Osprey Elite Series SC (1984-2008 OSPREY) comic books 1992-1994

Volume 17 - 1st printing. "Knights at Tournament!" Written by Christopher Gravett. Art by Angus McBride. Like all warrior classes throughout history medieval knights engaged in military games, partly in preparation for war and partly for pure sport. From their often brutal origins in the 10th century to the gaudy pageantry and eventual decline of the 15th and 16th centuries, tournaments were the centre of the knightly life. The image of the armoured and surcoated knight on his caparisoned charger remains the epitome of the chivalric ideal. Christopher Gravett explores the history of the tournament from its chaotic beginnings to its more formal, 'civilised' incarnation, describing the various 'events' and equipment which came into use. Softcover,64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 38 - 1st printing. "The NVA and Viet Cong!" Written by Kenneth Conboy. Art by Simon McCouaig. In 1940 Japan placed Vietnam under military occupation, restricting the local French administration to a figurehead authority. Seizing the opportunity, the Communists organised a Vietnamese independence league, the Viet Minh, whose armed forces became known as the PAVN (more commonly known to the West as the Vietcong, or NVA) and prepared to launch an uprising against the French at the war's end. This text details the history, organisation and uniforms of the People's Army of Vietnam from its origins in the fight against colonialism, through two separate wars against the US and Khmer Rouge, to its role in the modern era. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 39 - 1st printing. "The Ancient Assyrians!" Written by Mark Healy. Art by Angus McBride. For the greater part of the period from the end of the 10th century to the 7th century BC, the Ancient Near East was dominated by the dynamic military power of Assyria. At the zenith of its rule Assyria could lay claim to an empire that stretched from Egypt in the west to the borders of Iran in the east and encompassed for the first time in history, within the realm of a single imperial domain, the whole of the 'Fertile Crescent'. Mark Healy, covers the history of the Assyrians from their ancient beginnings to the eventual fall of the city of Nineveh. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 40 - 1st printing. "New Kingdom Egypt!" Written by Mark Healy. Art by Angus McBride. Builders of the Pyramids and most ancient of all the powers of the biblical world, the Egyptians remain one of history's most fascinating and enigmatic peoples. During the New Kingdom era, Egypt reached the peak of its power, wealth, and territory. Through the intensive military campaigns of Pharaoh Thutmose III (1490-1436BC), Palestine, Syria, and the northern Euphrates area in Mesopotamia were all brought within the New Kingdom. Mark Healy outlines the history, organisation and dress of the New Kingdom Egyptians in this volume packed with accompanying illustrations and photographs, including 12 full page colour plates by the ever popular Angus McBride. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 41 - 1st printing. "Elite Forces of India and Pakistan!" Written by Kenneth Conboy. Art by Paul Hannon. Influenced by the German use of paratroopers early in World War Two, General Sir Robert Cassels, the Commander-in-Chief India, ordered the formation of an airborne cadre in October 1940. Thus marked the origins of India's first élite units. Pakistan can trace the origins of its own army airborne to the common parentage of British-raised forces. Following the partition from India in August 1947, it raised its own Special Service Group, with individually specialised companies including desert, mountain, ranger and underwater warfare units. This remarkable volume by Kenneth Conboy details the history, organisation, uniforms and insignia of the élite forces of India and Pakistan. Also covered are the elite forces of Afghanistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $7.00

Add to cart Near Mint $7.00

Volume 41 -2nd and later printings. "Elite Forces of India and Pakistan!" Written by Kenneth Conboy. Art by Paul Hannon. Influenced by the German use of paratroopers early in World War Two, General Sir Robert Cassels, the Commander-in-Chief India, ordered the formation of an airborne cadre in October 1940. Thus marked the origins of India's first élite units. Pakistan can trace the origins of its own army airborne to the common parentage of British-raised forces. Following the partition from India in August 1947, it raised its own Special Service Group, with individually specialised companies including desert, mountain, ranger and underwater warfare units. This remarkable volume by Kenneth Conboy details the history, organisation, uniforms and insignia of the élite forces of India and Pakistan. Also covered are the elite forces of Afghanistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Softcover, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 42 - 1st printing. "The Persian Army 560-330 BC!" Written by Nicholas Sekunda. Art by Simon Chew. The Persian Empire grew in the vacuum left by Assyria's destruction of the Kingdom of Elam. Prince Teispes captured Anshan, once a stonghold of the Elamites. His father, Achaemenes is the person who is apparently responsible for training and organising the early Persian army and it is his name that is the beginning of the royal line of Achaemenian Kings. It is a dynasty which includes Darius the Great - the finest ruler of the Achaemenid era. The army he commanded included the infamous 'Immortals', who formed the elite of the Persian army, their numbers always kept to exactly 10,000 men. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 43 - 1st printing. "Vietnam Marines 1965-73!" Written by Charles Melson. Art by Paul Hannon. The period following World War 2 saw a number of associated Marine Corps, three of whom fought together during the war in Vietnam from 1965 to 1973. These Corps were similar formations, but each had its own history and traditions: they were the United States Marines, the Vietnamese Marines, and the Korean Marines. Common to them was a reputation for toughness on themselves and any foreign or domestic enemies; strong unit pride and loyalty; and a privileged place within the political structure of their respective countries. This title by US Marine historian Charles Melson describes the history, weapons, equipment, uniforms and insignia of the US, Vietnamese and Korean Marines who fought in Vietnam. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 44 - 1st printing. "Security Forces in Northern Ireland 1969-92!" Written by Tim Ripley. Art by Mike Chappell. The conflict in Northern Ireland remains unlike any other campaign conducted by the British Army this century. There have been no set-piece battles, no decisive victories or crushing defeats; just a grinding, relentless series of small scale operations in response to riots, bombings, sectarian murders and terrorist ambushes. Tim Ripley, a specialist in modern military affairs and research associate at Lancaster University's Centre for Defence and International Security Studies, profiles the operations, tactics, uniforms and equipment of the British and Irish Security Forces and the main terrorist groups involved in 'the Troubles' from 1969-92. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 45 - 1st printing. "Armies of the Gulf War!" Written by Gordon L Rottman. Art by Ronald Volstad. Besides continuing a long history of world-wide peacekeeping, the commitment of US troops to the Gulf reunified the country and restored a national pride lost in the aftermath of Vietnam. It also proved that the US armed forces were again the most capable military force in the world. This volume by veteran Osprey author Gordon L. Rottman focuses on the structure, equipment, effectiveness, and employment of the 680,000 coalition troops which fought in the Gulf War, covering not only the US forces, but also those of Britain, France, the Arab League and Iraq. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 46 - 1st printing. "US Army Air Force Book 1!" Written by Gordon L Rottman. Art by Francis Chin. In June 1941 the US Army's air organisations were consolidated under a single command, the Army Air Forces or AAF. Its expansion was rapid and massive, and its contribution to the war effort was substantial. Books abound describing the AAF's impressive combat record, but little has been published to record what the men inside the machines wore to stay alive and effective in the air and on the ground, or, as often as not, in the water. Gordon L. Rottman's detailed treatment discusses the flying clothes, accessories and equipment worn and used by individual airmen fighting their often desperate battles in the sky. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 47 - 1st printing. "South African Special Forces!" Written by Robert Pitta. Art by Simon McCouaig. This book provides a highly detailed account of the history, organisation, uniforms and insignia of South African Special Forces from their origins up to the early 90s - units such as the 44 Parachute Brigade, the Hunter Group and the infamous SWA Police COIN Unit 'Koevoet'. These elite units of the South African Defence Force and the special anti-terrorist units of the South African Police Forces comprised the largest, best trained and best equipped of any country in southern Africa. Robert Pitta and Jeff Fannell provide the text in a volume packed with photographs and illustrations. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 48 - 1st printing. "Nelson's Navy!" Written by Philip Haythornthwaite. Art by Bill Younghusband. Despite the many celebrated victories of the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars, the role of the Royal Navy should never be overlooked. The 'wooden walls' formed the country's first and most important line of defence, and ranged throughout the world to protect Britain's trade-routes and in support of the land forces and overseas possessions. This book covers the huge variations in uniforms not just in the Navy but the Royal Marines and Infantry regiments which served alongside naval crews. It also looks at the organisation, training and recruitment of the force and corrects a number of misconceptions regarding impressment and training. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 49 - 1st printing. "The Gurkhas!" By Mike Chappell. The origins of the Gurkhas date back to 1815, when one of the most skilled and determined opponents that the British soldier had to overcome in battle was the Nepalese warrior. The British were so impressed with the military skills of these fighters that they began recruiting units exclusively from Nepal. From this beginning grew the now famous Gurkha units. This volume examines the development of the Gurkhas through the various wars and confrontations of the 19th century, through the First World War, Second World War and the various postwar conflicts including Malaya, Borneo and the Falklands. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

