Men-at-Arms Series

This book examines the uniforms, equipment, history and organisation of Napoleon's Foot Grenadiers. Their experiences at Ulm, Austerlitz, Berlin, in Russia and at Waterloo are all summarised in this compact guide. Uniforms are shown in full illustrated detail.

A comprehensive study of both sides in the Afghan war. In this compact edition, published in the midst of the conflict as it was happening, David Isby examines Soviet forces in Afghanistan during the war of 1979-1989. The origins and conduct of the war and the operational organisation of Soviet forces are discussed, and Afghan resistance and weaponry is also explored. Featuring colour plates by Ron Volstad, this detailed examination of the troops that fought on both sides is ideal for those with an interest in modern conflicts.

The Buffs originated in 1572 from a company of 300 men raised from London trained bands sent to aid the Protestant cause in Holland. Upon their return to England, the Company re-formed as a single regiment, the Holland Regiment, which later became known as 'The Buffs'. In the years that followed, this highly esteemed regiment served in conflicts ranging from the Peninsular War to World Wars I and II. This book details the history of the Buffs from their inception to their demise as an independent unit in 1967, focusing particularly on their uniforms, including the distinctive dragon badge.

The decision to reintroduce unit Colours for the armed forces of the new Wehrmacht involved many problems. No unit flags and standards had been produced since before 1914. Paul Casberg, the well-known master painter and illustrator, was commissioned to design the new Army Colours, a commission which, in his own words, he considered to be 'the most beautiful order I have ever received'. Packed with numerous contemporary photographs, and eight full page colour plates by Malcolm McGregor, Brian L. Davis's text examines the flags of the Wehrmacht, in this first of three volumes concerning flags of the Third Reich.

On 1 July 1881 Viscount Cardwell's wholesale reorganisation of the British Army brought into existence Princess Louise's Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. Both had existed as separate regiments even before their official incorporation into the British Army and on the face of it, this seemed a highly improbable union, Being separated both geographically and historically - they had never even served together in the same theatre. Yet, as history has shown, this unlikely combination proved to be a tremendous success. William McElwee tells the story of this most famous of regiments which has served with distinction in two world wars and beyond.

On the 27 June, 1862, with the American Civil War already a year old, General Robert E. Lee assumed personal command of troops engaged in driving the Federal Army of the Potomac out of Richmond – troops which would henceforth be known as The Army of Northern Virginia. Philip Katcher explores in absorbing detail all aspects of the army, including infantry, cavalry, artillery, technical and medical corps, paying particular attention to equipment, weapons and uniforms. Contemporary and museum photographs, together with the author's expert text, combine to a paint a vivid and accurate picture of what life was like for the average confederate soldier.

An essential part of German propaganda was the raising of non-German volunteer contingents, variously named as 'Legions' and 'Free Corps'. These units were from their outset mere token forces, comparatively insignificant in numbers and maintained chiefly for their propaganda value. However, as the tide of battle turned relentlessly against the Germans, the appeal for volunteers became ever more desperate. In this second of three volumes examining the flags of the Third Reich, Brian L. Davis examines the flags of the Waffen-SS: those of Walloon, Flanders, Norway, Finland, Danzig, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Croatia, France, Spain and India.

The year 1642 witnessed the outbreak of the first English Civil War, which saw Royalist troops loyal to King Charles fight the Parliamentarians in several major battles and many sieges. Peter Young explores the tactics, equipment and organisation of the armies of both sides, drawing a compelling picture of what it must have been like for the men who lived and fought in England over 350 years ago. Chapters on fighting, cavalry, infantry, artillery and discipline examine the subject in depth, with many contemporary accounts, such as those of Royalist Captain, Richard Atkyns, who served in one of the most 'active' regiments of the war.

Napoleon's line infantry was founded upon that of the Ancien Régime. A total re-organisation began on 1 January 1791 with the abolition of the old regimental titles, and over the next two years an increasing number of conscript and volunteer battalions were formed. Their quality varied from the proficiency of the early National Guard regiments to the untrained and ill-equipped rabble of the levée. To combine the discipline and steadiness of the regular army with the revolutionary fervour of the new army, the Amalgame was decreed on 21 February; by this measure each regular battalion became the nucleus of a new Demi-Brigade.

In January 1794 the French 'Army of Italy' was commanded by General Dumerbion and he acknowledged a great debt to his 25-year-old commander of artillery – Napoleon Bonaparte. The French Revolution had resulted in major changes in the military system, conscription created a national army and new tactics and initiatives allowed an officer of such promise as Napoleon to rise quickly through the ranks. By 1796 he was the general commanding the French in Italy and at the conclusion of fourteen months campaigning he was the decisive military personality of his age. Philip Haythornthwaite examines Napoleon's campaigns in Italy, and the uniforms of his soldiers are illustrated in eight colour plates by Richard Hook.

