Today on the blog we're looking at some of the artwork from the first of our 2021 titles. Let us know what you think in the comments section. If you would like to see any artwork from our February titles, be sure to mention that too!

 

CAM 358: The Balkans 1940–41 (1) by Pier Paolo Battistelli
Artwork by Adam Hook

 

 

This first image, requested by PAUL W, depicts the fight for Hill 731 in March 1941. This scene shows a group of lightly equipped Italian infantry, armed with Carcano rifles, some with bayonets attached, charging up Hill 731. An officer armed with a pistol can be seen directing their assault. They are supported by fire from another group of Italian infantry, including a pair firing a Breda M1930 light machine gun. Towards the summit of the hill, a group of Greek soldiers are launching a counter-attack against the approaching Italians. Smoke from Italian artillery strikes can be seen rising from the hillside. While the two sides fought for control of Hill 731, the Italian II Battalion, 72nd Infantry Regiment managed to break through the Greek defences and advance east, where it was all but annihilated by a Greek counter-attack.

 

CBT 53: Athenian Hoplite vs Spartan Hoplite by Murray Dahm
Artwork by Adam Hook

 

 

This image shows Brasidas attacking the Athenians. Athenian general Cleon has ordered the Athenian phalanx consisting of 1,200 hoplites to withdraw from its commanding position on Mount Pangaion. The men of the left wing have already turned to their left and withdrawn some way back towards the Athenian camp at Eion. Impatient to withdraw more quickly, Cleon has ordered both the Athenian centre and the Athenian right to withdraw as well. Both divisions have turned, exposing their unshielded right sides to the Spartans in Amphipolis. When the Athenian centre is on the road back to Eion, Brasidas chooses his moment and charges his select force out of the ‘first gate’, along the road and into the exposed right flank of the Athenian centre. Not expecting to be charged, and certainly not by so small a force, the hoplites of the Athenian centre do not have enough time to react and are without leadership.

 

NVG 290: British Battleships 1890–1905 by Angus Konstam
Artwork by Paul Wright

 

 

 

From the early 1800s, the Royal Navy’s Mediterranean Fleet was based at Valletta in Malta. Its central position in the Mediterranean gave the island great strategic importance. This, combined with the sheer power and size of Britain’s fleet, were key global assets during this period, serving to protect British interests in the region, and to safeguard British sea links with her sprawling overseas Empire. In 1899, Admiral Sir John ‘Jackie’ Fisher became the Commander-in-Chief of the Mediterranean Fleet, flying his flag in the Second Class battleship Renown. Here Renown (centre) can be seen at her mooring in Valletta Harbour, flanked to port by Formidable and to starboard by the older turret battleship Hood.