Osprey New Vanguard: M103 Heavy Tank, M7 Priest, & Germany's Eastern Allies
By Chris Banyai-Riepl
M103 Heavy Tank 1950-74
New Vanguard 197
Author: Kenneth W. Estes
Publisher: Osprey Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-84908-981-4
Binding: Softcover
Pages: 48
The M103 heavy tank has an interesting history. Originally designed in the immediate post-war years for the US Army and rushed into production at the outbreak of the Korean War, the M103 fell victim to changing Army requirements. What could have been a quick death for the M103 changed to a long life when the US Marine Corps picked up the vehicle. With some minor tweaks, the M103 heavy tank ended up serving for over two decades and was the only weapon system that could match Soviet heavy tanks on equal terms. This title in the New Vanguard series examines this large tank, from its initial development and production through to the Marine Corps and return to the US Army in West Germany.
Tanks of Hitler's Eastern Allies 1941-45
New Vanguard 199
Author: Steven J. Zaloga
Publisher: Osprey Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-78096-020-3
Binding: Softcover
Pages: 48
While German armor is well known on the Eastern Front, the country had several potent allies adding their strengths to the front lines. This title in the New Vanguard series takes a look at these smaller nations, including the locally manufactured tanks of Hungary and Romania. While these two nations' armored forces played an important role in the battle of Stalingrad, other nations also aided Germany, and this book looks at the Italian and Finnish segments, as well as the smaller armored forces of Bulgaria, Croatia, and Slovakia. Many of these nations used commonly known German tanks, such as the Hetzer and Tiger, but with very different markings, so this book makes for a great reference for those wanting something a little different.
M7 Priest 105mm Howitzer Motor Carriage
New Vanguard 201
Author: Steven J. Zaloga
Publisher: Osprey Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-78096-023-4
Binding: Softcover
Pages: 48
The M7 Priest was a potent self-propelled howitzer that saw extensive use throughout the Second World War. Initially developed on the M3 Lee/Grant chassis, the design moved on to the M4 Sherman chassis and became the most-produced vehicle of its type during the war. From its initial combat debut at El Alamein, the M7 Priest saw action throughout the Mediterranean, moving up through Sicily and Italy towards Germany. It was also present at Normandy, and the success of the vehicle made it popular with many of the Allied nations as well. The M7 saw service with British, Canadian, and Free French forces, and this New Vanguard book details all of those in its pages.
My thanks to Osprey Publishing for the review copies.