Series: Battle Orders

Completing Osprey's mini-series on the German Panzer division, a detailed look at their organizational structure from the collapse of the Eastern front until the fall of Berlin. Panzer Divisions 1944–45 provides a comprehensive examination of the late-war changes to the German Army Panzer forces. It offers an in-depth look into the formation of new units, starting from the collapse on...

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...

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...

The Imperial Army established by Augustus drew heavily on the nomenclature and traditions of the late Roman Republic, but was revolutionary in its design. He decided to meet all the military needs of the Empire from a standing, professional army. Military service became a career: enlistment was for 25 years (16 in the Praetorian Guard), and men were sometimes retained...

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...

Following the battle for Crete in May 1941, Hitler refused to undertake any further large-scale airborne operations due to the high casualty rate. The Fallschirmjäger subsequently took up a new role as elite 'line' infantry, and they served in the Mediterranean from 1942 to 1945, taking part in the conflict in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy. Their performance in such...

The 1941 Japanese Pacific onslaught saw the defeat of Allied forces on all fronts, with the Philippines, Netherlands East Indies, and Commonwealth possessions falling under their control. During 1942-43, the Japanese consolidated their gains and redeployed forces in an attempt to break the Southern Lifeline between America and Australia. These plans were affected by the defeat at Midway, which forced...

Featuring battle scene maps, contemporary photographs, and diagrams throughout, this is the first organisational history of the MIKE forces in combat. US Special Forces in Vietnam created the Civilian Irregular Defence Group (CIDG), a large paramilitary organisation designed to protect the local population from Viet Cong incursions, while conducting border surveillance, raids, and combat patrols in the local area. Their...

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...

A clear and concise book that charts the development of the US Armoured Divisions from a green, untested force into a battle-hardened war-winning army. The Mediterranean Theater of Operations (MTO) saw the first operational deployment of US armoured divisions in World War II. The experience proved chastening for the 1st Armored Division when it suffered defeat at the hands of...