Osprey Elite Series SC (1984-2008 OSPREY) comic books 2006-2008

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Volume 131 - 1st printing. "The Condor Legion!" Written by Carlos Caballero Jurado. Art by Ramiro Bujeiro. The Condor Legion was the expeditionary force of soldiers and airmen sent by Hitler to aid Franco's Nationalists in the Spanish Civil War. The Germans used the war as an opportunity to develop equipment and tactics, and their force included not only instructors, but also combat units of artillery, tanks and aircraft. These units tested guns, tanks and planes and perfected techniques which were used in the 1940 Blitzkrieg. Many of officers prominent in the early campaigns of World War II won their first successes in Spain. This book details the Legion and its unique uniform and insignia. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Volume 132 - 1st printing. "German Commanders of World War II Part 2!" Written by Gordon Williamson. Art by Malcolm McGregor. This second of two selections of Germany's World War II field commanders summarizes the careers, and illustrates the appearance, of 26 men who rose to prominence in the Waffen-SS, Kriegsmarine and Luftwaffe. The subjects range from the commanders-in-chief and generals to younger officers whose fame and promotions were earned in combat on land, at sea and in the air. Some were dedicated supporters of the Nazi regime; others were motivated simply by patriotism and their military training. Every commander has an individual colour portrait expertly drawn by the respected World War II illustrator Malcolm McGregor. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Volume 136 - 1st printing. "World War II Airborne Warfare Tactics!" Written by Gordon L Rottman. Art by Peter Dennis. The delivery of entire divisions to battlefields behind enemy lines by parachute and glider played a significant part in the European campaigns of World War II. Despite notable successes, the costs and difficulties of this wholly new form of warfare have prevented airborne operations on a comparable scale since 1945. This book - by an airborne veteran of a later generation - explains in detail their advantages and drawbacks, developing techniques and equipment, with reference to specific German, US, British, Soviet and Japanese operations. The text is illustrated with period photographs, colour artwork and operation maps. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Volume 137 - 1st printing. "The Mexican Revolution 1910?20!" Written by Gordon L Rottman. Art by Peter Dennis. Some of the most famous Western movies have been set against the background of the Mexican Revolution of the early 20th century. Now, for the first time in English, Osprey offer a concise but fact-packed account of the events, armies, uniforms and weapons of those ten chaotic and bloody years, putting in context such famous but half-understood names as Diaz, Pancho Villa, Zapata, Madero and Huerta. The text is illustrated with many rare and fascinating period photographs, and with eight detailed color plates of orfiristas and Rurales, Maderisitas, Federales, Villistas, Zapatistas,and US volunteers and intervention troops. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 138 - 1st printing. "The Yugoslav Wars Part 1!" Written by Nigel Thomas K Mikulan. Art by Darko Pavlovic. Following the death of the Yugoslavian strongman President Tito in 1980, the several semi-autonomous republics and provinces that he had welded into a nation in 1945 moved inexorably towards separation. After a deceptively clean break for independence by Slovenia in 1991, the world watched a series of wars rip through this modern European state. In this first of two volumes, experts on the Balkan region give an unprecedentedly clear, concise explanation of the Slovene, Croatian and Krajina-Serb armies of these campaigns, illustrated with rare photos and colour uniform plates. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 139 - 1st printing. "Knight's Cross with Diamonds Recipients!" Written by Gordon Williamson. Art by Ramiro Bujeiro. On 28 September 1941, Hitler instituted a new, supreme class of the Knight's Cross decoration for gallantry and leadership: the Oak-Leaves with Swords and Diamonds. This award would be presented to only 28 soldiers, sailors and airmen, out of the approximately 15 million who served in the German armed forces. This title describes and illustrates all 28 of those men - from fighter aces and U-boat commanders, to the youngest generals in the Wehrmacht, and field marshals in command of army groups - and including one officer for whom Hitler had to invent a literally unique award that set him apart even among the 'Diamond-bearers'. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 140 - 1st printing. "The American Civil War in the Indian Territory!" Written by John D. Spencer. Art by Adam Hook. One of the most tragic theaters of Civil War conflict was the Indian Territory (modern Oklahoma), and the borderlands of Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas and Texas. Both the Union and the Confederacy raised Native American units to contest this ground, and tribes were divided against one another and amongst themselves. Federal and Confederate cavalry also struck into the Territory from Kansas and Texas; and the irregular marauders who raided the area such as Kansas Red Legs and Quantrill's Raiders earned notoriety. This fascinating account of the groups which fought in the Territory is richly illustrated with rare early photos, and detailed color reconstructions. