World War II Desert Tactics

Osprey's study of desert tactics employed in North Africa during World War II (1939-1945). In 1940-43 North Africa saw the first major desert campaign by modern mechanized armies. The British, Italians, German Afrika Korps and US Army all addressed and learned from the special problems - human, logistical, mechanical and tactical - of the desert environment, most significantly a terrain empty of resources and offering little chance of concealment. Paddy Griffith traces the fast-learning development of armor, artillery and infantry tactics in this exceptional situation and illustrates it using references to the major engagements in the North African theater, which involved some of the greatest tacticians of World War II in one of the pivotal arenas.

Fiche Technique

• ISBN-13: 9781472800695
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing, Limited
• Publication date: 19/02/2013
• Sold by: Barnes & Noble
• Author : Paddy Griffith

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"Paddy Griffith's World War II Desert Tactics explains the tactical challenges faced by Allied and Axes forces battling in North Africa's deserts. From strengths to weaknesses and special challenges on both sides, it packs in plenty of military insights on battle and strategy." -California Bookwatch (May 2008)

"Overall, this was a rewarding book to read... Griffith provides a useful explanation of British and German tactics, why they developed and how they changed as a result of experience... Solid explanation of tactical doctrine in the desert, contains material useful in creating up to five scenarios." -Bob Barnetson, Tabletop Gaming News (April 15, 2008)

"It is a book of a time when both sides were learning what worked and what didn't. A most engrossing read that I am positive you will also enjoy." -Scott Van Aken, modelingmadness.com (March 2008).

Meet the Author

Paddy Griffith is a freelance military historian based in Manchester. His groundbreaking books on low-level tactics include Forward Into Battle (1981 and 1990), Battle Tactics of the Civil War (1986) and Battle Tactics of the Western Front (1994). He has also written extensively on wargames, and is currently active in the South Manchester Tactical Society and in the Battlefields Trust. The author lives in Manchester, UK.