New Vanguard SC (1993 Osprey Military) comic books 2005-2007

Volume 86 - 1st printing. "M109 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer 1960–2005!" Written by Steven J Zaloga. Art by Tony Bryan. Entering service in the early 1960s, the M109 Self-Propelled Howitzer has been in production for 34 years and forms the backbone of US Army and Reserve artillery units. The M109A6 is the latest development of the M109 series and incorporates advanced fire control systems that enable it to have its first rounds on target less than 60 seconds after arriving at firing location. This ability to shift quickly between moving and firing modes avoids counter battery fire and ensures battlefield survivability. This book details an impressive and versatile weapon that has served around the globe in Southeast Asia and in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $7.00

Add to cart Near Mint $7.00

Volume 95 - 1st printing. "Armored Units of the Russian Civil War: Red Army!" Written by David Bullock. Art by Peter Sarson. By 1920 the Red Army of Russia fielded an overwhelming array of armored cars, armored trains and tank detachments. These armored units played an important part in consolidating the newly won Bolshevik empire in the early 1920s; as a consequence of the fact that railways were the strategic arteries that essentially controlled Russia, armored trains have never played such a significant role in military history as they did in the Russian Civil War. This title details the management, construction, repair, personnel, training and combat of the Red Army's armored units on all fronts, including such famous vehicles as Trotsky's armored train. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $7.00

Add to cart Near Mint $7.00

Volume 104 - 1st printing. "Cromwell Cruiser Tank 1942-50!" Written by David Fletcher and Richard C Harley. Art by Peter Sarson. For most of World War II, British tank development remained faithful to the design philosophy inaugurated during World War I. Experiences in North Africa highlighted flaws in this basic design, however, and the General Staff identified the need for a new heavy cruiser that could combine speed and manoeuvrability with increased armour and armament. The Cromwell Cruiser tank was designed as a result and soon proved itself one of the fastest and most successful tanks deployed by the Allies during World War II. This book details the design and development of the Cromwell and its many variants, from its introduction at D-Day, through its many successes in the final year of World War II and beyond. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $7.00

Volume 105 - 1st printing. "British Artillery 1914-19!" Written by Dale Clarke. Art by Brian Delf. World War I is often deemed to have been a war of artillery', and British heavy artillery played a vital part in destroying the German trenches and providing invaluable cover for advancing troops on the Western Front. This book details the huge guns of the Royal Garrison Artillery, including the 6-in. siege gun and howitzer, the 8-in. howitzer, the 12-in. railway and siege howitzer and the infamous 9.2-in breech-loading siege howitzer. Camouflage and enemy battery locations and transport are covered, as well as tactics used and how the guns were developed and manned. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 107 - 1st printing. "US Anti-tank Artillery 1941-45!" Written by Steven J Zaloga. Art by Brian Delf. The US Army's development of the 37mm anti-tank gun began in response to needs identified during the Spanish Civil War. By the time it entered service in Tunisia in 1943, the gun was already obsolete, and the US began the licensed manufacture of the British 6-pdr in the hope of finding a quick solution to its artillery requirements. This in turn proved unequal to the demands of warfare in France in 1944, and further anti-tank measures were developed rocket propelled grenades for infantry use, and weapons designed specifically for use by the Tank Destroyer Force. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $7.00

Volume 108 - 1st printing. "English Civil War Artillery 1642–51!" Written by Chris Henry. Art by Brian Delf. At the beginning of the English Civil War it was clear that artillery was to play a significant part in the conflict, as so many battles were fought by siege. Both Royalists and Parliamentarians raced to capture ordnance stores in urban areas such as London and Hull, realising that they would prove strategically decisive in the siege warfare that later developed. Illustrated with superb colour plates by Brian Delf, this book gives the reader an overview of the types of weapon used in this conflict and, more generally, how artillery was actually used in the seventeenth century. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 109 - 1st printing. "Imperial Japanese Navy Aircraft Carriers 1921–45!" Written by Mark Stille. Art by Tony Bryan. The Imperial Japanese Navy was a pioneer in naval aviation, having commissioned the world's first built-from-the-keel-up carrier, the Hosho. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, it experimented with its carriers, perfecting their design and construction. As a result, by the time Japan entered World War II and attacked the United States at Pearl Harbor in 1941, it possessed a fantastically effective naval aviation force. This book covers the design, development and operation of IJN aircraft carriers built prior to and during World War II. Pearl Harbor, Midway and the first carrier vs carrier battle, the battle of the Coral Sea, are all discussed. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $7.00

