Osprey Battle Orders SC (2004-2009) comic books 2006-2008

Volume 16 - 1st printing. "The British Expeditionary Force 1914-15!" By Bruce Gudmundsson. Over 200 divisions fought on the Western Front during the first year of World War I and those best suited to the challenges of trench warfare were the six infantry divisions of the original British Expeditionary Force (BEF). Their superiority was partially due to the high quality of the divisions' personnel and the first-class equipment provided to them. This book describes the organization and equipment of the BEF at the outbreak of the war in 1914, and relates how its structure changed both to accommodate the waves of Territorial and New Army units that were raised and to adapt to the rigours of conditions on the Western Front. Softcover, 96 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $25.95.

Volume 17 - 1st printing. "US Army Infantry Divisions 1942-43!" By John Sayen. The US Army infantry division was an intricate system of men and equipment welded together by doctrine and organization into an entity that could fight, maneuver, communicate within itself as well as with outside entities, and regenerate itself through a supply and replacement system. This book examines the organizational development, mobilization, deployment and combat actions of World War II US Army infantry divisions up until the end of 1943. Among the units covered are the separate infantry regiments and battalions of the standard type, showing how the Army's new triangular infantry division (based on three infantry regiments) evolved from the earlier square division (based on four). Softcover, 96 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $25.95.

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Volume 18 - 1st printing. "British Commandos 1940-46!" By Tim Moreman. From their establishment in June 1940, the Commando units conducted a succession of daring hit-and-run raids from the sea into North-West Europe, Scandinavia, Italy and the Middle East. Among the highly publicised Commando operations were the raids on Vaagso, Dieppe, and St Nazaire. The Commandos also spawned a range of other Special Forces, including the Special Air Service, Special Boat Service and the Parachute Regiment. This Battle Orders title provides a detailed examination of the Army (and later Royal Marine) Commandos raised in the United Kingdom, from their inception in 1940 through to 1946, when the Army Commandos were disbanded and the role was assigned exclusively to the Royal Marines. Softcover, 96 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $25.95.

Volume 19 - 1st printing. "The US Marine Corps in the Vietnam War!" By Ed Gilbert. III Marine Amphibious Force was conceived as a division command for a small Marine Corps commitment to Vietnam. Within four years it had grown to a reinforced corps of two divisions, an air wing, and the division-sized Force Logistics Command. This organization was unique in Marine Corps history in that it merged combat and major logistical functions under a single field command. This book examines the origins and constantly changing organizational structure of III MAF, and demonstrates how it conducted its savage struggle against Viet Cong guerrillas and North Vietnamese Army regular forces in the northern provinces of Vietnam. Softcover, 96 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $25.95.

Volume 20 - 1st printing. "Rommel's Afrika Korps!" By Pier Paolo Battistelli. In 1940 a British offensive in the Western Desert provoked a major Italian military disaster. By early February 1941 the whole of Cyrenaica had been lost, and German help became necessary to avoid the loss of all of Libya. On 14 February 1941 the first echelons of German troops hurriedly arrived at the port of Tripoli, starting the 27-month German engagement in Northern Africa. This book covers the complex and oft-changing organisation and structure of German forces in North Africa from their first deployment through to the conclusion of the battle of El Alamein, an engagement that irrevocably changed the strategic situation in the Western Desert. Softcover, 96 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $25.95.

Volume 21 - 1st printing. "US Armored Units in the North African and Italian Campaigns 1942-45!" By Steven J Zaloga. The Mediterranean Theater of Operations (MTO) saw the first operational deployment of US armoured divisions in World War II, and the experience proved chastening for the 1st Armored Division when it suffered defeat at the hands of Rommel's Afrika Korps at the battle of Kasserine Pass. This title covers the organization of these early US armored divisions, as well as the independent tank and tank destroyer battalions that accompanied them. It details the evolution of US armoured warfare tactics and doctrine, learned from the difficult experiences of North Africa, and illustrates how they were used elsewhere in the Mediterranean, particularly in the Italian Peninsula. Softcover, 96 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $25.95.

Volume 22 - 1st printing. "US Airborne Units in the Mediterranean Theater 1942-44!" By Gordon L Rottman. This book is the first of three to examine the genesis, organization and operational deployment of the US airborne divisions in World War II. It discusses early airborne units, detailing how and why they were formed. Task organization for combat, details of attached units, tactics, and weapons and equipment are examined, together with command relationships. The units discussed in this book include the 82nd Airborne Division, 1st Special Service Force, 517th Parachute Regimental Combat Team and 1st Airborne Task Force, and the operations in North Africa, Sicily, the Italian mainland, and in southern France are covered. Softcover, 96 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $25.95.

