Osprey Men-at-Arms Series SC (1973-2011 OSPREY) comic books 1970-1985

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Volume 1 - 1st printing. "The American Provincial Corps 1775–84!". Written by Philip Katcher. Art by Michael Youens. Initially British officials were reluctant to accept the offers of loyal subjects to form fighting units but eventually the potential of a Provincial corps was realized. Yet they never received the whole-hearted support of the British regular army and this was a factor in their evental defeat. Nonetheless the Provincial Corps served with distinction – even fighting against the Spanish in Nicaragua and the Bahamas – and some remained in service for several more years by relocating to Canada. This book examines their experiences in this continental conflict and details their uniforms and equipment. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

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Volume 8 - 2nd and later printings. "The Black Watch!". Written by Charles Grant. Art by Michael Youens. In the wake of the Jacobite rebellions, companies of trustworthy Highlanders were raised from royal clans to protect the populace, deter cattle stealing and guard against any possible Jacobite incursion. Soon after its formation, the companies organized into a regiment of foot known famously as the 'Black Watch', the name thought to derive from their dark-coloured tartans and their role to 'watch' the Highlands. This book explores the uniforms, equipment and history of the Black Watch, from their involvement in the battles of Fontenoy and Ticonderoga in the mid-18th century, through to the Korean War of the 1950s. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

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Volume 35 - 1st printing. "Wellington's Peninsular Army!" Written by James Lawford. Art by Michael Roffe. At the beginning of the Napoleonic period the British Army's record left something to be desired. During the Peninsular War, however, Wellington led and trained an army that never knew a major defeat on the field. Even Wellington himself described his army as 'able to go anywhere or do anything'. This book examines the formidable British Army which played an integral part in stalling Napoleon's advance, focusing on the staff, infantry, cavalry, artillery and sieges and sappers. Numerous illustrations, including eight colour plates, vividly depict the weaponry and uniforms of Wellington's Peninsular Army. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

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Volume 39 - 1st printing. "The British Army in North America 1775–83!" Written by Robin May. Art by Gerry Embleton. For sheer guts, the Redcoats' behaviour at Bunker Hill, Saratoga and other bloody encounters has rarely been surpassed. The Americans won, but only just, and then thanks to foreign intervention and a small number of dedicated and valiant patriots who were continually let down by their own people. Robin May's splendid work looks at the British Army that fought in the American Revolution from 1775 to1783. It details the soldiers who faced the difficulties of campaigning in America along with the gross inefficiency and corruption at home which, along with their generals' often blundering conduct, were as deadly enemies as the Americans. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

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Volume 46 - 2nd and later printings. "The Roman Army from Caesar to Trajan!" Written by Michael Simkins. Art by Ronald Embleton. Although the common Roman fighting men themselves have left no account, much literature has survived from antiquity. The wealth of archaeological finds, plus the study of surviving Roman scultpure has allowed hisorians to learn much about the nature of the Roman army which conquered an astonishing expanse of territory. Michael Simkins brings all his substantial knowledge to bear on this fascinating subject, covering such topics as army composition, recruitment, training, campaign routine and providing a wealth of detail on weapons, uniforms and equipment. Men-at-Arms 283, 291 and 46 are also available in a single volume special edition as ‘Caesar's Legions'. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

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Volume 49 - 1st printing. "The Coldstream Guards!" Written by Charles Grant. Art by Michael Roffe. The Coldstream Guards is the oldest serving regular regiment in the British Army. First called 'Monck's Regiment of Foot' the regiment was formed by Oliver Cromwell in 1650, and was later re-named the 'Coldstream Guards' after the Scottish village where Monck assembled his troops before marching into London. In the years following the English Civil War, the troops saw action in the Napoleonic Wars, the Crimea, Egypt, Sudan and South Africa, and World Wars I and II. This book outlines the history of the Coldstream Guards from its inception to the end of World War II, detailing the uniforms and equipment of this prestigious unit. Softcover, 50 pages, PC/PB&W.

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Volume 50 - 1st printing. "Medieval European Armies!" Written by Terence Wise. Art by Gerry Embleton. Almost continual warfare raged in Europe during the period 1300-1500. These wars were the furnaces in which many of the modern European nations were forged. Parallel with this emergence of the nations came the development of national armies to protect the newly-won borders and independence, yet throughout this period the old feudal method of raising an army persisted. This fascinating study by Terence Wise explores the organisation, weapons and equipment of the armies who fought across medieval Europe, from the Hundred Years War to the fight against the Moors in Spain and the French invasion of Italy. Softcover, 50 pages, PC/PB&W.

