New Releases by Chris McNab

The submachine gun (SMG) came to be the embodiment of the Soviet fighting spirit during World War II. From 1943 the Red Army''s preference for close-quarters combat resulted in entire infantry units being equipped with nothing but SMGs. By deploying multiple SMG-armed companies and battalions, the Red Army was able to develop ferocious firepower in urban warfare and position assaults, the soldiers keeping within the SMG''s effective range of about 150m to nullify the German skills in armoured and manoeuvre warfare, artillery support and aerial bombardment. Featuring expert analysis and an array of specially commissioned full-colour artwork, this engaging study explains the history, use and development of Soviet wartime SMGs in detail. It gives particular focus to the tactical applications of these weapons in combat, and how they compared to firearms wielded by their German opponents. With numerous first-hand combat accounts, and detailed technical explanations, this book is ideal for both the general reader and the firearms enthusiast.

Our history has been shaped and changed by weapons: the smallest advances in weapons development have helped to build and overthrow empires, changed the course of civilization, driven modern technology, and won wars. For thousands of years, individual pieces of weaponry have come to symbolize struggles and nations, from the Roman gladius to the English longbow, and from the flintlock musket through to the AK47. This book reveals the weapons that had the greatest impact on our history, explaining how and why they came to prominence, and uncovers the lasting effect they had on the world.

This book charts the turbulent history of the Luftwaffe from its secret origins in direct defiance of the Versailles Treaty, through its dominance in the early days of World War II to its ultimate destruction over a ravaged Berlin. As well as providing a comprehensive study of the Luftwaffe''s history and combat experience in every theatre of the war, Chris McNab also gives a fascinating insight into the human and material aspects of this unique organization. The aces and aircrews who flew mission after mission without respite are examined, and their planes, from the renowned Bf 109, Fw 190 and He 111 to the less well known variants, are looked at in detail alongside studies of their uniforms, equipment and tactics. Drawing from Osprey''s famous aviation artwork and more than 150 photos, this book conveys all the drama of the Luftwaffe''s existence, from bombing raids over London to jet fighter dogfights over Berlin, bringing the story of the Luftwaffe to life.

Hitler''s ''West Wall'' was one of the greatest engineering projects of the 1930s. Stretching more than 390 miles and containing some 14,000 pillboxes it was a significant statement of intent. But it was only as World War II progressed that Germany''s defensive requirements expanded beyond all previous expectations. Along the Atlantic coastline Germany poured millions of tonnes of concrete into chain batteries, bunkers and minefields, whilst defensive works were sunk into the mountainous terrain of Italy in an attempt to halt the advancing Allies. As well as these large-scale defensive works, Hitler''s Fortresses delves into the principles and engineering of basic frontline defences, showing how the average German soldiers prepared their fox-holes and field fortifications, as well as exploring special purpose fortifications like the huge U-boat pens, V-weapon sites and Hitler''s own personal constructions, from his sprawling headquarters to his mountain-top lair. This exhaustive study of German wartime fortifications reveals much about the strategic and tactical thinking of the German High Command, and combat accounts explore how effective the defences were in practice. Illustrated throughout with contemporary photographs, cutaway diagrams, artworks and maps, this edition shows exactly how key types of defensive positions looked and functioned, and provides an authoritative record of the Third Reich''s defensive mindset.

Covers everything you need to know about administering urgent medical attention in situations where there is no prospect of immediate professional help. With tips on avoiding injury and being rescued, Survival First Aid ensures that you will be prepared for almost any medical emergency.

Twice a year, 150 anxious recruits gather at SAS headquarters in the UK, their minds focused on one objective: to become soldiers in one of the world’s most elite regiments after nearly four months of the toughest military selection process in the world. This is an illustrated guide to the process of becoming one of the world’s best soldiers.

