World War II Desert Tactics

by Paddy Griffith, Adam Hook (Illustrator)

Overview

From 1940 to 1943 North Africa saw the first major desert campaign by modern mechanised armies. The British, Italians, German Afrika Korps and US Army all addressed and learned from the special problems human, logistical, mechanical and tactical of the desert environment, most significantly fighting in a terrain empty of resources and offering little chance of concealment. Paddy Griffith traces the fast-learned development in armour, artillery and infantry tactics in this exceptional arena and illustrates them with references to the major engagements in the North African theatre, which involved some of the greatest tacticians of World War II in one of the pivotal theatres.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781472800695
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication date:	01/20/2013
Series:	Elite , #162
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	64
Sales rank:	515,012
File size:	8 MB

About the Author

Paddy Griffith is a freelance military historian based in Manchester. His groundbreaking books on low-level tactics include Forward Into Battle (1981 and 1990), Battle Tactics of the Civil War (1986) and Battle Tactics of the Western Front (1994). He has also written extensively on wargames, and is currently active in the South Manchester Tactical Society and in the Battlefields Trust.

Adam Hook studied graphic design, and began his work as an illustrator in 1983. He specializes in detailed historical reconstructions, and has illustrated Osprey titles on the Aztecs, the Greeks, several 19th century American subjects, and a number of books in the Fortress series. His work features in exhibitions and publications throughout the world.
Adam Hook studied graphic design, and began his work as an illustrator in 1983. He specializes in detailed historical reconstructions, and has illustrated Osprey titles on subjects as diverse as the Aztecs, the Ancient Greeks, Roman battle tactics, 19th-century American subjects, the modern Chinese Army, and the history of fortification. His work features in exhibitions and publications throughout the world.

Table of Contents

A Harsh and Vast Arena     3
Chronology     7
The British     10
Starting concepts, 1938-41
The Italians     16
The Germans     19
The Balance of Hardware     22
From 'Brevity' and 'Battleaxe' to 'Crusader'     28
May to December 1941
From Gazala to Alamein - and Back Again     43
May to November 1942
Tunisia     49
Further Reading     55
Plate Commentaries     56
Index     64

Editorial Reviews

Overall, this was a rewarding book to read... Griffith provides a useful explanation of British and German tactics, why they developed and how they changed as a result of experience... Solid explanation of tactical doctrine in the desert, contains material useful in creating up to five scenarios.” —Bob Barnetson, Tabletop Gaming News (April 15, 2008)

“Paddy Griffith's World War II Desert Tactics explains the tactical challenges faced by Allied and Axes forces battling in North Africa's deserts. From strengths to weaknesses and special challenges on both sides, it packs in plenty of military insights on battle and strategy.” —California Bookwatch (May 2008)

“It is a book of a time when both sides were learning what worked and what didn't. A most engrossing read that I am positive you will also enjoy.” —Scott Van Aken, modelingmadness.com (March 2008)

From the Publisher