Land forces and warfare Books
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Soviet Tanks in Manchuria 1945
Book SynopsisA new illustrated study of the devastating, but little-known, Soviet armored blitzkrieg against the Japanese in the last weeks of World War II, and how it influenced Soviet tank doctrine as the Cold War dawned.Although long overshadowed in the West by the dropping of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the USSR''s lightning strike into Manchuria in August 1945 was one of the most successful and unique campaigns of the era. Soviet forces, led by over 5,500 tanks and self-propelled guns, attacked across huge distances and deserts, marshes, and mountains to smash Japan''s million-strong Kwantung Army in a matter of days.Japanese forces were short of training and equipment, but nevertheless fought fiercely, inflicting 32,000 casualties on the Soviets. Red Army operations were characterized by surprise, speed, and deep penetrations by tank-heavy forces born of the brutal lessons they had learned during years fighting the Wehrmacht. Lessons from the campaiTrade ReviewIt can be confidently said that this text will obtain a very good reputation as a concise summary of the campaign and any enthusiast of the Soviet / Japanese / Chinese campaign ought to obtain a copy. * Military Archive Research *Despite my lifelong interest in the history of WW2, this is a story I knew nothing about beforehand, so I found this one especially fascinating. * Military Model Scene *Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION - Red Blitzkrieg SOVIET ARMORED FORCE EVOLUTION, ORGANIZATION, AND DOCTRINE TECHNICAL FACTORS - Self-propelled guns - Miscellaneous AFVs THE CAMPAIGN - Forces and plans - Across deserts and mountains: The Trans-Baikal Front - Through the fortified hills and forests: The First Far Eastern Front’s attack - Supporting attack: The Second Far Eastern Front - Amphibious operations on the flanks - Surrender and seizing the spoils BATTLE ANALYSIS - Japanese tank, antitank tactics, and operations AFTERMATH FURTHER READING INDEX
£11.69
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Dünkirchen 1940
Book SynopsisTrade ReviewKershaw’s book is a welcome rebalancing; a thoughtful, well-researched and well-written contribution to a narrative that has long been too one-sided and too mired in national mythology. -- Roger Moorhouse * The Times *A myth busting history of Dunkirk -- Richard Overy * The Telegraph *This is military history of the highest order. Superbly written and drawn from richly original sources, Dünkirchen 1940 throws new light on what the British tend to regard as an heroic humiliation but for the Germans was a victorious sideshow. An abundance of vivid personal memories, woven deftly in a clear narrative, make for a truly gripping read. * Jonathan Dimbleby, author and broadcaster *Robert Kershaw’s accurate and gritty account provides a fresh coherency to the German action in Belgium and France in the spring of 1940. His methodical approach dispels many of the myths surrounding Dunkirk. * David Price, bestselling author of 'The Crew' *Impeccably researched, a unique and enthralling approach – Dunkirk solely from the victors’ perspective. * Anthony Tucker-Jones, author of 'Churchill, Master and Commander' *Robert Kershaw has produced another superb book that demands a reassessment of the fighting at Dunkirk. In this highly readable and insightful account, Kershaw provides a much needed corrective to some of the assumptions made about the German forces using a new and underutilised sources. The result is blend of absorbing narrative history and clinical analysis, that deserves take its place among the great works about this totemic battle. * Lloyd Clark, author of 'Blitzkrieg: Myth, Reality and Hitler’s Lightning War' *An impressive account – Kershaw uses a mass of eye-witness testimony to fashion a compelling narrative. In doing so, he offers an important reassessment of this pivotal moment in World War Two. * Michael Jones, author of 'After Hitler: The Last Days of the Second World War' *Robert Kershaw makes all the complexities of 1940 easy to comprehend. This is a first-class book by a master of his trade. He comfortably combines