John Norris

The mortar has proved to be one of the most influential and prevalent infantry support weapons of the 20th century. Throughout the course of the Second World War many different varieties of weapon were used the six main armies of the war: Britain, the USA, the Soviet Union, Germany Italy and Japan. Although the concept of the mortar was similar throughout these armies, calibres and usage varied enormously, dependent upon tactical use and terrain. This title covers all variants from the British 3 in.-equipped 'Heavy Weapon Companies', through to the Russian 120 mm mortars, which were incorporated into the Tank Corps for the storming of Berlin in 1945.

The German 88 mm was by far the most famous and versatile artillery weapon of World War II. It was first used as an anti-aircraft weapon by the Condor Legion during the Spanish Civil War. It saw further service in the German invasions of Poland and France, and during this period it was first used in the anti-tank role. This new role was particularly successful and the 88 became feared by tank crews from North Africa to Russia. Apart from these two main roles the 88 mm was used as the main weapon on late-war German tanks, as a self-propelled gun, mounted on battleships such as the Bismarck and the Schamhorst and even as an aerial weapon. John Norriss covers all these variants, explaining their design, development and operational use.

From the earliest pieces to the sophisticated equipment used in the Gulf War of 1991, artillery has always played a deciding role in the outcome of battles. This illustrated history traces the development and use of artillery through the ages. The author describes the increasingly widespread use of artillery in many European conflicts, including the War of the Roses in Britain, and goes on to relate how the period 1601 to 1800 witnessed further dramatic developments in its design and use on the battlefield. From looking at many aspects of artillery in the wars of the 19th century, particularly the Napoleonic, American Civil, Crimean and Boer Wars, his account examines the use of artillery in the two great world wars of the 20th century and concludes with the smaller wars of the late millennium.