The Algerian War 1954-62 (Men-at-Arms) [Paperback]

Martin Windrow (Author), Mike Chappell (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Men-at-Arms | Publication Date: November 15, 1997

It is hard to convey the public impact of France's war to maintain her colonial grip on Algeria; yet in the late 1950s this ugly conflict dominated Europe's media to almost the same extent as would Vietnam ten years later. It brought France to the very verge of military coup d'etat; it destroyed thousands of careers; bitterly divided the French military and political classes for a generation; and sent hundreds of thousands of European settler families into often ruinous exile. This title details the history, organisation, equipment and uniforms of the forces involved in the Algerian War (1954-1962).

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Packed with specially commissioned artwork, maps and diagrams, the Men-at-Arms series is an unrivalled illustrated reference on the history, organisation, uniforms and equipment of the world's military forces, past and present.

About the Author

Martin Windrow is series editor at Osprey and an authority on the post-war French army, particularly the Foreign Legion. He is the author of the very successful Men-at-Arms 300: French Foreign Legion since 1945 and Men-at-Arms 322: The French War in Indochina 1946–54.

Product Details

• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (November 15, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1855326582
• ISBN-13: 978-1855326583
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.1 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,009,516 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Recommended reading mtrl., March 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Algerian War 1954-62 (Men-at-Arms) (Paperback)

This title in the Osprey Men At Arms series covers the war in Algeria 1954-1962. The book is well written and covers both sides. It's also a sort of a "companion" to the other MAA titles like The French Foregin Legion 1945 - ... and The French War In Indochina which are also written by the same author.

In short, if you are interested in colonial wars like me or in the French Foregin Legion it`s a book you should have.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Last War of French Decolonization, May 16, 2004

By 

Eduardo J. Tellez A (Miami, Florida) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: The Algerian War 1954-62 (Men-at-Arms) (Paperback)

After the Lost of Indochina,Algeria became more interested the need of independence but for some Algeria was the Jewel of the Emperie and specially for the Troops that have been their second nation like the French Foreign Legion who have fight for 134 years, many muslin were pro-french but with the pass of time the pressure for Muslim rights,internal self goverment,independence, or even complete integration with France had long been building up among the small but significant academic and professional class which had benefited from the French education.

The post-war French loss of Syria and Lebano,military reverse in Indochina and events in Tunisia and Morocco all prepared the ground for rebellion in Algeria.

The ALN try to emulated the VIETMINH, but never enjoyed the VIETMINH'S greatest asset, an area they could control and in which they could hide up and remain secure.

After 8 years of war on March 1962 a cease-fire was finally arranged between government and FLN representatives at Evian, France. In the long-awaited referendum, held the following July, Algeria voted overwhelmingly for independence. The colons began a mass evacuation; before the end of the year most of them had left the country.

Martin Windrow come again with another title dedicated to another War of French Decolonization(check The French Indochina War 1946-54 MMA322)this time we enter the Algerian War in North Africa, with a quick overview of the war and a summary of main eventes between 1954-1962, I like the comments on The Army of National Liberation(Command Structure)and the French Army in Algeria with all their troops from Zouaves to Natives,a part dedicated to the Mutiny of April and Select Bibliography(Small)

The Book is small but help me see the War in a Quick look,with good photos and superb colour artwork by Mike Chappell. we can see the ANL and the French Amry Uniforms in Color(great plates on General Marcel Bigeard famous for the torture of Algerians)

For more books on the Wars of Decolonization see Anthony Clayton "The Wars of French Decolonization" and "France, Soldiers, and Africa" thsi two title one dedicated to the French Troops in Africa from 1830 to 1962 and the other to the Wars of Liberation of the Colonial Rule Tunisia, Madagascar, Morocco, Indochina and Algeria. Martin Windrow is the author of 5 books on the French Army, French Foreign Legion 1914-45, The French Indochina War 1946-54, French Foreign Legion-Infantry and Cavalry since 1945 and French Foreign Legion Paratroops all from Osprey military History Books.

For books on the Algerian War, The Battle of the Casbah by Paul Aussaressess, The Memory of Resistance by Martin Evans,The French Foreign Legion by Douglas Porch, All the major operations in the Algerian War and The Algerian War and the French Army, 1954-62 by Martin S. Alexander, The Movie of Anthony Quinn The Lost Command(1966) is dedicated to Algeria and the another movie "The Battle of Algiers" is also a great story on the War and the violent counter-terrorist measures use by the French Army. Athony Clayton also have another book dedicated to the Post War Era but explore all the major conflict only in Africa,"Frontiersmen-Warfare in Africa since 1950"

4.0 out of 5 stars Lessons for Afghanistan and Iraq, May 1, 2009

By 

Jeffrey Swystun (Ottawa & New York) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Algerian War 1954-62 (Men-at-Arms) (Paperback)

This is a conflict that France obsesses over like America does Vietnam. It reflects a loss on many levels and will be debated for decades. Currently, the Algerian conflict offers lessons for insurgencies and terrorist actions in Afghanistan and Iraq. I am fan overall of Osprey and their library of titles. For me they act as a great introduction to a piece of history that often prompts me to research and read more deeply on the subject. And that happened in this case as the Algerian conflict is fascinating. I have been trying to get my hands on France and the Algerian War by Alexander to continue my follow-up.