Some basics: 48 pages, includes colour plates, photographs, tables, index, and the rest; author is William E. Hiestand and the book is illustrated by Felipe Rodríguez.
From the publisher, in part: Using detailed illustrations of the tanks involved with an analysis of the tactics employed for battle, this is a focused examination of the tank forces that won the Second Battle of El Alamein - the most famous British Army victory of World War II, and one of the turning points of the war.
Contents include the following:
INTRODUCTION
- Armoured force evolution, organization and doctrine
- October 1942: The Eighth Army Order of Battle
TECHNICAL FACTORS
- Cruisers and Crusaders
- Stuarts, Grants and Shermans
- Infantry support tanks
THE CAMPAIGN
- The assault: 23rd October 1942
- Reset and 'dog fight'
- Operation Supercharge
ASSESSMENT AND IMPLICATIONS
FURTHER READING
INDEX
Review: A very easy read at 48 pages, the blurb that this is "a focused examination of..." is spot on. I liked the way the book did focus on the Allied tanks at El Alamein, not wonder off down any rabbit holes, like tank v. tank battles. The author kept it to the title well, and is supported by some great colour plates, see below.
The text is not overly technical, it conveys sufficient detail to give you an idea, in an impartial way, of the capabilities of the subject vehicle mentioned and where that vehicle fitted in to the overall scheme of the battle. Also, each tank gets the same amount of attention, which, whilst brief, conveys the vitals.
Easily recommended to Allied armour buffs with a particular focus on the desert campaign.
My thanks to Osprey for the review sample.
Modelling fodder
perfect for that AFV Club kit in the stash...
Table of numbers... breakdown by battle.