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 141 - 1st printing. "Finland at War 1939-45!" Written by Philip Jowett, and Brent Snodgrass. Art by Raffaele Ruggeri. In the face of Soviet invasion in 1939-40, and once again in 1941-44, the armies raised by Finland - a tiny nation of only 4 million people - astonished the world by their effective resistance. At the end of both these campaigns - the Winter War, and the Continuation War - the fiercely patriotic defiance of vastly stronger Soviet forces by Marshal Mannerheim's soldiers won their country a unique prize: although forced to accept harsh terms, Finland was never occupied by the Red Army, and retained its independence. This book explains and illustrates, for the first time in English, the organization, uniforms, equipment and tactics of Finland's defenders. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 142 - 1st printing. "No.10 (Inter-Allied) Commando 1942-45!" Written by Nick van der Bijl. Art by Rob Chapman. The largest, but least-known of all Britain's elite wartime Commando raiding units, No.10 (Inter-Allied) was recruited from volunteers from many nations who had fled to Britain after their own countries fell to the Nazis. Alongside Poles, Frenchmen, Dutchmen, Belgians and Norwegians, the unit included a small number of remarkably brave German and Austrian refugees. These commandos took part in daring raids, intelligence missions and conventional infantry battles, earning many decorations for gallantry and leadership. Detailing the wartime exploits of these courageous fighters, some of whom went on to form the nucleus of their liberated nations' new special forces, this book gives an insight into a fascinating unit that is often overlooked. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 143 - 1st printing. "Canadian Airborne Forces since 1942!" Written by Bernd Horn PhD, and Michel Wyczynski. Art by Carlos Chagas. Canada's 1st Parachute Battalion earned a fearsome reputation on D-Day and in the two months of grim fighting that followed. It jumped again in the Rhine crossings, and fought its way deep into Germany by VE-Day - only to be disbanded soon afterwards. In the post-war era soldiers struggled to keep airborne skills alive until an ambitious new Airborne Regiment was raised in 1968. Since its controversial disbandment in 1995, the airborne torch has been carried onwards by the Parachute Companies of three Canadian infantry regiments who have recently served in Afghanistan. This book details the fascinating history of the Canadian Airborne forces. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 144 - 1st printing. "US World War II Amphibious Tactics!" Written by Gordon L Rottman. Art by Peter Dennis. The US armed forces pioneered amphibious warfare in the Pacific and by the time of the D-day landings they had perfected the special equipment and tactics necessary for this extraordinarily difficult and risky form of warfare. This fact-packed study details the doctrine, equipment and tactics that evolved between the North African landings of November 1942 and those in the South of France in August 1944, and illustrates many aspects of the physical realities of assault landings through the use of photos, diagrams and color plates. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 145 - 1st printing. "First Special Service Force 1942-44!" Written by Bret Werner. Art by Michael Welply. This is a concise history of the unique integrated commando-style brigade of US and Canadian volunteers formed in 1942. Hand picked, and trained in airborne, amphibious, mountain and winter warfare, demolitions and close-quarter tactics, they left a combat legacy still recognized amongst today's Special Forces. This book explores the remarkable results the FSSF achieved in Italy - in the harsh mountain fighting on the Winter Line, in the trenches of Anzio, and in the breakthrough to Rome. Accompanied by unique combat photography and illustrations of their distinctive uniforms, this is an insight into a famous, but little explored unit. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Volume 146 - 1st printing. "The Yugoslav Wars Part 2!" Written by Nigel Thomas, and K Mikulan . Art by Darko Pavlovic. Following the death of the Yugoslavian President Tito in 1980, the semi-autonomous republics and provinces that he had welded into a multi-cultural nation in 1945 slid gradually towards separation. For ten years following 1991, the world watched in horror as a series of bloody wars ripped a modern European state apart, and the intolerable spectacle eventually forced international intervention. Illustrated with rare photos and colour uniform plates, this second of two volumes by experts on the Balkan region offers a concise breakdown of the indigenous forces involved in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo and Macedonia. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Volume 147 - 1st printing. "Irish Regiments in the World Wars!" Written by David Murphy. Art by Gerry Embleton. For nearly 250 years, Irish soldiers made up a significant minority of the British Army. In 1914-18, despite the rising movement for Irish independence, more than 200,000 Irishmen volunteered, and won an imperishable reputation. Although independent Eire remained neutral in World War II, more than 40,000 volunteers from the South joined forces from Ulster to serve in the British forces. This book places the records of such heroic names as the Inniskillings, the Munsters, the Dublin Fusiliers and the Royal Irish Rifles in the context of the World Wars, and illustrates a selection of their uniforms and insignia. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 148 - 1st printing. "The Hungarian Revolution 1956!" Written by Erwin Schmidl, and László Ritter. Art by Peter Dennis. Stalin's death in 1953 led to unrest in several states of the Soviet empire, as their hungry, tyrannized peoples sensed a slackening in the grip of their hard-line regimes. This is an account of the October 1956 student demonstrators in Budapest who attracted growing support from workers - and, when the secret police opened fire, from many Hungarian troops. For five days they successfully fought off Soviet tanks, and it even seemed that Moscow might negotiate a withdrawal; but then the tanks rolled in again, in crushing numbers. This stirring story is illustrated with fascinating contemporary photos and meticulously researched colour plates. Softcover, 64 pages,PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 149 - 1st printing. "The Scottish Jacobite Army 1745-46!" Written by Stuart Reid. Art by Gary Zaboly. One of the most celebrated moments in Scottish history, the Jacobite Rising of 1745 is often romanticized. Drawing on the work of historians and a wide range of contemporary sources, Culloden expert Stuart Reid strips away the myths surrounding the events of the campaign, revealing some of the lesser known and fascinating truths about the Rising. Illustrated with contemporary sketches and meticulous full-colour reconstructions of dress and equipment, the raising of Prince Charles Edward Stuart's army is examined in detail - from its organization in regiments and their command system, to its weapons, tactical strengths and weaknesses. Softcover, 64 pages,PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Volume 150 - 1st printing. "World War I Gas Warfare Tactics and Equipment!" Written by Simon Jones. Art by Richard Hook. This remarkable book explains the practical details of a type of warfare waged for only three years, but which became one of the dominant aspects of World War I: the mass use of poison gases. It tells the story of German and Allied gas warfare from the first German attack at Ypres in April 1915 through to the 1918 Armistice: the gases, the means and tactics of delivery, the effects and influence on the battles, and the race to produce better protection for the troops on both sides. It is illustrated with very rare wartime photographs and diagrams of equipment, and with a series of colour plates showing gas equipment in use. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Volume 151 - 1st printing. "World War II Jungle Warfare Tactics!" Written by Stephen Bull. Art by Steve Noon. This book describes and illustrates, in fascinating detail, the slow and painful learning curve followed by the Allies in the mid-war years as they attempted to end the Japanese stranglehold on Southeast Asia and the Pacific. Based on the actual wartime training documents and front-line memoirs, it shows how the British, Australian and US armies transformed their tactics, attitudes and equipment to master the art of jungle warfare. In 1944-45 the Allies finally conquered the jungle environment, exploiting their new strengths and their enemy's weaknesses, to win crushing victories in Burma and on the Pacific islands. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Add to cart Very Good $7.10

Volume 152 - 1st printing. "The British Reconnaissance Corps in World War II!" Written by Richard Doherty. Art by Rob Chapman. This book recounts the combat service, and explains the organization, of the 'Recce' Corps, whose units provided the mobile spearhead of the British infantry divisions from the Far East to Europe. Trained to probe ahead and locate the enemy, and to screen the flanks and rearguard when under attack, the Recce troopers fought both from their light armoured vehicles and on foot. The text is illustrated with rare photos from private collections and colour illustrations of uniforms, insignia and the armoured cars of a corps whose contribution to victory was largely forgotten after disbandment at the close of World War II. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Volume 153 - 1st printing. "The Australian Army in World War II!" Written by Mark Johnston. Art by Carlos Chagas. This book recounts the organization and deployment of one of the most important fighting armies of World War II. Australian divisions made a large and distinctive contribution to victory both in the deserts of the Middle East and the jungles of the South-West Pacific,earning for the second time a unique reputation for aggressiveness, endurance and independence of spirit. The text is illustrated with original wartime photos from all fronts; and with full colour plates showing a wide range of uniforms and gear, together with the complex and colourful Australian system of unit insignia. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 154 - 1st printing. "Vietnam Airmobile Warfare Tactics!" Written by Gordon L Rottman. Art by Adam Hook. In this book the author - an Army veteran of Vietnam - explains the composition, capabilities, equipment and missions of the US Army and Marine Corps helicopter and airmobile units in the Vietnam war - and exactly how they carried out their missions. It centers on the classic airmobile assault mission: how it was planned and prepared; how the troop-carrying "slicks" and their "gunship" escorts and support teams actually operated; and the opposition and hazards that they faced on the LZ. The text is illustrated with wartime photos, organization charts, and color plates showing both the machines and the tactics that where employed. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

