SEE THE BOTTOM OF THE SPECIALS PAGE FOR
H&C BLOWOUTS!
FOREST
BROTHERS: THE ACCOUNT OF AN ANTI-SOVIET LITHUANIAN FREEDOM FIGHTER,
1944-1948
Juozas Luksa, C,
An autobiographical account of the armed resistance against the Soviet
Union, which took place between 1944–1956. Published in English for the
first time in unabridged form, Lukša’s memoir remains one of the few
reliable eye-witness accounts of the “Invisible Front”, as dubbed by
Soviet security forces. At its zenith 28,000 guerilla fighters
participated in battles and skirmishes throughout Lithuania, Lukša
(partisan codename Daumantas) being one of the leaders. Forest Brothers
also documents the role of women in the resistance, giving equal credit
to these often silent partners. In 1948 Lukša and two comrades broke
through the Iron Curtain on the Polish border. He sought training from
the French intelligence and from the CIA. Lukša was flown back into the
Soviet Union under the radar on the night of October 4, 1950. He managed
to survive and operate eleven months until his near capture and death on
the night of September 5, 1951. His account, written during 1948–1950,
while he was living in hiding in Paris, describes in vivid scenes and
dialogue the daily struggles of the resistance. 50 black and white
photos
422 pp.
$45.00*
CRUCIBLE
OF COMBAT: GERMANY'S DEFENSIVE BATTLES IN THE UKRAINE 1943 - 44
Rolf Hinze, C,
In his historical series Hinze provides the only comprehensive account
of events on the central and southern portions of the German Eastern
Front during the years of German retreat. This volume covers events on
the southern portion of the Eastern Front from late 1943, in the
aftermath of the Battle of Kursk, through the great Soviet summer
offensives of 1943 and 1944. Following the final failure of German hopes
in the great Battle of Kursk, the German forces in the Ukraine were
forced ever back, losing ground gained in the years of victorious
advance. This volume describes the bitter and eventful battles of German
army groups in the Ukraine and the evacuation of the Crimean Peninsula
during 1943 -1944. It follows the retreat from the Dnjepr to the Dnjestr
rivers, Tscherkassy, Nikopol, Chersson, the fighting around Kriwoi Rog
and Kirowograd, the loss of the Dnjepr salient, the breakout from the
Tscherkassy Kessel ['pocket'], and the battles on the Rumainan frontier
around Targul-Frumos. The roster of battles goes on and on, including
Tarnopol and the magnificent feats of the Hube Kessel, as the cut-off
German First Army fought its way as a 'moving pocket' to freedom. The
panorama stretches from the Pripjet swamps north of Kiew on the boundary
with Heeresgruppe Mitte to the Sea of Azov, the Black Sea and Sewastopol
in the south, from the Mius and Donez Rivers to the borders of Hungary
and Rumania. Hinze's accounts are indispensable to any study of the
collapse of the German central front (covered in his two volumes on the
collapse of Heeresgruppe Mitte), the great retreats across the Ukraine
to the borders of Hungary and Rumania, and the evacuation of the Crimean
Peninsula (both covered in this volume), the fate of Heeresgruppen
Nordukraine, Südukraine and Süd-/ Ostmark in 1945 (to be covered in a
subsequent title) and the battles of Heeresgruppe Nordukraine/A/Mitte
(covered in 'To the Bitter End', published by Helion). There are no
other detailed but comprehensive accounts in which the various
individual narratives, unit histories and studies of individual battles
may find their place in relation to the big picture. Hinze's maps,
alone, would justify his works, for most of the unit histories,
narratives and studies of individual battles lack maps illustrating
their place in the larger geography of the war. The study is
complemented by orders of battle, the aforementioned maps (over 100 of
them), plus photographs. 'Crucible of Combat' represents a major
contribution to our understanding of the Soviet-German War 1941-45. 100
b/w photos, 105 maps
504 pp.
$60.00
STURMGESCHUTZ
III: VARIANTS, MODIFICATIONS, TECHNICAL DRAWINGS VOLUME 2
Peter Muller, C,O, inludes a very large foldout sheet for technical
information on the visual characteristics
Volume 2 of Sturmgeschütz III provides a selection of images that
illustrate in striking and unique detail the evolution and operational
employment of this potent weapons system. Reliable documentary evidence,
such as the date the image was made, location and unit of assignment is
provided for many of these photographs, allowing the reader to precisely
identify specific variants of the Sturmgeschütz III. The quality of
research displayed throughout this volume makes it an ideal reference
work for vehicle restoration, for historically accurate modelling or for
diorama building. The superb photographs in this volume also illustrate
a tremendous amount of technical information for historians most
interested in tracing the continuous development of one of the most
significant armoured vehicles to see action during World War II. Within
this volume, the photographic evidence is used to accurately present 90
specific identifying characteristics of the Sturmgeschütz III and how
each of the weapon system’s unique features arose during design and
development. Accompanying timelines illustrate when different versions
of the Sturmgeschütz III were manufactured, using documentary evidence
such as the original records that list chassis serial numbers assigned
for each assembly plant as well as other primary source information. It
also includes a supplemental chart that provides a quick and handy
reference to the various versions of the Sturmgeschütz III that saw
service. Volume 2 also systematically covers unusual configurations of
the Sturmgeschütz III, including field modifications, backed up by
tabulations for easy reference. Superb four-level cutaway technical
drawings illustrate the characteristics of each of the wartime
production runs of the Sturmgeschütz III at precisely defined points in
time. High-quality photos compliment each of the drawings. This volume
also accurately documents for the very first time the evolution of the
appearance of the Sturmgeschütz III from 1940 to 1945 on a
month-by-month basis, enabling the historian or modeller to interpret
other Sturmgeschütz III photographs and place them in their proper
historical timeframe and operational context. 550 wartime photographs,
many published for the first time and 100 technical line drawings, most
in 1:35th scale.
296 pp.
$75.00
CIRCLE
OF FIRE: THE EPIC BATTLE OF CHOLM
C,O, This is long out of print, I recently purchased the few remaing
copies from the publisher.
In December of 1941, the German Offensive in Russia came to a halt. The
Soviet leadership unleashed its reserves in a counteroffensive. In the
Northern sector, the Third Russian Shock Army achieved a breakthrough on
8 January 1942 and enveloped German forces at a number of spots,
including Demjansk. About 100 kilometers southwest of Demjansk, lay the
small town of Cholm. The German garrison there was surrounded on 21
January. As in other cases, Hitler ordered them to hold to the last man.
Generalmajor Theodor Scherer, the commander of 281.Sicherungs-Division,
was tasked with organizing Cholm's defense. From the mishmash of German
units reeling back from the Soviet attack, he organized approximately
5500 men and held the city for 105 days against overwhelming odds. This
unique book illustrates with more than 150 photos taken during the
encirclement this significant battle and shows the conditions and
hardships faced by the men of Kampfgruppe Scherer throughout the battle
until the town was liberated. with fold-out map,
142 pp.
$40.00*
NUTS
& BOLTS 24 PZ.KPFW. II AUSF. D/E AND VARIANTS (FLAMM-PZ. II, MARDER II &
MORE)
Joachim Baschin, S,O,
This is the first of this series I have seen and covers not only the
Panzer II D/E but also the many variants that were developed from it
including a flammpanzer, the Marder II, training tanks and a number of
other variations including the use of their turrets as Ringstande when
they were converted to Marders.
Features:
- 160 pages, approx. 274 photos
- 237 historical shots of the Panzer II Ausf. D/E, Flammpz II, Marder II
Ausf. D with all known variants (Brückenleger and Fahrschulpz.) in black
& white, many of them unpublished
- 11 colour photos of still existing Ringstände with flame turrets in
Norway, 26 colour photos of all three models from Tony Greenland
- 16 pages of scale drawings from all versions in 1:35 scale from John
Rue with additional 24 detailed views
- 13 pages of camouflage schemes and graphics of tactical markings from
Laurent Lecocq
- Table of organization of units using the Pz.Kpfw., the Flamm-Pz. and
the selfpropelled Marder II Ausf. D (Kriegstärke-Nachweisungen KStN)
$50.00
FOREIGN
PLANES IN THE SERVICE OF THE LUFTWAFFE
Jean-Louis Roba, C,
No airforce in the Second World War would make more use of captured
planes than the Luftwaffe. With this in mind, Jean-Louis Roba has
undergone a considerable amount of work in tracking down hundreds of
aircraft used by the Luftwaffe and illustrating their uses, careers and
eventual fates. The book examines the full history of foreign planes in
the Luftwaffe, from its inception in the prewar years to the end of the
Second World War. More than just an account of the Luftwaffe’s use of
captured aircraft, the book debunks myths about how prepared the Germans
were for war in 1939, and shows how important even such an unreliable
source of supplies as captured planes would become to the Luftwaffe.
