Osprey

New Vanguard #159 Staghound Armored Car 1942-62

by  Steven J. Zaloga Illustrated by  Peter Bull

Reviewed By  Chris Durden, IPMS# 29474

MSRP: $17.95 ISBN: 9781846033926 Website: www.ospreypublishing.com Designed and built in the United States in response to an US Army solicitation for a medium armored car, the Staghound would never serve in an American unit. Instead, almost the entire production run of 3094 vehicles would serve in British and Commonwealth units during WWII. Nevertheless, there is not much reference material available on this series of vehicles and given the release of the 1/35 scale models by Bronco and Italeri (and a 1/72 version by RPM) this volume helps to fill a void in many a modeler’s library. Authored by the respected historian and modeler Steven Zaloga, this 47 page volume traces the Staghound’s origins, development, variants and service records. The book includes 39 photographs, 3 line drawings (including a nice cut-away painting; a true modeler’s centerfold!), 8 profiles and 2 full color plates. All of the major variants of the Staghound receive attention including illustrations or photographs. Details regarding the development and tactical doctrine that gave rise to the Staghound are explained in a clear and concise format, allowing the reader to understand why such a capable vehicle was rejected by the US Army but was modified to fit British requirements. However, the desert style of warfare that gave birth to the need for such a heavy scout was over by the time the Staghound entered service and thus a majority of the Staghounds ended up in the ill-suited terrain of muddy Italy although the Canadians used them to good effect in the drive across Europe and into Germany. Service in other countries post war is covered as well, including everything from concrete encased pillboxes to the tortuous path of some vehicles that ended up playing a part in the Cuban revolution. Some vehicles even continued to serve as late as 1985 during Lebanon’s Civil war. Steven Zaloga knows what details that modeler’s will find helpful and the photographs and text concerning the variants and combat are interesting. Now I understand why empty 25 pdr. ammo boxes seem to sprout on these vehicles like warts and, thanks to the photographs, how different units attached them differently. My only critique is that I wanted more coverage of the combat history of the Staghound, but what is covered is interesting and well written. Overall a worthwhile volume and a good resource for those with a few Staghounds in the closet, I recommend it! My thanks to Osprey Publishing for the review example.