German Commanders of World War II (1) : Army

This first of two studies examines the careers and illustrates the appearance and uniforms of 19 of the German Army's leading field commanders in World War II (1939-1945). Their service covers the whole arc of that army's wartime experience, from stunning success in 1939–41, through the hugely costly middle years on the Russian Front to the stubborn defensive fighting in both East and West in 1943–45. Also included are five more junior unit commanders chosen because their service typifies the achievements of combat leaders in regimental and battalion commands. The colour portraits are in the uniquely meticulous style of the respected World War II illustrator Malcolm McGregor.

Gordon Williamson is a retired civil servant who spent several years working for the Royal Military Police (TA). He has written over 60 military books, including a number of titles for Osprey: ELI 183 U-boat Tactics in World War II, MAA 434 World War II German Police Units etc. Amongst his primary interests are the German Navy in World War II, U-Boats, and the Military Police forces of the Allied and Axis armies. He lives near Edinburgh in Scotland.

Malcolm McGregor spent four years at art school and then went on to work in advertising for ten years. He started freelancing in 1966 and contributed uniform illustrations to Blandfords and several Orbis publications and also provided the figure paintings for 'War Monthly' magazine. He has previously illustrated for Osprey the three-book series on the flags of the Third Reich (Men-at-Arms 270, 274 and 278), and Elite 98: 'British Commanders of World War II'. He lives in London.