
Desert Armour
Tank Warfare in North Africa: Beda Fomm to Operation Crusader, 1940-41
Robert Forczyk(Author)
Osprey Publishing
Published on 16. February 2023
Book
Hardback
336 pages
978-1-4728-5188-8 (ISBN)
Description
Robert Forczyk covers the development of armoured warfare in North Africa from the earliest Anglo-Italian engagements in 1940 to the British victory over the German Afrikakorps in Operation Crusader in 1941.
The war in the North African desert was pure mechanized warfare, and in many respects the most technologically advanced theatre of World War II. It was also the only theatre where for three years British and Commonwealth, and later US, troops were in constant contact with Axis forces.
World War II best-selling author Robert Forczyk explores the first half of the history of the campaign, from the initial Italian offensive and the arrival of Rommel's Panzergruppe Afrika to the British Operation Crusader offensive that led to the relief of Tobruk. He examines the armoured forces, equipment, doctrine, training, logistics and operations employed by both Allied and Axis forces throughout the period, focusing especially on the brigade and regimental level of operations.
Fully illustrated throughout with photographs, profile artwork and maps, and featuring tactical-level vignettes and appendices analysing tank data, tank deliveries in-theatre and orders of battle, this book goes back to the sources to provide a new study of armoured warfare in the desert.
The war in the North African desert was pure mechanized warfare, and in many respects the most technologically advanced theatre of World War II. It was also the only theatre where for three years British and Commonwealth, and later US, troops were in constant contact with Axis forces.
World War II best-selling author Robert Forczyk explores the first half of the history of the campaign, from the initial Italian offensive and the arrival of Rommel's Panzergruppe Afrika to the British Operation Crusader offensive that led to the relief of Tobruk. He examines the armoured forces, equipment, doctrine, training, logistics and operations employed by both Allied and Axis forces throughout the period, focusing especially on the brigade and regimental level of operations.
Fully illustrated throughout with photographs, profile artwork and maps, and featuring tactical-level vignettes and appendices analysing tank data, tank deliveries in-theatre and orders of battle, this book goes back to the sources to provide a new study of armoured warfare in the desert.
Reviews / Votes
We heartily recommend this book on the early part of the desert war as a terrific addition to your library. * History of War * It's an essential read for anyone interested in armoured warfare. * Britain at War *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Illustrations
Illustrated throughout with 200 photos and artworks, as well as 15 full-colour maps.
Dimensions
Height: 251 mm
Width: 200 mm
Thickness: 27 mm
Weight
1232 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4728-5188-8 (9781472851888)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
02/2023
1st Edition
Osprey Publishing
€29.99
Available for download

E-Book
02/2023
1st Edition
Osprey Publishing
€29.99
Available for download
Person
Robert Forczyk has a PhD in International Relations and National Security from the University of Maryland and a strong background in European and Asian military history. He retired as a lieutenant colonel from the US Army Reserves having served 18 years as an armour officer in the US 2nd and 4th infantry divisions and as an intelligence officer in the 29th Infantry Division (Light). Dr Forczyk is currently a consultant in the Washington, DC area.
Content
Acknowledgements
Preface
Introduction
CHAPTER 1: Pre-war doctrinal and technological influences
CHAPTER 2: The opposing armoured forces in 1940-41
CHAPTER 3: Early armoured operations in 1940-41
CHAPTER 4: The Afrika Korps arrives
CHAPTER 5: The clash of armour
Glossary
Rank table
Appendices
Bibliography
Notes
Index
Preface
Introduction
CHAPTER 1: Pre-war doctrinal and technological influences
CHAPTER 2: The opposing armoured forces in 1940-41
CHAPTER 3: Early armoured operations in 1940-41
CHAPTER 4: The Afrika Korps arrives
CHAPTER 5: The clash of armour
Glossary
Rank table
Appendices
Bibliography
Notes
Index