Capbadges Of The British Army 1939 1945

The regiments of the British Army have always set great store by their cap-badges which, in miniature, encapsulated the history and traditions of the units that wore them. They were worn with pride by the County Regiments (which formed the bulk of the infantry) throughout the two world wars. While of relatively recent origin, the cap-badge absorbed a far older territorial allegiance, which can almost be traced back to tribal loyalty before the Norman Conquest and which has been reinforced down the ages. This book presents the reader with a comprehensive collection of capbadges through the years of the Second World War. Every cap-badge is clearly illustrated with pictures from the author's own private collection of badges and comes complete with written descriptions. The fascinating histories behind the conjoining of the various units are also included. A regimental index makes it simple to find specific badges quickly. Cap-badges of the British Army 1939–45 successfully removes the confusion surrounding the wearing of cap-badges by British Army formations during the Second World War whilst enabling people to access this information in complete form for the first time. Essential reading for those with a personal or professional interest in the Second World War.

The fascination with the British involvement in the First World War extends to all aspects of the conflict. The battles and their outcomes; the armies and their leaders; the conditions of trench warfare; and the controversies form part of the growing literature examining every aspect of a war that was to cast a shadow over the rest of the twentieth century, the effects of which are still being felt today. For the British army, the cap badge is the most easily identifiable form of insignia. It represents a distillation of the pride of the regiment, its various battle honors and symbols borne proudly on the metallic emblem that was worn on all headdress, even within the trenches. Identification of the cap badge on old photographs is a first, important step in unraveling the military service of an individual. Cap badges have been collected avidly since they were first thought of in the nineteenth century. Cap-badge collecting is as popular now as it has ever been; yet with a growing number of fakes and forgeries, there is a need for a book that illustrates clearly the main types, and allows the collector and family historian alike to understand their meaning. Surprisingly, there are no real comprehensive web-based resources; and the available books (many of which are out of print), are often dull, arcane and poorly illustrated with grey, muddy images of otherwise spectacular badges. This book illustrates, for the first time in full color and high quality, images of the main types of badges used by the British Army in World War I. In addition, contemporary illustrations of the soldiers themselves wearing the badges, and the wider importance of their symbolism, is also included. Employing the skills of an established writer (and collector) and artist, it provides a unique reference guide for all people interested in the World War I.

In their companion volume to British Army Cap Badges of the First World War, authors Peter Doyle and Chris Foster present an overview of the main cap badges worn by the British Army during the Second World War, which continued the rich and varied tradition of British regimental insignia. This book describes and illustrates, for the first time in high quality full colour, the main types of cap badge worn. With many amalgamations, war-raised units and special forces, British military insignia from the period have a surprising range that differs substantially from that worn by the soldiers of the previous generation. As in the first book, this volume contains contemporary illustrations of the soldiers themselves wearing the badges. Employing the skills of an established writer (and collector) and artist, it provides a unique reference guide for anyone interested in the British Army of the period.

To encapsulate the British Army in one book is no easy task, but here, George Forty presents it as it was during the Second World War. When war was declared in 1939, the British Army was very much the 'Cinderella' of the three armed services, with a total strength of around 865,000 men. However, just four years later when the Allies invaded north-west Europe, the British Army had grown into a powerful, well-organised and well-equipped fighting force of 3 million men and women. George Forty presents a comprehensive overview of the British Army during this important time. He includes full details of mobilisation and training, higher organisation and arms of the service; divisional organisations and non-divisional units; HQs and Staff; the combat arms and the services; the individual soldier, his weapons and equipment; tactics; vehicle markings and camouflage; the Auxiliary Territorial Service and other Women's Corps. Fully illustrated with an unusual collection of photographs and line illustrations, this is an indispensable reference guide for anyone interested in this fascinating period of British history.

Offers a balanced portrait of the British Army during WWII, and gives full details on mobilization and training, higher organization and arms of the service, divisional organization, the combat arms and the services, weapons and equipment used by soldiers, and the ATS and women's corps. Includes bandw photos on every page, plus appendices. Of interest to professional historians and military enthusiasts. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR