The British Army 1939-1945 (2): Middle East and Mediterranean

The North Africa campaign of 1940-43 brought the British Army its first significant land victory, as they defeated the Italians in a number of battles between 1940-41. This overwhelming success was the trigger for the Afrikakorps deployment in North Africa, and the British then suffered a reversal in fortune at the hands of Rommel's elite troops between 1941 and 1942. They rallied in 1942 to 1943, claiming decisive victories at El Alamein and in Tunisia. For the 8th Army there followed another long, costly struggle up the mountainous length of Italy in 1943-45. This second of three titles describes and illustrates in detail the tropical uniforms and equipment issued to 8th and 1st Armies.

About the Author
Martin Brayley is a military photographer whose Royal Navy service has taken him all over the world. A long-time militaria collector, he has contributed many articles to specialist magazines and is the author of 'WWII British Women's Uniforms in Colour Photographs' (1995) and 'The World War II Tommy' (1998). An expert marksman, he has represented Great Britain at international level. He lives in Hampshire with his wife and two children. Mike Chappell spent 22 years in infanty soldiering, retiring in 1974 as RSM of the 1st Bn., The Wessex Regiment (Rifle Volunteers). Since beginning to paint military subjects in 1968 Mike has gained world-wide popularity as a military illustrator, and has been a prolific artist and author for well over 20 years. He currently lives and works in Kent.