British, French and German voices in an epic story which traverses the tactical to the grand strategic. In each area, a new and refreshing telling of one of the most decisive years in British history, he demonstrates that he is master of all. * Robert Lyman, author of 'A War of Empires' *Kershaw tells an excellent story from a hitherto neglected viewpoint. * History of War *Table of ContentsPrologue: Dunkerque, France List of Illustrations List of Maps Chapter 1: Führer Weather Chapter 2: Landser Chapter 3: The Sea Chapter 4: 24 May, The Day of the Halt Order Chapter 5: Panzers Against Ports Chapter 6: Running the Gauntlet Chapter 7: Sea, Air and Land Chapter 8: The Great Escape, 1 June Chapter 9: Elusive Victory Postscript: Dünkirchen Notes Bibliography Index
£19.00
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Ottoman Armies 18201914
Book SynopsisThis book describes and illustrates the armies of the embattled Ottoman Turkish Empire involved in 19th-century wars during the Empire''s long spiral of decline.During the so called ''long 19th century'', between the end of the Napoleonic Wars in 1815 and the outbreak of World War I in 1914, the difficulties faced by the Ottoman Turkish Empire were a recurrent factor in international geopolitics. Against a background of RussianOttoman rivalry, France and Britain supported the Empire during the Crimean War (185456), but not in the RussoTurkish War (187778). Portraying the uniforms, arms and appearance of Ottoman troops during this period, this book traces the history of the Ottoman Empire throughout this period, when no fewer than ten wars of regional insurgency and foreign expansion against the Empire were fought in territories in south-eastern Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. Using rare photos and illustrations from Turkish, Balkan and other Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION – The 18th-century army – The ‘New Army’, 1794–1807 – The Empire during the Napoleonic Wars CHRONOLOGY, 1815–1914 REFORMS UNDER MAHMUD II, 1826–39 – Disbandment of the Janissaries – Rebirth of the New Army – Reconstruction and reserves, 1829–36 THE TANZIMAT, 1840–53 – Military regions and army corps – Conscription THE CRIMEAN WAR, 1853–56 – Ottoman campaigns – Bashi-bazouks under European command – The Anglo–Turkish Contingent – Polish volunteers THE RUSSO–TURKISH WAR, 1877–78 – Summary – Military Service Law, 1869 – The Ottoman Army, 1877 – Second-line reserves and auxiliaries THE LATE OTTOMAN ARMY – Military Service Law, 1879 – Hamidye irregulars, 1890s – Further 1890s reforms THE ‘YOUNG TURKS’ REVOLUTION – The army in 1909–14 ARMIES OF VASSAL STATES – Egyptian army, 1815–82 – Tunisian army, 1830–81 – Serbian army, 1808–76 – Montenegrin army, 1830–76 – Moldavian army, 1830–59 – Wallachian army, 1830–59 SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY PLATE COMMENTARIES INDEX
£11.69
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC To Besiege a City
Book Synopsis''[An] excellent account.'' - Richard Overy, The TelegraphShortlisted for the Military History Matters Book of the Year Award 2024A ground-breaking history of one of the greatest ever sieges. Masterfully brought to life by a leading expert using original Russian and German source material. This new history of the first two years of this crucial battle for the heart and soul of Russia is the first in over a decade and also the first to look comprehensively at the wider military strategies of both sides. At a huge cost, the Red Army and the civilian population of Leningrad ultimately endured a bitter 900-day siege, struggling against constant bombing, shelling, and starvation. Throughout the siege, Soviet forces tried to break the German lines and restore contact with the garrison. To Besiege a City charts the first of these offensives which began in January 1942 and was followed by repeated assaults. AcclaimedTrade Review[An] excellent account. -- Richard Overy * The Telegraph *This is another masterly account by this excellent Osprey author, covering the first year of the siege of Leningrad. * Miniature Wargames *Buttar's meticulous and even-handed research leaves no stone unturned. * History of War *Brings to life a dark chapter of World War II history that