Military Model Scene

Title: American Tanks & AFVs of World War II

Author: Michael Green

Publisher: Osprey

ISBN: 978-1-4728-2978-8

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First published back in 2014, this is a new paperback edition of this book from well known author on US Armour, Michael Green.  As well as authoritative text it is well illustrated throughout with a mix of archive photos, along with many present day pictures of preserved examples, as well as plenty of the good quality colour profiles for which Osprey are so well known.  Filling 376 this is an impressive reference for anyone interested in US armoured vehicles of WW2.

The book is split up into 9 chapters.  Following the introduction, these tackle Early Medium Tanks; M4 Series Tanks; Light Tanks; Heavy Tanks; Tank Destroyers; Armored Cars; Armored Half-tracks; Self-Propelled Artillery; and Landing Vehicle Tracked.  These are rounded off by a Conclusion that summarises the story as well as a Bibliography, Glossary and Index.  Each chapter is broken down into subsections which explain the vehicle developments and subsequent specialised variants.  Just as an example, the M4 Sherman series includes the basic gun tanks as well as the uparmoured Jumbo, the Dozer tanks, flamethrower, mine exploders and the DD swimming tank.  Another nice thing is the inclusion of some of the 'dead ends', experimental tanks which never made it to full production.  Add armoured cars, the many half-track variants, open top turreted tank destroyers and self-propelled artillery.

Lots of interesting detail, including how they managed in service, while the huge numbers that were produced during the war enabled America gave a clear demonstration of the automotive building capability of the US.  Not only did the production cater for US forces, but also for both the UK and Russia as well as other nations.  Another useful book from Michael Green and one I think is well worth having on your reference bookshelf.

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Thanks to Osprey Publishing for this review copy.

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Robin