Volume 23 - 1st printing. "Desert Raiders: Axis and Allied Special Forces 1940-43!" By Andrea Molinari. Although harsh and inhospitable, the North African theatre of World War II proved to be a perfect environment for irregular warfare and the deployment of Special Forces. Following Italy's entry into the war in June 1940, the Western Desert became the background for a long conflict dominated by motorized units. The major combatants - Great Britain, Free France, Italy and Germany - all developed irregular units to exploit the unique conditions of the region with varying degrees of success. This book details the genesis, organization and tactics of these forces, including such famous units as the Long Range Desert Group and the Special Air Service. Softcover, 96 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $25.95.

Volume 24 - 1st printing. "US Army Infantry Divisions 1944-45!" By John Sayen. A complete overview of the evolving organization, tactics, doctrine, weapons and equipment of the US Infantry in the Pacific, Mediterranean and European theatres, from 1944 to the war's end. This follow-up to Battle Orders 17: US Army Infantry Divisions 1942-43, covers the critical period 1944-45 when changes instituted by Lieutenant General Leslie J McNair, the head of the Army Ground Forces and an organizational genius, were imposed on an army reluctant to change. The book includes a table outlining all 66 US Infantry Army divisions that served during World War II, and analyzes the organization of manpower and resources that turned these divisions into a war-winning army. Softcover, 96 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $25.95.

Volume 25 - 1st printing. "US Airborne Divisions in the ETO 1944-45!" By Steven J Zaloga. The delivery of entire divisions to battlefields behind enemy lines by parachute and glider was a unique feature of World War II, and by the end of the war the US Army deployed the largest airborne force in the world, created in only three years, and boasting such impressive units as the 82nd All American and 101st Screaming Eagles. This book details the organization and operation history of these units throughout the war in Northwest Europe from 1944 to 1945, covering the desperate night drops over Normandy in support of the D-Day invasions, through the capture of Nijmegen during Operation Market-Garden to Operation Varsity, the last great airborne operation of the war to secure the crossing of the Rhine. Softcover, 96 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $25.95.

Volume 26 - 1st printing. "US Airborne Units in the Pacific Theater 1942-45!" By Gordon L Rottman. This book examines the wide variety of airborne units that served in the Pacific Theater. Among the units covered are the 12,000-strong 11th Airborne Division; the elite 1st Special Service Force; the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment (Separate); and the 1st Marine Parachute Regiment. The nature of the enemy and the terrain in the PTO, and long distances that had to be covered, provided significant and diverse challenges to both Army and Marine Corps parachute units. Internal organization, weapons and equipment, command and control, training, combat missions, and combat operations including the 11th Division's fighting in the Philippines, and the 503rd PIR's legendary jump onto Corregidor and recapture of the island are all covered. Softcover, 96 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $25.95.

Volume 27 - 1st printing. "The Roman Army of the Punic Wars 264-146 BC!" By Nic Fields. As Rome's power and influence extended across the Mediterranean, she was destined for a collision with the Carthaginian Empire, a clash ultimately resulting in the decisive Second Punic War. At first the Roman Army was no match for the superior tactics and leadership of Hannibal and his troops. However, talented generals like Scipio Africanus transformed the legions into a formidable fighting force. Covering Rome's catastrophic defeats at Lake Trasimene and Cannae to her final victory at Zama, this book examines the development of Roman tactics and organization through Rome's transition from a city-based state to a Mediterranean powerhouse. Softcover, 96 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $25.95.

Volume 28 - 1st printing. "Desert Rats!" By Tim Moreman. Formed in September 1941 from the Western Desert Force, British 8th Army (comprising British, Commonwealth, Free French and Polish troops) went on to wage a lengthy, hard-fought campaign against Axis forces across the deserts of North Africa. The Desert War was unlike any other fought by the British Army, involving highly mobile operations covering vast distances. The hot, unforgiving climate in which the troops lived and fought was almost as troublesome as the enemy. During its two-year period of service in North Africa, 8th Army underwent major changes in organization, equipment and training to accustom it to desert warfare. Softcover, 96 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $25.95.

Volume 29 - 1st printing. "The British Army on the Western Front 1916!" By Bruce Gudmundsson. Bruce Gudmundsson guides us expertly through the history of the British Expeditionary Force in 1916 as it struggled to become a modern army and turn the tide of the First World War. Examining the tactical innovatio0ns that accompanied this change and the conflicting strategies and tactics that it was expected to pursue, Gudmundsson explores the difficulties facing the British Army, including the bewildering number of new technologies in use, from novelties such as combat aircraft, tanks and armoured cars to trench mortars and more than a thousand pieces of siege artillery. Softcover, 96 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $25.95.