Volume 110 - 1st printing. "Universal Carrier 1936–48!" Written by David Fletcher. Art by Tony Bryan. The Universal Carrier was a fast, lightly armed vehicle developed by the British Army to carry infantry across ground defended by small-arms fire, specifically the Bren light machine gun, hence the name ‘Bren Gun Carrier'. This name would stick with the Universal Carrier and all of its future variants. This book details the Carrier, which was employed in a number of roles including carrying ammunition and towing anti-aircraft guns and trailers. All Allies used the Universal Carrier extensively during practically every World War II campaign. By the war's end, the Universal Carrier had proved itself to be an invaluable and successful cross-country vehicle that was both agile and fast for its time. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 111 - 1st printing. "Apache AH-64 Boeing (McDonnell Douglas) 1976–2005!" Written by Chris Bishop. Art by Jim Laurier. The Boeing (McDonnell Douglas, formerly Hughes) AH-64A Apache is the US Army's primary attack helicopter, and the most advanced helicopter gunship flying today. The most expensive rotary-winged aircraft ever built when it was introduced in the early 1980s, it has since proved its worth on battlefields all over the world, seeing action in the Gulf War, Afghanistan, Bosnia, Kosovo and the recent conflict in Iraq. This book examines the design, development and deployment of a quick-reacting, airborne weapons system that can fight close and deep to destroy, disrupt, or delay enemy forces. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 112 - 1st printing. "Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank 1987–2006!" Written by Simon Dunstan. Art by Tony Bryan. The Challenger 2 is the current Main Battle Tank of the British Army and represents the culmination of 80 years of tank design. In 1987, its design was presented to the Ministry of Defence in response to a requirement to replace the Chieftain MBT that had been partially superseded by the Challenger 1 MBT. Production began in 1993, and the tank finally entered service in 2002. The tank recently appeared in Iraq, where it proved indispensable during the battle of Basra. This book covers the evolution of the Challenger 2, from its origins and testing to its involvement in the Middle East and Iraq. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 113 - 1st printing. "M3 Lee/Grant Medium Tank 1941–45!" Written by Steven J Zaloga. Art by Hugh Johnson. The highly successful 'stop-gap' M3 medium tank was designed in 1941, and as adequate turret casting facilities were not yet ready, the M3 used an unusual armament configuration patterned after a French tank. British lend-lease demands led to the design of a second turret type with the US version called the Lee and the British version the Grant. It could penetrate Panzer armor, and its explosive firepower was excellent for dealing with German anti-tank guns. This book covers the design, development, service and variants of a vehicle that was the backbone of many World War II forces. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 114 - 1st printing. "US Navy Aircraft Carriers 1922–45!" Written by Mark Stille. Art by Tony Bryan. The USS Langley, the first American aircraft carrier, entered service in 1922. Despite being converted into an aircraft tender, it was the first step in a new direction for the US Navy and naval warfare. This book covers the design, development and operation of USN aircraft carriers built prior to World War II, including their aircraft and weaponry. It also explains their various successes and losses such as the first carrier vs carrier battle at Midway; the battle of the Coral Sea; the battle of the Philippine Sea; and the Operation Torch landings. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 115 - 1st printing. "Landing Ship, Tank (LST) 1942–2002!" Written by Gordon L Rottman. Art by Tony Bryan. The Landing Ship Tank (LST) is one of the most famous of the many World War II amphibious warfare ships. Capable of discharging its cargo directly on to shore and extracting itself, the LST provided the backbone of all Allied landings between 1943 and 1945, notably during the D-Day invasion. Through its history, the LST saw service from late 1942 until late 2002, when the US Navy decommissioned the USS Frederick (LST-1184), the last ship of its type. This book reveals the development and use of the LST, including its excellence beyond its initial design expectations. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $7.00

