Military Model Scene

Title: Allied Tanks at El Alamein 1942
Author: William E. Hiestand
Publisher: Osprey Books
ISBN: 978-1-4728-5801-6

New Vanguard number 321 returns to the subject of equipment in North Africa, this time focussing on the Allied Armour that was used in the famous battle and offensive of the second battle of El Alamein in 1942. A 48-page soft-cover book, from author William E. Hiestand and some excellent artwork illustrations from well known illustrator Filipe Rodriguez (aka Filipe Rodna).
As set out in the introduction, both sides needed a rest after months of defeats and the successful allied defence of Alam Halfa. It was another 2 months before we get to the events of the Second Battle of El Alamein. The new commander of the 8th Army, Bernard Montgomery, used that time to reorganise, absorb large numbers of new tanks and to train his troops for the coming battle. The Allied Order of Battle is provided, along with details of the various tank types employed by different units. From the Cruiser tanks, such as the Crusader, the American supplied tanks with Stuart, Grant and Sherman, along with the Infantry tanks, the Matilda, Valentine and the first 6 Churchill IIIs, 'Kingforce'. There is also coverage of the Scorpion mine flail, fitted to the Matilda II. The campaign is then explained, with Operation Lightfoot beginning on 23 October 1942, before turning to Operation Supercharge launching on the night of 2 November. An Assessment and Implications section rounds off the book.
While Allied troops and tanks did suffer significant losses, the German and Italian forces were hit even harder, and it began a retreat that ended the following year in Tunisia, with the surrender of the Afrika Korps. The book has plenty of tables with tank strengths etc, and supports the history of Allied armour which reached the turning point that was the victory at Alamein. The Sherman, the Churchill, and the mine clearing flail proved its' value, fitted to a Matilda II (the Scorpion), though by the time of Normandy in 1944, a flail device was fitted to the Sherman (the Crab). A handy book for armour enthusiasts.
Thanks to Osprey for our review copy.

Robin