On the morning of the 28 June 1914, two pistol shots fired in a Sarajevo street had plunged the world into war and pitched men of all nations against one another. In the world’s first truly global conflict soldiers, sailors and airmen found themselves fighting in far-flung battlefields.
In the arid wastes of the Middle East, British troops faced Turks, Germans and Austrians in battles just as wasteful of lives as those on the Western front. This is the story of five British soldiers prepared to put their own lives at risk to save thousands of others.
Men determined to blunt an... Attack In Arabia
Introduction
As a tribute to those who served during the years 1914-1918 — on land, sea or in the air; at home or abroad — Commando is producing stories of characters caught up in the tumult of the First World War. None of author George Low’s inventions are real people but we’d like to think that the experiences he has imagined for you will not be far away from what actually happened to so many.
Last month, the miners of Messines were deep below the earth digging their way towards enemy lines. Other British soldiers, though, fought under the blazing sun of the Middle East where the land was as much an enemy as the soldiers of the Ottoman Empire who they faced.
I hope you enjoy this and the other stories in the series as much as we have.—Calum Laird, Commando Editor
The series continues in four weeks with In Flanders Skies… Commando No 4747
Story: George Low
Art: Keith Page
Cover: Ian Kennedy
These men had recklessly pursued the blood-cursed painting for itself, and for the military secrets hidden in it. But it hadn’t been called “The Portrait Of Death” for five centuries for nothing...
Introduction
So, what have we here? A cursed portrait whose evil has brought death throughout history. That seems straightforward enough, but keep your eye on the plot because there a few extra threads woven into the canvas of this one. Eric Hebden’s stories usually give full value and this one’s no exception. The inside art by Cortes — one of some 29 he did for Commando — you’ll be pleased to her is a lot clearer than the plot. Crisp, definite lines and shading only where it’s absolutely needed give a very clear read.
Ken Barr’s cover couldn’t be clearer either. It tells you exactly what you’re going to get.
Every picture tells a story…as they say.—Calum Laird, Commando Editor
Story: Eric Hebden
Art: Cortes
Cover: Ken Barr
Originally Commando No 120 (Jun 1964), re-issued as No 655 (June 1972)
Second-Lieutenant Ashley Windsor was a good-natured type but a bit naive and impulsive. Serving with an infantry regiment in India, he was the butt of many a joke amongst his fellow officers — especially when he hinted that he was a (very) distant relative to Queen Victoria.
This silly remark set off an extraordinary chain of events, including a small war against a scheming local tribal leader — who thought he would end up rich if he could capture a member of the British Royal Family!
Story: Ferg Handley
Art: Vila
Cover: Janek Matysiak
The photo-reconnaissance Spitfire flew so high and so fast, that it was considered safe from German fighters. Except, that is, when the enemy was an Me262 jet piloted by Max von Mellenburg.
Max had flown Luftwaffe planes over Britain and Russia with deadly success. Now he was preparing to defend the skies of his homeland as the Allies closed in for the final battle.
Introduction
Brought to you by a trio of top Commando contributors, this sterling air story features a premise which, when used sparingly, can be very effective, as Alan Hebden shows here. For a change, we are firmly on the side of a German hero — a Luftwaffe pilot who has no allegiance to the arrogant and cowardly Nazis.
There are stunning aircraft illustrations throughout from Jose Maria Jorge, and Ian Kennedy’s Me262 jet is so dynamically drawn that it looks set to practically soar off the front cover.—Scott Montgomery, Deputy Editor
Story: Alan Hebden
Art: J.M. Jorge
Cover: Ian Kennedy
Originally Commando No 2263 (March 1989), re-issued as No 3787 (February 2005)
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