© Edward Reeves / Lewes

We are very sorry to announce the passing of Martin Windrow, long time series editor of Osprey’s Men-at-Arms and Elite series. Martin had been actively involved with Osprey since the very earliest days of the company back in the late 1960s, and was the author of one of the first four Men-at-Arms titles to be commissioned, The French Foreign Legion, which published in 1971. Over the years, Martin wrote a further 20 books for Osprey – the last of which, The Rif War 1921–26, only published last year. He was also the author, for Weidenfeld & Nicolson and Bantam, of the critically acclaimed The Last Valley: Dien Bien Phu and the French Defeat in Vietnam (2004), Our Friends Beneath the Sands: The Foreign Legion in France’s Colonial Conquests 1870–1935 (2010) and The Owl Who Liked Sitting on Caesar (2014).

As an editor, Martin was responsible for the commissioning and editing of the bulk of the 562 titles in Osprey’s Men-at-Arms series and the 262 titles in the Elite series, however his contribution to Osprey’s development went much further. As an expert in military history and publishing and a repository of sage advice generally, his thoughtful influence was felt throughout the company. His authors benefitted from a lifetime’s experience in military publishing, whilst his encyclopaedic knowledge was an invaluable asset to every editor. His irascible wit livened up many a meeting and company social. He will be greatly missed by everyone who worked with him.

“The Last Valley was a work of outstanding scholarship that attracted the ultimate plaudit: a French officer who served at Dien Bien Phu said to Martin 'you told it how it was'. Martin went on to write a superb account of the French Foreign Legion then made the world fall in love with him when he shared the story of his life with Mumble, The Owl who liked to sit on Caesar's head. He was a consummate historian, meticulous researcher and editor and above all, a kind and humble man who is sorely missed by his many friends all over the world.”
Ian Drury, Sheil Land Associates Limited

“I started my editorial career at Osprey Books in 1993 when they were a part of Reed Books, based at Michelin House. Martin was no longer directly involved in the company but when he came in to chat to the editorial team, I could tell he was a legend. They all bowed to his knowledge and his publishing nous. There will be a great many military historians, artists and book people who mourn his passing. He was an 'Old School' publisher and we all admired and respected him.”
Iain MacGregor, Author & Publishing Director, Head of Zeus

“Martin was a fantastic editor, wise colleague and true friend. He had an encyclopaedic knowledge of military history which was coupled with a sound commercial understanding. He formed lifelong bonds with the many authors, illustrators and other editors he worked with, often cemented over lengthy lunches, and his passion and enthusiasm for his work persisted to the very end. He was an inspiration, and will be greatly missed.”
Marcus Cowper, Editorial Director, Osprey Publishing