Today we're showing three pieces of artwork from our December 2026 series books! Let us know in the comments which books you'd like to see featured in our January 2027 Artwork Reveal!

 

Brandenburgers in the Blitzkrieg 1940: Special forces open the road to France

By Lawrence Paterson

Illustrated by Renato Dalmaso

Artwork showing two men watching a group of soldiers in a field at night

TWO BRANDENBURGERS RECONNOITRING DUTCH POSITIONS BY NIGHT BEFORE THE ATTACK

At several locations in which they were to operate, disguised Brandenburgers slipped across the border into The Netherlands to reconnoitre potential approach routes to their bridge targets. They took the opportunity to note enemy strongpoints, measure terrain, count sentries and observe any routines among the Dutch defenders. Moving in pairs or singly, they took the opportunity to prepare a full picture of the terrain they would be traversing once the invasion day arrived. They almost always crossed the border in civilian disguise, lightly armed, if at all.

 

Battle of the Atlantic (3): The Final Collapse of the U-Boats, 1943–45

By Mark Stille

Illustrated by Jim Laurier

Art showing SINKING OF USS BLOCK ISLAND during world war 2

SINKING OF USS BLOCK ISLAND, 29 MAY 1944

In this scene, Block Island is down by the stern after being torpedoed by U-549. Two escorts are visible standing by to rescue the crew. In the foreground is destroyer escort Ahrens, a Buckley-class ship. Eugene E. Elmore, a Rudderow-class destroyer escort, is in the background. All three ships display the Measure 22 camouflage scheme, the most common for ships operating in the Atlantic during this period. Shortly after this scene, Ahrens gained sonar attack on U-549 and guided Eugene E. Elmore to the scene to make an attack. Using Hedgehog launchers and depth charges, the destroyer escort destroyed U-549. The submarine sank with all 57 aboard. Block Island was the only USN escort carrier lost in the Atlantic during the war.

 

Ptolemaic Armies 305–30 BC

By William Horsted

Illustrated by Adam Hook

Art showing two PTOLEMAIC CAVALRYMENPTOLEMAIC CAVALRY, c.320–280 BC 
Top: Cavalryman 
Left: Attendant 
Bottom: Guard cavalryman 
Bottom Right: Attendant