France's War in Indochina Volume 1

Undoubtedly, America's attempt to push back communism in Vietnam is the most well-known war fought in Asia since 1945. However, it was preceded by a conflict between French and Vietnamese forces that resulted in the deaths of over 75,000 members of France's armed forces from December 1946 to July 1954. The First Indochina War was a particularly brutal conflict fought by the French for similar reasons as the United States in later years. Led by Ho Chi Minh, Vietnamese forces sought to impose communist doctrines in Vietnam, a move that France deemed unacceptable and warranted a large-scale military engagement. Vietnam was considered an integral part of Indochina and France itself, and the spread of communism in the region was not to be permitted, nor were Ho Chi Minh's attempts to gain independence for Vietnam through these means. This volume, the first in a three-part series, examines the first phase of the First Indochina War, which lasted from 1946 to 1949. 

Drawing on a variety of historical documents, this book provides readers with a comprehensive historical perspective on the French presence in Vietnam, the United States' support for France, the ideology and tactics of the insurgents in Vietnam, as well as a detailed account of the battles, strategies, machinery, and personnel employed by both sides to achieve their objectives during the conflict.

“It provides a great intro into what became decades of warfare in Indochina.” ModelingMadness.com

"...A very interesting book with insights into how French forces dealt with Viet Minh tactics and strategies, anticipating almost the same problems faced by American forces in Vietnam nearly twenty years later." VVA Veteran

“....for the modeler, the book is a goldmine of unusual, oddball and off-beat aircraft, armor and ships used by all the French, as well as the uniforms and troops from both sides.” Armorama

"The centre section has the usual selection of artwork profile, with military vehicles, uniforms, aircraft and maps, all adding to the archive photos included throughout the book. As well as being interesting to historians interested in the Vietnam story, I think modellers will be especially fascinated." Robin Buckland, Military Model Scene

"Besides its well-researched narrative, it is richly illustrated and filled with plentiful photographs and maps. Most importantly, Rookes has provided an understanding of how the Indochina War came about, years before it evolved into the 'American War'." The Journal of the Air Force Historical Foundation

"This initial volume of a planned three-volume set is an excellent overview of the conflict's roots.....it's quite readable and filled with interesting material for anyone looking to expand their appreciation of the First Vietnam War." Armorama.com

"...Overall, this book provides a comprehensive and well-researched exploration of the early stages of the Indochina War. It offers readers a valuable insight into the military strategies, political dynamics, and human cost of the conflict, as well as a deeper understanding of the broader implications of the Indochina War. Stephen Rookes discusses how this conflict influenced subsequent events such as the Korean War and the larger Cold War dynamics between the East and the West. For modellers, particularly members of our SIG, it will provide some interesting and alternative colour schemes for some of the most well-known aircraft of the war and early post-war era, as may be seen from the samples illustrating this review. I can recommend it as an essential read for modellers, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of this conflict and its broader historical significance." Asian Air Arms Newsletter, Mar 24

"...I really enjoyed this book, especially the detail about the early politics and battles with the French prior to the US entering the war. There are quite a few sidebars providing additional information about the power players during the period up to 1949. There are 14 pages of color illustrations that support the book along with the 112 photographs. The modeling perspective is quite diverse. There are French aircraft, armored vehicles, and ships, along with entries from Britain, Germany, Japan, and the US. I am looking forward to the next two volumes in this series. If you own one of the previous releases in the Asia @ War series, you know what you are getting. If this is your initial entry into this series, you will be quite pleased. Highly recommended!" IPMS/USA