Translated into English for the first time, Roba’s investigative work is
supported by over a hundred pictures of the planes themselves, and gives
a rare opportunity to see British and American planes repainted in
German colors and symbols. 100+ b/w integrated photos.
208 pp.
$22.00*
KRIEGSBERICHTER
AUGUSTIN
Charles Trang, C,O, French text.
This album of photographs by SS Kriegsberichter Paul Augustin follows on
from the successful Heimdal volume from 2008 on SS Kriegsberichter Franz
Roth. Augustin's fascinating photographs show in incredible detail the
daily life of the troops of the Leibstandarte Division and also from the
Das Reich Division to which he was transferred. The quality of the
images is spectacular and will be of enormous interest. 600+
photographs,
196 pp.
$46.00
TILLY-SUR-SEULLES
1944
Stephane Jacqute, C,O, bilingual with complete English text.
Following on from the successful Heimdal books: Couloir de la mort,
Bataille de l’Odon et de la Cote 112, here is a fourth volume on the
small area engagements during the battle for Normandy. Tilly, located
just south of Bayeux and a stronghold of the Panzer Lehr Division was
the site of a bitterly fought battle. The engagement was so important in
the way tanks were used that it has become a standard battle studied by
professional military historians around the world. This huge book
includes a great many personal memoirs from the veterans of the
engagement as well as hundreds of photographs and other illustrations.
800 photos and documents, maps,
320 pp.
$70.00
ASSAULT
ON GERMANY: THE BATTLE FOR GEILENKIRCHEN
Ken Ford, C,
The Anglo-American battle for the Geilenkirchen salient in November 1944
was infantry warfare at its worst, and it is described in vivid detail
in this new edition of Ken Ford’s classic study. The onset of winter saw
the Allied advance from the Normandy beaches forced to a halt on
Germany’s doorstep. The clock had been put back to the days of the Great
War – the Allies had arrived at the Siegfried Line and were forced to
attack the fortifications from the hell of the trenches. Geilenkirchen
was the first battle on German soil to be fought by the British since
Minden in 1759. For them, it was just one more battle on the way to
Berlin, but for the American 84th Division, it was a first faltering
step into war and a bitter lesson in the attrition and savagery of
combat. The story is told by the men who were there – the British, the
Americans, and the Germans who were fighting desperately for their
homeland. Neither side was victorious - both lost more men than they
could afford and paid a heavy price in young lives for a few miles of
ground. 40 illustrations
176 pp.
$40.00
MESSERSCHMITT
ME 110 FROM 1939 TO 1945: MESSERSCHMITT'S TWIN-ENGINED FIGHTERS BF 110,
ME 210 AND 410
Dominique Breffort, S,
The Messerschmitt Bf 110, was designed in the middle of the thirties.
After a relatively convincing start in Poland in September 1939, the
performance of the Zerstörer (destroyer) units, declined rapidly with
heavy losses, so much so that at the end of the Battle of Britain it was
decided to withdraw the Bf 110s from service and cease production. After
the failure of its designated successor, the Me 210, the Bf 110 started
a second career which was indeed infinitely more glorious since it
scored more kills not only than any other Luftwaffe night-fighter but
also more than all the aircraft of this type in all the air forces
fighting in World War Two…
84 pp.
$23.00
RUSSO
- JAPANESE NAVAL WAR 1905 VOLUME 1
by Piotr Olender, S,O,
Book describes technical aspects of the Russo-Japanese Naval War.
Contains descriptions of all involved ships, Russian and Japanese ones.
Maps, photos. 207 b/w photos, 56 ship plans, & 34 maps.
140 pp.
$45.00
SIEGE
OF KUSTRIN 1945: GATEWAY TO BERLIN
Tony Le Tissier, C
The unexpected arrival of Soviet troops at the end of January 1945 at
the ancient fortress and garrison town of Küstrin came as a tremendous
shock to the German High Command - the Soviets were now only 50 miles
from Berlin itself. The Red Army needed the vital road and rail bridges
passing through Küstrin for their forthcoming assault on the capital,
but flooding and their own high command's strategic blunders resulted in
a sixty-day siege by two Soviet armies which totally destroyed the town.
The delay in the Soviet advance also gave the Germans time to
consolidate the defenses shielding Berlin west of the Oder River.
Despite Hitler's orders to fight on to the last bullet, the Küstrin
garrison commander and 1,000 of the defenders managed a dramatic
breakout to the German lines. The protracted siege had an appalling
human cost - about 5,000 Germans were killed, 9,000 wounded and 6,000
captured, and the Russians lost 5,000 killed and 15,000 wounded. Tony Le
Tissier, in this graphic and painstakingly researched account, has
recorded events in extraordinary detail, using the vivid eyewitness
testimony of survivors to bring the story of the siege to life.
288 pp.
$50.00
CONCORD
6533: INTO THE CAULDRON: DAS REICH IN FRANCE 1940
Robert Michulec & Dmitriy Zgonnik, S,O
Features:
- 52 Pages
- 134 Photos
- 4 Color plates
Following the usual format of other books in the Warrior 6500 series,
this volume contains 52 pages, with a four-page color section in the
center. This central segment features four color plates by talented
illustrator Dmitriy Zgonnik. They show four "Das Reich" soldiers dressed
in various types of uniform and equipped with a range of weaponry, while
the accompanying text elaborates points of interest. The heart of the
book is the collection of black and white photographs showing "Das
Reich" troops from the 1940 period. Coverage commences with training
photos in early 1940, and the content then documents the campaign in
France. Many photos contain excellent close-up details of uniforms,
personal equipment and personal weapons. A great number are "in-action"
photos, and they show auxiliary equipment such as motorcycles, wheeled
vehicles, halftracks, armored vehicles and antitank weapons too. For
readers interested in the invasion of France, and particularly the
involvement of the Waffen-SS, this volume offers concise yet
comprehensive coverage. The sharply reproduced photos give a very real
sense of this campaign by "Das Reich" in the early part of WWII, and the
details they portray will be of great value to figure modelers and
military enthusiasts alike.
$17.00
SEA
PLANES OF THE LEGION CONDOR
Rafael Lopez, C
Among the different Luftwaffe units that formed the Legion Condor, one
in particular stands out for its important Naval Air contribution: the
Aufklärungsstaffel See/88 (AS./88 or the Maritime Reconnaissance
Squadron), although it was also officially designated the
Seefliegerstaffel AS./88 or Naval Air Squadron AS./88. AS./88 Squadron
employed the following aircraft during the Spanish campaign: Heinkel He
59 bomber, torpedo and reconnaissance seaplanes; He 60 close
reconnaissance/bomber seaplanes; He 115 A-0 reconnaissance/torpedo
seaplanes; and float-fitted Junkers Ju 52s. Presented here are
previously unpublished aspects regarding the operations and war service
of both the personnel and aircraft of AS./88, which, during a period of
three years, participated directly in the Spanish Civil War of 1936-1939
on the Nationalist side. over 200 b/w images,
192 pp.
$45.00
The book looks fantastic!
465.
HITLER'S WAR ON RUSSIA (AKA HITLER MOVES EAST)
Paul Carell, C,
This special limited edition of an all time classic on the war on
the Eastern Front is based off the original British first edition.
The dust jacket, photos and fold out map are reproduced exactly here
as the original. The only small changes are upgrades on the binding,
paper and overall production in which no expense was spared.
Launched with an immense invasion force of three million men,
Germany's surprise attack against Russia in 1941 was planned by
Hitler to crush the Soviets within eight weeks. Instead, hampered by
major strategic errors, fanatical Soviet resistance, and the
severity of Russian winters, "Operation Barbarossa" lingered on
until, in 1943, The German fighting machine finally broke down at
Stalingrad in one of the most shattering defeats of the century.
Rarely has this war of attrition be reconstructed in such authentic
detail and with such starkly dramatic effects as it is in this
account. Paul Carell, basing his story on official military records,
the memoirs of commanders in both German and Russian armies, and
extensive conversations with survivors of all ranks, has drawn an
objective, extraordinary vivid pictures of a struggle which, in the
size of the forces involved and the ferocity of the fighting, was
unparalleled in the history of the war. Along "the greatest front in
world history" three armoured spearheads advanced simultaneously in
a Blitzkrieg aimed at the vital centers of Russia. Their superior
direction of operations, the daring mobility of the Panzer Corps,
and the toughness of the troops swept the Germans to within 60
miles of Moscow. But in 1942, while his generals were urging a
direct attack upon the capital, Hitler ordered them to concentrate
upon a drive south into the Ukraine and towards the oil of the
Caucasus. The Germans rapidly penetrated as far as Stalingrad on the
River Volga, and Hitler became obsessed with the necessity of
capturing the city. By September his troops were fighting in its
streets. But the Russians resisted heroically, and after breaking
out from the city, encircled and captured a number of German
divisions and high-ranking officers. It was this sudden collapse at
Stalingrad which turned the tide of the war in Russia. Paul Carell
demonstrates clearly in this definitive account the strategic issues
of the Campaign, its origins and significance, Hitler's tactical
blunders and his generals' achievements in spite of them. Includes
stunning color and black and white photographs, that have easily
stood the test of time in their dramatic appeal.
