripley, a specialist in modern military affairs and research associate at Lancaster University's Centre for Defence and International Security Studies, profiles the operations, tactics, uniforms and equipment of the British and Irish Security Forces and the main terrorist groups involved in 'the Troubles' from 1969-92. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 45 - 1st printing. "Armies of the Gulf War!" Written by Gordon L Rottman. Art by Ronald Volstad. Besides continuing a long history of world-wide peacekeeping, the commitment of US troops to the Gulf reunified the country and restored a national pride lost in the aftermath of Vietnam. It also proved that the US armed forces were again the most capable military force in the world. This volume by veteran Osprey author Gordon L. Rottman focuses on the structure, equipment, effectiveness, and employment of the 680,000 coalition troops which fought in the Gulf War, covering not only the US forces, but also those of Britain, France, the Arab League and Iraq. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 46 - 1st printing. "US Army Air Force Book 1!" Written by Gordon L Rottman. Art by Francis Chin. In June 1941 the US Army's air organisations were consolidated under a single command, the Army Air Forces or AAF. Its expansion was rapid and massive, and its contribution to the war effort was substantial. Books abound describing the AAF's impressive combat record, but little has been published to record what the men inside the machines wore to stay alive and effective in the air and on the ground, or, as often as not, in the water. Gordon L. Rottman's detailed treatment discusses the flying clothes, accessories and equipment worn and used by individual airmen fighting their often desperate battles in the sky. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 47 - 1st printing. "South African Special Forces!" Written by Robert Pitta. Art by Simon McCouaig. This book provides a highly detailed account of the history, organisation, uniforms and insignia of South African Special Forces from their origins up to the early 90s - units such as the 44 Parachute Brigade, the Hunter Group and the infamous SWA Police COIN Unit 'Koevoet'. These elite units of the South African Defence Force and the special anti-terrorist units of the South African Police Forces comprised the largest, best trained and best equipped of any country in southern Africa. Robert Pitta and Jeff Fannell provide the text in a volume packed with photographs and illustrations. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 48 - 1st printing. "Nelson's Navy!" Written by Philip Haythornthwaite. Art by Bill Younghusband. Despite the many celebrated victories of the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars, the role of the Royal Navy should never be overlooked. The 'wooden walls' formed the country's first and most important line of defence, and ranged throughout the world to protect Britain's trade-routes and in support of the land forces and overseas possessions. This book covers the huge variations in uniforms not just in the Navy but the Royal Marines and Infantry regiments which served alongside naval crews. It also looks at the organisation, training and recruitment of the force and corrects a number of misconceptions regarding impressment and training. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 49 - 1st printing. "The Gurkhas!" By Mike Chappell. The origins of the Gurkhas date back to 1815, when one of the most skilled and determined opponents that the British soldier had to overcome in battle was the Nepalese warrior. The British were so impressed with the military skills of these fighters that they began recruiting units exclusively from Nepal. From this beginning grew the now famous Gurkha units. This volume examines the development of the Gurkhas through the various wars and confrontations of the 19th century, through the First World War, Second World War and the various postwar conflicts including Malaya, Borneo and the Falklands. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

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Volume 50 - 1st printing. "The Praetorian Guard!" Written by Boris Rankov. Art by Richard Hook. The Praetorian Guard of Imperial Rome was the power behind the throne, with the ability to make or break an emperor. As the main body of troops in Rome, they were the emperor's instrument to discourage plotting and rebellion and to crush unrest. The emperor's most immediate line of defence, they could also be his most deadly enemies. This book details the organization, dress and history of the Praetorian Guard from the time of the late Republic to the Guard's effective destruction at the battle of Milvian Bridge in AD 312. Numerous illustrations vividly depict the uniforms and weaponry of this elite fighting unit. Softcover,64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 51 - 1st printing. "US Army Air Force Book 2!" Written by Gordon L Rottman. Art by Francis Chin. While the most conspicuous components of the US Army Air Forces in World War II were the air units, there were also hundreds of ground units and organisations. Besides assigned military personnel the AAF also employed thousands of civilians. Many