In this final news story for the moment from Osprey Publishing, we look at Hitler’s Armies - A history of the German War Machine 1939–45 by Chris McNab, St Mihiel 1918, The American Expeditionary Forces’ trial by fire by David Bonk, World War II: The Last War Heroes - From D-Day to Berlin with the men and machines that won the war by Stephen Bull, and finally “Happy Days!” - A Humorous Narrative in Drawings of the Progress of American Arms 1917–1919 by The First Division Museum.

Hitler’s Armies
A history of the German War Machine 1939–45
£30
Author: Chris McNab
About this book
The definitive work on Hitler’s war machine charting its evolution from the formidable force which won stunning victories during the Blitzkrieg in 1940, to the hard campaigns it fought in the deserts of North Africa and the frozen wastelands of the Soviet Union to the eventual retreat to the Fatherland itself. Drawing upon Osprey Publishing’s unique archive, this volume expertly weaves together the story of the development and deployment of Hitler’s armies displayed alongside a stunning collection of original artwork and photographs to show the kit and equipment of the various land forces.
Contents
• Introduction
• Blitzkrieg: Hitler’s War Machine Unleashed
• Desert Warfare: Rommel’s Afrika Korps
• The Surprise Assault: Operation Barbarossa and the war in the East 1941–43
• The Tide Turns: War on the Western Front 1944
• The Final Defeats: Retreat to the Fatherland 1944–45
• Conclusion

Hardback; October 2011; 424 pages; ISBN: 9781849086479

St Mihiel 1918
The American Expeditionary Forces’ trial by fire
£14.99
Campaign 238
Author: David Bonk
Illustrator: Howard Gerrard
About this book
At 1:00 am on September 12, 1918, accompanied by rain and lightning, the American Army launched its first major offensive of World War I. Supported by French Colonial troops, the American IV and V Corps burst through the weakened German line at St. Mihiel and seized numerous objectives while taking over 16,000 prisoners and capturing over 400 guns. Although American tactics remain suspect, and the operation cost 7,000 US casualties, the battle was heralded as a huge Allied victory. More importantly, it demonstrated to the French and British that the Americans were capable of large-scale, combined-arms operations. Packed with photos, artwork and battle maps, this book explains the entire offensive in detail.
Contents
• The tide turns
• Creation of the American Army
• Chronology
• Opposing commanders
• Opposing armies
• Opposing plans
• Into the breach
• Aftermath
• The battlefield today
• Further reading
• Index

Paperback; October 2011; 96 pages; ISBN: 9781849083911

World War II: The Last War Heroes
From D-Day to Berlin with the men and machines that won the war
£20
Author: Stephen Bull
About this book
The companion volume to the groundbreaking TV series, this book tells the story of the physical, emotional and psychological journey of Allied soldiers from the beaches of Normandy to the ruins of Berlin. In their own words these brave men from Britain, the United States, Canada and Russia tell us what it was like to face the bullets, bombs, mortars, mines and artillery shells of Nazi Germany. Interviews with over 80 soldiers who fought in the conflict, totalling 150 hours, provide a new perspective on the experiences of 1944–45. Building on the high-speed, multi-camera filming of World War II weapons and munitions shown in the TV series, this book brings the terrifying reality of the war to life. Technical descriptions and the experiences of the men in the field explain the dramatic power and effect that this weaponry had on the battlefield, from the sinister simplicity of the deadly AP mine through to the immense firepower of the 88mm gun, giving the modern historian a unique insight into the last days of the war for the troops on the frontline. This is not a history of generals, of armies manoeuvring and strategic objectives. It is a book about the ordinary men put into incredible situations, deprived of sleep and food, and in constant fear of death on the long road to victory.

Hardback; November 2011; 272 pages; ISBN: 9781780961798

“Happy Days!”
A Humorous Narrative in Drawings of the Progress of American Arms 1917–1919
£7.99
Author: The First Division Museum
Illustrator: Alban B. Butler, Jr.
About this book
Originally published on the ten-year anniversary of the end of World War I, “Happy Days!” features a collection of more than 100 original cartoons drawn by noted illustrator Captain. Alban B. Butler, Jr., who served as aide-de-camp for Major General Charles Pelot Summerall in 1918. Butler chronicled his tour of duty by creating scores of cartoons that capture life in the trenches of World War I. Butler’s cartoons reveal the stress, struggles, and situations that soldiers dealt with every day. From coping with language barriers, foreign foods, and alien customs to waiting for the German offensive and fighting in the trenches, Butler captures the tenor of life for American GI’s during the Great War. Descriptive captions accompany each of Butler’s panels, helping to put the images into context. The book features an original foreword by Major General Summerall. and this edition will include a new preface from the First Division Museum.
Contents
• (new) Preface by The First Division Museum
• Foreword by Charles Pelot Summerall, D.S.C., Major General, U.S. Army
• Introduction (by the Society of the First Division AEF)
• The Drawings of Captain Alban B. Butler, Jr.

Hardback; November 2011; 120 pages; ISBN: 9781849086295