Military Model Scene

Title: The Three Battles of El Alamein
Author: Jon Diamond
Publisher: Pen & Sword
ISBN: 978-1-39907-205-2

New in the Images of War series from Pen & Sword and another from author Jon Diamond. This one is a 227-page soft-cover book, packed with a great collection of archive photos along with the text.
Aimed at commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Battle of El Alamein, this tells the basic stories but is clearly focussed on the collection of archive photos all in the one volume. It is spread across 6 chapters, starting with a neat summary of what happened in North Africa between 1940 and 1942. Next comes a look at the Terrain & Weapons used in the campaign, and how the terrain of the coastal areas governed what could or could not be done. I liked chapter 3 for covering the various commanders on both sides, not just Montgomery and Rommel, but including Italian and Commonwealth senior officers as well. Then we get to the last 3 chapters, which tackle in turn the First Battle of El Alamein, 1-27 July 1942, then the Battle of Alam Halfa, 30 August - 5 September and finally the Second (Main) Battle of El Alamein 23 October - 4 November 1942. There are also a number of very well done maps which help show the course of the battles and where the various units saw action. Every chapter has a good collection of archive photos that are appropriate to each one. Some are well known, including a few that were set up after the fighting had moved on, but with most that I had not seen before. All have more detail included in their detailed captions. Unfortunately I did spot a few errors in vehicle/aircraft identification, but only a small number and they can make for an equally interesting challenge to spot.
Another good addition to the Images of War series and plenty in here for the modeller to enjoy for detail on uniforms, vehicles, weathering and diorama inspiration. The maps and text make for a nice clear explanation of what happened, and includes just how there were times when maybe it wouldn't have turned out to be the major victory it turned out to be. I remember my own father, who fought in North Africa from 1940 through to 1943, mentioning how the artillery bombardment of the second battle lit up the horizon.
Thanks to Pen & Sword for the review copy.

Robin