Hitler''s Elite: The SS 1939–45 tells the complete story of the SS at individual, unit and organizational levels. Following an explanation of the SS'' complex political and social origins, and its growth within the Nazi empire, it goes on to look at both its war record and its wider role in Heinrich Himmler''s implementation of Hitler''s vision for the Third Reich. As well as providing a combat history of the Waffen-SS from 1939 to 1945, it also explores themes such as ideology, recruitment, foreign SS personnel, training and equipment. The book''s textual history is brought to life with more than 200 photographs and colour artworks from Osprey''s series titles. As a companion volume to Hitler''s Armies and Hitler''s Eagles, this book gives a detailed and highly visual insight into one of Hitler''s most powerful instruments of policy.

America''s Elites takes the reader through some of the most dramatic special forces operations in US history, from sniping British commanders during the Revolutionary War to Riverine incursions in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam, and from demolition missions on D-Day to the SEAL assault on Osama bin Laden''s compound in 2011. Training and selection procedures are explained in detail, and the book also describes some of the technologies that have separated regular soldiers from their Special Forces counterparts. Illustrated throughout with striking photography and artworks, America''s Elites forms the most comprehensive and visually impressive single-volume guide to US Special Forces available.

This book explores the origins, development, combat use and lasting influence of Nazi Germany''s automatic rifles, focusing on the Gew 41(W), Gew 43/Kar 43, FG 42 and MP 43/StG 44. The Blitzkrieg campaigns of 1939–40 convinced many observers that most infantry combat took place at closer ranges than the 750–1,000m. From 1941 Germany''s arms designers took note and produced a new series of infantry firearms. This study not only provides a detailed technical description of each weapon, but also explores how the firearms performed on the battlefields of World War II. The combat takes us from the FG 42 in the hands of Fallschirmjäger at Monte Cassino through to StG 44s being used by Waffen-SS soldiers on both the Eastern and Western Fronts. Postwar service is also studied, such as the Gew 43''s adoption by the Czech Army and the StG 44''s use by the Viet Cong in the Vietnam War. Setting each firearm in its tactical and historical context, and employing striking photographs and full-colour artwork, firearms expert Chris McNab sets out the absorbing story of this distinctive and influential series of weapons.

The Battle of Verdun was one of the bloodiest engagements of the First World War, resulting in 698,000 deaths, 70,000 for each of the 10 months of battle. The French Army in the area were decimated and it is often most tragically remembered as the battle in which the French were ‘bled white’.A potent symbol of French resistance, the fortress town of Verdun was one that the French Army was loath to relinquish easily. It was partly for this reason that the German commander chose to launch a major offensive here, where he could dent French national pride and military morale. His attack commenced on 21 February, using shock troops and flamethrowers to clear the French trenches. Starting with the capture of Fort Douamont, by June 1916 the Germans were pressing on the city itself, exhausting their reserves.The French continued to fight valiantly, despite heavy losses and eventually rolled back German forces from the city. In the end it was a battle that saw much loss of life for little gain on either side.

In early May 1940, the fortress of Eben Emael was a potent sentinel over the Belgian–Dutch borderlands. The fortress covered 75 hectares on the surface, had 5km of tunnels underground and was studded with bunkers, gun turrets and casemates. Add a garrison of 1,200 men and the natural protection of 60m-high canal walls, and Eben Emael gave the impression of near-impregnability. Yet on 10 May just 78 elite airborne soldiers managed to defeat this fortress in an operation of unprecedented tactical skill. Deployed by glider onto the very top of the fortifications, they utilized elite training, fast movement and specialist explosives to destroy many of the gun positions and trap much of the garrison within the fortress. Simultaneously, three other assault detachments conducted high-risk glider operations to capture critical bridges over the Albert Canal. By the end of 11 May, following the arrival of German infantry reinforcements, Eben Emael was in German hands. This Eben Emael RAID title tells the complete, fascinating story of this unique action.

"This book describes the fighting techniques of the armies of East Asia, from the age of the Mongol expansion in the thirteenth century to the Anglo-Chinese Opium Wars of the mid-nineteenth century. The book explores the tactics and strategy required to win battles with the technology available, and illustrates how the development of such weapons changed the way battles were fought"--Publishers description.

