The British Army 1939-45 (1): North-West Europe (Men-at-Arms) (Pt.1) [Paperback]

Martin Brayley (Author), Mike Chappell (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Men-at-Arms | Publication Date: May 25, 2001

The Second World War was Britain's last as a world power. For a year it saw Britain standing alone against the fascist dictatorships; winning it cost the sacrifice of the entire national wealth. This first book of three describes the uniforms developed for European service. It traces the appearance of the 'Tommy' from pre-war mobilization, through the years of defeat and endurance, to D-Day and the long fighting advance to Northern Germany. The book also includes a campaign summary, infantry organization tables, lists of arms and services and basic specifications of a number of heavy weapons.

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 Brayley has recently retired from the armed forces after 24 years as a much-travelled military photographer, and is now pursuing a career as a freelance photographer and writer. A long-time collector and researcher of militaria, his published books - with co-author Richard Ingram - include World War II British Women's Uniforms (1995); The World War II Tommy: British Army Uniforms, European Theatre 1939-45 in Colour Photographs (1998); and Khaki Drill & Jungle Green: British Tropical Uniforms 1939-45 in Colour Photographs (2000).

Product Details

• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (May 25, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1841760528
• ISBN-13: 978-1841760520
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 0.1 x 9.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,433,748 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Terrific, July 25, 2004

By 

Michael A Dorosh (Calgary, AB, CANADA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The British Army 1939-45 (1): North-West Europe (Men-at-Arms) (Pt.1) (Paperback)

I see Carter Rila has spammed his generic comments into this review as well. (Refers to review of volume 1)

The colour plates in this book seem a bit washed out, but that may be the nature of all these figures in khaki. That is the only real criticism of this volume.

What the book presents is a nice overview of the history of the British Army in Northwest Europe, both in 1939-40 and the French campaign, in the UK, and in Overlord and beyond on the continent. Additionally, a history of battle dress uniforms is sketched out and a brief survey of infantry equipment is given. Just enough for the average modeller to follow the directions on his 1:35 scale kit or 1/6 action figure, but beyond that obviously the reader will need to look elsewhere - such as Chappell's volume on British infantry equipment, or David Gordon's excellent books, or even Bouchery (though he does not specialize in equipment). Of course, the TOMMY and JUNGLE GREEN books would be a good bet for equipment also.

The sidebars are interesting; inclusion of 21 Army Group HQ is an interesting touch. Very nice detail sketch of the workings of the No. 4 Mk 1 (T) sniper rifle - one wishes these sketches were more prevalent in all the MAA titles.

Interesting tables on production figures, and a nice thumbnail sketch of the supporting corps and services and what they did.

Photos are, in the main, well above average and some look like they could have been taken yesterday the quality and clarity is so great. Others are not as good, but most are unique and not the "stock" photos that grace so many generic volumes on British soldiers.

Overall a good introduction to the subject, and reflects the current high state of the art of the MAA titles.

Comments above are for Volume 1; I see my review is crossposted to Volume 2. I also own Volume 2 and find it just as useful as Volume 1. Sidebar info includes diagram of battledress insignia placement, and good map of the Middle East. Sadly, still no chart of rank, responsibilities and appointments. This is sadly lacking in most British Army references - the differences between rank and appointment were very real, and a good source of info on the difference betwen a Squadron Quartermaster Sergeant, Quartermaster Senior Instructor, and Regimental Sergeant Major would be a nice touch.

Colour plates also seem a bit washed out, but poses are terrific and details are top notch.

0 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Useful Overview, December 22, 2001

By 

El Cutachero (MD USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The British Army 1939-45 (1): North-West Europe (Men-at-Arms) (Pt.1) (Paperback)

This work is a splendid example of the new emphasis of the publisher on producing comprehensive works in a handy cheap format compared with the earlier broad brush treatments which covered too much in too little detail.
The new emphasis is on sets covering various national armed forces in as much detail as is available, consistent with the current purpose of the works in the series, which have evolved from an original emphasis on serving the military miniature maker market into works intended to enlighten the general reader in enough detail to satisfy the merely curious and to point the way to further reading.
Most of us, including myself, have little need for, or the patience to read, voluminous studies, often in foreign languages, covering many eras and nations. My main interest is in the US forces, their allies and their enemies in the twentieth century.
That said, these works should be purchased as presented, in sets within the series. Since they are produced as a set, the volumes cover only relevent parts of the general history and the clothing and individual equipment is covered as it appears in each period. The French Army, US Army, British Army, and Italian Army series all have three volumes, covering the major theatres and time periods of the war. The German set has five.
This should be read along with the volumes on Battle Dress and British Infantry Equipments in this series.
If you want an introduction to the fascinating variety of clothing and equipment of the forces covered, this set is for you.

0 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly Useful and Detailed Study, December 22, 2001

By 

El Cutachero (MD USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The British Army 1939-45 (1): North-West Europe (Men-at-Arms) (Pt.1) (Paperback)

This work is a splendid example of the new emphasis of the publisher on producing comprehensive works in a handy cheap format compared with the earlier broad brush treatments which covered too much in too little detail.
The new emphasis is on sets covering various national armed forces in as much detail as is available, consistent with the current purpose of the works in the series, which have evolved from an original emphasis on serving the military miniature maker market into works intended to enlighten the general reader in enough detail to satisfy the merely curious and to point the way to further reading.
Most of us, including myself, have little need for, or the patience to read, voluminous studies, often in foreign languages, covering many eras and nations. My main interest is in the US forces, their allies and their enemies in the twentieth century.
That said, these works should be purchased as presented, in sets within the series. Since they are produced as a set, the volumes cover only relevent parts of the general history and the clothing and individual equipment is covered as it appears in each period. The French Army, US Army, British Army, and Italian Army series all have three volumes, covering the major theatres and time periods of the war. The German set has five.
The German Army set should be read in conjunction with many other individual volumes covering their allies and opponents and the other German fighting forces such as the Waffen SS, and the Parachute units, which were part of the German Air Force, the Luftwaffe.
If you want an introduction to the fascinating variety of clothing and equipment of the forces covered, this set is for you.