Cruisers, minelayers and armed merchant cruisers of the Royal Navy and Commonwealth are depicted in detail, along with discussion on changes of armament and electronics that affected the outward appearance of each ship. During WWII, navies developed low visibility camouflage, applied to both the vertical and horizontal surfaces of their ships, in order to reduce visibility by blending in with the sea, or confuse the identity of a ship by applying obtrusive patters. All the paint schemes that adorned the vessels are celebrated in this volume by maritime artist Mal Wright. Beginning with the older cruisers, he covers all the classes, taking in heavy cruisers and pre-war and wartime cruisers. A large section also covers minelayers and armed merchant vessels (AMCs). Where possible both sides of the ship are depicted and many schemes would be difficult for any reader to unearth other than with the most intensive research. Historians, collectors, model makers, war gamers will appreciate the more than 800 full colour illustrations, arranged by ship type rather than camouflage scheme, in this concentrated one-volume reference. With extended captions and some beautiful original paintings by the author in full page reproductions. A Naval Institute Press publication, 20.3 x 26cm, 192pp, colour.

Proclaimed as the 'Foremost Custer Living Historian' by the US Congress, Steve Alexander is an acknowledged expert for his lifetime's work and portrayal of America's most controversial military leader. With a brilliant text, more than 200 period photographs and full colour pictures, many specially designed for this book, are interwoven to render a distinctive work on the famous encounter between Custer's 7th Cavalry and the Lakota and Northern Cheyenne, led by Sitting Bull. The book also includes a prologue by Dr Joseph Medicine Crow, the last War Chief of the Crow tribe, and an impressive colour fold-out map with clear details of the famous battle. Alexander traces the life and deeds of George Armstrong Custer from his beginnings to his famous Last Stand and death on June 25th, 1876, near the Little Big Horn River in southeastern Montana Territory. Adhering whenever possible to the 19th century spelling, language and dialogue, he creates a brilliant storyline and brings the reader to the true essence of the Old West. Chapters include Upon the High Yellowstone and From the Prairies to Politics through to biographical details of Custer's life at West Point, and flags and insignia, weapons and the cavalry regiment and force furniture. Printed on very glossy white paper, the huge pages reproduce hundreds of colour images together with contemporary photographs, posters, artworks and engravings and a collage of the 7th Cavalry officers killed at Little Big Horn. 176 large pages, 21.3 x 30.5cm.

Set comprises Star Shell Reflections, 1914-1916 and War! Hellish War! Star Shell Reflections Vol 2, 1916-1918. Save £5 more and acquire both rare items.