This is the first of a two-volume set detailing the history, tactical development, and use of the various marks of the Sturmgeschutz III, commonly referred to as the StuG III. Volume 1 is predominately text. Volume 2 is mostly photographic in content.

This book offers a wealth of data for modelers, as well as those more interested in the technical aspects of this weapons system. Chapters include: background, technical development, series production, design variants A thru G, the factories involved in production, and combat records and troop reports.

There is a full developmental section, where the evolution of tactics is examined. Due to the requirements of the conflict, a weapon developed to support the infantry with mobile heavy firepower, evolved into a premier tank killer and improvised tank replacement. A howitzer-armed version, the Sturmhaubitze, was introduced to remedy this, with limited success mostly due to the limited numbers produced.

This truck was designed for use by the Japanese military, using mostly parts for civilian vehicles. Production began in 1936 and continued until the end of the war.

This hard cover 160 page book covers the Grumman “Bridge and Iron Works” first Jet Cat from the inception through its final days as drones or 2 place trainers. Text takes you from the early days with an interesting read accompanied by over 300 illustrations, including color, black and white and line drawings. It contains complete dates on the F9F production numbers including carrier deployments and squadron histories. This historic aircraft was to become the forerunner of the fantastic F-14 Tomcat, the last of a great line of aircraft from the good folks in Bethpage.

If the author's name seems familiar to you, it’s because he has specialized in Naval topics since the 1990’s. In addition to individual books on the A-4, F/A-18, and F-4 Phantom versus Mig engagements in Vietnam, he is a regular writer for International Aircraft Review. I’ve found his work to be enjoyable and this release is no different.