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Volume 52 - 1st printing. "The Royal Green Jackets!" Written by Christopher Wilkinson-Latham. Art by Michael Roffe. The Royal Green Jackets are widely acknowledged as innovators who developed much of the thinking of the British infantry in the fields of tactics and training, mobility and marksmanship, equipment, management and individual initiative from the 18th century onwards. They were the first to wear green uniforms as camouflage rather than red and to fire the more accurate rifle instead of muskets. This book examines the history of the component regiments of the Royal Green Jackets and describes the action of individual regiments in the Napoleonic Wars, Boer War, and World Wars. Numerous illustrations and photographs depict the Green Jackets' uniforms in vivid detail. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

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Volume 55 - 2nd and later printings. "Napoleon's Dragoons and Lancers!" Written by Emir Bukhari. Art by Angus McBride. France was to call up a total of 1,600,000 men during the Napoleonic Wars, of whom a mere 600,000 were to survive. For those conscripted into service, one of the better fates would be recruitment as a cavalryman. Napoleon's dragoons were not just any band of individuals sorted and labelled cavalrymen; they were mounted infantrymen, trained to be adept with both musket and sabre, and proud of that distinction. Originally mounted for the sake of mobility but generally fighting on foot, they evolved into an army equally at home sabring at the charge as firing dismounted. Softcover, 50 pages, PC/PB&W.

Add to cart Near Mint $8.00

Add to cart Near Mint $8.00

Volume 58 - 2nd and later printings. "The Landsknechts!" Written by Douglas Miller. Art by Gerry Embleton. The Landsknechts were German mercenaries who served during the reigns of Maximilian I and Charles V in the sixteenth century. Having signed up, these Landsknechts were read a very detailed code of conduct, organised into companies, paid one month in advance, and sent into battle! Their major weapon was the pike, which could be up to 18 feet in length, but those whose duty it was to advance in the front line carried instead the fearsome Zweihänder; an enormous battle-sword around 66 inches in length! Douglas Miller describes in detail the organisation, tactics, weapons, uniforms and history of these remarkable soldiers. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

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Volume 63 - 1st printing. "The American Indian Wars 1860–90!" Written by Philip Katcher. Art by Gerry Embleton. The wars between whites and Indians, the most famous of which were fought on the great Western plains between 1860 and 1890, were among the most tragic of all conflicts ever fought. To the victor went no less than the complete domination of the continent, to the loser total extinction. Accustomed only to small scale skirmishing and raiding, the Indians were doomed from the start. They had never fought a European-style war with its constant pressure and co-ordinated strategies. Philip Katcher details the armies of both sides, paying particular attention to their organisation and uniforms. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

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Volume 67 - 1st printing. "The Indian Mutiny!" Written by Christopher Wilkinson-Latham. Art by Gerry Embleton. On the 24 April 1855, Colonel Carmichael Smyth held a parade of the ninety skirmishers of the 3rd Light Cavalry of the Bengal Army at Meerut, some 30 miles from Delhi. The disastrous events that followed sparked an almost wholesale mutiny of the Honourable East India Company's Bengal Native Army. Had the ensuing uprising succeeded, it would have threatened the validity of the entire British Empire. As it was the Mutiny witnessed several tragic and bloody events, from the original incident in Meerut to the horrifying siege of Cawnpore. Christopher Wilikinson-Latham details the history of the conflict, from its beginnings to ultimate resolution. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

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Volume 68 - 2nd and later printings. "Napoleon's Line Chasseurs!" Written by Emir Bukhari. Art by Angus McBride. The chasseurs, being the indigenous French light horse, can perhaps therefore be equated best with the infantry demi-brigades of this period, a half-trained, unprofessional, make-shift collection, making up with zeal what they lacked in experience, a qualification which in no way diminished the importance of their role within Napoleon's all-conquering army. Emir Bukhari's fine text examines the dress and equipment of Napoleon's line chasseurs, plus the histories of individual regiments in a volume containing a plethora of illustrations and diagrams including eight full page colour plates by popular artist Angus McBride, showing a variety of uniforms in admirable detail. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

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Volume 81 - 1st printing. "The British Army 1914–18!" Written by Robert Marrion and Donald Fosten. Art by Gerry Embleton. Between 1869 and 1874, Edward Cardwell, Gladstone's Secretary for War, undertook major reforms to modernise the British Army. The Crimean War, and campaigns in India, had revealed serious administrative and command shortcomings. Cardwell's legislation was aimed at curing these faults and served as the foundation of a new-style army. His successors put into practice further improvements in tactics, training and command structure and by the outbreak of war in 1914, the British Army had developed into one of the best professional fighting forces in Europe. This book details the development, composition and uniforms of this 'new' army. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

