New from Osprey, August: Crusader against M13/40, and German Soldier vs British Soldier 1919.
The Italian M13/40 Medium Tank made its first combat appearance in North Africa in December 1940. It was equipped with a 47mm Main Gun. The British Crusader I was equipped with a 40mm 2-pdr main gun. It entered combat in June 1941. The M13/40 was able to fire both armour-piercing and high explosive ammunition at infantry targets as well as towed guns, while the Crusader only had the ability to fire armour piercing ammo. The M13/40 was joined in the front line by the similar M14/41; as the M4 Sherman also entered British service, the Italian tanks were largely wiped out as the Axis forces retreated from Egypt. Joined in the front line by the similar M14/41, the M13/40 soldiered on; as the M4 Sherman also entered British service, the Italian tanks were largely wiped out as the Axis forces retreated from Egypt.
Featuring all-new full-colour artwork, archive photographs and expert analysis, this engaging study assess the origins, development and combat effectiveness of these two mainstays of the Desert War during 1941-42.
This illustrated study pits the Kaiser’s troops against their British opponents during the climactic year of 1918 on the Western Front.
Launched on 21 March 1918, the Spring Offensive saw Germany use veteran, highly trained assault troops and innovative assault tactics to encircle and outflank the British and Empire forces manning the front line, hoping to force the French to seek terms and hand victory to Germany. The Allied forces mounted a series offensives in the so-called Hundred Days after this failed attempt. These actions pushed back the Kaiser’s troops and prompted demoralized German High Commands to ask for peace. The German units that led the offensive were highly-trained, armed and well-supplied. However, their regular counterparts would be less determined. The fighting would see both sides’ forces tested to the limit and beyond, as initial German progress gave way to stalemate and the Allies then took the offensive, driving the Germans back.
Featuring specially commissioned artwork and mapping, carefully chosen archive photos and expert analysis and commentary, this study assesses the fighting men on both sides during the climactic months of fighting on the Western Front in 1918.