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Volume 50 - 1st printing. "The Praetorian Guard!" Written by Boris Rankov. Art by Richard Hook. The Praetorian Guard of Imperial Rome was the power behind the throne, with the ability to make or break an emperor. As the main body of troops in Rome, they were the emperor's instrument to discourage plotting and rebellion and to crush unrest. The emperor's most immediate line of defence, they could also be his most deadly enemies. This book details the organization, dress and history of the Praetorian Guard from the time of the late Republic to the Guard's effective destruction at the battle of Milvian Bridge in AD 312. Numerous illustrations vividly depict the uniforms and weaponry of this elite fighting unit. Softcover,64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 51 - 1st printing. "US Army Air Force Book 2!" Written by Gordon L Rottman. Art by Francis Chin. While the most conspicuous components of the US Army Air Forces in World War II were the air units, there were also hundreds of ground units and organisations. Besides assigned military personnel the AAF also employed thousands of civilians. Many unique outfits were designed to meet the AAF's special needs. Uniformed civilians also possessed a variety of unique uniforms and insignia. These general issue and specific uniforms are the subject of this volume by one of Osprey's most experienced authors, Gordon L. Rottman, whose detailed text is backed by plenty of contemporary photographs and 12 full page colour plates by Francis Chin. Softcover,64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 52 - 1st printing. "Wellington's Foot Guards!" Written by Ian Fletcher. Art by Bill Younghusband. The Guards fought in every major British campaign on the continent during the Napoleonic Wars. They carved their place in history under commanders such as Sir John Moore and Wellington from Corunna and Talavera during the Peninsula War to their legendary defence of the Chateau of Hougoumont throughout the battle of Waterloo. Ian Fletcher examines the uniforms and insignia of the Guards as worn both on campaign and on ceremonial duties in this worthy addition to the Elite series, which features a wealth of accompanying illustrations including 12 full page colour plates by Bill Younghusband. Softcover,64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 53 - 1st printing. "International Brigades in Spain 1936-39!" Written by Ken Bradley. Art by Mike ChappellThe Civil war fought in Spain between 1936 and 1939 was one of the most bloody and bitterly fought military campaigns of the 20th century. Both the loyalist Republican troops and the Nationalists under General Franco used foreign volunteers to supplement their own forces. In the case of the Republicans the Comintern organised the International Brigades, eventually recruiting over 40,000 people. The International Brigades were the Republican forces elite and as such were stationed at the toughest sectors and often led the most desperate attacks. Ken Bradley details the history, recruitment, composition, organisation, uniforms and equipment these brigades. Softcover,64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 54 - 1st printing. "UN Forces 1948-94!" Written by Robert Pitta. Art by Simon McCouaig. This volume details the various UN peace keeping operations around the globe from 1948-94, which have seen UN forces deployed in almost every corner of the world - Africa (Namibia and Somalia), South America (El Salvador), the Middle East (Cyprus, Sinai, Golan Heights, Lebanon and Kuwait), the Far East (Cambodia and Korea) and Europe (Bosnia, Croatia, Slovenia). In addition two major wars have been fought under the banner of the United Nations - The Korean War and the Gulf War. A huge number of nations have contributed troops to these various efforts, with the result that the UN forces are extremely varied and colourful. The vast variety uniforms and insignia are illustrated in twelve full page colour plates. Softcover,64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 55 - 1st printing. "Marine Recon 1940-90!" Written by Charles Melson. Art by Paul Hannon. In 1976 Maj. James Capers Jr. welcomed new men and their families into a force reconnaissance company. 'Only the most capable Marines are selected for this duty due to rigid mental and physical demands. A very thorough screening of each applicant is conducted ... to test alertness and endurance. The result is a small elite unit with highly qualified Marines who are considered the best in the world'. Ex-Marine Charles D Melson examines the history, equipment and insignia of the Marine's amphibious and ground long-range patrol reconnaissance specialists in this volume which contains a wealth of photographs and 12 full page colour plates by Paul Hannon. Softcover,64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.