British Infantryman

Simon Forty was educated at Sedbergh School and London University's School of Slavonic and East European Studies. He has been involved in publishing for over three decades and specializes in military history having contributed to a large number of books. He was also general editor of World War I: A Visual Encyclopedia. Simon lives in Devon with his wife and two children.

• Chapter 1 The lessons of WW1 The Hundred Days, pacifism; interwar doctrinal theories: Fuller, mechanised warfare and the cavalry; the arms race of the 1930s; and the birth of the Paras. Chapter 2 Organisation The army of empire: Australia, Canada, India; the organisation of the army and how it changed during the war; manpower crises, arms and services; the regimental system; new arms: the Paras, Commandos, the Territorials, and Dad’s Army. Chapter 3 The soldier National Service: militia and conscription; training; personal documentation; life in the field. Chapter 4 Uniform and equipment Rank and insignia; medals, badges and other titles; decorations; trade and specialist badges; proficiency badges; other badges. Uniforms and equipment: the standard combat uniform and headgear; equipment: gasmask etc, webbing, packs and tools; camouflage; winter clothing; desert clothing; jungle clothing; amphibious warfare; the Paras. Chapter 5 Weapons Pistols, rifles, submachine guns, machine guns, hand grenades, mortars, mines, anti-tank guns, flamethrowers, anti-aircraft guns, infantry guns and howitzers, ammunition. Chapter 7 Medical services RAMC; the infantryman; battalion; regiment; division; corps; army. System of aid to/evacuation of casualties; Commonwealth War Graves Committee. Chapter 8 Women soldiers ATS, FANY, QAIMNS. Chapter 9 Tactics Introduction, in the attack; the squad in combat; in the defence; airpower; artillery; tanks.

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