World War II Combat Reconnaissance Tactics

World War II Combat Reconnaissance Tactics cover

World War II Combat Reconnaissance Tactics

Quantity
In stock
$14.70 RRP $21.00 Website price saving $6.30 (30%)

Save 30% off this title as part of our 2024 Holiday Sale. Sale ends midnight, 8th December 2024.

Description

Osprey's study of reconnaisance tactics of World War II (1939-1945). Combat reconnaissance, the practice of sending small groups of soldiers ahead of the main body of forces was employed by all of the major armies in World War II. They would either creep through the landscape or speed through enemy territory in light armored vehicles or jeeps, bristling with machine guns, to report on the position and strength of the enemy.

This book examines the often risky tactics and their devastating casualty rates. The equipment employed by combat reconnaissance groups during the war is investigated as are the rapid changes in tactics that resulted from operational failures, and the requirements of differing terrain and operational theaters, which saw reconnaissance forces use a range of transport from horses to boats and light tanks. Taking into account the improving radio technology available to both Axis and Allied reconnaissance forces, Gordon L Rottman provides a crucial insight into an underestimated section of the armed forces, whose work would not only save lives but noticeably affected the outcome of the war.

Table of Contents

'NOT A STEP WITHOUT RECONNAISSANCE ': The purposes and means of reconnaissance; The shortcomings of maps and photographs; The time factor·RECONNAISSANCE MISSIONS:
Information collection and assessment; Patrol tasks (point reconnaissance; area reconnaissance; route reconnaissance; defensive patrolling; outposts and out-guards; other types of patrol)·DIVISIONAL RECONNAISSANCE UNITS: Capabilities and missions; Unit organization·MOBILITY: Foot movement;Snow; Water obstacles; Horses; Bicycles; Motorcycles; Light trucks and cars; Armoured vehicles·WEAPONS AND EQUIPMENT: Weapons (the weight/firepower balance);
Compasses; Binoculars; Maps; Clothing and camouflage;Communications (AM radios; FM radios; field telephones; panels; smoke and pyrotechnics)·TACTICS AND TECHNIQUES: Composition of patrols; The rifle squad;
Stealth vs firepower·NATIONAL COMPARISONS: United States; Great Britain; Soviet Union; Germany; Japan·FURTHER READING·PLATE COMMENTARIES· INDEX

Product details

Published Sep 18 2007
Format Paperback
Edition 1st
Extent 64
ISBN 9781846031373
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations 50 b/w; 8 col
Dimensions 10 x 7 inches
Series Elite
Short code ELI 156
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Gordon L. Rottman

Gordon L. Rottman entered the US Army in 1967, vol…

Illustrator

Peter Dennis

Peter Dennis was inspired by contemporary magazine…

Resources

Discover More

Visit our exclusive member's website to see artwork, maps, and more from this book.

Resources

Book Vote

Tell us what titles you would like to see published by Osprey, then vote for your favourites in our monthly book vote!

Related Titles

Sign up for Osprey membership for access to thousands of plane profiles, maps, battle scenes and more. Plus up to 30% off website purchases

Free US delivery on orders $35 or over