Uniforms of World War II

by Peter Darman

This book is an illustrated collection of 260 of the most interesting and distinctive uniforms worn by troops on land and sea, and in the air, in mankind's greatest war. The many different varieties of badges and rank insignia of each national army are also shown and described in detail. Grouped together by country, each entry is illustrated with a large, full color artwork which shows the uniform to maximum effect. Each artwork is accompanied by a description of what the figure is wearing and why, and the typical weapons and any other equipment he would have carried. Each entry has a specifications box which gives the date, unit, rank, theater, and exact location of the uniform illustrated. Many of the artworks are based on famous individuals who fought in the war, and any interesting and 'personal' adaptations to the uniforms are shown. Both the artworks and the text have been carefully researched, making this book a unique and fascinating collection of the military clothing worn by the armies, navies, and air forces of the world between 1939 and 1945.

Genres: History, World War II, Nonfiction

288 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1998

About the author

I was raised in Grantham, Lincolnshire and attended the King's Grammar School after passing the Eleven Plus exam. In the latter I clearly remember writing an essay on Oliver Cromwell – my first piece of military writing.

Then came a BA in history and international relations at Nottingham followed by a Master of Philosophy course at the University of York. The subject was the generalship and cavalry of Prince Rupert of the Rhine, my boyhood hero, during the English Civil War. The year I spent researching and writing at York, Oxford and at the British Library in London was a truly wonderful time.
I moved to London and eventually joined a small publishing company as an editor. Thus began my writing career.

Reviews

[Michael Dorosh · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nice artwork, however the author (or perhaps the editor) have made a number of elementary errors in the text descriptions. Some examples: p.8, a non-commissioned officer is identified as a commissioned officer. p.9, the author betrays a lack of understanding of the difference tank battle badges (also refers to a breast pocket that isn't there). P.96 while describing the sleeve badges, an explanation of the good conduct chevrons is absent. P.218, a Canadian officer (clearly wearing rank stars on his shoulder) is identified as a "private".

Picked this up in the bargain bin, and probably all the book is worth due to the number of errors.

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great illsutrations, plus narratives corresponding to the uniform in question

[Victor Orozco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful book. A great look at the men and women on both sides of the Second World War. This was a great book. A-