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Volume 155 - 1st printing. "Roman Battle Tactics 109BC-AD313!" Written by Ross Cowan. Art by Adam Hook. How, exactly, did Rome become master of the ancient world? This book examines and illustrates the tactics employed by the legions of late Republican and early Imperial Rome, from the evidence o f ancient writers. The greatest military machine in the Western world for at least four centuries, the Roman Army was the foundation of the Western military tradition, and its doctrines were central to the later revival of trained, drilled professional armies. Here the evidence is discussed in clear detail, and brought to life with battle plans and full colour interpretations of tactical scenarios. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 156 - 1st printing. "World War II Combat Reconnaissance Tactics!" Written by Gordon L Rottman. Art by Peter Dennis. This book explains and illustrates the tactics, techniques, equipment and unit organization of reconnaissance troops of the main wartime powers. It covers not only the dedicated reconnaissance units in the divisional order of battle, with their vehicles and heavy firepower, but also the small infantry patrols that were sent out constantly, by commanders at every level, to scout the terrain, detect the enemy, and infiltrate or raid his lines. These are illustrated with wartime photos, and brought to life in detailed colour plates of tactical scenarios. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 157 - 1st printing. "The German Home Front 1939-45 !" Written by Brian L Davis. Art by Malcolm McGregor. This book outlines and illustrates the living conditions of German civilians in World War II, and the Nazi state's basic structure. German families suffered the same hardships as British - labour conscription, extra civic duties, severe shortages of food and necessities, disrupted transport, homelessness and evacuation, separation from loved ones and, for many, bereavement. However, there were important differences. The dictator for whom many had voted was leading them to ruin; unequalled death and devastation ensued from Allied air raids; and every aspect of life was caged around with repressive decrees that began to replace the true rule of law well before September 1939. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 158 - 1st printing. "African American Troops in World War II!" Written by Alexander Bielakowski. Art by Raffaele Ruggeri. About half a million African Americans served overseas during World War II, almost all in segregated second-line units. This artificially limited their potential contribution, but their work - especially along the logistic lifelines of the fighting divisions - was vital. This book summarizes the service of these men and women; and it also focuses on the small proportion who, remarkably, overcame prejudicial barriers to reach the battlefields in combat units of the US forces and Coast Guard. Their story is illustrated with wartime photographs, and color plates - including portraits of the most outstanding African Americans, the true heirs of the old "Buffalo Soldiers." Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Add to cart Very Fine $6.50

Volume 159 - 1st printing. "French Napoleonic Infantry Tactics 1792-1815!" Written by Paddy Griffith. Art by Peter Dennis. Bonaparte's Grande Armée, one of the most renowned battle-winning machines in history, evolved from a merging of the professional army of the Ancien Régime and the volunteers and conscripts of the Revolutionary levée en masse - although the contribution of the former is often underestimated. A leading authority on the history of tactics draws here on original drill manuals and later writings to explain how the French infantry of 1792-1815 were organized for fire and movement on the battlefield. Illustrated with clear diagrams and relevant paintings and prints, and specially prepared colour plates, this text brings the tactical aspects of eight battles vividly to life. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 160 - 1st printing. "World War II Infantry Assault Tactics !" Written by Gordon L Rottman. Art by Peter Dennis. Just about every war movie - famously, Saving Private Ryan and Band of Brothers - includes dramatic scenes of soldiers trying to attack an enemy pillbox or trench. Gordon L Rottman (who became expert in these tactics whilst serving in the Vietnam War) explains and illustrates the kit and techniques used in assaulting fortifications. He covers the differences in British, American, German, Soviet and Japanese approaches and experiences, concentrating on small units of foot soldiers with hand-carried equipment. Their tactical deployment is analysed and explained in detail, with the support of colour artwork, maps, diagrams and photographs. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Volume 161 - 1st printing. "The US Home Front 1941-45!" Written by Alejandro de Quesada. Art by Stephen Walsh. The outbreak of World War II in Europe in 1939 led to cautious attempts to raise volunteer organisations among American men and women, to back the armed forces in the event of the USA becoming directly involved in the conflict. The attack on Pearl Harbor caused a huge surge of patriotic response, and voluntary enlistment in a wide range of armed forces auxiliary and civilian support services swelled vastly. Looking firstly at the background and general character of wartime life in the States, this book covers a number of these services, providing an interesting comparison with the conditions on the British Home Front and the experiences of other countries caught up in the war, examining organisations from the Red Cross to the Coast Guard and for the first time, containing full-colour reconstructions of over a dozen uniformed services. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 162 - 1st printing. "World War II Desert Tactics!" Written by Paddy Griffith. Art by Adam Hook. From 1940 to 1943 North Africa saw the first major desert campaign by modern mechanised armies. The British, Italians, German Afrika Korps and US Army all addressed and learned from the special problems - human, logistical, mechanical and tactical - of the desert environment, most significantly fighting in a terrain empty of resources and offering little chance of concealment. Paddy Griffith traces the fast-learned development in armour, artillery and infantry tactics in this exceptional arena and illustrates them with references to the major engagements in the North African theatre, which involved some of the greatest tacticians of World War II in one of the pivotal theatres. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.