The British and Commonwealth Soldier 1939-45, British soldiers, with their old-fashioned helmets, spring-powered PIAT anti-tank guns and veneration of heroic defeats, may have lost the propaganda war, but their record speaks for itself: they may have started badly in France in 1940 and the Far East in 1941, but they were victorious in the North African desert, in Europe and in India and Burma where the 'Forgotten Army' first held the Japanese and then inflicted at Imphal and Kohima the greatest loss to the Japanese on land. They held back the might of the Panzers in Normandy in 1944, chased the Germans back into Holland and came within a whisker at Arnhem of circumventing the Siegfried Line, and won battle after battle against a fanatical defence on their way to final victory., This book doesn't cover the progress of the Second World War, but looks in detail at the weapons, uniform, accoutrements, equipment and tactics of the Second World War British infantryman, following the themes of the Haynes Great War British Tommy and German Infantryman Manuals., Author: Simon Forty was educated at Sedbergh School and London University's School of Slavonic and East European Studies. He has been involved in publishing for over three decades and specializes in military history having contributed to a large number of books. He was also general editor of World War I: A Visual Encyclopedia. Simon lives in Devon with his wife and two children.
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Fascinating insights into the practicalities of life of a British and Commonwealth Second World War infantryman. Packed with archive and contemporary photos and illustrations. Well-known military author. In series with the Haynes Great War British Tommy and German Infantryman Manuals.
Chapter 1 The lessons of WW1 The Hundred Days, pacifism; interwar
doctrinal theories: Fuller, mechanised warfare and the cavalry; the arms race
of the 1930s; and the birth of the Paras.
Chapter 2 Organisation The army of empire: Australia, Canada, India; the
organisation of the army and how it changed during the war; manpower crises,
arms and services; the regimental system; new arms: the Paras, Commandos, the
Territorials, and Dads Army.
Chapter 3 The soldier National Service: militia and conscription; training;
personal documentation; life in the field.
Chapter 4 Uniform and equipment Rank and insignia; medals, badges and other
titles; decorations; trade and specialist badges; proficiency badges; other
badges. Uniforms and equipment: the standard combat uniform and headgear;
equipment: gasmask etc, webbing, packs and tools; camouflage; winter
clothing; desert clothing; jungle clothing; amphibious warfare; the Paras.
Chapter 5 Weapons Pistols, rifles, submachine guns, machine guns, hand
grenades, mortars, mines, anti-tank guns, flamethrowers, anti-aircraft guns,
infantry guns and howitzers, ammunition.
Chapter 7 Medical services RAMC; the infantryman; battalion; regiment;
division; corps; army. System of aid to/evacuation of casualties;
Commonwealth War Graves Committee.
Chapter 8 Women soldiers ATS, FANY, QAIMNS.
Chapter 9 Tactics Introduction, in the attack; the squad in combat; in the
defence; airpower; artillery; tanks.
Simon Forty was educated at Sedbergh School and London University's School of Slavonic and East European Studies. He has been involved in publishing for over three decades and specializes in military history having contributed to a large number of books. He was also general editor of World War I: A Visual Encyclopedia. Simon lives in Devon with his wife and two children.