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Volume 85 - 2nd and later printings. "Saxon, Viking and Norman!" Written by Terence Wise. Art by Gerry Embleton. If there is one thing we can be sure of concerning the Saxons, Vikings and Normans who inhabited the medieval world, it is that they were a good deal more advanced than some writings would have us believe. This fascinating book by Terence Wise explores the history, organization, clothing, equipment and weapons of Saxon, Viking and Norman peoples, covering wide-ranging topics such as Anglo-Saxon shields, Viking raiding ships and the organization of Norman armies.The absorbing and readable text is enriched by numerous illustrations and museum photographs with commentaries, plus eight superbly drawn full page colour plates by renowned military artist Gerry Embleton. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

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Volume 91 - 1st printing. "Bengal Cavalry Regiments 1857–1914!" Written by Ronald Harris. Art by Chris Warner. The British connection with India dates from the formation of the Honourable East India Company in the 17th century, when a military force was needed to protect Britain's valuable trading interests. By 1914, there were over 40 regiments of Indian cavalry, all of which were commanded by British officers. This book provides an overview of the component cavalry regiments in the years between the Great Mutiny of 1857 and the outbreak of World War I. Numerous contemporary photographs and eight colour plates offer a rare glimpse into the distinctive uniforms of the cavalry. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

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Volume 96 - 2nd and later printings. "Artillery Equipments of the Napoleonic Wars!" Written by Terence Wise. Art by Richard Hook. In the first half of the 18th century the French had been the European leaders in artillery, possessing the only standardised range of pieces. These pieces, were sturdy but extremely heavy. This books shows how at the beginning of the Seven Years' War, Austria seized the lead by introducing new light field pieces - the 3pdr., 6pdr., and 12pdr. guns - and some excellent light howitzers. Other powers adopted this new system, however no complete overarching methodology existed until the implementation of the Gribeauval system, which was to revolutionise the artillery of Europe and make possible the highly efficient field artillery of the Napoleonic Wars. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

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Volume 121 - 2nd and later printings. "Armies of the Carthaginian Wars 265–146 BC!" Written by Terence Wise. Art by Richard Hook. The epic conflict between Rome and Carthage remains one of the most compelling stories of military history. The wars included such legendary events as the crossing of the Alps by Hannibal, and the Battle of Cannae. Terence Wise's fine text details the armies of both sides of the wars, including the many different allied troops employed by the Carthaginians; Numidians, Celts, Spanish and others who helped make the army one of the most colourful and cosmopolitan of its day. The text is accompanied by numerous illustrations and photographs, including eight full page colour plates by Richard Hook.Campaign 36 and Men-at-Arms 121 are also available in a single volume special edition as ‘Hannibal's War with Rome'. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

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Volume 123 - 1st printing. "The Australian Army at War 1899–1975!" Written by John Laffin. Art by Mike Chappell. The Australians have had a brief military history, by world standards, but they have taken part in nine wars and, British troops apart, they have fought in more countries than the soldiers of any other nation. Friend and foe alike have assessed them as men-at-arms perhaps equalled but never surpassed. This absorbing text by John Laffin examines the history, uniforms and organisation of these colourful and courageous troops, from the Diggers of the First World War to their role in Vietnam. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

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Volume 123 - 2nd and later printings. "The Australian Army at War 1899–1975!" Written by John Laffin. Art by Mike Chappell. The Australians have had a brief military history, by world standards, but they have taken part in nine wars and, British troops apart, they have fought in more countries than the soldiers of any other nation. Friend and foe alike have assessed them as men-at-arms perhaps equalled but never surpassed. This absorbing text by John Laffin examines the history, uniforms and organisation of these colourful and courageous troops, from the Diggers of the First World War to their role in Vietnam. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

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Volume 134 - 2nd and later printings. "Battle for the Falklands (2)!" Written by Adrian English and Anthony Watts. In the early hours of the chilly late-autumn morning, April 2 1982, substantial forces of Argentine Marines, with heavy naval and air support, had invaded the Falkland islands, quickly and almost bloodlessly overwhelming a token garrison of Royal Marines. The following day Argentine forces also invaded the Falklands dependency of South Georgia, forcing the garrison of just 22 Royal Marines to surrender – though not before they had inflicted disproportionately heavy losses on their attackers. In this companion to Men-at-Arms 133 & 135 Adrian English and Anthony Watts examine the naval forces of both sides who fought in the battle for the Falklands. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

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Volume 148 - 1st printing. "The Army of Alexander the Great!" Written by Nicholas Sekunda. Art by Angus McBride. When Philip II ascended the throne in 359 BC, Macedonia was in danger of being engulfed by wild barbarian tribes to the north and wily Greek cities to the south. Philip had to expand the power of the throne or be swallowed up: the creation of a powerful army was imperative. When his son, Alexander, inherited his kingdom at the age of 20, he also inherited an army which was truly unrivalled. The Macedonians were veterans of battle, well equipped and eager for conquest. Add to this Alexander's supreme gifts as military commander and it is little wonder they achieved so much.Men-at-Arms 148 and Campaign 7 are also available in a single volume special edition as ‘Alexander the Great'. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