ought to never be forgotten. * Morning Star *This will surely become the definitive reference work on the Siege of Leningrad. * Classic Military Vehicle *Table of ContentsList of Illustrations List of Maps Dramatis Personae Introduction Chapter 1: The Window to the West Chapter 2: Stalin's Purges Chapter 3: Flawed Plans for War Chapter 4: Barbarossa Unleashed Chapter 5: The Approach to Leningrad Chapter 6: Sinyavino and Tikhvin Chapter 7: Starvation: The First Winter Chapter 8: Bandenkrieg: The Partisan War Chapter 9: Lyuban: The Price of Optimism Chapter 10: Lyuban: Attrition and Failure Chapter 11: Summer 1942 Chapter 12: A Bloodstained Autumn Chapter 13: Towards the Second Winter Chapter 14: A Bitter Stalemate Notes Bibliography Index
£27.00
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Czechoslovak Armies 193945
Book SynopsisFeaturing rare photos, detailed colour illustrations and insignia tables, this study explores the contribution made by Czech and Slovak troops fighting alongside Allied forces during World War II. Following the Anglo-French failure at the Munich Conference in March 1938 to prevent a Nazi take-over of Bohemia-Moravia (modern Czech Republic/Czechia), many frustrated Czech and Slovak soldiers sided with Allied forces and fought alongside their armies first in Poland, then in France, and finally from Britain. Using depictions of relevant uniforms and equipment plus photos of the troops in action, military uniformology expert Nigel Thomas explains how the Czech Army was organized and how it fought alongside Allied forces in the Middle East and at Normandy. He describes the involvement of free Czech agents operating from Britain in Operation Anthropoid, the assassination of Nazi governor Reinhard Heydrich in occupied Bohemia-Moravia, and the part Czech soldiers played in mutinies in both Italy and Prague against German occupation which ultimately helped to secure a final Allied victory.Table of Contents(subject to confirmation) INTRODUCTION THE RISE AND FALL OF CZECHOSLOVAKIA – Czechoslovak armed forces: 28 Oct 1918–1 Mar 1920 – The little entente – The death of Czechoslovakia – State defence guard – Sudeten German organizations CZECHOSLOVAK ARMY ORGANIZATION: 10 SEP 1930–30 SEP 1938 – Higher formations – Infantry – Mobile forces – Artillery – Engineers – Air force – Services CZECHOSLOVAK UNIFORMS AND INSIGNIA: 10 SEP 1930 – 30 SEP 1938 CZECHOSLOVAK ARMY RANK INSIGNIA: 16 DEC 1927 – 11 MAY 1945 CZECHOSLOVAK ARMY BRANCH AND UNIT DISTINCTIONS: 1 JAN 1930 – 15 MAR 1939 FIGHTING ABROAD – Czech and Slovak legion – French Army – Middle East – Far East – Great Britain – Eastern Front – Czechoslovak air forces – Bohemia–Moravia Protectorate Government Army RESISTANCE ORGANIZATIONS – Special operations executive – Operation Anthropoid CONTINUING RESISTANCE – The battle for Prague SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY PLATE COMMENTARIES INDEX
£11.69
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC The American Revolution
Book SynopsisUpdated and revised from the popular 2002 edition, with full-colour maps and new images throughout, this is a concise study of the American Revolutionary War. The American Revolution, or the American War of Independence, has been characterized politically as a united political uprising of the American colonies and militarily as a guerrilla campaign of colonists against the inflexible British military establishment. In this book, Daniel Marston argues that this belief, though widespread, is a misconception. He contends that the American Revolution, in reality, created deep political divisions in the population of the Thirteen Colonies, while militarily pitting veterans of the Seven Years'' War against one another, in a conflict that combined guerrilla tactics and classic 18th-century campaign techniques on both sides. The peace treaty of 1783 that brought an end to the war marked the formal beginning of the United States of America as an independent politTable of ContentsIntroduction Background to War Warring Sides Outbreak The Fighting The World Around War How the War Ended Conclusion and Consequences Chronology Further Reading Index
£11.69
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Japanese Infantryman vs US Marine Rifleman
