The Thompson Submachine Gun: From Prohibition Chicago to World War II

Description

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.

Martin Pegler has a BA Hons in Medieval and Modern History and an MA in Museum Studies, both from University College, London, and was for many years the Senior Curator of Firearms at the Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds. He now lives in the Somme, France, where he and his wife run a small bed and breakfast, which is situated on top of the old German front line! Martin has established The Somme Historical Centre (www.martinpegler.com), where visitors can see the technology used in the 1914-18 trench warfare. In his spare time Martin runs motorcycle tours of the battlefield. He is the author of a number of books including 'The Military Sniper since 1914' (Osprey, 2001) and the highly acclaimed 'Out of Nowhere: A History of the Military Sniper' (Osprey, 2004), and he has also contributed to a number of magazines. Peter Dennis was born in 1950. Inspired by contemporary magazines such as Look and Learn he studied illustration at Liverpool Art College. Peter has since contributed to hundreds of books, predominantly on historical subjects, including many Osprey titles.

"Will appeal to those interested in firearms and to people interested in 1920s era shootouts between law enforcement and gangsters." --Greater Games Industry (Spring 2011) "The book chronicles the history of the world's greatest well travelled gun analyzing its development, its legacy and firsthand accounts of the men who used it in combat. [Martin Pegler] provides detailed information on the experiences of actually firing the Tommy gun in combat, how effective it was in battle and what could go wrong." --www.mataka.org (November 2010) "Provides a finely detailed review of the development, use, and impact of small arms throughout history. Expert knowledge and first-hand accounts contribute to the analysis of the Thompson's development and those who used it, making for an outstanding survey recommended for any military collection." --The Midwest Book Review (November 2010) "In this book on the Thompson, author Martin Pegler covers the development, early years and modifications done to the gun. It also covers the use of the Thompson by both civilians and the military. Finally, a look at the impact of the gun is covered. I guess we could easily say that thanks to Hollywood, most people of the time knew about this weapon. It is a superb book that is fascinating to read. A great start to a new series and one that I am positive you will enjoy. Highly recommended." --Scott Van Aken, Modeling Madness