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Uniforms and Insignia Main

I had to split this page up into separates as it was just WAY too long. Anyway, on these pages, you will find books about the Armies of WW2 and also those detailing the Uniforms worn by them. Some of the descriptions are not done yet, but will be eventually. Great stuff! By the way, a lot of them are Osprey books, which are a great primer for any subject! Give them a look and if you know of more books for me to add, please use the link below to let me know (and I'll try and get off my lazy butt and do it).

Please send us your input and books we should list! To suggest a book, simply email us!

Author: Steven Amodio
The Crowood Press UK

This book, Waffen-SS Uniforms: In Colour Photographs is, without a doubt, a MUST HAVE for any WWII library! Although I have seen a reviewer state that the uniforms were mostly reproductions, he is wrong, as pretty much everything in this book is real! You won't get this kind of great colour photos in any book this cheaply -- if you don't buy it, you're an idiot!

This book is a unique reference source for the uniform collector, modeller and student of military dress and equipment.For the first time the reader can trace the development of the colour and design of the Waffen-SS uniforms with confidence: all the uniforms worn in the 150 colour photographs presented here are rare, original items, from private collections. All major types of service uniform are illustrated, together with a full range of the unique camouflage clothing which was the hallmark of these much-feared divisions.Privates, NCOs, officers, infantrymen, mountain troopers, tank and assault gun crews are all vividly illustrated here as they appeared on the actual battlefield, and described in detail.

When this book came out, it was groundbreaking, and today, it is STILL a very good book.

Author: Dan Peterson
The Crowood Press UK

All the patterns used by the formidable troops of the Waffen-SS, from the first revolutionary designs of the late 1930s to little-known innovations of 1945, are explained and illustrated by means of more than 120 colour photographs of rare, original surviving specimens. The book also covers similar and derivative patterns used by German and foreign armies up to the modern day; and gives invaluable advice on the identification of original wartime uniforms. Useful for collectors, uniform historians and military modellers alike, this title aims to resolve the confusion surrounding this subject and establishes and complete and concise system of identification and terminology.

Author: Mike Chappell
Illustrator: Mike Chappell
Osprey (Men-at-Arms)

The author retired from the British Army after serving in the period when much of this materiel was in use. Mastering the adjustment of the pattern 1908 and its descendent the pattern 1937 was a feat but once the set was adjusted, its robust construction and simplicity served to keep it from so readily catching and tangling as does US equipment of the period. Even though this covers the four major sets, 1908, 1937, 1944, and 1958 in detail, the lack of as many variations as in US accoutrements and load bearing equipment (LBE) allows the major parts to be covered. By now, the LBE system of the British soldier has gone through another cycle of design to an internal design pack made of nylon cloth compared with the cotton duck and woven webbing of the predecessors.

This edition has been replaced by one which covers up to 2000 but since the book size is the same, something had to give in the later one.

Author: Chris Ellis
Ian Allan Publishing

Interest in the momentous events of World War ll seems never to decrease, despite the fact that the 1939-45 period is beyond the memory of a great number of those who now study it. The greatest fascination is almost always reserved for the arms and achievements of the country that was instrumental in starting the war and ultimately, losing it.

The emphasis of the book is on what was and is most commonly seen - for example, through contemporary newsreels, hence rarely seen or less important uniform variations are not included. A listing of key items is given in a series of appendices. This is a detailed handbook to the German army of the period, its history, its organization, its uniform and its equipment.

Author: Laurent Mirouze
The Crowood Press UK

Examines the uniforms, insignia, personal equipment and weapons of the fighting men of all major armies of World War II. Rare, original uniforms and equipment are modelled and photographed from a variety of angles. Each example is accompanied by text identifying the items illustrated.

Cutting edge when it was new--still worth having!

Author: Bruce Quarrie
Illustrator: Mike Chappell
Osprey (Men-at-Arms)

Airborne operations have often been called a vertical envelopment, and therein lies one of the best descriptions of their value. The essence of an envelopment is to pin the enemy in place so that it can be destroyed. A strong enemy force to one's rear disrupts supplies and communications and makes one more vulnerable to an attack from the front. It also has a major psychological impact. To an aggressor the value of airborne troops, used properly, far outweighs their numerical strength. Bruce Quarrie's engaging text tells the story of the German airborne troops of the Second World War.