Add to cart Near Mint $7.00

Volume 116 - 1st printing. "Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk!" Written by Chris Bishop. Art by Ian Palmer. The successor to the legendary Bell UH-1 'Huey', the Sikorsky UH-60 first flew in 1974 and was christened the Black Hawk. It has become one of the most versatile and successful utility helicopters currently in service and has been used widely, from the invasion of Grenada to the ongoing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. An attack helicopter configured with missiles, rockets, machine guns and cannon, the Black Hawk is also capable of undertaking a wide range of missions on the battlefield, including troop transport, command and control and aeromedical evacuation. Although the Black Hawk is most recently associated with the disaster in Mogadishu, this book looks past Hollywood interpretations to investigate the design, development and operations of what is arguably the most important helicopter in the world today, with fantastic full-colour digital artwork and up-to-date information about the Black Hawk's role in Iraq. Also examined are the more unconventional missions the Black Hawk has been used in, from drug-busting operations in South America to peacekeeping operations around the world. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 117 - 1st printing. "Jeeps 1941–45!" Written by Steven J Zaloga. Art by Hugh Johnson. The jeep was the most famous military vehicle of World War II, and its name has become synonymous with a whole class of military and civilian all-terrain vehicles. The jeep originated in a prewar US Army requirement for a simple, inexpensive, and robust vehicle for basic utility chores. Its simple design proved to be adaptable to a host of military tasks including use as a scout vehicle, battlefield ambulance, communications vehicle, and staff car. This book, covering "the savior of World War II", focuses on the design and development of this versatile vehicle used on nearly every front of World War II. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 118 - 1st printing. "US Submarines 1941–45!" Written by Jim Christley. Art by Tony Bryan. Naval warfare in the Pacific changed completely with the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. The strategic emphasis shifted from battleships to much more lethal, far-ranging weapons systems; one of these was the submarine. This book details the design and development, classes, weapons and equipment, tactics and operational history of the US submarine in World War II. Detailed tables, photographs, and superb color plates depict the force that had an effect far beyond its size – the submarine accounted for 55% of all Japanese shipping losses, despite suffering the highest percentage loss of any unit of the United State Armed Forces in World War II. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 119 - 1st printing. "Bronze Age War Chariots!" Written by Nic Fields. Art by Brian Delf. Chariots, the first mobile fighting vehicle, seem to have originated in Mesopotamia in the third millennium BC. The highly mobile two-wheeled war chariot, carrying a driver and an archer armed with a short composite bow, revolutionized military tactics after 1700 BC. This expensive weapon spread throughout the Middle East and is thought to have reached Egypt with the conquering Hyksos. It spread into Asia Minor, Greece, and was known in Northern Europe by 1500 BC. This book covers the evolution of the war chariot throughout the Bronze Age, detailing its design, development and combat history – in particular its fundamental involvement at the battle of Qadesh. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $7.00

