Osprey Elite Series SC (1984-2008 OSPREY) comic books 1995-1997

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.

Volume 62 - 1st printing. "American Civil War Zouaves!" Written by Robin Smith. Art by Bill Younghusband. Among the mass of units formed in the early months of the American Civil War were several of the colourful Zouave units. Inspired by the French colonial units raised in North Africa with their distinctive uniforms and reputation as hard fighters, units with names as colourful as their uniforms began to appear. In this volume Robin Smith details the uniforms and battles of these flamboyant units. Bill Younghusband is rapidly establishing himself as one of the most popular illustrators of 18th and 19th century military subjects, and has already contributed to a number of Osprey titles Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 62 -2nd and later printings. "American Civil War Zouaves!" Written by Robin Smith. Art by Bill Younghusband. Among the mass of units formed in the early months of the American Civil War were several of the colourful Zouave units. Inspired by the French colonial units raised in North Africa with their distinctive uniforms and reputation as hard fighters, units with names as colourful as their uniforms began to appear. In this volume Robin Smith details the uniforms and battles of these flamboyant units. Bill Younghusband is rapidly establishing himself as one of the most popular illustrators of 18th and 19th century military subjects, and has already contributed to a number of Osprey titles Softcover, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 63 - 1st printing. "German Mountain & Ski Troops 1939-45!" Written by Gordon Williamson. Art by Stephen Andrew. Fighting in every theatre from the burning sands of North Africa to the icy wastes above the arctic circle the German Army's Gebirgstruppen troops were some of the most effective in the whole of the Wehrmacht. Their esprit de corps and morale were extremely high and their commanders, men such as Eduard Dietl, the 'Hero of Narvik', and Julius 'Papa' Ringel, were idolised by their men. Dietl himself was the first soldier of the Wehrmacht to be awarded the coveted Oakleaves to the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross. In this book Gordon Williamson details the uniforms, organisation and combat histories of these elite troops. Softcover,64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 64 - 1st printing. "Army Commandos 1940-45!" By Mike Chappell. The period from early 1940 to the end of 1942 was a time of gloom and uncertainty for the British, who stood alone against the assembled might of the Axis powers. They badly needed a champion, and were to find this in a small force of soldiers who inspired them with a series of daring raids against the coasts of 'occupied Europe', becoming the heroes of the British public and of the British Prime Minister who had created them. This title explores the wartime history of the British Army Commandos whose bravery did so much to raise the morale of the British public. Softcover,64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 64 - 1st printing. "Army Commandos 1940-45!" By Mike Chappell. The period from early 1940 to the end of 1942 was a time of gloom and uncertainty for the British, who stood alone against the assembled might of the Axis powers. They badly needed a champion, and were to find this in a small force of soldiers who inspired them with a series of daring raids against the coasts of 'occupied Europe', becoming the heroes of the British public and of the British Prime Minister who had created them. This title explores the wartime history of the British Army Commandos whose bravery did so much to raise the morale of the British public. Softcover, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 65 - 1st printing. "Redcaps: Britain's Military Police!" By Mike Chappell. The story of Britain's provost forces necessarily focuses attention on some of the less glorious episodes of British Army history. Had every British soldier over the centuries been an obedient and dutiful soul, there would have been no need for provost of military police. Sadly, armies - particularly in time of war - have always been home for the criminal, and the British Army has had its share of thieves and cut-throats, as well as its drunken and licentious element. How these were contained, or dealt with, is the main subject of this book. The men who tamed the lawless are its subject. Softcover,64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.