Volume 30 - 1st printing. "Mobile Strike Forces in Vietnam 1966-70!" By Gordon L Rottman. US Special Forces in Vietnam created the Civilian Irregular Defence Group (CIDG), a large paramilitary organization designed to protect the local population from Viet Cong incursions, whilst conducting border surveillance, raids and combat patrols in the local area. Their camps were often overrun and having no spare manpower the US Special Forces created dedicated reaction units which could act in a responsive and flexible manner - Mobile Strike (MIKE) Forces. This book examines the MIKE Force units, which were formed from the CIDG, the parachute and airmobile training they were given, and the operations that they undertook, from relieving friendly camps to independent offensive operations, providing the first organizational history of the MIKE forces in combat. Softcover, 96 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $25.95.

Volume 31 - 1st printing. "The Royal Navy 1793-1815!" By Gregory Fremont-Barnes. By the end of the Napoleonic Wars in 1815 Britain was the undisputed master of the seas, owing to the power and strength of the Royal Navy. Its fleets, comprising ships of the line, frigates, and gunboats, had doubled in size since the outbreak of the French Revolutionary Wars in 1793, totalling almost a thousand capital vessels. This book examines the commanders, men, and ships of the Royal Navy during the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars, and discusses the Navy's command structure (from the Admiralty down to ship level) and its organization at sea. The tactics employed in action by a fleet, squadron, and individual ship, respectively are also discussed, as are the medical services providing a fascinating insight into the navy that ruled the waves. Softcover, 96 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $25.95.

Volume 32 - 1st printing. "Panzer Divisions: The Blitzkrieg Years 1939-40!" By Pier Paolo Battistelli. At the outbreak of World War II in September 1939, Germany's armoured forces - the Panzerwaffe - were still in their infancy. The restrictions imposed by the Treaty of Versailles meant that German tank production lagged behind its enemies. Initial armour campaigns in Poland were not overly successful and changes were needed before the invasion of France. This book examines the organizational changes, developments in doctrine and tactics and improved command and control that provided the basis for the spectacular success of the Panzer divisions in 1940. Achieving tactical and operational surprise, the Panzer divisions broke through enemy defences, enveloping a large number of hostile forces at Dunkirk. The legend of the Blitzkrieg was born. Softcover, 96 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $25.95.

Volume 33 - 1st printing. "The US Army in the Vietnam War 1965-73!" By Gordon L Rottman. This book provides detailed information about how US Army units were organised and operated in America's longest war. Vietnam Special Forces veteran Gordon L Rottman examines the different types of infantry battalions and the units that supported them, their training and organisation down to platoon level. Aspects of the US Army's conventional and unconventional warfare doctrine are also addressed, along with a discussion of how replacements were trained and integrated into units. Among other areas of the US Army's involvement covered are individual and crew-served weapons, artillery, armoured fighting vehicles, transport, logistics, the complex chain of command, and combat operations. Softcover, 96 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $25.95.

Volume 34 - 1st printing. "The Roman Army: the Civil Wars 88-31 BC!" By Nic Fields. The Roman Legions were the most highly organized troops of the ancient world, but the process of turning the Legions into the professional force that built an empire, was no small feat. Focusing on the organisational changes in the Roman Army during the Civil Wars, Nic Fields examines the role played by Caius Marius and his far-reaching reforms. With the nuts and bolts detail that readers demand from the Battle Orders series, this is an intriguing description of how the Roman army grew, modernised, rebelled and finally helped build an empire, complete with full organisational charts, photographs and detailed maps. Softcover, 96 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $25.95.

Volume 35 - 1st printing. "Panzer Divisions: The Eastern Front 1941-43!" By Pier Paolo Battistelli. On 22 June 1941 Germany attacked the Soviet Union and her Panzer divisions were to play a major role in this titanic struggle. Although overwhelmed by Soviet numbers, the superior skill and capability of the German Panzer divisions meant that in three months the Germans had advanced deep into Soviet territory. However, after these initial successes the German offensive began to falter, culminating in the disastrous defeat at Kursk. This book describes the organisational history of the Panzer divisions, from the early successes of 1941 through to the introduction of revised Blitzkrieg tactics as the war progressed.Softcover, 96 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $25.95.

Volume 36 - 1st printing. "Samurai Armies 1467-1649!" By Stephen Turnbull. The Sengoku The Jidai, 'Age of Warring States', is the age of the samurai - the military aristocracy of Japan. This period, which lasted from the outbreak of the Onin War in 1467 to the establishment of the Tokugawa Shogunate in the early 17th century, was a period of endemic warfare, when a lack of central control led to constant struggles between the daimyo, 'great names', who sought to extend the influence of their families through political and military means. This title will examine the complicated nature of family and clan that governed so much of the initial organization of the armies, how this changed over the period and how battlefield tactics developed over a series of major encounters such as Nagashino and Sekigahara. Softcover, 96 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $25.95.