From the days of its occupation by South African forces under the Mandate System, to its first election in 1989, South-West Africa was a hotbed of revolutionary activity. The establishment of SWAPO (South-West African People's Organization) in 1960, sparked decades of guerilla warfare, mostly aimed at the South African military. This book examines modern African wars between 1964 and 1989, and includes detailed descriptions of the South African Defence Force, Angolan Forces, SWAPO, and the major units involved in the counter-insurgency campaigns. The text is enhanced by colour plates, maps, and numerous photographs.

Frederick the Great was not renowned as a great artillery enthusiast, however he did recognise the importance of artillery and greatly expanded the arm. Frederick was also aware of the value of strong fortifications as barriers against the manoeuvres of enemy armies, and as places of security for troops and magazines; some of these were of vital significance in the survival of Prussia during the Seven Years' War. This fascinating volume by Philip Haythornwaite examines the artillery, engineers and others specialist troops of Frederick the Great's army.

The concept of the bodyguard is as ancient as the practice of an individual assuming the leadership of a group or tribe. From the Companions of Alexander to the Varangians of Byzantium, bodies of élite warriors, owing personal allegiance to their sovereign and obeying no others, have illuminated or stained the annals of military history. Napoleon's Imperial Guards probably represent the last true link in a chain spanning the ages. Philip Haythornthwaite describes the history, organisation and equipment of Napoleon's Guard Infantry in an engaging work which includes numerous illustrations and eight full page colour plates superbly drawn by Bryan Fosten.

The British Army's involvement in the Crimean War of 1854-56 is often remembered only for the ill-advised 'charge of the Light Brigade' during the battle of Sevastopol as memorialized in Tennyson's poem. Nevertheless, the British Army, together with the French and Turkish armies, posed a formidable threat to Russia's expansionist ambitions. This book examines the uniforms of the various branches of the British Army involved in the conflict, including general officers and staff, artillery, infantry and the most colourful branch of all - the cavalry. Numerous illustrations, including rare contemporary photographs depict the army's uniforms in vivid detail.

By the end of the nineteenth century the fame of the Zulu was world-wide, and their army was one of the few non-European military organisations to have become the subject of serious historical study. Their very name is still synonymous with bravery, discipline and military skill. This excellent addition to Osprey's Men-at-Arms series tells the story of the Zulus at war, from their rise to unrivalled power under the fearsome Shaka to the final devastating defeat against the British at Ulundi, detailing Zulu weapons and tactics, and the famous battles in which they fought.

The armies of Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands and Belgium bore the first crushing impact of Hitler's mighty Blitzkrieg war machine in Western Europe, in a campaign that astonished and terrified the world. The German Wehrmacht was millions strong, equipped with the latest guns, tanks and aircraft, and had the priceless advantage of having learned the realities of modern warfare in Poland the previous September. The defenders of Scandinavia and the Low Countries were raised from small populations, and were inadequately funded, trained, equipped and armed. Their modest numbers, inexperience, and largely indefensible borders condemned them to rapid defeat. For this reason they have tended to be neglected by history – in many cases, unjustly. Featuring period photographs and full-colour artwork, this book examines the dress, insignia, equipment, organization and combat performance of the Danish, Norwegian, Dutch and Belgium armies - thousands of soldiers who fought heroically in hopeless defence against the Nazi juggernaut.

The King's German Legion was the largest and most respected of the foreign corps which fought as integrated elements of the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars. The light and heavy cavalry, light and line infantry, and horse and foot artillery of the KGL made major contributions to Wellington's victories during the Peninsular War, and several units covered themselves with glory at Waterloo. This book offers a comprehensive overview of the KGL from its origins to its disbandment, including its uniforms, weapons, flags and standards. Meticulous illustrations offer unprecedented details of this impressive fighting force.

The Prussian army of King Frederick II, 'the Great', became so renowned as a result of its campaigns, principally during the Seven Years' War, that it was regarded as a model for many of the other armies of Europe. In this first of two volumes exploring Frederick the Great's splendid army, Philip Haythornwaite examines the organisation, tactics and uniform of his cavalry troops, in a text backed by numerous illustrations including eight full page colour plates by Bryan Fosten.

This revised edition of Mike Chappell's original Men-at-Arms 138 represents nearly 20 years' new research. It covers the saddlery, horse furniture, and personal equipment of the British horsed cavalryman from the early stages of the Napoleonic Wars until the final disappearance of the mounted arm during World War II. Such details are essential for an understanding of how cavalry fought in the 19th and early 20th centuries, since the design of equipment was intimately connected with cavalry tactics in any particular period. Students of campaign history, and particularly modellers, will find here a mass of specific information, illustrated with photographs, diagrams, drawings and full colour plates.

This book examines the uniforms, equipment, history and organisation of the United States Marine Corps. From their inception in 1775, through their service in World Wars 1 and 2, the history of this elite force is detailed, up to Korea and Vietnam. Alongside authoritative text, uniforms are shown in full illustrated detail.