Volume 120 - 1st printing. "Scud Ballistic Missile and Launch Systems 1955–2005!" Written by Steven J Zaloga. Art by Jim Laurier, and Lee Ray. The Scud missile was developed as the centerpiece of Soviet plans to fight nuclear war in the heart of Europe. However, it was never used in its intended role and has instead become a symbol of the changing nature of warfare in the aftermath of the Cold War. Saddam Hussein's Iraqi armed forces were almost helpless in the face of the Coalition forces in the 1991 Gulf War; the only weapon that Iraq could use to injure the Coalition forces was its arsenal of Scud missiles. This book explores the development and variants of the missile and its launch systems, its proliferation outside of the West, and its role in conflicts around the world. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 121 - 1st printing. "Stryker Combat Vehicles!" Written by Gordon L Rottman. Art by Hugh Johnson. The eight-wheeled (8x8) Stryker combat light armored vehicle was adopted by the US Army in 2002 to provide a comparatively rapidly deployable contingency force with armor protection, tactical mobility, and heavy firepower, as well as advanced command, control communications, computer, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities. Covering the first new US Army release since the M1 Abrams MBT, this book details the conception, ongoing development and deployment of one of the most highly anticipated new AFVs in recent years, including its service in Iraq and the ensuing controversy surrounding the Stryker's varying successes. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 122 - 1st printing. "HMMWV Humvee 1980–2005!" Written by Stephen J Zalonga. Art by Hugh Johnson. The HMMWV, better known as the Humvee or Hummer, has set the world standard for army tactical vehicles since its introduction into the US Army in the 1980s. Designed to be the successor to the jeep of World War II with a greater load-bearing capacity, the Humvee has proven to be adaptable to a wide range of roles, including weapons carrier, missile launcher, command vehicle and other specialized types. This book traces the development and use of the Humvee and its variations, including the latest families of armored Humvees used in Iraq in 2003–05, and its adoption in a peacekeeping role the world over. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 123 - 1st printing. "Swimming Shermans!" Written by David Fletcher. Art by Tony Bryan. The Sherman DD (Duplex Drive) tank was a brilliant innovation; the design and development of a tank that could float and even 'swim' in water was controversial. Each tank was enveloped in a waterproofed canvas screen, launched at sea from landing craft and then 'swam' to shore, where the screens were deflated, allowing the tanks to operate as fighting vehicles. This book discusses the Sherman DD's many variants, including the prototype Valentine DD tank and examines the successes and tragic failures on the beaches of Normandy and further into North-West Europe, including the challenge of crossing the River Rhine. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 124 - 1st printing. "German Battlecruisers 1914–18!" Written by Gary Staff. Art by Tony Bryan. The task of Germany's new Große Kreuzer at the beginning of the 20th century was to form an independent reconnaissance division that was able to perform special tasks. With a speed superiority of at least 3 knots, they should also be capable of fighting in the line, and would thus require heavy armour and good defensive qualities. The battlecruisers that were built did indeed have a remarkable ability to withstand battle damage, as demonstrated by the Goeben, which suffered five mine hits on one occasion. This title details all the classes of German battlecruiser, with particular emphasis on each individual ship's battle experience and deployment in conflict. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $7.00

Add to cart Near Mint $7.00

Volume 125 - 1st printing. "Huey Cobra Gunships!" Written by Chris Bishop. Art by Jim Laurier. The Bell Huey Cobra was the very first purpose-designed helicopter gunship to become operational and to see combat. Designed in the mid-1960s as an interim solution for an armed escort and close-support weapon to support the US Army in the Vietnam War, it is still being manufactured and improved in the 21st century, making it a success far beyond the wildest dreams of its creators. In this book Chris Bishop discusses the origins of the Huey Cobra, the innovations to its design throughout the years and its major combat uses in numerous theatres, including Vietnam, the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s, US Persian Gulf escort operations, Lebanon 1983, Panama 1989, the Gulf War 1991 and in the current conflict in Iraq. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 127 - 1st printing. "German Panzers 1914–18!" Written by Steven J Zaloga. Art by Brian Delf. Panzer warfare is synonymous with the Wehrmacht of World War II. This book examines the story of the Panzer's more mysterious ancestors, the little-known panzers of the Great War. Germany was very slow to develop armored vehicles compared to Britain and France. Efforts to catch-up proved difficult, and only a few dozen German A7V tanks were completed in time to take part in the final campaigns of 1918. As a result, the majority of German panzer units actually used captured British tanks, the Beutepanzer. This book will trace the development of German panzers of the World War One, including the A7V and its intended but unfinished stablemates. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 128 - 1st printing. "Vietnam Riverine Craft 1962–75!" Written by Gordon L Rottman. Art by Hugh Johnson. In 1965 the military situation in the Mekong River Delta of southern Vietnam had deteriorated to such a degree that the decision was made to commit a joint US Army and Navy Mobile Riverine Force to the area. This force was unique in its composition, mission, and the means by which it operated – riverine craft. Comprising the Army's 2d Brigade, 9th Infantry Division, and the Navy's River Assault Flotilla One, it used a variety of watercraft, including heavily modified landing craft, purpose-built patrol boats, and a whole host of auxiliary and support craft. This book explores those craft, and also gives an account of Task Force Clearwater, a much smaller operation in the extreme northern part of South Vietnam. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $7.00

