An authoritative guide to the French 2e Division Blindée's armor camouflage and markings during training and combat operations in N.W. Europe, 1943-45. Includes Armored Jeeps, M8 Armored Car, M20 Utility Car, Half-tracks, M3 & M5 Light Tanks, M8 HMC, M4 Medium Tank, M7 HMC, M10 GMC, M31/M32 Tank Recovery Vehicle. Contains: 64 pages, 112 b/w photos, 5 Tables of Organization and Equipment, 2 tables of unique tactical markings, 20 full-color plates of artwork.

An illustrated guide to the markings used on WWII Era U.S. Army tanks, lorries and Jeeps—an invaluable reference for historians, modelers and collectors. The markings of a 1944 U.S. Army Jeep are an iconic image of American military and the Second World War. But few people know what the distinctive white letters, numbers and symbols actually mean. This uniquely detailed guide explains how these and other markings were integral to organizing the U.S. Army on the move. U.S. Army Vehicle Markings 1944 covers all the markings used on American military vehicles to denote their unit and classification. It also covers tactical markings and the debarkation codes used in the Normandy landings. Hundreds of contemporary photographs are paired with precise color diagrams to show exactly how markings appeared on vehicles, including the exact measurements. The volume explains all the variations in the use of these markings and includes a chapter on the varieties of camouflage used on vehicles.

During the inter war period, the British army decided upon two tank designs: the Infantry Tank, which featured thick armor and slow speed to attack defensive positions, and the Cruiser Tank, with thin armor and fast speed to exploit any breakthrough. The Infantry Tank would equip an Army Tank Brigade and the Cruisers would equip the Armored Brigades. These designs were based on the theory that any new war would resemble the static warfare of 1914-1918. Early in the 1940 campaign in France and Flanders, the British Expeditionary Force, along with the Belgian army and the best French divisions, were encircled north of the Somme. Futile attempts were made to break the encirclement. One such attempt was made by the 1st Army Tank Brigade, launched south of the town of Arras. The appearance of these Infantry Tanks stunned the German commander, who did not realize how few tanks there actually were, which caused the Germans to slow their advance, thus buying valuable time for the Dunkirk evacuation. The only British tanks north of the Somme that were capable of fighting other tanks were the Infantry Tanks of the 1st Army Tank Brigade. The Brigade had only two of its three Battalions and only one Battalion with its full complement of the larger A12. Part 1 of Armor Camouflage & Markings of the British Expeditionary Force, France 1939-1940 examines the tanks of the 1st Army Tank Brigade. For security reasons, photography by British soldiers was strictly forbidden but encouraged on the German side. These after-the-battle photographs taken by German soldiers are valuable in examining what the tanks looked like during the 1940 campaign. Included are 157 b&w photographs and 26 full-color plates. Using war diaries, training pamphlets and other documents, the camouflage and markings of these armored vehicles are described. A brief description of the three types of tanks used, and the movements of the Brigade during the campaign are also covered. The photo captions point out the differences in the three types of A11, the modifications made specifically to the A12s and other information when known, such as the vehicle's location and tank crew. The color plates depict the Light Tanks, the A11 and A12 Infantry Tanks, and show the camouflage and markings on several of each type. This book is the best-captioned reference to date, companioned with charts, rare unpublished photographs and color plates. It is a valuable resource for the armor enthusiast and military modeler.

An authoritative guide to the South African armor camouflage and markings during training and combat operations in World War II. Part 1 includes armored vehicles: Crusader, Grant, Sherman, Priest, M10, Sexton, Stuart Recce, Universal Carrier, Half-track, Scout/Armored Cars.

Paths of Armor, first published in 1950, is the account of the historic 5th Armored Division from the time of its formation in October 1941, until the end of the World War II in May 1945. Included in this kindle edition are more than 100 pages of photographs and maps. Because of the secrecy of its missions and the speed at which it moved, the Division was also known as "Patton's Ghosts" (the division was part of Patton's Third Army), and because of its many successes, as the "Victory Division." Following training in the U.S., the Division transferred to England, and landed on Utah Beach in Normandy on July 24, 1944. Then followed months of combat as the Division moved across northern France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and into Germany. In December 1944, the Division took part in the fierce fighting in the Hurtgen Forest and the Battle of the Bulge.