A detailed look at the warriors of the Native Americans who lived around the Great Lakes. This book details the growth of the European Fur trade in North America and how it drew the Native Americans who lived in the Great Lakes region, notably the Huron, Dakota, Sauk and Fox, Miami and Shawnee tribes into the colonial European Wars. During the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, and the War of 1812, these tribes took sides and became important allies of the warring nations. However, slowly the Indians were pushed westward by the encroachment of more settlers. This tension finally culminated in the 1832 Black Hawk's War, which ended with the deportation of many tribes to distant reservations.

The Prussian light infantry branch was founded in the reign of Frederick the Great (1740-1786) and continued to develop from then onwards. It was the light troops of the Austrian army, the Croatian border soldiers, which so impressed Frederick in the Seven Years War that he considered it necessary to create an effective counter-force. Initially, there was a degree of reluctance amongst certain sections of the army towards this formation of light infantry. However, the Fusilier Battalions came to be regarded as elite formations, being well-trained, disciplined and carefully selected men led by young, fit and intelligent officers. This book described in detail the uniforms, organisation, training and weapons of this spectacular force.

The fascinating history of a war-torn state that emerged with a strong Medieval army that became one of the dominating powers of Eastern Europe. Poland became a unified Christian state in AD 966 and by the 12th century a knightly class had emerged - a force that was integral to the defence of Poland against increasingly frequent foreign invasions. Intent on crushing rival Christian states, the Templars, Hospitallers and Teutonic Knights all mounted attacks but were beaten back by the Poles, as were invading Mongols and Turks. This book reveals the organisation, equipment and battle histories of the medieval Polish armies as they developed and modernised to emerge as one of the dominant powers of Eastern Europe.

The most implacable of Napoleon's continental enemies, at the outbreak of war Austria maintained a vast army, but one rooted firmly in the 18th century. Hampered by the inherent conservatism of the hierarchy, the Austrians had to fight the most modern army in Europe. Despite this the regulars, who were drawn from many territories under Austrian sway, performed with great discipline, resolution and stoicism. This book examines in detail the organisation, uniforms, deployment and development of the Austrian infantry during the Napoleonic Wars, covering Line infantry, Light infantry, Grenz-Infanterie, Landwehr militia, and Frei-Corps units.

Irregular, semi-regular and reserve formations comprised a substantial part of the armed forces at the disposal of the Prussian Army throughout the Napoleonic Wars, particularly during the campaigns of the Wars of Liberation, 1813-15. The scale of the uprising of 1813 required the mobilization of all available forces and the utilization of all available equipment, and meant that the Prussian Army of the Wars of Liberation was very much a patchwork affair. This book examines and illustrates the reservists (or Kruemper), the Freikorps and foreign units, and the militia who fought in the Prussian Army.

After Prussia's dismemberment a drastic re-organisation of the entire army was necessary, and the cavalry underwent this process with the rest. At the time of the mobilisation in 1813, the somewhat reduced mounted arm was supplemented by voluntary and militia formations; and once peace was established after the First Abdication, a further re-organisation was begun. The fateful campaign of 1815 was fought with the Prussian cavalry still in the throes of this re-organisation. Packed with diagrams, illustrations and eight full page colour plates by Bryan Fosten, this book by Peter Hofschröer details the history, organisation, equipment and uniforms of the Prussian cavalry which fought in the Napoleonic wars.

As World War II drew to a close, the Imperial Japanese military seized control of Laos, a French protectorate, and encouraged nationalist movements to forestall the revival of French power in the region. Despite these efforts the French re-entered Indochina and methodically retook the protectorate. By 1957, the government of Laos and the core of the Communist Laotian forces, known as the Pathet Lao, entered an uneasy truce, which plunged the country into 15 years of war. This illustrated volume explores the resulting war, providing a summary of events and profiling the Laotian government forces, the government Allied forces and the Communist forces.

Coats of arms were at first used only by kings and princes, then by their great nobles. But by the mid-13th century arms were being used extensively by the lesser nobility, knights and those who later came to be styled gentlemen. In some countries the use of arms spread even to merchants, townspeople and the peasantry. From the mundane to the fantastic, from simple geometric patterns to elaborate mythological beasts, this fascinating work by Terence Wise explores the origins and appearance of medieval heraldic devices in an engagingly readable style, accompanied by numerous illustrations including eight full page colour plates by Richard Hook.

The specialist troops of the Austrian forces helped to secure Austria's reputation as the most formidable of Napoleon's continental enemies. Due largely to the efforts of Prince Liechtenstein, by the late 18th century the Austrian artillery had been the finest in Europe, and was held up as an example to the world. This text examines the famed Austrian artillery and other specialist troops of the Napoleonic Wars, including the Pioneers, Pontooneers, engineer services and medical service, detailing their organisation, equipment and uniforms in a volume complete with accompanying illustrations and colour plates.

In 1912, the Balkan states formed an alliance in an effort to break free from the crumbling Ottoman Empire. Forming an army of some 645,000 troops from Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia and Montenegro, they took on a force of 400,000 Turkish soldiers. Both sides were equipped with the latest weapons technology. This book looks at the diverse and sometimes colourful uniforms worn by both sides, paying special attention to insignia, weapons and equipment. It also gives an overview of the campaigns that became a 'priming pan' of World War I.