Add to cart Near Mint $7.00

Volume 129 - 1st printing. "British Submarines 1939–45!" Written by Innes McCartney. Art by Tony Bryan. The submarine was the invisible but formidable weapon of the Royal Navy during World War II. This book examines the three major classes – ‘S', ‘T' and ‘U' – detailing their design, development and modification. The major submarine engagements of the war are recounted, including the Norwegian campaign, the battle of Malta in March 1942, Operation Pedestal, and many other engagements in all theatres between the British subs, German U-Boats and Japanese subs. Using many previously unpublished sources and his own extensive underwater explorations, Innes McCartney gives a highly detailed account of the British submarine. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 130 - 1st printing. "US Navy Aircraft Carriers 1942–45!" Written by Mark Stille. Art by Tony Bryan. Aircraft carriers were the US Navy's principal weapon against Japan during the Pacific War. Development of the Essex class began in 1939, becoming the largest class of carrier ever to be built. Early in the Pacific War it became renowned for its 'Sunday Punch' of 36 fighter planes, 36 dive bombers, and 18 torpedo planes. Alongside the lighter Independence class, these carriers formed the formidable Fast Carrier Force in the Pacific. Featuring artwork detailing the interior and exterior features of the ships, this book explores their design, development, and the action they saw in the Pacific, including the climactic battles of Philippine Sea, Leyte Gulf, and Okinawa. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 131 - 1st printing. "US Field Artillery of World War II!" Written by Steven J Zaloga. Art by Brian Delf. Determined to learn from the lessons of World War I, the US Army developed a new generation of field artillery weapons and tactics during the 1930s. Consequently, in World War II it was the clear leader in field artillery. Providing a thorough examination of the many critical innovations and doctrines, and the impact they had on performance, including the motorization of artillery, Fire Direction Centers, aerial observation, and radio communications. Exploring, in their entirety, the weapons that formed the backbone of the US artillery arsenal in World War II, this book reveals a wealth of detail not readily available elsewhere. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 132 - 1st printing. "Ancient Greek Warship!" Written by Nic Fields. Art by Peter Bull. Formidable and sophisticated, triremes were the deadliest battleships of the ancient world and at the height of their success the Athenians were the dominant exponents of their devastating power. Primarily galleys designed to fight under oar power, their main weapon was a bronze-plated ram situated at the prow. This book offers a complete analysis of the most potent battleship of its time; the weapon by which Athens achieved, maintained and ultimately lost its power and prosperity. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $7.00

