26 October 2021
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Editor Duncan Evans talks through what you can come to expect from reading the December issue of The Armourer. On sale in most good newsagents 02.11.2021
REGULARS
Welcome
What the Editor has to say about this month’s issue as we look at the surprise Japanese raid on the US Navy base at Pearl Harbor that caused America to enter WWII.
News
What’s happening in the world of militaria, museums, exhibitions, collections and events. This month the main news is the opening of the World War II and Holocaust galleries at IWM London.
Militaria for sale
Lenny Warren takes a trip around the internet in search of rare, interesting and desirable collectables.
EVENTS
In the sale rooms
Discover what’s coming up for auction with medals, badges and daggers at Bosleys; some rare aviation engines at Cheffins; D-Day paperwork at Marlow’s; and Third Reich militaria at Ratisbon’s.
Military Odyssey
Duncan Evans heads for deepest Kent and the militaria show with the greatest range of historical interest, displays and re-enactors. Yes, it’s time for Military Odyssey again.
Under the hammer
Let’s have a look at what’s gone under the hammer in auction rooms, with medals and honours at DNW; Pathfinder and RAF items at Marlow’s; and an assortment of German WWII items at Ratisbon’s.
FEATURES
Canadian 51 Pattern webbing
In the next instalment of Ed Hallett’s six part series looking at the accoutrements of the NATO Allies in the Cold War, his attention turns to the Canadian set.
Khartoum siege medal
Peter Duckers has a look at a medal that was intended to reward and inspire those defending Khartoum with Major-General Gordon.
Battle of Ligny
It was the battle that took place two days before Waterloo where Napoleon thought he’d scattered Blücher’s Prussian forces leaving Wellington alone. Graham Priest looks at the battle and the equipment used.
Thompson SMG paperwork
In the first of a two part series, Richard Barnes provides an introduction to the manuals, catalogues and promotional material of paperwork related to the Thompson SMG.
Bruce Bairnsfather’s B-17
Willow Fitzgerald relates the story of a remarkable Flying Fortress and the acclaimed WWI artist’s service in WWII.
Compressed air mortar
When the US Army arrived in Pilsen towards the end of WWII they dsicovered an experimental mortar fired by compressed air that had no muzzle flash or smoke.
British infantry of the American Revolution
Gabriele Esposito outlines the structure and organisation of the British infantry units taking part in the war of 1775-1783.
Improvised field weapons
Michael Heidler looks at how spare tank guns were used in static defence positions by the Germans towards the end of WWII.
Anson and Deeley
Gavin Gardiner takes a look at the fathers of the Boxlock, a revolution in the design of sporting shotguns from over 150 years ago.
The Print Inspector
An officer of the Royal Dublin Fusiliers, which was disbanded after the formation of the Irish Free State in 1922, comes under the scrutiny of Ray Westlake.
COVER FEATURES
Pearl Harbor in flames
It was a day that would send shockwaves around the world and prompt the United States to enter WWII. Come with us as we discover the circumstances leading up to and the events of the actual raid on Pearl Harbor itself.
54 Collecting Pearl Harbor
Edward Hallett turns his gaze to the US Navy and the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Force for collectables that relate to Pearl Harbor and the battle in the Pacific.
SIGNALS
Militaria reviews
Duncan Evans takes a look at the latest releases including the impressive Ancient Rome Infographics, some fascinating stories in Escaping Hitler’s Bunker, The Complete History of the SAS and SOE antics in The Shetland Bus.
Christmas Gift Guide
It’s your none too serious guide to entertainment and gifting for the militaria enthusiast this Christmas.
Your Letters
Your comments on what you’ve been reading and doing. This month we’re discussing whether bayonets can be considered artistic objects and there’s a request about webbing.
Auction & Fair Diary
Check out the online arrangements for the auctions where you can top up your militaria collection and what fairs will be opening.
Competition
Thanks to our friends at Osprey Publishing we three sets of prizes up for grabs. Each winner gets a cop of Churchill, Master and Commander, The United States Navy in WWII and SBD Dauntless vs A6M Zero-sen.
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