630 pp.
$55.00
it's been a week since Mitcham released his last book,
must be slowing down in his old age.
BLITZKRIEG
NO LONGER: THE GERMAN WEHRMACHT IN BATTLE, 1943
Samuel Mitcham, C,
After a crushing loss at Stalingrad, the German war machine regrouped in
early 1943 to stave off total defeat, but it could not stem the rising
Allied tide. In the Mediterranean, Rommel’s early successes in Africa
were erased by the surrender of Tunisia, and German forces barely
escaped Sicily before the Allies seized the island. On the Eastern
Front, Soviet T-34s beat German armor in the massive tank battle at
Kursk. At sea, the Allies countered the U-boat threat, and in the air,
Allied forces dominated the Luftwaffe and took the war to the German
home front. Covers the aftermath of Stalingrad, Kursk, Tunisia, Sicily,
Italy, the U-boat war, and air battles. 62 b/w photos, 16 maps
320 pp.
$28.00
JUMP
INTO HELL: GERMAN PARATROOPERS IN WORLD WAR II
Franz Kurowski, C,
As a crucial part of the blitzkrieg that swept across Western Europe in
the spring of 1940, German paratroopers made combat drops in Denmark and
Norway and then won a brilliant victory in their assault on the Belgian
fortress of Eben-Emael. Their most famous airborne operation came in
Crete in 1941 when they captured the island but with such high
casualties that Hitler would not allow another major drop. Also
organized as motorized infantry for ground attacks, the paratroopers saw
action at Monte Cassino in Italy, in Normandy, and on the Eastern Front.
89 b/w photos, 33 maps
368 pp.
$29.00
TANKS
CZECHOSLOVAK INDEPENDENT ARMOURED BRIGADE 1943 - 1945
S,O, Bilingual with complete English text. 84 pages
This book begins with the history of the Czechoslovak Independent
Armoured Brigade from the first days of training in Great Britain to the
last days of the war with the Dunkerque Battle. After pure historical
notes, the topic moves to tanks. First the Cromwell A27 ARV Mk I and in
deeper detail the Cromwell A27 ARV Mk IV 75mm with a large chapter
description. Many photos show the Cromwell IV during training days.
Cromwell mk IV A27 Typ E 75mm is the next tank and it is reported with
photos shot during May 1945 during their homeward journey to
Czechoslovakia and passing through liberated cities and villages. With
the Cromwell Mk IV A27 Typ F 75mm we find many intetesting photos with
crews during maintenance services or parades. Again photos are in good
conditions and many details are well visible. Next is for the Crusader
(II, III and AA) family.After a short introduction note we find dozens
of photos, Camouflage schemes and markings.Most photos have been took
around 1943/1944 in Scotland. The book closing topic is related to the
M5A1 Late Stuart, with 40 vehicles assigned to the Armoured Brigade and
used for reconnaissance and surveillance purposes. This book has a large
amount of good quality photos and Czechoslovaks had the interesting
habit to give nick names to tanks and make interesting markings.
84 pp.
$55.00
BERLIN
CAPITAL OF THE REICH 1926 - 1939
Viktor Ullrich, C,O, German text.
This second volume on Berlin from Arndt features a gallery of full color
photos of Berlin during the early war years. Many are full page and not
previously published. Most photos are focused on the Nazi party,
personalities, buildings, rallies, daily life, etc.
160 pp.
$50.00
LUFTWAFFE
EAGLE FROM THE ME 109 TO THE ME 262
Walter Schuck, C,O,
Luftwaffe pilot Walter Schuck flew the Me109 in the Arctic Sea fighter
squadrons becoming the Russian air force’s feared enemy in the far
north. Awarded the Knights Cross in April 1944 he claimed his 100th kill
in June of that year, then barely 48 hours later shot down 12 aircraft
in one day - a record never achieved by any other Arctic Sea pilot. His
mastery continued when in March 1945 he joined Jagdgeschwader 7, newly
equipped with Me262 jet fighters and shot down two Allied fighters on
his first operation. Taking command of the third Staffel of JG 7 his
success in the aerial theatre was unsurpassed when he brought down four
B-17 bombers while on a transit flight. Shortly afterwards, meeting one
of the bombers' escort fighters in combat, his fuel system exploded and
he had to bail out. Walter Schuck's war was over, after over 500 front
line sorties and 206 confirmed kills. Celebrated by his colleagues for
his skill, courage, sheer guts and chivalry including the deep feelings
for those he shot down, he earned the nickname "Adler der Tundra" or
"Northern Knight". In this autobiography, the author tells his story
simply, conveying his impressions of life, the rationale of the Lufwaffe
and the everyday life of a military man in those times, including the
difficulties and hardships of the war in the Arctic Seas. In a gripping
narrative, the author helps us to understand why he and his colleagues
were prepared to lay down their lives for their people, and their
country. Rich in detail and facts and supplemented by photographs from
his personal collection and colour aircraft profiles, Walter Schuck
helps us to put the past into context, painting a unique picture of life
in the Luftwaffe during the times of the Third Reich.
239 pp.
$45.00
COURAGE
ALONE: THE ITALIAN AIR FORCE 1940-1943
Chris Dunning, C,O, Completely revised edition
Derided by Allied propaganda which made it out to be an air force
equipped solely with elderly biplanes, ineffective in attack or always
in retreat, the Regia Aeronautica was overshadowed by its more ruthless
Axis partner, the Luftwaffe. Using research from a mass of original
documentation, including personal accounts and combat diaries, the
author takes an objective view and shows that the men who flew the
Macchis, Fiats and Savoias were no less skilled or determined than their
opponents. Area commands and theatres are discussed together with
squadron allocations, anti-shipping operations, aircrew and details of
the top fighter aces. Comprehensive tables provide information on
aircraft equipment, squadron allocation and unit histories. Coupled with
drawings from original aircraft handbooks, almost 250 photographs and
over 100 colour profiles and unit badges, Courage Alone provides a
detailed reference source for historians, modellers and enthusiasts
alike.
360 pp.
$57.00
JAPANESE
SECRET PROJECTS: EXPERIMENTAL AIRCRAFT OF THE IJA AND IJN 1939 - 1945
Edwin Dyer, C,O,
Scarcity of information over the years has meant that secret Japanese
planes of World War 2 remain an area of aviation history that is largely
undiscovered. Despite this, they have a large base of interest as unlike
the majority of secret Luftwaffe programs that were resigned to the
drawing board, the vast number of aircraft featured within this book
were in development, with many taking to the skies amidst the chaos of
World War 2. This thrilling new addition to the spectacular ‘Secret
Projects’ series examines the two air forces of the IJN and IJA, with a
total of 42 aircraft examined, each with its history, performance and
combat records displayed. This is beautifully complimented by stunning
colour renditions of the aircraft in combat and colour profiles of
genuine markings and camouflage. Secret and X-Plane aircraft projects
remain highly popular with historians, enthusiasts, modellers and the
flight sim community, and this fascinating look at the largely untouched
world of Japanese secret projects will be a gripping read for all from
start to finish. 200 illustrations, man in full color.
160 pp.
$40.00
FLEDGLING
EAGLES: LUFTWAFFE TRAINING AIRCRAFT 1933-1945
Barry Ketley, S,O,
A rare insight into the training all Luftwaffe aircrew and specialists
had to pass through before participating in active service. All levels
of the Luftwaffe training system before and during the war are covered
including elementary and advanced training schools, fighter, bomber,
dive-bomber and ground-attack, night fighter and heavy fighters,
weapons, signals and formation and instructors’ schools. Many different
aircraft are also included from dedicated training machines such as the
Ar 68 and Bü 131 biplanes to the Ar 96 and Fw 56 advanced trainers.
Continuing the narrative excellence and impressive artwork that
enthusiasts have come to expect from the series, this new volume is the
perfect addition to the collection, and will be essential reading for
aviation historians. Modellers will also find the detailed drawings and
numerous side profiles invaluable in recreating the many aircraft of the
Luftwaffe.
96 pp.
$28.00
KAISER'S
U-BOOTE
Jean-Phillippe Dallies-Labourdette, C,O,
On 4th August 1906, U1 was delivered to the Imperial German navy by the
Germaniawerft shipyards of Kiel. Eight years later, on the eve of the
outbreak of the First World War, 28 U-Boote were ready to take to the
sea and launch an offensive against Great Britain and its allies. This
book tells, for the first time, the story of the submarine war led by
Germany against the Allies of 1914 - 1918 by describing in detail all of
the operations and the different types of submarines in service with the
Kaiser’s navy. Profusely illustrated with hundreds of photographs and
illustrations. illustrated throughout in full color
192 pp.