unique outfits were designed to meet the AAF's special needs. Uniformed civilians also possessed a variety of unique uniforms and insignia. These general issue and specific uniforms are the subject of this volume by one of Osprey's most experienced authors, Gordon L. Rottman, whose detailed text is backed by plenty of contemporary photographs and 12 full page colour plates by Francis Chin. Softcover,64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 52 - 1st printing. "Wellington's Foot Guards!" Written by Ian Fletcher. Art by Bill Younghusband. The Guards fought in every major British campaign on the continent during the Napoleonic Wars. They carved their place in history under commanders such as Sir John Moore and Wellington from Corunna and Talavera during the Peninsula War to their legendary defence of the Chateau of Hougoumont throughout the battle of Waterloo. Ian Fletcher examines the uniforms and insignia of the Guards as worn both on campaign and on ceremonial duties in this worthy addition to the Elite series, which features a wealth of accompanying illustrations including 12 full page colour plates by Bill Younghusband. Softcover,64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 53 - 1st printing. "International Brigades in Spain 1936-39!" Written by Ken Bradley. Art by Mike ChappellThe Civil war fought in Spain between 1936 and 1939 was one of the most bloody and bitterly fought military campaigns of the 20th century. Both the loyalist Republican troops and the Nationalists under General Franco used foreign volunteers to supplement their own forces. In the case of the Republicans the Comintern organised the International Brigades, eventually recruiting over 40,000 people. The International Brigades were the Republican forces elite and as such were stationed at the toughest sectors and often led the most desperate attacks. Ken Bradley details the history, recruitment, composition, organisation, uniforms and equipment these brigades. Softcover,64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 54 - 1st printing. "UN Forces 1948-94!" Written by Robert Pitta. Art by Simon McCouaig. This volume details the various UN peace keeping operations around the globe from 1948-94, which have seen UN forces deployed in almost every corner of the world - Africa (Namibia and Somalia), South America (El Salvador), the Middle East (Cyprus, Sinai, Golan Heights, Lebanon and Kuwait), the Far East (Cambodia and Korea) and Europe (Bosnia, Croatia, Slovenia). In addition two major wars have been fought under the banner of the United Nations - The Korean War and the Gulf War. A huge number of nations have contributed troops to these various efforts, with the result that the UN forces are extremely varied and colourful. The vast variety uniforms and insignia are illustrated in twelve full page colour plates. Softcover,64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 55 - 1st printing. "Marine Recon 1940-90!" Written by Charles Melson. Art by Paul Hannon. In 1976 Maj. James Capers Jr. welcomed new men and their families into a force reconnaissance company. 'Only the most capable Marines are selected for this duty due to rigid mental and physical demands. A very thorough screening of each applicant is conducted ... to test alertness and endurance. The result is a small elite unit with highly qualified Marines who are considered the best in the world'. Ex-Marine Charles D Melson examines the history, equipment and insignia of the Marine's amphibious and ground long-range patrol reconnaissance specialists in this volume which contains a wealth of photographs and 12 full page colour plates by Paul Hannon. Softcover,64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 56 - 1st printing. "Scottish Divisions in the World Wars!" By Mike Chappell. Over the centuries of their existence the Scottish regiments of the British Army have gained a reputation in war that is the envy of all and which can be matched, or surpassed, by very few. The very description 'Scottish soldier' conjures up images ranging from the 'thin red streak tipped with a line of steel' of the 93rd Highlanders at Balaclava, and the charge of the Scots greys at Waterloo, to the more recent deeds of Scottish regiments in the Falkland Islands and the Persian Gulf. Mike Chappell chronicles the remarkable history of the Scottish units which fought in the two world wars.. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 56 - 2nd and later printings. "Scottish Divisions in the World Wars!" By Mike Chappell. Over the centuries of their existence the Scottish regiments of the British Army have gained a reputation in war that is the envy of all and which can be matched, or surpassed, by very few. The very description 'Scottish soldier' conjures up images ranging from the 'thin red streak tipped with a line of steel' of the 93rd Highlanders at Balaclava, and the charge of the Scots greys at Waterloo, to the more recent deeds of Scottish regiments in the Falkland Islands and the Persian Gulf. Mike Chappell chronicles the remarkable history of the Scottish units which fought in the two world wars.. Softcover, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 57 - 1st printing. "The Royal Marines 1939-93!" Written by Nick van der Bijl. Art