NAPOLEONIC WARGAMING by Charles Grant. (8 1/2" x 6 1/4"; 160 pages; numerous photographs many in colour. Model and Allied Publications Ltd. £ 3.00p).
The author, Charles Grant was wargaming a generation before I had even started and I have had some interesting wargames (and arguments) with him in the past! His wargaming and his rules were tempered by a strong character that brooked little dissent -- a feature which comes out in his writing. But Charlie Grant knows his military history so one cannot really argue with that! This book ably explains wargaming in the Napoleonic period and is strongly recommended to those wargamers who did not read it when it ran as a series in a monthly magazine. But this book is greatly enhanced by the brilliant photography which does full justice to the beautiful models and terrain of Peter Gilder.
The coloured photographs are brilliant and, shown to a non-wargamer, could well stimulate him enough to take up the hobby! Perhaps a little bit expensive (but the colour has to be paid for) this book is a very worthy addition to the fast growing library of literature on our hobby.
EISENHOWER AS MILITARY COMMANDER by E.K.G.Sixsmith. (9 x 6"; 248 pages; 35 photographs; 11 maps. (Batsford £ 3.50P).
I apologise to the author and publishers for such a late review of this very fine book. A colleague asked to be allowed to review it and then, after some eight months, returned it without the review, pleading lack of time! However, as I was one of the British soldiers who served under Eisenhower's command, I imagine I should really be doing the reviewing!
Of course, soldiers of one country serving under a commander of another nationality will never really see him in his true light and we were no exception, being lost in our admiration of Genera2s Alexander end Montgomery. But the light of passing time shows that Eisenhower, perhaps more then a soldier, was a co-ordinator who, in an unparalleled fashion, managed to handle the many diverse temperaments and personalities under his command until final victory was achieved. This book tells in a most detailed and highly readable manner how this was achieved and is strongly recommended to the wargamer who wishes to have a fuller understanding of the backgrounds to the fighting of World War II.
FORMATION BADGES OF WORLD WAR II - Britain, Commonwealth and Empire by Howard Cole. (10" x 6 1/2" ; 192 pages; over 500 drawings Plus 30 badges in colour. Arms and Armour Press - £ 3.60p).
As the author says in his foreword "the practice of wearing formation signs is now firmly established, both in war and peace; there is no doubt that the formation badges, particularly those of both World Wars, have their undisputed place in our military history and will always be remembered by those who wore them during its making ... in hoc signo vinces (in this sign shalt thou conquer)"
The old soldier will find this book full of nostalgia as he browses over well remembered formation signs and badges - I was proud to see my own Brigade on page 126. Easy the most comprehensive record ever published of British and Commonwealth formation badges of World War II, this should become the standard reference work on a subject of great interest to many military collectors. If wargamers want to mark their vehicles accurately then it is all in these pages!
THE BRITISH ARMY IN THE AMERICA14 REVOLUTION by Alan Kemp. (8 1/2" x 6 3/4"; 72 pages; 133 line drawings; 8 colour pages plus contemporary prints. Almark Publishing Co., case-bound £ 2.25P: paperback £ 1.50P).
It is hoped that the coming bi-centenary of the American Revolution will stimulate wargamers to embark upon this highly suitable period of military history. Books such as this and the same author's AMERICAN SOLDIERS OF THE REVOLUTION will make their task immeasurably easier. This was a war of small numbers fought on compact battlefields that make them absolutely tailor-made for the wargames table. I suggest you buy the two books by this author and, if only with Airfix plasticss get cracking on this "fashionable" war.
GERMAN ANTI-TANK GUNS 1939-1945 by T.J.Gander. (5Z" x 81"; 64 pages; 95 photographs; 23 line drawings. Almark Publishing Co., - case-bound £ 1.75P; paperback 95P)
The first in their new "Weapons Series" this book gives a comprehensive coverage of the numerous types of anti-tank guns in service with the Wehrmacht in World War II. Each weapon is illustrated with photographs and its salient features are described. Standard guns, captured equipment in German service are listed and the most important guns are illustrated with scale drawings of value to the modeller. Date tables and a list of main experimental models are given in the appendices. A very cheap and practical book that will be of immense value to the World War II wargamer.
HITLER YOUTH History Organisation, Uniforms and Insignia by F.J.Stephens. (8 1/2" x 6 1/4", 88 pages; 106 photographs and 43 colour illustrations. Almark Publishing Co. - casebound £ 2.25P: paperback £ 1.50P).
I have an inbuilt aversion towards anything to do with the Nazis so that I am afraid I cannot justifiably review this well presented and competent history of what seems to me to be an odious organisation. Perhaps there is some value in learning about the activities of these misguided youths although I cannot see that the wargamer will gain much from reading it. Nevertheless, it is well researched, well presented and attractive book for those of us who find interest in the Germany of this period.
TIGER I IN ACTION by Uwe Feist and Norm. E. Harms.
B-17 IN ACTION by Steve Birdsall.
Both published by Squadron/Signal Publications and sold at $3-95 (in America) from 3515 East Ten Mile Road, Warren# Michigan 48091, U.S.A., these are the usual beautifully produced, highly informative booklets packed with brilliant photographs, invariably new to me.
The booklet on the Tiger tank I found of the greatest interest, showing its evolution and early activities. It makes me wonder how we ever managed to have any success with out Shermans and Churchills against these tanks, Panthers and the like!
My only knowledge of the B-17 bomber comes from films starring James Stewart, Clark Cable, Gregory Peck and others but, as a man who feels giddy when he stands on a chair, I have nothing but respect and admiration for those men who took into action these seemingly gigantic aircraft. Now of course they look old fashioned and are of course wildly out of date. But in their day they were really something and did a great job.
I have been asked by the Henry Regnery Company of 114 West Illinois Street, Chicago, Illinois 60610, USA., to mention that my book WARGAMES THROUGH THE AGES is now being published in America and that it can be bought in any book store or direct from the publisher in that country.
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© Copyright 1974 by Donald Featherstone.
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