$55.00
STEEL
BULWARK: THE LAST YEARS OF THE GERMAN PANZERWAFFE ON THE EASTERN FRONT
1943-34 A PHOTOGRAPHIC HISTORY
Ian Baxter, C,O,
Steel Bulwark: The Last Years of the German Panzerwaffe on the Eastern
Front 1943-45 is a unique visual book providing the reader with a wide
selection of rare and mostly unpublished photographs accompanied by
in-depth captions. The images reveal the unfolding story of the last
desperate years of the German Panzer forces - the Panzerwaffe - which
had played a vital role in the military victories of the Nazis between
1939 and 1942. In the remaining years of the war it provided the
backbone of Germany`s defense. Although its strength was badly depleted
following serious losses at Kursk in the summer weeks of July 1943, the
Panzerwaffe remained committed on the battlefield in spite of the
titanic struggles which took place. Throughout the last years of the war
it demonstrated the German tank soldiers' superior tactical abilities
and showed how they carefully utilized all available reserves and
resources into building numerous variants that went into production and
saw action on the battlefield. The photos portray how these formidable
machines were adapted and up-gunned to face the ever-increasing enemy
threat. Even when it was forced to withdraw towards the frontiers of the
Reich under the constant hammer blows of enemy ground and air
bombardments, it reveals how the Panzerwaffe played a decisive role in
trying to stem the rout along the disintegrating front lines. The book
is a captivating glimpse of a remarkable band of soldiers showing the
evolution of their tactics and unmatched fighting vehicles. It reveals
its successes and many of its defeats. Even during the last months of
the war as the German Panzers withdrew ever further into their Homeland,
it shows how units of the Panzerwaffe fought on to the grim death,
hoping to hold back the superior weight of their enemy in order to win
time and save their forces from ultimate destruction.
128 pp.
$60.00
411.
COMBAT CAMERA 2 ONSLAUGHT: THE GERMAN INVASION OF SOVIET RUSSIA
Karl Berne, S,O
The second book in the "Combat Camera" series which features mainly
photos and also a few color illustrations. This book was written by Karl
Berne who uses the photo snap shots of ordinary German soldiers taken
during the summer of 1941 to chronicle Operation Barbarossa. Karl Berne
returns with this photo essay of the German invasion of the Soviet union
featuring almost 90 photos, mostly from private collections, and full
color artwork.
34 pp.
$30.00
472.
OPERATION BARBAROSSA AND GERMANY'S DEFEAT IN THE EAST
David Stahel, C,
Operation Barbarossa, the German invasion of the Soviet Union, began the
largest and most costly campaign in military history. Its failure was a
key turning point of the Second World War. The operation was planned as
a Blitzkrieg to win Germany its Lebensraum in the east, and the summer
of 1941 is well-known for the German army's unprecedented victories and
advances. Yet the German Blitzkrieg depended almost entirely upon the
motorised Panzer Groups, particularly those of Army Group Centre. Using
previously unpublished archival records, David Stahel presents a new
history of Germany’s summer campaign from the perspective of the two
largest and most powerful Panzer Groups on the eastern front. Stahel’s
research provides a fundamental reassessment of Germany’s war against
the Soviet Union, highlighting the prodigious internal problems of the
vital panzer forces and revealing that their demise in the earliest
phase of the war undermined the whole German invasion. 20 b/w illus. 16
maps 2 tables
500 pp.
$94.00*
A few signed and numbered copies of this new Bender book are
available.
GERMANY'S
COMBAT HELMETS 1933 - 1945: A MODERN STUDY
Ken Niewiarowicz, C
Perhaps the best reference yet written on the overall subject of the Third Reich
steel helmet. Details and heretofore little known facts are presented in a
chronological order through the examination of scores of the finest original
examples. The reader will come away with a better understanding of the
production, adornment and period modification in design of the combat helmets of
Hitler's armed forces. 867 Color Photos
468 pp.
$70.00
MEN
OF BARBAROSSA: COMMANDERS OF THE GERMAN INVASIA OF RUSSIA, 1941
Samuel Mitcham, C
The story of history’s greatest military operation and the commanders
who nearly led it to success . . . This book not only tells the story of
Operation Barbarossa but describes the expertise, skills, and
decision-making powers of the men who directed it. The result is an
illuminating look at the personalities behind the carnage, as summer
triumph turned to winter crisis, including new insights into the
invasion’s many tactical successes, as well as its ultimate failure.
This objective is massive in scope, because Operation Barbarossa, the
German invasion of the Soviet Union, was massive in scale, arguably the
largest military operation of all time. In the single Battle of Kiev,
for example, the Red Army lost over 600,000 prisoners, and twice as many
men killed as the United States lost in the entire Vietnam War. The
campaign also changed the world forever. Before Barbarossa, Hitler’s
Wehrmacht seemed invincible, like an unstoppable force of nature. No
one, it seemed, could check the Führer’s ambitions, much less defeat
him. (The Battle of Britain, of course, was seen as a defeat for the
Luftwaffe rather than the Wehrmacht. The German Army was still
undefeated, and it was by no means clear in the spring of 1941 that
German pilots would not yet finish off the United Kingdom.) Barbarossa
changed all of that. By the end of 1941, Allied victory seemed to be a
very real possibility. Few would have bet on it 16 or 17 months earlier.
Pitting Germany in total war against the Soviet Union on a 1,000-mile
front, Operation Barbarossa was truly staggering in its magnitude. Wars,
however, are not fought by numbers, they are fought by men. Very often,
writers stereotype German officers into two categories: Prussian
gentlemen or Nazi monsters. There were, of course, both—but there were
also varying shades of gray. In this book we learn of the goats and
heroes, famous commanders and undersung leaders, and about those who
were willing to stand up to the Führer and those who subordinated
themselves to his will. The result is a book that casts a fresh
perspective on one of history’s most crucial military campaigns. 16
pages b/w photos maps,
256 pp.
$33.00
FRUNDSBERG
FRANCE 1943
Charles Trang, S,O, Bilingual French/English text.
Charles Trang, a renowned specialist on German forces (Leibstandarte
series - Editions Heimdal) presents a unique collection of over 100
previously unpublished and documents from individual veteran's archives
of a division that has seen less coverage than most by military
historians since the war. In the course of the book we see photos of the
Frundsberg grenadiers as they swept up through south west France and
before their deployment against the allied landings in Normandy. The
book includes an analysis of the heavy assault weapons of the division (StuG).
100+ photos,
64 pp.
$28.00
HITLER'S
PANZER ARMIES ON THE EASTERN FRONT
Robert Kirchubel, C
Hitler's panzer armies spearheaded the blitzkrieg on the Eastern Front.
They played a key role in every major campaign, not simply as tactical
tools but also as operational weapons that shaped strategy. Their
extraordinary triumphs and their eventual defeat mirrors the fate of
German forces in the East. And yet no previous study has concentrated on
the history of these elite formations in the bitter struggle against the
Soviet Union. Robert Kirchubel's absorbing and meticulously researched
account of the operational history of the panzer armies fills this gap
in the literature. And it gives a graphic insight into the organization,
tactics, fighting methods and morale of the Wehrmacht at the height of
its powers and as it struggled to defend the Reich. Using German
sources, including many first-hand accounts seen for the first time in
English, the author reconstructs the operations of the panzer armies
from the launch of Operation Barbarossa in 1941 to the German collapse
in May 1945. He follows each army and its men through the series of
massive offensives and counteroffensives that swung across a vast front
that stretched from the Baltic in the north to the Caucasus in the
south. Their far-reaching campaigns included the ill-fated assault on
Moscow, anti-partisan operations in the Balkans and the defense of
Germany¹s Fatherland. His study is a valuable addition to the history of
the Nazi-Soviet conflict and to understanding the part played by armored
formations in the world war as a whole. It is absorbing reading.
246 pp.
$33.00
THE
ESTONIAN SOLDIER IN WORLD WAR II
Mart Laar, C,O,
A monumental album with ca 1500 illustrations about Estonian soldiers in
World War II
Photos taken in Estonia in the summer of 1939 show a country looking
peacefully and joyfully into the future, a country without any inkling
of the terrifying events soon to descend upon it. In his Independence
Day parade speech on 24 February 1939 president Konstantin Päts stated
that Estonia’s only wish was to live in peace and stay away from wars
and conflicts. And this was indeed the case. However, history went its
own way, and nobody cared about what small Estonia wanted. The Soviet
occupation and annexation of Estonia in 1940 also meant that from this
time, Estonian men could no longer wear their own army’s uniform during
World War II. Either voluntarily or compulsorily it had to be replaced
by German, Russian, Finnish, British or US uniforms or insignia. In
spite of the uniform worn, most Estonian men who fought in WWII wanted
the war to end with the restoration of Estonian freedom. In some cases
this goal was completely clear, in other cases it had to be hidden.
