The Thompson Submachine Gun: From Prohibition Chicago to World War II: No. 1 (Weapon) - Softcover

Pegler, Martin

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1849081492 ISBN 13: 9781849081498

Publisher: Osprey Publishing, 2010

The Thompson submachine gun, or Tommy gun developed an almost iconic status during the 20th century. It had an unusual beginning, for it was developed during the dying days of World War I as a 'one-man, hand-held machine gun'. The war ended before these first prototypes could be shipped to Europe but once the M1921 Thompson formally entered production it was used by the criminals working in Chicago and New York during the 1920s., With the police increasingly outgunned they too were forced to equip themselves with the Tommy gun. It quickly came to be used in Hollywood films, and by the end of the 1930s it would have probably faded from view had history not intervened. With the entry of the US into World War II there was an urgent need to equip and arm a force of epic proportions; the Thompson submachine gun began a second career as part of the US Army., It also became the weapon of choice for the small band of British commandos as they conducted a number of daring raids against the heart of occupied Europe.

Review:

I am not a person who buys books on guns, but this is an interesting and detailed little book --Miniature Wargames

Highly recommended. --Model Military International

All in all, this book is a superb start to a new series and can be recommended to enthusiasts and those with a passing interest alike (there is a glossary included for some of the more technical terms). Very highly recommended. --Military Modelcraft International

Pelger tells the Thompson story in a readable narrative spiced with photographs. The book is informative, entertaining and recommended. --On Point

All in all, this book is a superb start to a new series and can be recommended to enthusiasts and those with a passing interest alike (there is a glossary included for some of the more technical terms). Very highly recommended. --Military Modelcraft International

Book Description:

A fascinating and insightful look at the development history of an iconic weapon that virtually spanned the 20th century from the close of World War I to Yugoslav War.

• Publisher: Osprey Publishing
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 1849081492
• ISBN 13: 9781849081498
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 80
• Illustrator: Dennis Mr Peter