At the beginning of World War II, the Luftwaffe was the world''s most advanced air force. With superior tactics, aircraft and training, it cut through opposition air forces. Despite this auspicious beginning, by 1945 the Luftwaffe was a dying force. The Allies were destroying German aircraft at unequal rates, and Luftwaffe aviators were dying in their thousands in an unbalanced battle to save Germany from destruction. Hitler''s Eagles charts the turbulent history of the Luftwaffe from its earliest days to its downfall. Once Hitler was in power, the Luftwaffe came out of the shadows and expanded under a massive rearmament programme, then embarked upon the war that would define its existence. As well as providing a detailed history of the Luftwaffe''s combat experience, the book expands on its human and material aspects. Aces and commanders are profiled and aircraft are described both technologically and tactically. The book conveys all the drama of the Luftwaffe''s existence with Osprey''s famous aviation artwork bringing the story incomparably to life.

With more than 300 easy-to-follow artworks and handy pull-out lists of key information, SAS And Elite Forces Guide: Preparing To Survive is the definitive long term survival guide for when help isn’t on its way. If disaster strikes, you’ll be ready.

A History of the World in 100 Weapons tells the stories of the hundred definitive weapons whose effects have been the most revolutionary, changing the way war is waged and the very world we live in. From the gladius of ancient Rome to the AK-47, all one hundred are revealed in an array of sumptuous colour photographs and contemporary images. Compiled with the assistance of some of the leading military historians, this volume reveals not only the weapon itself but who wielded it and where, clearly explaining the blow-by-blow advance of military technology and expertise across the ages.

With the MG 34, the German Wehrmacht introduced an entirely new concept in automatic firepower – the general-purpose machine gun (GPMG). In itself the MG 34 was an excellent weapon: an air-cooled, recoil-operated machine gun that could deliver killing firepower at ranges of more than 1,000m. Yet simply by changing its mount and feed mechanism, the operator could radically transform its function. On its standard bipod it was a light machine gun, ideal for infantry assaults; on a tripod it could serve as a sustained-fire medium machine gun. During World War II, the MG 34 was superseded by a new GPMG – the MG 42. More efficient to manufacture and more robust, it had a blistering 1,200rpm rate of fire. Nicknamed ''Hitler''s buzzsaw'' by Allied troops, it was arguably the finest all-round GPMG ever produced, and alongside the MG 34 it inflicted heavy casualties. Featuring specially commissioned full-colour artwork and drawing upon numerous technical manuals and first-hand accounts, this study explores the technological development, varied roles and lasting influence of the revolutionary MG 34 and MG 42 machine guns and their postwar successors.

Cambrai 1917 was the battle that sowed the seeds of future combined-arms tank and infantry warfare, while remaining a battle of singular drama in its own right. If you truly want to understand what happened and why – read Battle Story. Detailed profiles explore the background of the generals of the two opposing forces, as well as what made up the average German and British soldier. First-person, contemporary sources bring the reader into the world of the Battle of Cambrai and show what it was like to be in the thick of battle. Detailed maps highlight key points in the battle and the surrounding area. Photographs place you on the front line of the unfolding action. Orders of battle reveal the composition of the two opposing forces'' army in detail. Packed with fact boxes, this short introduction is the perfect way to explore this important battle.

The Uzi submachine gun is one of the most recognizable weapons in history. Its familiarity stems in part from the sheer diversity of its users. Uzis have been seen being wielded and fired by US Secret Service agents and SWAT teams, Israeli soldiers, European special-forces, as well as criminals and terrorists the world over. The reasons they use the Uzi are simple – it provides devastating close-range firepower in a reliable, highly compact weapon. Weapon: The Uzi Submachine Gun tells the story of this unique weapon. It not only explores the gun''s technical development and specifications, but also describes the and analyzes Uzi''s combat use in a wide range of contexts, from Israeli soldiers battling on the Golan Heights in 1967, through to modern pirates operating off the coast of Somalia. This book presents the facts and challenges the myths surrounding this remarkable weapon.

The illustrated history of Hitler''s land forces – from the Panzer crewman on the Eastern Front to the infantryman in Normandy and the last ditch defence units of Waffen-SS and Hitler Youth. Hitler''s Armies is the definitive work on Hitler''s war machine charting its evolution from the formidable force which won stunning victories during the Blitzkrieg in 1940, to the hard campaigns it fought in the deserts of North Africa and the frozen wastelands of the Soviet Union to the eventual retreat to the Fatherland itself. Drawing upon Osprey Publishing''s unique archive, this volume expertly weaves together the story of the development and deployment of Hitler''s armies displayed alongside a stunning collection of original artwork and photographs to show the kit and equipment of the various land forces.