Service in different armies also led to many cases where Estonians were
forced to fight other Estonians. Estonians confronting Estonians on the
battlefield suffered the tragedy of fratricidal war. World War II was
particularly tragic for Estonia, because in spite of the sacrifices, the
war still ended with the destruction of Estonian independence. However,
resistance against foreign occupation continued after the end of the
battles in Europe. Estonian independence was not achieved without
bloodshed, only the last phase of restoring independence passed without
the sacrifice of life. Although Estonia succeeded in restoring its
independence in 1991, for Estonia World War II actually ended only on 31
August 1994, when the last uninvited foreign soldier left Estonian
territory. Tens of thousands of Estonian men and women had given their
lives for the arrival of that day. The following album is
dedicated to their memory.
544 pp.
$89.98*
408.
GERMAN 88: THE MOST FAMOUS GUN OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR
Terry Gander, C
The German 88 mm guns became the most famous and feared artillery pieces
of the Second World War. They appeared in a whole series of forms
ranging from anti-aircraft to anti-tank and tank-guns, including several
self-propelled platforms. Although primarily anti-aircraft guns they
gained an awesome reputation as anti-tank weapons, a reputation that
remains to this day. Terry Gander, in this in-depth, highly illustrated
study, tells the story of the 88 from its first manifestations during
the Great War to its clandestine development in Sweden, its production
in Germany, its first 'multi-role' initiation during the Spanish Civil
War and its part in the campaigns of 1939-40. As well as a detailed
technical description of the gun and its development, his book features
vivid accounts of the 88 in action in many of the main theaters of the
Second World War, in North Africa, Italy, France and Germany, and on the
Eastern Front. 100 b/w illustrations,
224 pp.
$40.00
409.
HITLER'S MIRACLE WEAPONS FROM THE AMERICA ROCKET TO AN ORBITAL STAITION
VOLUME 3: GERMANY'S EFFORTS TO DEVELOP INTERCONTINENTAL WEAOPNS AND THE
FIRST SPACE PROGRAMME
Friedrich Georg, C,O,
The third volume in this now-established series expand its coverage to
examine Nazi Germany's efforts to develop intercontinental weapons and
nothing short of a space program. The author begins by examining whether
the V2 rocket was the final development produced by Hitler. He then
proceeds to examine, in great detail, Germany's efforts to develop what
was called the 'America Rocket', an intercontinental weapon. Much
evidence is produced to suggest that planning and preparation were
underway for an attempted intercontinental rocket launch against New
York at war's end. A final section of the book examines further German
rocketry projects that were on the drawing board by the end of the war,
including sophisticated orbital craft. The text is supported by a
selection of photographs and diagrams, as well as 16 superb pages of
color artwork, including profiles, computer-generated images of drawing
board designs, and pictures of the author's own models. All fine and
dandy but if you ask me, once again Helion publishers overpriced their
book. 16 pages color plates, 75 color & b/w photos, diagrams, docs, this
book has 109 numbered pages, not the 144 announced by the publishers,
they lowered the page count, kept the price high.
109 pp.
$70.00 (take 20% off this title, $56)
KURSK
1943: THE GREATEST TANK BATTLE IN HISTORY
S
In the summer of 1943, after two years of total war on the Eastern
Front, the Germans were ready to meet the Soviets on the decisive
battlefield. The greatest tank battle of all time proved to be the
beginning of the end for the Third Reich. The elite panzer formations
were decimated and would never again regain their former strength.
Nothing could turn the fortunes of the war for the Axis and their Soviet
flood was not to be stopped until the ruins of Berlin. Illustrated with
color and b/w photographs, color maps, 12 aircraft and 18 armor
profiles, and 12 color uniform plates.
136 pp.
$35.00
ARMAGEDDON
IN STALINGRAD SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 1942: THE STALINGRAD TRILOGY VOLUME 2
David Glantz, C,
The German offensive on Stalingrad was originally intended to secure the
Wehrmacht’s flanks, but it stalled dramatically in the face of Stalin’s
order: “Not a Step Back!” The Soviets’ resulting tenacious defense of
the city led to urban warfare for which the Germans were totally
unprepared, depriving them of their accustomed maneuverability,
overwhelming artillery fire, and air support—and setting the stage for
debacle. Armageddon in Stalingrad continues David Glantz and Jonathan
House’s bold new look at this most iconic military campaign of the
Eastern Front and Hitler’s first great strategic defeat. While the first
volume in their trilogy described battles that took the German army to
the gates of Stalingrad, this next one focuses on the inferno of combat
that decimated the city itself. Previous accounts of the battle are far
less accurate, having relied on Soviet military memoirs plagued by error
and cloaked in secrecy. Glantz and House have plumbed previously
unexploited sources—including the archives of the People’s Commissariat
of Internal Affairs (NKVD) and the records of the Soviet 62nd and German
Sixth Armies—to provide unprecedented detail and fresh interpretations
of this apocalyptic campaign. They allow the authors to reconstruct the
fighting hour by hour, street by street, and even building by building
and reveal how Soviet defenders established killing zones throughout the
city and repeatedly ambushed German spearheads. The authors set these
accounts of action within the contexts of decisions made by Hitler and
Stalin, their high commands, and generals on the ground and of the
larger war on the Eastern Front. They show the Germans weaker than has
been supposed, losing what had become a war of attrition that forced
them to employ fewer and greener troops to make up for earlier losses
and to conduct war on an ever-lengthening logistics line. 123
photographs, 49 tables, 97 maps, 6 x 9
900+ pp.
$40.00
DONITZ'S
CREWS: GERMANY'S U-BOAT SAILORS IN WORLD WAR II
French L. MacLean, C,O
With dozens of historical documents and over 400 photographs, the author
not only presents a comprehensive history of U-boat crews and the
undersea war, but also shows how those with an interest in the U-boat
war can find U-boat-related artifacts and how they can trace many to
specific boats - and then research what those boats and crews
accomplished. over 400 color & b/w images
288 pp.
$70.00
RUSSIANS
IN THE WAFFEN-SS
Rolf Michaelis, C,
From summer 1941, some 100,000 Russians served in the German Wehrmacht,
mostly as so called Schutzmannschaften under the command of the German
Police (Höhere SS- und Polizeiführer) in the eastern occupied areas. The
most famous unit was the Brigade Kaminski, established by Bronislav
Kaminski in the summer of 1941. In 1944 it became the Waffen-Sturmbrigade
der SS "Rona" later the 29. Waffen-Grenadier-Division der SS "Rona" (russische
Nr.1). A second division was later established from various
Schutzmannschafts-Bataillonen and was designated 30.
Waffen-Grenadier-Division der SS (russische Nr.2). over 100 bw images
128 pp.
$30.00
UKRAINIANS
IN THE WAFFEN-SS
Rolf Michaelis, C,
With the beginning of the Operation Barbarossa more than 100,000
Ukrainians volunteered for the fight against Stalin and communismn.
These volunteers were put into Schutzmannschafts-Bataillone under the
control of the German Police. After Stalingrad however, Ukrainians were
allowed to build up a division sized unit for the frontline. Around
15,000 Ukrainians were drafted and their first combat was at the Brody
front in Galicia in summer 1944. 100 bw images
128 pp.
$30.00
ESTONIANS
IN THE WAFFEN-SS
Rolf Michaelis, C
When German troops entered Estonia in the summer of 1941 they were
welcomed by the Estonians. Thousands of Estonians wanted to take part in
the war against Russia. Besides the Schutzmannschaften of German Police
in 1942 Himmler started to build up an Estonian SS-Volunteer Brigade
which became later the 20. Waffen-Grenadier-Division der SS (estnische
Nr. 1). They fought most notably at the Narwa-Front, and later in
Silesia. 100 bw images
128 pp.
$30.00
FALLSCHIRMJAGER
BRIGADE RAMCKE IN NORTH AFRICA 1942 - 1943
Edgar Alcidi
This book is an in-depth photographic study of the famed German "Brigade
Ramcke" paratroop unit. The story of Ramcke and his élite troops is
described here through the soldiers' recollections: from their?formation
in Germany, life?on the North African front, and their legendary five-day?breakthrough
behind enemy lines.?The book is heavily illustrated with unpublished
photographs and documents of the troops,?as well as?details of their
uniforms, vehicles, equipment, and theater made insignia. over 300
color/bw images
192 pp.
