The Algerian War 1954-1962 (Men-at-Arms Series)

The post-war French loss of Syria and Lebano,military reverse in Indochina and events in Tunisia and Morocco all prepared the ground for rebellion in Algeria.

The ALN try to emulated the VIETMINH, but never enjoyed the VIETMINH'S greatest asset, an area they could control and in which they could hide up and remain secure.

After 8 years of war on March 1962 a cease-fire was finally arranged between government and FLN representatives at Evian, France. In the long-awaited referendum, held the following July, Algeria voted overwhelmingly for independence. The colons began a mass evacuation; before the end of the year most of them had left the country.

Martin Windrow come again with another title dedicated to another War of French Decolonization(check The French Indochina War 1946-54 MMA322)this time we enter the Algerian War in North Africa, with a quick overview of the war and a summary of main eventes between 1954-1962, I like the comments on The Army of National Liberation(Command Structure)and the French Army in Algeria with all their troops from Zouaves to Natives,a part dedicated to the Mutiny of April and Select Bibliography(Small)

The Book is small but help me see the War in a Quick look,with good photos and superb colour artwork by Mike Chappell. we can see the ANL and the French Amry Uniforms in Color(great plates on General Marcel Bigeard famous for the torture of Algerians)

For more books on the Wars of Decolonization see Anthony Clayton "The Wars of French Decolonization" and "France, Soldiers, and Africa" thsi two title one dedicated to the French Troops in Africa from 1830 to 1962 and the other to the Wars of Liberation of the Colonial Rule Tunisia, Madagascar, Morocco, Indochina and Algeria. Martin Windrow is the author of 5 books on the French Army, French Foreign Legion 1914-45, The French Indochina War 1946-54, French Foreign Legion-Infantry and Cavalry since 1945 and French Foreign Legion Paratroops all from Osprey military History Books.

For books on the Algerian War, The Battle of the Casbah by Paul Aussaressess, The Memory of Resistance by Martin Evans,The French Foreign Legion by Douglas Porch, All the major operations in the Algerian War and The Algerian War and the French Army, 1954-62 by Martin S. Alexander, The Movie of Anthony Quinn The Lost Command(1966) is dedicated to Algeria and the another movie "The Battle of Algiers" is also a great story on the War and the violent counter-terrorist measures use by the French Army. Athony Clayton also have another book dedicated to the Post War Era but explore all the major conflict only in Africa,"Frontiersmen-Warfare in Africa since 1950"

As always there are 8 pages of colour plates presenting 3 soldiers each. These plates, by Mike Chappell, follow the Andrew Mollo pattern of colouring period photographs, but Chappell alters them slightly to provide additional detail. This volume also provides detailed b&w illustrations of French issue uniforms and camouflage patterns. In addition there are b&w photographs of caps and unit badges, and many reference photos of period troops. A map of the area of operations is provided, as well as a useful overview of unit formations. Note that in addition to descriptions of each colour plate in English, the last page of the book provides translations of the plate descriptions in French and German. As there is no translation of the body of the book, however, this is a somewhat odd use of space.

48 pages is not really enough space to adequately cover two national armies, especially one as varied as that of the French. No table of rank or insignia is provided. Gear and weapons are not specifically presented. I would recommend this as a useful adjunct to a more comprehensive work on French uniforms of the cold war period.

In short, if you are interested in colonial wars like me or in the French Foregin Legion it`s a book you should have.