Osprey Duel Series Roundup
By Chris Banyai-Riepl
Q Ship vs U-Boat 1914-1918
Duel Series #57
Author: David Greentree
Publisher: Osprey
ISBN: 978-1-78200-284-0
Binding: Softcover
Pages: 80
To counter the growing U-boat threat in the Atlantic, the Royal Navy developed the concept of decoy vessels known as Q ships. Looking for all intents like an unarmed merchant ship, the Q ship was anything but. Heavily armed, the crews were trained to act panicked, and quickly abandon ship. When the U-boat surfaced, the Q ship would open fire. This Duel title covers both sides of this interesting conflict on the Atlantic during the First World War.
Jagdpanther vs SU-100
Duel Series #58
Author: David R Higgins
Publisher: Osprey
ISBN: 978-1-78200-295-6
Binding: Softcover
Pages: 80
In the waning months of the Second World War, Germany and the Soviet Union fielded tank destroyers whose sole purpose was to hunt down and take out armored vehicles. The conditions of the war dictated the type of vehicle these were: the Jagdpanther was more defensive in nature, utilizing excellent sights and the powerful 8.8cm gun. The SU-100 had a more offensive role, with more emphasis placed on maneuverability. This Duel title examines both vehicles in detail, comparing and contrasting their development and operational histories.
Nieuport 11/16 Bébé vs Fokker Eindecker
Duel Series #59
Author: Jon Guttman
Publisher: Osprey
ISBN: 978-1-78200-353-3
Binding: Softcover
Pages: 80
The air war over the skies of Europe during the First World War saw rapid development of aircraft and weapons. In 1915, the big change came in the form of the Fokker E.I monoplane and its novel interrupter gear that allowed for guns to fire through the propeller arc. Quickly thrown in to counter it, the Nieuport 11 was a standard biplane fitted with conventional armament firing over the wing. This book takes you to the skies of World War One with a detailed look at both of these fascinating aircraft and the impact they had on military aviation.
Spitfire V vs C.202 Folgore
Duel Series #60
Author: Donald Nijboer
Publisher: Osprey
ISBN: 978-1-78200-356-4
Binding: Softcover
Pages: 80
Placed in the middle of the Mediterranean, Malta was a major battlefield during the Second World War. The RAF provided Spitfire Vs to replace the older Hurricanes on Malta, aimed to counter the growing tide of Italian fighters that included the potent Macchi C.202 Folgore. In the waning months of 1942, these two aircraft met frequently in the skies over Malta, and this title documents those battles in detail.
My thanks to Osprey Publishing for the review copies.