$80.00
THE
ROYAL ITALIAN AIR FORCE 1923 - 1945
Spencer A. Coil and Renato Zavattini, C,O
The authors have assembled over 600 images from private photo albums and
individual groupings offering a unique perspective on the Royal Italian
Air Force (Regia Aeronautica) from 1923-1945. There are period photos of
the everyday life, and adventures of pilots and personnel on a variety
of war fronts and campaigns. In addition, there are images of Regia
Aeronautica, Aviazione Legionaria and Aeronautica Nazionale Repubblicana
aircraft in detail as well as candid photos of aces such as, Italo Balbo
and high profile figures such as German Knight's Cross recipient Italian
General Giovanni Messe. Furthermore, the color gallery contains
heretofore unpublished images of period headdress, uniforms, and
accoutrements from private collections. over 600 color/bw images
256 pp.
$70.00
SD.KFZ.
FOR THE NEBELTRUPPEN - NB.KW. (SD.KFZ. 11/1), M.ENTG.KW. (SD.KFZ. 11/2),
M.SPRUEH.KW. (SD.KFZ. 11/13), NB.KW. (SD.KFZ. 11/4) & S.NB.W.KW. (SD.KFZ.
11/5)
Tom Jentz and William Auerbach, S,O,
This is the first in a new series of monographs that take a fresh,
graphic look at how the Germans organized and employed special purpose
vehicles, or Sonderkraftfahrzeuge (abbreviated Sd.Kfz.), during the
Second World War. In this single, 100 page volume, you will learn the
tactics of the Nebeltruppen, how its troops were organized, the proper
names of their vehicles, the chronology of the changes they underwent,
and when the units themselves were created. With 16 K.St.N. organization
charts and full-page reproduction of over 80 candid, wartime photos
taken by the troops themselves, you will have access to the most
detailed, most photographic account of the Nebeltruppen yet. That’s
Sd.Kfz. for the Nebeltruppen!
100 pp.
$30.00
309B.
THE FOCKE-WULF FW 190 DORA VOLUME TWO: FW 190 D-9, D-11, D-13
Jerry Crandall, C,O,
Volume two features:
More photos of Fw 190 Doras from miscellaneous and unknown units, many
previously unpublished.
54 profiles and 17 top/bottom views plus many scrap pieces of artwork by
Thomas A. Tullis
A large section telling the story of JV 44 and the Doras of the Galland
Circus with corrections and updates including new previously unpublished
photos
Very rare photos, profile and story featuring Adolf Galland’s JV 44 Me
262
New information, unpublished photos on the Fw 190 D-11
Detailed story of the rare Fw 190 D-13 and “Yellow 10” with new
unpublished photos plus full color restoration photos
Newly discovered Dora 13 photo and profile
Section on WGr 21 cm and R4M rockets including interview with a JGr. 10
pilot with stories and profiles
Large section devoted to color and markings including 32 color photos of
excellent recovered aircraft part samples with camouflage paint
19 pages of patterns and colors used by the factories that produced the
Fw 190 Doras with the appropriate national markings
Recognition bands, tactical and I.D. bands in full color
Actual patent papers filed by Warnecke and Böhm to register their
break-through one-coat paint formula of polymer resin paint for better
adhesion to aluminum and magnesium
Original existing paint formulas developed by Luftwaffe’s premier paint
company Warnecke and Böhm of RLM colors
Camouflage notes by Michael Ullmann
Many technical features of main parts such as landing gear variation,
propellers, including numerous color illustrations and scrap views plus
many color parts manual images, reports and documents.
Reports of units operating the D-9 in service describing technical
problems
A compilation featuring the study of recovered D-9s listing colors,
units, pilots and technical details.
Total of 377 photos including 76 color images of Doras!
Complete listing of known Werknummern for Dora aircraft
400 pp.
$95.00
Deluxe leatherbound autographed copy, $160* ($25 off retail)
LEIBSTANDARTE
ARCHIVES
Charles Trang, C,O, French text.
Leibstandarte Archives contains 700 further photographs of this
celebrated SS Panzer division, most of which are previously unpublished.
It also includes many color profiles, tanks and organization charts,
which, together with the previous volumes, provides a complete visual
history of one of the greatest German armored divisions from World War
II.
400 pp.
$80.00, special 20% off, $64.00*
TIGER!:
THE TIGER TANK IN THE EASTERN FRONT, IN NORMANDY AND IN GERMANY 1942 -
1945
Stephan Cazenave, C,O,French text.
The Tiger tank was the greatest tank of World War II. Officially
designated the Panzerkampfwagen VI Ausfuhrung H, it was nicknamed the
Tiger by Ferdinand Porsche. Brought into use in late 1942, the Tiger
tank represented a new approach to tank design in that it maximised
armour protection and firepower at the expense of mobility. This is the
first publication dedicated solely to the Tiger tanks of the Schwere
Panzer Kompanie (Heavy Armor Company) of the SS-Panzerregiment 2 "DR"
from 1943 to 1945. In 1944, the company became part of the II SS
Panzercorps, die schere SS-Panzer-Abteillung 102, and this book
continues to examine their history through to the end of the war.
Containing 15 years of research, along with eyewitness accounts,
photographs from veterans, and organization charts, this book is an
exceptional addition to any German armor enthusiast's collection.
496 pp.
$80.00, special 20% off, $64.00*
THE
KRIM SHIELD
Sasha Weber, C
On 140 pages and with the help of more than 800 color pictures the known
author Sascha Weber describes the Krim Shield and all its manufacturers,
including the extremely rare Maedicke. Miniatures, documents and entries
in the Wehrpass and Soldbuch, as well as the 1957 version and the
discussion of the most dangerous fakes make this comprehensive book an
invaluable addition to every collector's library! More than 400 color
pictures.
140 pp.
$82.00
PANZER
TRACTS 22-2 - LEICHTER ZUGKRAFTWAGEN 3 T (SD.KFZ.11) AND VARIANTS
DEVELOPEMENT AND PRODUCTION FROM 1934 TO 1945
Now for the first time the design evolution of the le.Zgkw. 3 t
(Sd.Kfz.11) has been correctly sorted out. Hundreds of hours were spent
precisely measuring surviving le.Zgkw.3 t (Sd.Kfz.11) and associated
components and over a thousand hours were spent in creating detailed
drawings of the basic le.Zgkw.3 t (Sd.Kfz.11) as well as the associated
variants le.Zgkw.3 t (Sd.Kfz.11) mit Pritschen-Aufbau, Raketenwagen for
rescuing the shipwrecked, Sfl. (Sd.Kfz.11/1) mit 2 cm Flak 38, Nebelkw.
(Sd.Kfz.11/1), m.Entg.Kw. (Sd.Kfz.11/2), Nebelkw. (Sd.Kfz.11/4), and
s.Nb.W.Kw. (Sd.Kfz.11/5). Exciting new finds include six distinctly
different open-top driver’s cabs (some with truncated shaped
windshields) on the Sd.Kfz.11 through Sd.Kfz.11/5 and the correct
identification of the le.Zgkw.3 t (Sd.Kfz.11) mit Mannschaftsaufbau
(previously misidentified as a Pionier-Aufbau). This book is also loaded
with new information on the history, development, production, unit
organization, and wartime reports. In accordance with our high
standards, the text and data are based solely on primary sources. Over
50 scale drawings and 80 photos illustrate this 84 page book.
84 pp.
$27.00
I have some signed and numbered copies of HANDBOOK
OF THE HITLER-JUGEND: BANN NUMBERS AND GEBIETS TRIANGLES, don't delay if
interested, more details below.
the first four books below will be in the week of
October 11th! The fifth title might be in this week but coming for
Estonia it may be a bit longer. All great titles! I am hoping to have
some signed copies of the Bender book. Also with the Estonian Soldier
I'm getting a restock of the Estonian Legion.
ENDKAMPF
UM DAS REICHSGEBIET 1944 - 1945 ( THE FINAL BATTLES ON GERMAN TERRITORY
Axel Urbanke, C,O, German and English Text
This large-format volume is the first hardbound book to be released by
the German publisher Luftverlag-Start. Consisting of 160 pages, with
unique unpublished wartime photos, this title covers the battles fought
by Wehrmacht units to defend the borders of the Reich. This title
contains 186 black-and-white wartime photos showing the German side.
Most were taken by German soldiers during the final battles and thus
represents a unique perspective, for by then film was difficult to
obtain. Also included are 23 rare color photos taken during the
fighting. All the photographs are accompanied by detailed text and maps
which was extensivly researched by the author. All the photos are
reproduced full page on quality glossy paper to the highest possible
standards.