by Paul Hannon. The origin of the Royal Marines dates back to the formation of the Admiral's Regiment in the 17th century. Since then Marines have participated in more battles on land and sea than any other branch of the British Armed Forces. Their 'elite' status rests in the commandos - the one formation that is trained to be delivered to battle by helicopter or landing craft from ships. This book examines the units, organization and operations of the Royal Marines, focusing on their activity in World War II's various theatres and their post-war operations in Northern Ireland, the Falklands and the Gulf. Softcover,64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 58 - 1st printing. "The Janissaries!" Written by David Nicolle. Art by Christa Hook. The Janissaries comprised an élite corps in the service of the Ottoman Empire. It was composed of war captives and Christian youths pressed into service; all of whom were converted to Islam and trained under the strictest discipline. In many ways, Jannisaries reflected Ottoman society, which was itself dominated by a military elite and where there was much greater social mobility than in Europe. On top of this, the Turks looked upon Europe much as the early Americans viewed the Western Frontier - as a land of adventure, mission and opportunity. David Nicolle examines the history, organisation, weapons and uniforms of these élite Turkish troops.. Softcover,64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

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Volume 58 - 2nd and later printings. "The Janissaries!" Written by David Nicolle. Art by Christa Hook. The Janissaries comprised an élite corps in the service of the Ottoman Empire. It was composed of war captives and Christian youths pressed into service; all of whom were converted to Islam and trained under the strictest discipline. In many ways, Jannisaries reflected Ottoman society, which was itself dominated by a military elite and where there was much greater social mobility than in Europe. On top of this, the Turks looked upon Europe much as the early Americans viewed the Western Frontier - as a land of adventure, mission and opportunity. David Nicolle examines the history, organisation, weapons and uniforms of these élite Turkish troops.. Softcover, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 59 - 1st printing. "US Marine Corps 1941-45!" Written by Gordon L Rottman. Art by Mike Chappell. While the US Marine Corps was one of the smallest of American armed services in World War II, its contribution to the final victory cannot be overstated. The US Marine Corps may have only comprised 5 percent of America's armed forces, but it suffered 10 percent of all World War II combat casualties. Above all, he amphibious nature of the war in the Pacific imposed on the Marine Corps greater tasks than any it had ever before been called upon to perform. This title details the organization, weapons and equipment of the US Marines of World War II. Softcover,64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 59 - 2nd and later printings. "US Marine Corps 1941-45!" Written by Gordon L Rottman. Art by Mike Chappell. While the US Marine Corps was one of the smallest of American armed services in World War II, its contribution to the final victory cannot be overstated. The US Marine Corps may have only comprised 5 percent of America's armed forces, but it suffered 10 percent of all World War II combat casualties. Above all, he amphibious nature of the war in the Pacific imposed on the Marine Corps greater tasks than any it had ever before been called upon to perform. This title details the organization, weapons and equipment of the US Marines of World War II Softcover,96 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 60 - 1st printing. "U-Boat Crews 1914-45!" Written by Gordon Williamson. Art by Darko Pavlovic. If one single weapon in Germany's arsenal can be said to have come closest to winning the war for the Third Reich, it was without doubt the U-Boat. German U-Boat technology, training, tactics and combat successes far exceeded those of any of the other combatant nations, and even as the Third Reich was crumbling, technically advanced vessels such as the Type XXI, many years ahead of its time, were being put into volume production. Gordon Williamson provides a fascinating overview of the achievements of the U-Boat Waffe in both wars, together with a study of the uniforms and insignia worn by U-Boat crews. Softcover, PC/PB&W. Softcover,64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 61 - 1st printing. "The Guards Divisions 1914-45!" By Mike Chappell. The best example, and perhaps the only body of elite troops who have maintained their role as guardians of a royal household for over three centuries while building a reputation in war that is the envy of all, is Britain's household troops, the Guards. Over the years they have maintained the highest standards in peace and war, and have served as an example to the rest of the British Army, a benchmark in all matters military from drill and 'turnout' to leadership in battle. Veteran Osprey author Mike Chappell describes the history and uniform of the Guards Divisions from 1914-45. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.