Osprey's study of reconnaisance tactics of World War II (1939-1945). Combat reconnaissance; the practice of sending small groups of soldiers ahead of the main body of forces was employed by all of the major armies in World War II. They would either creep through the landscape or speed through enemy territory in light armored vehicles or jeeps; bristling with machine guns; to report on the position and strength of the enemy.This book examines the often risky tactics and their devastating casualty rates. The equipment employed by combat reconnaissance groups during the war is investigated as are the rapid changes in tactics that resulted from operational failures; and the requirements of differing terrain and operational theaters; which saw reconnaissance forces use a range of transport from horses to boats and light tanks. Taking into account the improving radio technology available to both Axis and Allied reconnaissance forces; Gordon L Rottman provides a crucial insight into an underestimated section of the armed forces; whose work would not only save lives but noticeably affected the outcome of the war.
#2723823 in Books 2008-03-17 2008-03-17Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.46 x 1.54 x 6.40l; 2.27 #File Name: 1844670821587 pages
Review
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Definitive Work on the Peninsula War and Guerrilla WarfareBy Jack StoneThis is a superb work on the guerrilla war waged by the people of Spain against Napoleon's invading army during the Peninsula War. One cannot understand what is guerrilla warfare until they read this work and understand where the modern term "guerrilla warfare" originated from. The author conducted extensive research in finding out the detailed methods of warfare the Spanish insurgents used such as urban operations; ambushes; and attrition. The author produces many valuable estimates of French and Spanish casualties that one would have difficulty in contradicting. I found this book to be exceedingly thorough; detail oriented; and a wealth of information on the subject of guerrilla warfare and the Peninsula War. 5 stars all the way.11 of 13 people found the following review helpful. A BRILLIANT HISTORYBy Terry KellyThis masterful history of Spanish Resistance during the Peninsula War has many echoes today in Iraq and Afghanistan. Napoleon was regarded as the carrier of Enlightenment values and the French Revolution. In Spain the majority saw him as a proto-colonial conqueror. I first read the book in Spanish; but to have it now in its original language is a real treat. In Spain; the book has received a warm welcome as thew following reviews indicate:The (Spanish) myths and euphoric visions of the war give way (in this book) to an infinitely more complex reality which only the historian's patient assembly of witnesses' evidence can provide. Ronald Fraser's tenacity and acumen reconstruct a world which other specialists have barely glimpsed; concentrating instead exclusively on the statements of the great and rejecting the real experiences of Spaniards beset by the miseries of the war. In short; this is an excellent book with which to begin the new academic historiographical year. --Professor Carlos MartÃnez Shaw; El PaÃs [Babelia]; 21/10/06For the first time Ronald Fraser describes for us the ordinary people of 1808; to whom we (Spanish historians) have so often referred; and whose moods and emotions we now experience directly... These are the protagonists of this book: the people who suffered the war's hardships and who; whether they won it or lost; were considered mere cannon fodder. The work marks a fundamental milestone in the conflict's historiography. --Professor Ricardo GarcÃa Cárcel; ABC (de las artes y de las letras); 23/09/06The principal merit of this work lies in the creation of new historical sources; compiled from fragments of information; and the new data bases which; like the work of a goldsmith; permit Fraser to describe how simple people of every walk of life experienced - or rather suffered - the ravages of the war. Like Goya in The Disasters of War; Fraser has engraved in the written word the spirit and sacrifices of the popular anti-Napoleonic resistance; a precursor of the anti-fascist resistance of the (Spanish) Civil War. Professor Andreu Mayayo; El Periódico de Catalunya; 08/03/06Their English equivalents are eagerly awaited4 of 6 people found the following review helpful. A COMPELLING; BRILLIANTLY WRITTEN HISTORYBy D. WeberRonald Fraser's account of Napoleon's six year war against Spain and the resistance of the Spanish people is a path breaking history; a joy to read; and should be snapped up by readers interested in studies of the unnamed; `anonymous' men and women who suffer war; resist seemingly impossible odds; and shape history. Thorough his meticulously researched exploration of what became Napoleons Vietnam; Fraser vividly brings to life the suffering; struggles and resistance of the Spanish people. In doing so; he reconfigures historical understanding of that conflict.Fraser has long been regarded is a national treasure in Spain; recently honored at a national conference for his classic book on the Spanish civil war; The Blood of Spain;. Fraser conducted over 300 interviews with protagonists from all sides of the civil war to produce that book which stunningly captured the feel of the war and; as Studs Terkel pointed out; "is as close to the truth as we'll ever get." My own historical interest is in the Americas; yet Fraser has long inspired me in his work with oral history. He continues to do so with this compelling history of resistance in the Peninsular War. Napoleon's Curse has been rightfully acclaimed in Spain as a "superb complement' to his earlier work. This is a lyrically written book by a master historian.
