"The authors offer a fascinating insight into the weapons that served in the artillery over seventy years ago."

Pillbox Study Group - Loopholes, Number 86

The photographs are the standout attraction, but the authors’ use of primary source material is also useful for understanding this vital component of industrialized warfare. The book was enough for me as a passing WWII reader, but it is also a very good gateway book into further reading if you are so inclined.

Beating Tsundoku

This is a valuable reference source that takes extracts from historical documents to outline the thinking of the day with comprehensive text that gives context for these documents. All of this is accompanied by hundreds of photographs that give an insight into the role played by artillery of all nations in World War II. Model makers will be inspired by many of the photographs and military historians interested in World War II artillery weapons and the men who manned them will find much of interest.

Miniature Armoured Fighting Vehicles Association

A very interesting review of all aspects related to artillery during World War II.

Read the full review here

Miniaturas JM

Artillery is not an aspect of war which is studied in as much detail as famous infantry units or more glamorous weapons such as aircraft and tanks, yet it had a profound effect on every Second World War battlefield, softening up the front line, harassing the rear areas, disrupting and breaking up enemy attacks, and of all the weapons used was responsible for the overwhelming majority of all casualties. This book is divided into seven main chapters, covering field, self-propelled, anti-tank, anti-aircraft, very large calibre guns, rocket projectors, and ammunition types. It is very lavishly illustrated with over 400 photographs, accompanied by detailed explanatory notes, showing many examples of the vast menagerie of Allied and Axis guns in use in a variety of theatres, while the main narrative provides numerous fascinating insights into the specifics of how each army organised, deployed, used, and supplied its forces.

Read the full review here

Pegasus Archive

I believe that Simon and Jonathan's book reinforces the impression I got from the comic strips I used to read in my 1950s comics that it was artillery that swung the war in Britain's and the Allies' direction. Superbly illustrated, this is testament to the courage and skills of extraordinary men in the execution of their duty. An amazing book.

Books Monthly

Sandwiched within the photos and captions are excerpts from a variety of wartime analyses about artillery doctrine and use.

Click here for the full review

Historical Miniatures Gaming Society

This offering from Pen and Sword, authored by Simon and Jonathan Forty and titled Artillery Warfare1939-45 if a fantastic title for the modeller looking to identify artillery pieces and those how wish to replicate, a realistic diorama or vignette. The presentation style makes for a pleasing book that is a joy top look through when both seeking information or inspiration.

Read the full review here

Armorama

For modellers and military historians alike I felt this is a good, clear explanation of the many different types of artillery which were used by the combatants all around the world during WW2. More than happy to recommend this one.

Read the full review here

Military Model Scene, Robin Buckland

This book is about big guns and their use from 1939 to 1945. As with their book on Tank Warfare Simon and Jonathan Forty [book reviewed on this site] have given us a super insight into that period. Both theory and practice are covered using original reports on actions, training documents and technical instructions for a wide range of topics. There are useful comparisons, many shown diagrammatically, between weapons and ammunition of different nations. Included also, as very long range artillery, are the V1 and V2 rockets.
A superb eight page Abbreviations and Glossary section at the beginning of the book clarifies all the technical terms and delivers a basic understanding of the fundamentals of artillery.
There are hundreds of photographs and an extensive bibliography.
This book is made special because it is almost encyclopaedic in scope and because of the amount of contemporary material reproduced here without the clutter of ‘wisdom after the event’. From mountain warfare with guns on mules to V2 rockets and everything between makes it well worth a place on anyone's reference shelf.
We highly recommend this work to all levels of readers.

Read the full review here

Clash of Steel

I am sure that you would learn a lot about the usages and types of World War 2 artillery by reading this book. It will appeal to both specialists in this field and the more general World War 2 reader. The authors have done great service and their research must have taken a massive amount of time. I can say with confidence that this book is an exceptionally good introduction into the types and manner of usage of artillery weaponry during the conflict. There are many nuggets of information which I am sure all readers will find. It is well worth the cover price and I am sure that you too will greatly benefit by reading its well-researched contents.

Dr Stuart C Blank

I have read Tank Warfare by the same authors just a couple of month again, that book was a really fantastic book and I learnt a lot from it, so my hopes for this book were high. This book is split up into chapters such as Field Artillery, Self-Propelled, Anti-Tank, Anti-Aircraft, Big Guns, Rockets and Ammunition. Each chapter looking at how it worked, how to get the best out of it and what damage it could do for you, supported by some great photographs. The book also has a great glossary and notes section found at the front and back of the book. I said I was hoping for a good read and I can certainly say this is fantastic book, almost like a how to manual. It reminded me of a good Images of War book but that might be because of the great photographs but it’s combined with great information too written by the authors.

5 stars

Read the full review here

UK Historian

This excellent single volume packs an awful lot into a pretty small space.

Read the full review here

A Question of Scale

This volume sits well with the previous subject of ‘Tank Warfare’. It delivers a comprehensive explanation of the types and calibre of artillery in WW2 and is very well supported by relevant images. An excellent reference book.

Michael McCarthy. Battlefield Guide

Michael McCarthy