Battles covered in this title:
-Nemmersdorf and Goldap, the Russian drive across the East Prussian
border
-From Königsberg to Pillau - Fighting Withdrawal in Samland, East
Prussia April 1945 (Panther photos)
-The 1st Marine-Schützen-Division actions at the Oder in the Zehden
Bridgehead in February 1945
-The fighting in Silesia in spring 1945 (Panther photos)
-The battle for Fortress Breslau
-Actions by the "Hermann Göring" Fallschirmpanzerkorps at Bautzen and
Görlitz in April 1945 (Panther photos)
-The Führer-Begleit-Division in the fighting in Lauban (Panther photos)
-The SS-Freiwilligen-Brigade "Wallonien" and the 4th SS-Polizei-Division
in the Battle for Pomerania
-SS-Panzer-Jäger-Abteilung 560 z.b.V. in action at the Oder (Hetzer
photos)
-The action against the Russian Bridgehead over the Oder at Küstrin and
"Fortress Küstrin" (Panther and Hetzerphotos)
-Heiligenbeil and Oxhöfter Kämpe - the fight about the pockets at the
Haff and the Danziger-Bucht
186 black-and-white photos, 23 rare color photos,
160 pp.
$85.00
STURMGESCHÜTZ:
DEVELOPMENT, PRODUCTION, DEPLOYMENT
Peter Müller and Wolfgang Zimmerman
The Sturmgeschütz III, or Assault Gun Model III, was a fully tracked
armoured vehicle originally designed to provide the infantry of the
Wehrmacht with direct fire support. In addition to admirably fulfilling
that role, it also served for the better part of World War II as a
self-propelled antitank weapon, a role for which it was never intended.
As the war dragged on, it performed this important function with
increasing regularity throughout all of the Wehrmacht's theatres of
operation; from Norway to North Africa; from France to the Soviet Union;
across Italy and the Balkans; and finally, within Germany itself. This
publication documents the developmental history, mass production,
deployment and combat operations of Germany's Sturmgeschütz III during
World War II. In order to provide a better appreciation of the
historical significance of the Sturmgeschütz III, this study first
examines its technical design and development, production, modification
and the fielding of the different versions, ranging from models A
through G, as well as a survey of Sturmgeschütz III production assembly
plants at Daimler-Benz, Alkett, and MIAG, where more than 10,500 of
these vehicles were produced between 1940 until the end of the war in
Europe. Other chapters cover the Sturmgeschütz III's operational
history, including its combat debut and remarkable success as an
antitank weapon. As the reader will discover, the German General Staff's
and upper echelons of the Wehrmacht's growing appreciation of this
remarkable weapons system ultimately led to an overestimation of its
capabilities, contributing to Germany's defeat as both Sturmgeschütz III
crewman and vehicles themselves were over-committed to the point of
collapse.In this study, the authors have drawn almost exclusively on
primary source material rather than the existing body of secondary
literature, tapping into a vast reservoir of original files, reports and
operational records. In all, some 400 different sources were used during
the production of this reference work and are listed in the
bibliography. The authors have verifed production figures by
cross-referencing and recomputing dozens of original source documents,
resulting in the most up-to-date and comprehensive information about the
Sturmgeschütz III's to appear in print. To round out this volume, it
includes 125 historical photographs, many of them reproduced for the
first time, as well as seventy charts and that tables that verify the
authors' conclusions. 125 wartime photos, 70 charts and tables.
316 pp.
Price $70.00
283B.
IN GOOD FAITH: THE HISTORY OF THE
4.SS-POLIZEI-PANZER-GRENADIER-DIVISION, VOLUME 2: 1943 - 1945
by Friedrich Husemann, C.
The second volume of this set on the Polizei-Division takes up the
divisional history at the beginning of 1943, and the story of 2
battalions that were sent to the Don Front at the end of 1942. The
division fought in Russia through 1943 near Leningrad, participating in
the Second and Third Ladoga Battles. It also was at the Oranienbaum
Pocket, at the Wolchow, near Nowgorod and then retreated to the Narwa.
In April 1943 it began converting into a Panzergrenadier-Division and
some of its elements were sent west to training grounds in Poland and
Czechoslovakia. As 1943 wore on, the division was shifted around
Leningrad to meet Soviet incursions. In the fall, more units were
withdrawn for conversion, and then some of them were sent to Greece for
garrison duties. At one point in time, the division was in three places;
most of it in northern Russia near Leningrad, a part in southern Russia
near Tscherkassy, and the converting elements in Greece. Eventually, the
division was united in Greece in April 1944. There, it welcomed its
Sturmgeschutz battalion. The division trained and carried out
anti-partisan operations until the end of August 1944. When Romania
defected to the Soviets in late August, the division retreated from
Greece through Serbia and Rumania into Hungary. There it fought in the
defense of eastern Hungary and later participated in the attempted
relief of Budapest. After Budapest fell, the Polizei Division was
transferred in January 1945 through Slovakia to eastern Pommerania
(Stettin). When Pommerania was cut off by the Russians, the division
fought defensively and retreated east toward the Gotenhafen-Danzig area.
It was evacuated to Hela by ferry and then from Hela to Swinemunde on
ships. It defended western Pommerania, and then northwest of Berlin. It
retreated west toward Hamburg (Ludwiglust) at the end of April and
surrendered on May 2, 1945 to the British.Friedrich Husemann, a former
member of the division provides a fascinating description of the many
varied battles fought by the 4.SS-Polizei-Panzer-Grenadier-Division.
From the merciless forests and swamps of northern Russia, to the
partisan-filled mountainous terrain of Greece, through Serbia and
Romania to Hungary, in desperate defensive battles in Hungary, Poland
and Germany, to the final hopeless battles near Berlin and the bitter
surrender, the reader witnesses the life and death of a division. The
author weaves information from unit diaries and after-action reports
with many first-hand accounts from former soldiers of the division,
making the 2-volume set a living history, not just a dry account. The
various accounts add more fascinating and crucial detail to some of the
better-known battles of WW II. 32 photographs, 40 maps and 24
appendices.
600 pp.
$70.00
HANDBOOK
OF THE HITLER-JUGEND: BANN NUMBERS AND GEBIETS TRIANGLES
Wilhelm P.B.R. Saris with Philippe Gillain and Jeff Hammond, C,
The author presents the reader with an in-depth development of HJ Gebiet
triangles, shoulder straps and their colors, and the ranking systems.
Since the 1960s Bann lists have been available in Europe and later,
lists have appeared on the Internet. This handbook is based only on
official sources and contains the most complete listing of Bann numbers
and their locations. At a glance, one can check a number's development
and its relationship to a specific triangle. Additionally, the triangles
and shoulder straps for all known special forces and formations are
covered, as well as their organizational development. To supplement the
massive amount of information contained in this 784 page volume, over
1000 color photographs of triangles and shoulder straps, plus documents
and beautiful period portraits support the text. This book is a "Must
Have" for all HJ collectors and researchers. 1034 Photos/Illustrations.
784 pp.
$90.00
SNIPER
ACE: FROM THE EASTERN FRONT TO SIBERIA
Bruno Sutkus, C
Throughout World War II, German snipers were obliged to carry a 'Scharfshützen
Buch' which recorded every kill. Each success noted had to be verified
by a witness and signed by a superior officer. The journal of Sutkus is
one of only a few such books to have survived the war. It records more
than 200 kills, placing him as one of the war's most successful snipers.
A large part of his journal is reproduced for the first time here. As a
Hitler Youth member his skill as a marksman was quickly noted and, in
July 1943, aged 19, he was drafted into the Wehrmacht. A month later he
was sent on a five month sniper's course in Wilna, after which he was
posted to the Eastern Front. He was so successful that his superiors
sent him to crucial positions. Despite his age, he was regarded as one
of Germany's best snipers and in November 1944 he was awarded the
Scharfshützenabzeichen 3 Stufe - the highest award for a sniper. After
being wounded in January 1945, Sutkus was given time to recuperate away
from the Eastern Front. During this time he met a Red Cross nurse, to
whom he gave all his journal. When the war finished, Sutkus was forced
to join the Red Army. He deserted to join the Lithuanian resistance
fighters. After being captured again he was tortured by the KGB and
deported to Siberia to endure forced labour. It was not until the
collapse of the Soviet Union that he was able return to Germany and find
his journal, still in the hands of the same nurse. 50 pages of
illustrations
256 pp.
$33.00
LUFTWAFFE
SUPPORT UNITS: UNITS, AIRCRAFT, EMBLEMS AND MARKINGS 1933 - 1045
Barry Rosch, S,O,
Before and during the war, the Luftwaffe used or adapted virtually every
one of its major front line aircraft types for all manner of essential
support roles, be it within the ambulance, communications, headquarters
or observer services. The main interest in such aircraft lies in the
wide variety of types, and the abundance of camouflage and markings
suited to specific theatres, factory and field modifications, and
lesser-known emblems. This unique illustrated account is ideal for the
serious Luftwaffe enthusiast who will find a wealth of detail about some
of the more familiar types such as the Heinkel He 111 and Messerschmitt
Bf 109, as well as some rarities which will be of particular interest.
