This one is #22 in their Battle Orders series and covers the development, operations and equipment of US Airborne Units in the Mediterranean. Actually, there were more airborne drops in this theater than any other and it is where most of the experience in these sorts of things took place.

Originally thought of as something that would be pretty easy to do, it turned out that they had to be planned and practiced as thoroughly as any other part of an invading force. Initial drops were a disaster in terms of effectiveness and in loss of men and materiel.

One of the lessons learned was that transport pilots had to be as well trained as those sent to bomber and fighter units. Generally those latter units got the best with the rest being sent to fly other types (like transports and liaison aircraft).

All of the major operations in the theater are covered including North Africa, Sicily, Italy and Southern France.

In line with other books of the series, this one is divided into sections that cover doctrine and training, unit organization and tactics. Then it goes into  the weapons and equipment used, concluding with command, control and communications, on-going unit status during the campaigns and finally the lessons learned by all this. Throughout the book there are outstanding unit organizational charts, maps of various battles and superb period photographs.

Overall, another fascinating book from the folks at Osprey. I always learn from these books and find them to be an excellent resource. It is a book you can buy with confidence.

December 2006

 For more on the complete line of Osprey books, visit www.ospreypublishing.com or contact them at Osprey Direct, PO Box 140, Wellingborough, Northants, NN8 2FA, UK. In the US, it is 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 by a site that has over 325,000 visitors a month, please contact me or see other details in the Note to Contributors.