{"product_id":"military-engineering-volume-iii-part-ii-pamphlet-no-12-bailey-bridge-the-war-office","title":"Military Engineering Volume III—Part II Pamphlet No. 12: Bailey Bridge, The War Office","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMilitary Engineering Volume III—Part II Pamphlet No. 12: Bailey Bridge, The War Office — First Edition\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublication:\u003c\/b\u003e London, The War Office, 1942\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFormatting:\u003c\/b\u003e 8vo, pp. [ii], 50, plus 6 photographic plates and 17 folding plans.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition Report:\u003c\/b\u003e Very Good. The pamphlet remains in structurally sound and highly presentable condition for a fragile wartime publication. The original buff paper wrappers are clean, exhibiting only minor edge-wear and light, natural curling to the extremities. The original staple binding remains firm, showing only faint rust spotting that has barely transferred to the surrounding paper. Internally, the text block is tightly bound and impressively bright, with no significant toning, foxing, or tears. The numerous folding plates and tables are carefully folded and preserved without prominent miscreasing. A highly legible contemporary officer's signature and designation (\"2\/4 R.E.\") are penned to the front cover, adding a touch of authentic character to the piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCatalogue Note:\u003c\/b\u003e This exceedingly scarce pamphlet stands as one of the earliest official military publications concerning the revolutionary Bailey Bridge, issued in August 1942. Released just months after the bridge's initial prototyping in 1941, it bears the strict \"Not To Be Published\" restriction typical of sensitive wartime instructional material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike the more common 1944 (Part III) issues or post-war reprints, this 1942 first edition offers a foundational glimpse into the early operational deployment of Donald Bailey's modular engineering marvel, complete with extensive launching data and intricate fold-out assembly plans.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe front wrapper features a contemporary ink signature indicating its original issue to an officer of the Royal Engineers, the very units responsible for deploying these vital bridges across the theatres of war. Original, surviving examples of this inaugural 1942 manual are remarkably rare on the open market, as they were frequently destroyed, superseded by later iterations, or heavily degraded through active field use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIssued at the height of the Second World War, this restricted 1942 War Office manual provides a comprehensive, ground-level guide to the components, erection, and launching of the legendary Bailey Bridge. Designed for the Royal Engineers deploying to combat zones, the pamphlet is rich with detailed fold-out schematics, logistical tables, and step-by-step instructions for assembling one of the most vital engineering innovations of the 20th century. For historians, engineers, and militaria collectors alike, it offers an unparalleled primary source perspective on the portable bridge that fundamentally transformed Allied mobility and strategy.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Broadhursts Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54595008332115,"sku":"5087","price":149.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/1469\/6787\/files\/20260811_110653.jpg?v=1786789484","url":"https:\/\/broadhurstsbooks.com\/products\/military-engineering-volume-iii-part-ii-pamphlet-no-12-bailey-bridge-the-war-office","provider":"Broadhursts Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}