Author(s): Jack Livesey

History/Politics

In 1900 a British motoring enthusiast, F. R. Simms, had the idea of mounting a machine-gun on the front of a quadricycle and installing a small petrol engine at the rear. His machine spurred on others to design similar "war cars", and the armoured fighting vehicle (AFV) was born. This book is the story of subsequent developments, and starts with an authoritative history of all types of AFV from from 1900-1945, covering a wide range of wheeled, tracked and semi-tracked vehicles. From the days before radio communication through to the end of World War II, the author highlights the varied roles AFV's have played, as well as how these adaptable vehicles have evolved and developed over time. This introduction is followed by a substantial A-Z section that forms an illustrated guide to over 90 armoured fighting vehicles, many of which evolved during the wartime eras. It discusses many historically important vehicles and also some madcap designs, such as those developed by the British for the Home Guard. The numerous illustrations show the diversity of these types, such as the Rolls-Royce Armoured Car, the Sexton 25pdr Self-Propelled Gun and the Buffalo LVT Amphibious Assault Vehicle. Detailed specification boxes are provided for every AFV. These contain information about each vehicle's official name, service date, country of origin, number of crew, weight, dimensions, armament, armour thickness, powerplant, speed and range. This highly illustrated reference book provides both enthusiasts and historians alike with key information about the diverse and multi-tasking armoured fighting vehicles in use throughout the first half of the 20th century.