Military Model Scene

Title: Valentine Infantry Tank vs Panzer III
Author: Bruce Oliver Newsome Ph.D
Publisher: Osprey
ISBN: 978-1-4728-5727-9

North Africa 1941-43, number 132 in the Duel series from Osprey. An 80-page soft-cover book, with artwork by Adam Hook.
Two tanks designed prior to WW2 starting, the Pz III first, and the Valentine in answer to a requirement for a third Infantry tank, following the 2 Matildas. After the introduction and a basic chronology of key events, it goes into the design and development of both types, and this includes tables showing the various modifications carried out during the production life of each one. This is followed by a look at the strategic situation facing them in North Africa, which also includes some additional profiles of German and allied senior commanders. Then there are the technical specifications, broken down under sub-headings, comparing engines, armament, armour protection and more, and one I can't recall seeing before, Obfuscation, the fitting of smoke grenade launchers. There are comparisons of the Combatants and a chapter on Combat, those situations where the Pz III and Valentine actually clashed. It is all rounded off with Statistics and Analysis which compares the two again. As well as archive photos throughout the book, as usual for the series, I was particularly taken with the artwork in this one. In addition to maps, vehicle profiles, battle scenes, there are other illustrations such as the respective driver positions, views through the gunners sights and sectioned turret views showing the armament.
I enjoyed this one, and despite being a tank enthusiast for many years had never considered comparing these 2 tanks in quite this way. It was notable how the chassis was used not only for the basic gun tanks, but a number of other variants as well. Examples include the Sturmgeschutz on the Pz III hull, and the Archer on the Valentine. I was surprised at quite how many similarities they had between them. So an interesting addition to the Duel series I think. While tank fans will like this, those with a particular interest in the fighting in North Africa during WW2 will enjoy it most of all. It struck me that I wish my father had been able to see it, as he fought in North Africa from 1940 all the way through to 1943.

Thanks to Osprey for the review sample.

Robin