First published in Great Britain in 2003 by Osprey Publishing,

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Transferred to digital print on demand 2010

First published 2003

2nd impression 2008

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Print ISBN: 978 1 84176 553 2

PDF e-book ISBN: 978 1 78200 040 2

ePub e-book ISBN: 978 1 78200 008 2

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Acknowledgements

I would like to thank all those who provided the many excellent photos used in this work. I would particularly like to thank Josef Charita, Ian Jewison and Jamie Cross, and also Herr Robert Noss of Germany for the use of so many excellent photos. A large part of Herr Noss’ superb photo collection is available to view on his fine website, details of which are provided in the Museums and Collections section of this book.

Artist’s note

Readers may care to note that the original paintings from which the colour plates in this book were prepared are available for private sale. All reproduction copyright whatsoever is retained by the Publishers. All enquiries should be addressed to:

Darko Pavlovic

Modecova 3

Zagreb

10090

Croatia

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FRONT COVER This posed propaganda shot, used in a popular wartime postcard, shows a Gefreiter of Gebirgsjäger with the MG34. Note the sun goggles, and the metal Edelweiss badge worn on the left side of the Bergmütze.