A Simon & Schuster eBook. Simon & Schuster has a great book for every reader.

Surveys the training, tools, and strategies of Native American warriors from both large and remote tribes, examining their equipment, disparate combat techniques, and influence on European and American technology.

Almost every movie of a police shootout includes the following depiction of violence: good guy shoots bad guy; bad guy instantly drops dead. But the reality is that when someone is hit by a bullet, or even several bullets, this rarely happens. What does happen when someone is shot? How effective is the use of hand guns? Why are so many shots fired at a shootout? Why don''t officers shoot a gun out of an assailant''s hands, or shoot him in the leg instead of killing him? What is it really like for an officer to pull his gun and fire? In this book, Chris McNab, author of Tools of Violence and The Special Forces Survival Guide, analyzes the use of lethal force in the control of crime in the United States from the Civil War to the present day. Covering incidents from the shooting of Bonnie and Clyde to the Waco Seige, and the actions of gunmen from “Wild Bill” Hickok to modern SWAT teams, he answers these questions and examines the history of armed response and those who in enforcing law face making life and death choices in a few, traumatic seconds.

"The Napoleonic Wars saw almost two decades of brutal fighting, from the frozen wastelands of Russia to the wilderness of the Peninsula, and from Egypt to the bloody battlefield of Waterloo. In the almost two decades of battle, Napoleon led his Grande Armee and his allies against a varying coalition of nations. This book provides a comprehensive guide to all the major armies of the Napoleonic Wars - France, Britain, Austria, Prussia, Russia, Spain, and Portugal - as well as many of the minor powers. The changes in the armies over the period, the organization, the infantry, cavalry, and artillery are all covered, along with illustrations of the often glorious uniforms worn into battle." --Book Jacket.

Naval.

World War II Data Book: The Third Reich 1933-1945 examines the Third Reich, from its population changes to its organisational structures, building into a detailed compendium of information. This book will be an essential reference guide for anyone interested in the history or demographics of the Third Reich.

Broken down by the key constituent parts of the SS, such as the police, concentration camps, security services, Waffen-SS, slave labor, Einsatzgruppen and so forth, the book includes exhaustive reference tables, diagrams, maps and charts, presenting all the core subject information in easy-to-follow formats.

Fighting Techniques of the Oriental World describes how armies fought in the Far East, from the time of the Mongols to the Anglo-Chinese Opium Wars of the 19th century. Divided into five sections, the book examines the foot soldiers, mounted soldiers, generalship, siege and naval warfare, with maps illustrating key battles of the era.

The tools of lethal force have always attracted controversy and fascination. In the modern media age, however, they are also surrounded by confusion and misunderstanding. McNab and Keeter cut through mythology and misinformation and comprehensively lay out the facts, often revealing startling gaps in our everyday knowledge. Tools of Violence unravels the myths of modern weaponry. Not only explaining how a weapon system works, the authors explore how it is applied by soldiers, police or civilians under pressure, what happens when innocents get in the way, its effect on the human body or physical structures, its political controversies, and its place in international law. Judgments are backed up by interviews with those directly engaged with weapons technology, including frontline soldiers, police officers, academics, weapons specialists and defense analysts. Accessible and absorbing, Tools of Violence is essential reading for those wanting to understand the weapons technology of today and how and why it is used. CONTENTS Introduction; Hand-Held War - Small Arms; Perfect Destruction - Explosives; Mechanized Muscle - Battlefield Armor; Death from a Distance - Artillery: Power from Above - Military Aviation; Firepower at Sea - Naval Weapon Systems; Shadow Threat - Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Weapons / WMD

"In addition to a detailed historical overview of firearms from the medieval period to the present day, the book also contains 350 entries on individual guns. Each entry explains the history of the firearm, plus a full specification."--Front flap of dustjacket