The Bazooka

(Paperback)

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Description

Most belligerents entering World War II armed their infantry with bulky and ineffectual anti-tank rifles as their primary means of combating tanks. US planners realized that what infantrymen needed was a relatively lightweight, man-portable anti-tank weapon that was simple to operate, accurate, and capable of knocking out the average tank at a reasonable range, while also being effective against fortified buildings, pillboxes, and personnel in the open. The bazooka combined a revolutionary new anti-tank rifle-grenade warhead, a much-modified British anti-aircraft rocket motor, and a cobbled-together launcher tube and electrical firing system; its first test-firing astounded observers, and it was immediately adopted by the US armed forces. Featuring specially drawn colour artwork, this engaging study tells the story of the bazooka, which set the standard for future light anti-tank weapons and their ammunition, and was a key influence on anti-tank tactics and techniques in the post-war era.

Reviews

"The book goes into the development of the bazooka, its introduction into the military, and how it evolved. From its earliest beginnings to today's modern army, the weapon is a mainstay against armored vehicles. Accomapnying the text are numerous photographs and the usual detailed illustrations that are in every Osprey book. Another noteworthy addition to the publisher's weapon series." --Military Heritage (July 2013)

"Splendidly informative photos, captions, sidebars, and illustrations enhance this superb little study. Glossary, bibliography, and index complete contents. Grab this enormously entertaining effort!" --David L. Veres, www.cybermodeler.com

"...provides a fine survey of the career of the bazooka and its importance in World War II ... Vintage black and white photos and color illustrations throughout make this a fine recommendation for any military equipment history holding." --James A. Cox, California Bookwatch (October 2012)

"...details the creation of this revolutionary anti-tank weapon." --Hal Miller, Model Retailer (September 2012)

Author Bio

Gordon L Rottman entered the US Army in 1967, volunteered for Special Forces and completed training as a weapons specialist. He served in the 5th Special Forces Group in Vietnam in 196970 and subsequently in airborne infantry, long-range patrol and intelligence assignments until retiring after 26 years. He was a Special Operations Forces scenario writer at the Joint Readiness Training Center for 12 years and is now a freelance writer, living in Texas.