OSPREY MEN AT ARMS 354: BRITISH ARMY 1939-45 (2): MIDDLE EAST & MEDDITERRANEAN

By Martin Brayley & Mike Chappell

Osprey Publishing 2002 - ISBN 1 84176 237 7

48pp - Paperback - numerous b/w illustrations, 8 colour plates

£8.99

The Osprey Men at Arms series is a well known and established bench-mark in studying military forces and uniforms. The books are high quality, with well produced and clear illustrations, fine colour plates for the uniforms, and always well researched.

Once again, this title is no exception. Following on from the previous volume on North-West Europe, this volume looks at the British Army in the Desert Campaign and in the Invasion of Italy. The latter in particular is something that is very much neglected; the achievements of the so-called 'D Day Dodgers' being obscured by the events in Normandy. The book begins with a welcome campaign study, noting the changing role of the army in these theatres from fighting in the desert to mountain warfare in Italy, and the first British use of airborne troops. The organisation of the army during this period is looked at next, the role of artillery in the battles, along with information on uniforms and equipment, and finally a description of the colour plates, which are of the usual high quality expected from Mike Chappell.

Another excellent publication from Osprey, and an important contribution to a much neglected aspect of the role of the British Army in the Second World War. Highly recommended.

Copies can be ordered from Osprey Publishing at:

http://www.ospreypublishing.com/