Stephen Bull Book order

This illustrated study pits the Kaiser's troops against their British opponents during the climactic year of 1918 on the Western Front. Launched on 21 March 1918, the Spring Offensive saw Germany used veteran, highly trained assault troops and innovative assault tactics to encircle and outflank the British and Empire forces manning the front line, hoping to force the French to seek terms and hand victory to Germany. After this attempt stalled, the Allied armies mounted a series of offensives during the so-called 'Hundred Days', actions that pushed the Kaiser's forces back and prompted the demoralized German High Command to sue for peace. In this book, Stephen Bull shows how the British Army on the Western Front fared as it survived the Spring Offensive and then went on the attack during the Hundred Days. While the picked units spearheading the German offensive were well-trained and -armed but short of supplies, the regular divisions following in their wake would prove much less resolute. The fighting would see both sides' forces tested to the limit and beyond, as initial German progress gave way to stalemate and the Allies then took the offensive, driving the Germans back. Featuring specially commissioned artwork and mapping, carefully chosen archive photos and expert analysis and commentary, this study assesses the fighting men on both sides during the climactic months of fighting on the Western Front in 1918.

Set against the backdrop of post-World War I Germany, the book explores the evolution of military uniforms and equipment in response to lessons learned from trench warfare. It details the transition to standardized uniforms under Nazi influence in the 1930s, adaptations prompted by the 1939 war outbreak, and the incorporation of camouflage. As the war progressed, new medals and specialized uniforms emerged for various troops, while material shortages led to simplifications and the use of substitutes, reflecting the diverse climates and conditions faced by the German Army.

The period of the English Civil War began in 1640 and lasted until the restoration of the monarchy 20 years later. Author Stephen Bull outlines the main battles and notable events in the war, the organisation and structure of the opposing Royalist and Parliamentarian armies, their commanders, weapons and tactics, equipment, uniforms and armour.

A compelling insight into the lives of the soldiers behind the war that not only changed the direction of world affairs but also brought with it a modernised, mechanised style of warfare. Many people have the idea that the 'Great War' on the Western Front was simple, if ghastly, to fight – with few tactics, and unbroken, monotonous, trench lines as the main feature of the battlefield. In such a scenario the archetypal image of battle is of soldiers with rifles and bayonets charging each other in blind obedience to stupid repetitious orders. Though undeniably bloody the war was in fact a ferment of new ideas and new weapons. Gas, flame throwers, super-heavy artillery, concrete bunkers, tanks, aircraft and other innovations were all introduced, whilst older notions such as barbed wire, machine guns and armour took on a new lease of life. No single manual was ever enough to encompass 'modern war', and even before 1914 numerous publications were required. With the focus on the Western Front and the soldiers fighting there, this unique compendium collects together a huge variety of contemporary manuals, leaflets and booklets, and shows how although operations often failed, British commanders made attempts to devise new tactics and weaponry.

This is the first Pocket Manual to be dedicated to the German Army in the First World War, with chapters comprising of complete documents or extracts drawn from two major sources: the German Army of 1914 - 1918 itself, or the intelligence sections of other armies. It describes the new tactics and units developed by the German army during the war, including the myths surrounding Stormtrooper units. These new methods used were a result of interaction between the opposing forces and incremental in their appearance. Nevertheless the new ideas were hugely influential and important not only to the German army but to others as well, including British and American forces. Utilising a wide range of sources, including various pamphlets and manuals that were produced throughout World War I, this fascinating pocket manual gives a German perspective to World War I.

An examination of the Canadian and German forces that met at the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

"This fascinating new book provides a history of Allied intelligence organisations, analysing the information that they compiled, and showing the problems and limitations in reporting and distributing it to the front line. It asks whether each piece of intelligence was true, and what can be deduced about sources and the concerns of the intelligence officers who compiled it"--Page [4] of cover

Drawing upon eyewitness battlefield reports, this study assesses the technical performance and combat record of these redoubtable and influential German machine guns, and their strengths and limitations in a variety of battlefield roles.

The evolution of German storm tactics during World War I is explored, highlighting a significant shift from static trench warfare to dynamic strategies emphasizing fire and movement. By March 1918, these tactics enabled assault detachments to inflict heavy losses on the British 5th Army. Stephen Bull examines the integration of advanced technology, including machine guns and flamethrowers, in shaping these methods. The legacy of the stormtroopers, perceived as elite forces and integral to later military strategies like Blitzkrieg, is also discussed, illustrating their historical impact.