Despite all technological advances, final mastery of any battlefield depends upon the tight-knit group of footsoldiers trained to manoeuvre, shoot and dig in. This first of a two-part study examines the methods by which the Western infantry of World War II - the German, British and US armies - actually brought their firepower to bear. Drawing upon period training manuals for the evolving theory, and on personal memoirs for the individual practice, this first book covers the organization and tactics of the squad of ten or a dozen men, and the platoon of three or four squads. The text is illustrated with contemporary photographs and diagrams, and with colour plates bringing to life the movement of soldiers on the battlefield.

Author Biography

Dr Stephen Bull is the Curator of the Museum of Lancashire in Preston, which incorporates the collections of several local regiments. For several years from 1984 he worked at the National Army Museum. He has written numerous articles including a number on the weapons and tactics of World War I. He has previously written for Osprey a two-part study of World War I trench warfare tactics. Mike Chappell enlisted as a teenage private in the Royal Hampshire Regiment in 1952. He began painting military subjects in 1968 and since then has gained worldwide popularity as a military illustrator. Brian Delf began his career working in a London art studio producing artwork for advertising and commercial publications. Since 1972, he has worked as a freelance illustrator on a variety of subjects.