Volume 133 - 1st printing. "British Mark IV Tank!" Written by David Fletcher. Art by Tony Bryan. The formidable Mark IV tank was pitted against the German Army from 1917 until the end of World War I. This book reveals the important role the tank played in the historic battle of Cambrai in 1917 as well as the first ever tank-versus-tank actions against German A7Vs. In awe of British technology, the Germans actively captured, salvaged and repaired Mark IVs for deployment against the Allies. Using rare photographs and detailed artwork, David Fletcher explores the Mark IV's design and development, its variants and accessories, and brings to life its exciting deployment on the battlefields of World War I. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 134 - 1st printing. "Red SAM: The SA-2 Guideline Anti-Aircraft Missile!" Written by Stephen J. Zalonga. Art by Jim Laurier. The Russian SA-2, nicknamed "Red SAM," is history's dominant antiaircraft missile. In 1960 it famously downed Gary Powers' U-2 spyplane, and two years later it was one of the missiles deployed during the Cuban Missile Crisis, which almost sparked a nuclear showdown between America and the USSR. The SA-2 was also deployed in Vietnam, North Korea, Egypt, and even the Gulf War. Using photographs, color artwork, and rare accounts from the weapon's designers, Steven J Zaloga examines the missile's development, linking this to its massive impact on Cold War air campaigns, and investigates the design changes that have helped the SA-2 stand the test of time. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $7.00

Add to cart Near Mint $7.00

Volume 136 - 1st printing. "Churchill Crocodile Flamethrower!" Written by David Fletcher. Art by Tony Bryan. A fire-breathing monster on the battlefield, the Churchill Crocodile was one of the most awe-inspiring weapons of World War II. Tank expert David Fletcher chronicles the development of the flamethrower tank, examining the dramatic effect of these tanks in battle from use in France to the terrifying attack on the Senio River in Italy, as well as investigating the post-war use of Crocodiles to burn down and sterilise the site of Belsen concentration camp, and their mobilisation for the Korean War. Researched using the papers of Reginald Fraser - the genius behind the flamethrowers - and dramatically illustrated with detailed artwork and previously unpublished photographs, this book brings to life the true terror of these tanks. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 137 - 1st printing. "Japanese Tanks 1939–45!" Written by Steven J Zaloga. Art by Peter Bull. The Japanese Army used tanks to great effect in the build-up to World War II. Inspired by European designs, in the 1920s and 1930s an innovative Japanese tank program facilitated their campaigns in China prior to the Pacific War. During the ensuing war against the Allies tanks were deployed imaginatively in jungle terrain previously thought impassable by such vehicles, being integral in Malaya and the capture of Singapore. Steven J Zaloga uses detailed and colorful artwork and photographs to explore these designs, explaining their neglect in favor of the naval priorities that left Japanese tanks outmoded by Western designs. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 138 - 1st printing. "US Nuclear Submarines: The Fast Attack!" Written by Jim Christley. Art by Tony Bryan. The adoption of nuclear power revolutionized submarine design and means that vessels can stay underwater for months, trailing the enemy or training weapons on land targets from secret positions, "always there, never seen." Jim Christley, a former submariner, explores here the influence of Admiral Hyman Rickover in cautiously introducing these stealthy machines of war, and frankly discusses the power and perils of using nuclear reactors at sea. Using unique and detailed artwork, he outlines the many evolving aspects of design within the submarine classes, from the very first nuclear submarine, USS Nautilus, to the classes under construction even now. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 139 - 1st printing. "Sherman Crab Flail Tank!" Written by David Fletcher. Art by Tony Bryan. The Sherman Crab Flail tank was the powerful culmination of a series of mine-clearing flail tanks developed during World War II. Here, David Fletcher recounts how the Sherman Crabs were among the first tanks ashore on D-Day and as the war progressed they were in constant demand both for formal attacks and more incidental operations. Following the development of the tank and its use in the war, he details the US Army's initial lack of interest in the flail, but how after cooperative actions with the British, they too decided to adopt the type themselves. In addition to its special mine-clearing role the Sherman Crab was also capable of fighting in tank duels, and this book includes dramatic accounts of its use by the famous 79th Armoured Division and the US Army. The author explores the beginnings of the design in the Matilda Scorpion and Baron flails, developed for the Valentine and M3 Grant tanks, through to the Sherman, and particularly the Crab version. This detailed account of one of the most interesting tanks in the Funnies series is a delight for any modeller or tank enthusiast. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $15.95.