The time just before WWI in Europe and the Japanese invasion in 1930 was tumultuous time for China. Central Government was non-existent and the country was ruled by a bewildering number of warlords. It seems that there was nearly continual warfare during this time and that would not be far from the truth. Somewhere in China during these years, there were battles between the different factions, both big and small.

Some of these armies were quite small while others numbered in the hundreds of thousands. As stated in the opening of the book, this was a time of the "Three Mores". More officers than soldiers, more soldiers than guns, and more bandits than people. These various armies were truly a scourge on the population of China as they seemingly looted and raped their way across the country. Some of the largest of the war lord factions were Anwei Cilque Army, the Chihli Clique Army, the Kuominchun, and the Fengten Army. These armies were generally well equipped with small arms and some machine guns and artillery, though rarely anything larger than 75mm. A few even developed air arms, whose effectiveness is somewhat unknown as it seems Chinese pilots crashed more planes than they effectively used.

Weapons came from a variety of sources in Europe, Japan and the United States. Anyone willing to sell arms found a ready market in China with the various factions, so you found weapons from a bewildering number of sources. Eventually, the country was somewhat united under Chiang Kai-chek, one of the less pretentious and flamboyantly dressed of the various generals. This unity was to help get rid of the Japanese, but as always, most Chinese soldiers were little more than bandits and not very effective soldiers.

In his book on these troops, author Philip Jowett concentrates on the men and equipment of these units. As with all Men-At-Arms titles, this one provides a background to the various campaigns, has a look at how the conflicts progressed and were resolved, then takes a closer look at how these men performed during the various campaigns. As usual, their uniforms and other accoutrements are the main focus of the photos  in the book. This is all enhanced more by the superbly done uniform illustrations of Stephen Walsh. 

It is another fascinating title and looks at a force that still has a reputation for toughness and getting the job done.  It is a very interesting read and can easily be recommended.  

September 2010

 For more on the complete line of Osprey books, visit www.ospreypublishing.com or contact them at Osprey Direct at 44-02 23rd St, Suite 219, Long Island City, NY 11101., where you can get a catalogue of available books.

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and quickly, please contact me or see other details in the Note to Contributors.