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Add to cart Near Mint $8.00

Volume 153 - 1st printing. "Napoleon's Guard Infantry (1)!" Written by Philip Haythornthwaite. Art by Bryan Fosten. 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. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

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Volume 155 - 1st printing. "Knights of Christ!" Written by Terence Wise. Art by Richard Scollins. The ancient warrior code which persisted in medieval Christian Europe dictated that a man's greatest virtues were physical strength, skill at arms, bravery, daring, loyalty to the chieftain and solidarity within the tribe. The primitive Church had been diametrically opposed to such ideals, however by the early 8th century the Church had grown wealthy, and the Saracen invasions of Spain and France posed a threat to that wealth. The Roman Church began to support war in defence of the faith, and by channelling the martial spirit into the service of God, the brutal warrior of the past was transformed into a guardian of society. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

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Volume 156 - 1st printing. "The Royal Marines 1956–84!" Written by Will Fowler. Art by Paul Hannon. As a 'Special Forces' organization the Royal Marines and their supporting Commando-trained arms are unique. While other special forces trace their origins to World War I, the Royal Marines date back to 1664. Since then, they have seen action across the world, from their memorable role in the capture of Gibralter in 1704 to their crucial involvement in World Wars I and II. This book examines the Royal Marines' service and training from the Suez Crisis of 1956, through to their involvement in Northern Ireland and the Falklands in the 1980s. Numerous illustrations, including photographs and colour plates, detail the uniforms and equipment of the Marines. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

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Volume 160 - 1st printing. "Napoleon's Guard Infantry (2)!" Written by Philip Haythornthwaite. Art by Bryan Fosten. This title looks at Napoleon's Middle and Young Guard infantry. The seniority of Guard infantry was only established definitely in 1812 by the Guard's chief of personnel, Courtois. The title 'Young Guard' was assigned to the newly-raised regiments in 1809, but the term 'Middle Guard' came into use about 1811. From the beginning the newer guard regiments were committed to action first, the Old Guard, as Napoleon wrote, 'being so precious, one fears to expose them'; thus the Fusiliers-Chasseurs distinguished themselves at Hilsberg whilst the rest of the Guard was kept in reserve. In 1808 the Fusiliers went to Spain, serving at the Madrid rising, Medina and Guadalajara. Philip Haythornwaite examines these troops in a detailed text backed by numerous illustrations including eight full page colour plates by Bryan Fosten. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

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Volume 161 - 1st printing. "The Spanish Foreign Legion!" Written by John Scurr. Art by Bryan Fosten. Although overshadowed by its French counterpart, the Tercio de Extrangeros, 'Regiment of Foreigners' has a rich and eventful history beginning with its formation in 1920. Under the command of LtCol Millán Astray and Comandante Francisco Franco, the Spanish Foreign Legion developed into a formidable force, led by Astray's belief that 'to die in combat is the greatest honour.' This book examines the main campaigns in which the Legion participated, from Melilla in 1921-23 until its withdrawal from the Sahara in 1976. A wealth of contemporary photographs and colour plates detail the uniforms and insignia of the Spanish Foreign Legion. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

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Volume 163 - 1st printing. "The American Plains Indians!" Written by Jason Hook. Art by Richard Hook. The central plains of North America to the east of the Rocky Mountains were home to the Plains Indians; here the hunting grounds of the twelve typical tribes coincided with the grazing range of the largest of the buffalo herds. The adoption of a horse culture heralded the golden age of the Plains Indians – an age abruptly ended by the intervention of the white man, who forced them into reservations in the second half of the 19th century. Jason Hook's fascinating text explores the culture of American Plains Indians, from camp life to conquest, in a volume complemented by photographs and stunning artwork. Men-at-Arms 163 and 186 and Warrior 4 are also available in a single volume special edition as ‘To Live and Die in the West'. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

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Volume 164 - 1st printing. "The Canadian Army at War!" Art by Mike Chappell. Throughout the twentieth century, Canadian armies participated in the world's major conflicts, from the Boer War at the dawn of the century, to the Korean War in the 1950s. As part of the British empire, Canada supported Britain in South Africa, and came to the aid of the Allies in both world wars. This book chronicles the development of the Canadian Army and the legendary achievements of a nation which might have justifiably stayed aloof from the quarrels of others. As both author and illustrator, Mike Chappell paints an engaging picture of the history, equipment and uniforms of the Canadian Army. Softcover, PC/PB&W.