Sniping, Scouting and Patrolling

S.O.A. Books is proud to present this new reprinted edition of the classic early WWII text Sniping, Scouting and Patrolling. This reprint has been created from a scarce original from S.O.A. Books’ own reference library. This historically significant guide, first published in 1940 by Gale & Polden Ltd, in the UK has been meticulously reproduced to offer enthusiasts, scholars, and tacticians alike a glimpse into the rigorous and detailed world of military sniping, scouting, and patrolling as taught to British and commonwealth recce specialists, snipers, special operations and Home Guard during the Second World War.

Crafted for both instructors and students, this manual encapsulates the strategic depth and practical expertise developed in the crucible of World War I and honed with the advent the more modern technology and strategies of World War II. It covers the gamut of sniping from the selection and use of equipment, the principles of camouflage and observation, to the organisation and execution of scouting and patrolling missions. This reprint maintains the original’s integrity, including its page count, photographs, line drawings, and diagrams, ensuring readers gain both the knowledge and the feel of these specialised tactics, techniques and procedures from the era.

Communicating basics which are still as relevant to today’s soldier as they were to the soldier of the Second World War, Sniping, Scouting and Patrolling goes way beyond mere marksmanship, delving into the psychology and strategy of sniping, scouting, and recce patrolling. It offers a comprehensive look at how to utilise the terrain, how to remain invisible to the enemy while gathering crucial intelligence, and the importance of making every shot count. This manual is a testament to the sniper’s role in disrupting the enemy’s momentum and routines, emphasising the sniper’s duty to remain always on the offensive and the impact of precision and stealth on the outcome of engagements.

S.O.A. Books is proud to bring this invaluable resource back into print, offering a bridge between the hard-won lessons of the past and the challenges of the present. This edition is an indispensable resource for those interested in military history, tactics, fieldcraft, and the evolution of combat strategy. Whether you are a historian, a military enthusiast, or someone intrigued by the nuts and bolts of the ＂how-to＂ of these types of operations, this modern reprint of Sniping, Scouting and Patrolling is an essential addition to your library.