World War II Combat Reconnaissance Tactics (E.#156)

Like so many aspects of battle, 'reconnaissance' is a familiar term, but few civilians have any idea how it is actually done or what it involves. In human terms, 'combat reconnaissance' means the first soldiers to go forward ahead of the main body of forces - either creeping through the landscape or, for larger units, actually driving forward into the unknown in fast, light armoured vehicles and jeeps festooned with machine-guns - until they run into the enemy. When they do they have to try to report his strength and position, without getting killed by the first burst of fire. Somebody has to do this at the start of every single action of any war - whether it's a handful of men crawling, or a column of armoured cars racing. This book explains how the major armies did it in World War II, with what equipment used and in which ways. "Gordon L. Rottman's "World War II Combat Reconaissance Tactics" is essential for any collection strong in World War II battles and strategy, narrowing the focus to reconaissance units and analyzing their procedures. Vintage wartime photos accent the experiences." -"The California Bookwatch" (January 2008)

."..this is superbly written by the author G. Rottman and along with excellent period images and the artwork and maps of illustrator P. Dennis, makes this a book that is not only easy to follow, but one that adds much to ones knowledge of the subject. Another excellent Osprey book that I know you will enjoy reading." -Scott Van Aken, "modelingmadness.com "(September 2007)