Casemate Publishers

Order of Battle: Western Allied Forces of World War II

by  Michael Haskew

Reviewed By  Perry Downen, IPMS# 44000

MSRP: $34.95 ISBN: 978-1-906626-55-6 Website: www.casematepublishers.com Many thanks go to Casemate Publishers for graciously submitting this interesting book to IPMS for review and IPMS for allowing me to review it. This 192 page hardbound book measures 7-3/4" X 9-3/4." It is divided into nine chapters, a glossary of key abbreviations, acknowledgements, and an appendix. The book comes with a shiny paper cover of the same design as the backing. The pages have a nice matt finish and are of textbook quality. Like many modelers, I am interested in history. We want to understand the story behind the item we are modeling, the conditions at the time, the dynamics that created the event, and the people involved. With respect to World War II in Europe, this book helps with that understanding. The nine chapters are based on key campaigns in the European/African Theater of war. The first chapter discusses the pre-war and Commonwealth forces. What follows, in more or less chronological order, are discussions of the campaign in Poland, Scandinavia and the Low Countries, France, North Africa, the Balkans, Sicily and Italy, Northwest Europe, and the invasion of Germany. A typical example of the manner in which the material is provided is illustrated in the Sicily and Italy: 1943-1945 chapter. The chapter begins with a brief description of the overall campaign. This is followed by a detailed discussion of each major operation in that campaign. The discussion is supported by a number of organizational charts and tables showing the various groups' strength associated with the operation. There are a few black and white photographs scattered through out the book. However, they are mainly used to introduce the chapter and set the tone of discussion. There are two or three pictures of the top commanders along with a brief biography. I particularly like the many easy to read full-color maps showing unit disposition and troop movement over time. The organizational charts are adequate, but use color-coded dots to represent the various units. I would prefer to see the standard military unit symbols which are found on the maps.

The organizational diagrams and beautiful campaign maps make this an easy to use reference. While it does not go into very deep detail, it is an excellent starting point for that deeper study. This may not be a book that some modelers would buy. However, for those modelers with an interest in history, it is an excellent addition to your reference collection. This book makes my list of recommended purchases. I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to review this book and thank Casement Publishers for their generosity in providing it.