Author: Wade Krawczyk and Peter V. Lukacs
The Crowood Press UK

This large format colour-illustrated book shows a wide range of the uniforms and personal equipment of the Waffen SS during World War II. Coverage includes peaked and soft caps, helmets and camouflage helmet covers, tunics and camouflage jackets, insignia and miscellanea such as belt buckles, shoulder straps, documentation, and so on. Amongst the rare items of equipment are named articles from SS generals and colonels.Interest in this subject remains extremely high, and the authors have traveled widely in Scandinavia and Russia photographing previously unseen collections. The photographs are accompanied by an explanatory text making this an invaluable book for military historians, modellers and collectors.

Author: Gordon Williamson
Illustrator: Stephen Andrew
Osprey (Men-at-Arms)

Each of Germany's World War II (1939-1945) armed services could claim one unit which earned a unique combat reputation, and which consequently was enlarged and developed far beyond the size originally planned. Hermann Göring, commander-in-chief of the air force, was determined that his Luftwaffe should share the glory of Germany's land conquests, and gave his name to a regimental combat group of infantry and Flak artillery. This élite unit was steadily enlarged into a brigade, then an armoured division, and finally into a two-division corps, fighting with distinction in Tunisia, Sicily, Italy, and on the Russian Front. This concise history is illustrated with rare personal photographs and eight colour plates, detailing the very varied uniforms and special insignia of this crack formation.

Author: Gordon Williamson
Illustrator: Ronald Volstad
Osprey (Elite)

Osprey's study of the German Afrikakorps of World War II (1939-1945). The campaign in North Africa between September 1940 and May 1943 holds not only an enduring fascination for postwar generations; but also a perhaps unique degree of nostalgia for some surviving participants. The campaign was no less costly in terms of human lives and material than many others; but regret at the cost is accompanied by positive memories in the minds of many veterans. This is not to suggest that the dead have been forgotten; but an almost mystical bond nevertheless exists, even between former enemies, amongst veterans of the desert campaign. Gordon Williamson examines the history, organisation and uniforms of Rommel's Afrikakorps.

Author: Cyrus A. Lee
self
SOLDAT V-B showcases a private collection to provide the collector of Großdeutschland uniforms with over 40 full color examples with historical background that include war time reference photos. German Military Collecting is a cut throat business beyond the wherewithal of most. But dreams don’t have to stay dreams nowadays as Soldat FHQ has helped knit hundreds of dreams into reality. This volume details such a collection. This volume of SOLDAT sets the hobbyist free of the bounds of size and expense of the collection. Like the SOLDAT XI series books, this volume show what can be done with replicas so the reader can be forewarned as they venture into shows, both virtual and real, as to what has been done and can be replicated. Countless replicas are sold as 100% original. Show tables and cyberspace is filled with them. Social media pages are full of “Is this real?” pages. With this volume the collector has a powerful tool that will save the cover cost with the first “fake” spotted and rejected! Combined with other SOLDAT books a formidable arsenal of knowledge is available at soldat.com.

Author: Cyrus A. Lee
Self
SOLDAT XIII-A Is a photographic showcase of a private collection featuring the Heeres Dienstanzug Modell 1936. In traditional SOLDAT format historical background complete with war time reference photos provide a complete scope of reference set in a new, easy to read large magazine format. SOLDAT XIII-A is for the collector, historian, the hyper accurate model builder; anyone looking for a single source showing a wide range of samples of a single type of WWII German Feldbluse. First of many future volumes that focus on large private collections SOLDAT XIII-A will start a new section on your military reference library bookshelf without sacrificing your collection funds! SOLDAT XIII-A-cheap, steep, & deep. The cost is cheap, the learning curve steep, and the subject scope is deep.

Author: Laurent Mirouze
Histoire and Collections

Presented here in this eighth Militaria guide are detailed color illustrations of the uniforms and equipment of combat infantrymen of WWII, displayed on live models.

Only authentic pieces from several private and public collections have been chosen for this work, and are presented on the man as they were carried on the battlefield.

Each of these 31 soldiers, Polish, Belgian, French, German, British, Italian, Russian and North American, is photographed from the front and back to reveal every detail and accompanied by detailed captions.

Author: Bruce Quarrie
Illustrator: Mike Chappell
Osprey

A "quickie" book that will give the reader a overview of Großdeutschland. Probably out of print.


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