With a winning formula of plentiful photographs, fact boxes and
close-ups together with an easy to read and informative text, this is
the book that every avid aviation enthusiast will be waiting to add to
their collection! 250 illustrations,
96 pp.
$30.00
PANZERWRECKS
VOL 9 ITALY PART ONE
Lee Archer and Bill Auerbach, S,O, 100 pages.
Features:
On the road to Pontedera Pz.Kpfw.III (Fl) in focus Taming the Tigers
Panther forts at Anzio
Vehicles:
Tiger I
Elefant
Panther Ausf.D
Panther Ausf.A
Bergepanther
Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf.J
Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf.H
Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf.G
Sturmpanzer 43
Pz.Jgr. Hornisse
Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf.L
Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf.N
Pz.Kpfw.III (Fl)
Sturmgeschütz III Ausf.G
15cm sIG33 (Sf) auf Pz.38(t) Ausf.H Grille
Pz.Jgr.II für 7.5cm Pak 40/2 (Sd.Kfz.131) StuG L6 mit 47/32 630(i)
StuG M41 mit 90/53 801(i)
StuG M42 mit 75/34 851(i)
StuG M43 mit 105/25 853(i)
Pz.Kpfw.P40 737(i)
Pz.Sp.Wg.AB41 201(i)m.S.P.W. (Sd.Kfz.251)
m.Pi.Pz.Wg. (Sd.Kfz.251/7)
le.Fu.Pz.Wg. (Sd.Kfz.250/3)
le.S.P.W. (s.Gr.W.)(Sd.Kfz.250/7)
Sfl. (Sd.Kfz.10/5) für 2cm Flak
kl.Pz.Fu.Wg.(Sd.Kfz.261)
2cm Flakvierling 38 auf Sfl. (Sd.Kfz.7/1)
2cm Flakvierling 38 auf MB 4500A
100 pp.
$30.00
MANFRED
VON RICHTHOFEN: THE AIRCRAFT, MYTHS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF 'THE RED
BARON'
James Miller, S,O,
Rittmeister Manfred von Richthofen stands as the most famous fighter
pilot of all time. The image of Richthofen and his all-red Fokker
triplane are ubiquitous symbols of German aerial might. From the outset
he set and achieved his goals with a focus and determination that
overcame initial shortcomings, propelling him from an unknown two-seater
pilot into a brilliant airman, tactician, leader, mentor, hero and,
ultimately, a martyr of Germany. In this limited run and outstanding new
study, James Miller focuses not only on Richthofens stick-and-rudder
abilities but also the aircraft with which he prosecuted war. Also
Richthofes epic battle with Hawker, the events of his July 1917
wounding, his rivalry with Voss, and several inaccurate yet persistent
myths are examined in unprecedented detail, all of which are augmented
by 90 rare photographs, medical illustrations, and 26 of Millers
beautiful detailed colour aircraft profiles and 12 wing plan views. 90
rare b+w photographs, 26 beautiful colour artwork profiles and 12 wing
plan views
96 pp.
$30.00
this book below has a fantastic bibliography.
ROMMEL'S
DESERT WAR
Martin Kitchen, C,
At the height of his power in January 1941 Hitler made the fateful
decision to send troops to North Africa to save the beleaguered Italian
army from defeat. Martin Kitchen's masterful new history of the Axis
campaign provides a fundamental reassessment of the key battles of
1941–1943, Rommel’s generalship, and the campaign’s place within the
broader strategic context of the war. He shows that the British were
initially helpless against the operational brilliance of Rommel’s Panzer
divisions. However Rommel's initial successes and refusal to follow
orders committed the Axis to a campaign well beyond their means. Without
the reinforcements or supplies he needed to deliver a knockout blow,
Rommel was forced onto the defensive and Hitler’s Mediterranean strategy
began to unravel. The result was the loss of an entire army which
together with defeat at Stalingrad signalled a decisive shift in the
course of the war. 25 b/w illus. 24 maps
616 pp.
$38.00
WITH
HITLER TO THE END: THE MEMOIRS OF ADOLF HITLER'S VALET HEINZ LINGE
Heinz Linge, C
Heinz Linge worked with Adolf Hitler for a ten-year period from 1935
until the Fuhrer's death in the Berlin bunker in May 1945. He was one of
the last to leave the bunker and was responsible for guarding the door
while Hitler killed himself. During his years of service, Linge was
responsible for all aspects of Hitler's household and was constantly by
his side. He claims that only Eva Braun stood closer to Hitler over
these years. Here, Linge recounts the daily routine in Hitler's
household: his eating habits, his foibles, his preferences, his sense of
humor, and his private life with Eva Braun. In fact, Linge believed
Hitler's closest companion was his dog Blondi. After the war Linge said
in an interview, "It was easier for him to sign a death warrant for an
officer on the front than to swallow bad news about the health of his
dog." Linge also charts the changes in Hitler's character during their
time together and his fading health during the last years of the war.
During his last days, Hitler's right eye began to hurt intensely and
Linge was responsible for administering cocaine drops to kill the pain.
In a number of instances—such as with the Stauffenberg bomb plot of July
1944—Linge gives an excellent eyewitness account of events. He also
gives thumbnail profiles of the prominent members of Hitler's "court":
Hess, Speer, Bormann and Ribbentrop amongst them. Though Linge held an
SS rank, he claims not to have been a Nazi Party member. His profile of
one of history's worst demons is not blindly uncritical, but it is
nonetheless affectionate. The Hitler that emerges is a multifaceted
individual: unpredictable and demanding, but not of an otherwise
unpleasant nature. 12 photos,
224 pp.
$25.00
JAPAN
AGAINST RUSSIA: IN THE SKY OF NOMONHAN
Dimitar Nedialkov, C,O-
This book is a study of one not so well-known military Air clashes begun in
May and finished on September 15th 1939 (15 days afterGermany invaded
Poland). The conflict's characteristic feature is the importanceof the Air
Power in the achieving of the decisive final results.The level of
massiveness and intensity of this airbattle reaches levels without analogue
even in WW II. The four months conflict, which took part in a theatre of
operations with dimensions of some 80km front line and 30-40km depth became
a battle field for more than 900 Sovietand 450 Japanese aircraft. 9 graphic
illustrations, 4 maps, 12camouflage profiles, 57 photos from the archives of
Ministry of Defence.
128 pp.
$28.50*
THE
ESTONIAN LEGION IN WORDS AND PICTURES
Mart Laar, BOOK IS IN ENGLISH, C,O, Despite my frequent pleas, the
publishers in Estonia used little packing and the books received have
slightly bumped corners. Includes a CD of origina music of the Estonian
Legion.
During its combat career the Estonian Legion carried several names. It was,
in fact, only called a legion for a brief period, then the Waffen-SS 3rd
Estonian Brigade, and later the Waffen-SS 20th Estonian Division, which name
was further adorned with the words Volunteer or Waffen-Grenadier. The
Legion, designated a Brigade, was created in March/April 1943, seeing action
against the Soviets until the end of the year. It was expanded to a division
in January 1944, and saw action in the epic battles at Narva, April through
August 1944. It then withdrew into East Prussia, where it fought as well as
in Silesia, winter/spring 1944/45. It surrendered to the Soviets in May
1945.
The fate of the legionnaires was tough. Many had to pay for their oaths with
their lives, others with incarceration, the labour camp or other
repressions. It was sufficient to drop a hint that somebody had fought "on
the wrong side" in the war to get him fired or to have his studies blocked.
Therefore many tried to hide their pasts in any way possible. Even so, the
occupying Soviet régime did not succeed in breaking the spirit of these men,
and many of them lived to see the 24th February 1989, when the Estonian blue
black and white flag flew again from Long Hermann tower in Tallinn.
The fighting spirit and fighting capacity of the Estonian soldier has been
admired and recognised through time. Not without reason was Alfons Rebane's
Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross supplemented with the Oak Leaves in the
last days of the war. Rebane was a talented soldier and military leader who
became legendary during his own lifetime. Fifteen times he succeeded in
bringing his men out of encirclement. After breaking out of the Oppeln
encirclement in March 1945, close to the end of the war, Rebane returned to
bring out the entire German staff , an act in which he succeeded
brilliantly. Worthy of similar recognition are Knight's Cross holders Paul
Maitla, Harald Riipalu and Harald Nugiseks, as well as a number of other
Estonian soldiers who performed heroic deeds in battle.
The present picture album provides an overview of the Estonian Legion's
activities from its creation in 1942 until the end of the war, and of the
legionnaires' fates after the war. The stress has been put on recently
discovered and as yet unpublished photographs and other illustrative
material from various collections. The text is divided into 12 chapters
dealing with the activities of the Legion and its veterans, giving an
overview of the most important events and personalities.