Heraldry and Regalia of War Uniforms and Decorations of World Wars I and II

Heraldry and Regalia of War Uniforms and Decorations of World Wars I and II

 

This book, magnificently illustrated in full colour almost throughout, shows a cross section of the uniforms, medals and badges, and army, naval and aircraft insignia of the two world wars. The heraldry of war -- the vivid, colourful display of uniforms, medals badges and banner -- has always been a heavy inducement to men to take up arms. But their main function is neither to confer glamour on their wearers, nor are they for mere empty display.  There is, in the most sophisticated of men, something of the primitive.  Our ancestors went into battle wearing war-paint, and with shields and weapons elaborately decorated:  all part of the ritual whoe purpose was to demonstrate the unity of the tribe.  In the same way, modern man, whether in the thick of battle or in one of those situations of complete isolation that occur so frequently in war--deep in the bowels of a warship in actions, in a trench under shellfire, or in the cockpit of an aeroplane with enemy aircraft in sight--needs a sense of identity with country and comrades.  It is this sense of identity that the heraldry of war provides. The cross section of uniforms, medals and insignia contained in this book can, then be regarded as something more than a collection of colourful devices and complex diagrams.  They provide a link between the purely functionaly need for immediate identification and the inborn need of man to dress himself for the occasion.  A selection of the propaganda of the World Wars is also included, to illustrate the special role of the heraldry and regalia of war in uniting a whole nation in a common cause.

 

Bernard Fitzsimons

Hardcover large format with d/w 160pp Phoebus 1973

 

Vg/Vg

Book Code:  SH2256

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