The part played in the Great War by the army of the Austro-Hungarian Dual Monarchy is little known to English-speakers, perhaps because the end of the war saw the complete destruction of the Empire. Yet it was of central importance, providing nearly all Central Powers forces on the Italian front, huge numbers on the Russian front, seven Army Corps in the Balkans - and even a little-known contingent in Turkey and Palestine. The first half of the story of this complex multi-national organization at war is described here in a concise but detailed text, supported by data tables and an insignia chart, and illustrated with rare photographs and colourful uniform plates.

Dr Peter Jung was born in 1955 and attended the University of Vienna where he obtained a Doctorate in History. He started working for the Austrian State Archives/War Archives in 1981 and was the head of three departments there. He has written a number of books and articles including Die Feldverwendung der Österreichisch - Ungarischen Gendarmerie 1914/18 and L'ultimo Guerra degli Asburgo, Carso-Basso Isonzo-Trieste. Sadly Peter passed away in April 2003.

Darko Pavlovic was born in 1959 and currently lives and works in Zagreb, Croatia. A trained architect, he now works as a full-time illustrator and writer, specialising in militaria. Darko has illustrated a number of books for Osprey including Men-at-Arms 282: 'Axis Forces in Yugoslavia 1941-45' and Elite 60: 'U-Boat Crews 1914-45'. He has also written and illustrated titles for the Men-at-Arms series on the Austrian army of the 19th century.