Book SynopsisFeaturing evocative artwork plates and carefully selected photographs, this book assesses the US Marines and Japanese troops who contested the islands of Tarawa, Roi-Namur, and Eniwetok during 194344. On November 20, 1943, amphibious vehicles carrying Marines of the 2d Marine Division reached the shores of Betio Island in the Tarawa Atoll, defended by a determined Japanese garrison that would fight to the last man. This began a test by combat of over two decades of US studies, analyses, and planning for capturing and defending naval bases in Micronesia. The Tarawa assault was followed in February 1944 by the rapid capture of the Kwajalein and Eniwetok atolls in the Marshall Islands. In these battles US Marines fought a mix of Imperial Japanese Navy and Imperial Japanese Army ground units. All but a handful of the defenders, whether they were organized ground combat troops or infantry improvised from aviators and service troops, were determined to die for the Emperor while killinTable of ContentsIntroduction The Opposing Sides Betio Island, November 20–23, 1943 Namur Island, February 1–2, 1944 Engebi Island, February 18, 1944 Analysis Aftermath Unit Organizations Bibliography Index
£14.39
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC WaffenSS Soldier vs Soviet Rifleman
Book SynopsisFully illustrated, this study assesses the Soviet and Waffen-SS troops who contested the cities of Kharkov and Rostov-on-Don on the Eastern Front during 194243. As the Axis invasion of the Soviet Union unfolded, two places that suffered exceptionally severely were Kharkov (now Kharkiv) in Ukraine and Rostov-on-Don in Russia. In total, Kharkov would change hands violently four times between October 1941 and August 1943, and Rostov-on-Don also four times between November 1941 and February 1943. In this book, Chris McNab examines the fighting men of the Red Army and the Waffen-SS who clashed in three battles one for Rostov (July 1942) and two for Kharkov (FebruaryMarch and August). He clearly explains the key differences between these two opponents training, tactics, weaponry, ideology and motivation and examines how these differences played out in the three engagements, which ranged from open-terrain combined-arms battles to close-quarters street fighting in major urban zones. Trade ReviewAs ever the text is accompanied by plenty of archive images along with the usual array of artwork which includes plenty of detailed maps illustrating the three battles that feature in the book, along with excellent pictures of both a German and a Russian trooper with their equipment plus some battlefield artwork as well. * Military Model Scene *Table of ContentsIntroduction The Opposing Sides Rostov-on-Don, 20–25 July 1942 The Third Battle of Kharkov, 19 February–18 March 1943 The Fourth Battle of Kharkov, 6–11 August 1943 Analysis Aftermath Unit organizations Bibliography Index
£14.39
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC The Killing Ground
Book SynopsisAn exploration into why and how Thermopylae is one of the most blood-soaked patches of ground in history and what its past can tell us about our future.''Brilliantly demonstrated.'' - Tom HollandSince the dawn of the Classical Era up to World War II, thousands have lost their lives fighting over the pass at Thermopylae. Historians Cole and Livingston provide an exciting account of each of the 27 battles and holding actions that took place. The epic events of 480 BC when 300 Spartans attempted to hold the pass has been immortalised in poetry, art, literature and film. But no history has ever detailed the other events from the very first battle through to the battles fought by Romans, Byzantines, Huns and Ottomans during the early and late medieval periods and finally the two desperate struggles against German occupying forces during World War II. The Killing Ground details the background and history of each conflict, the personalitiTrade ReviewHighly recommended. * Adrian Goldsworthy *A timely look at the history of war, geography, and myth-making, told through the fascinating story of one of the world’s most recurrent battlefields. * Douglas Boin *A survey spanning millennia of a pass that, as the authors have brilliantly demonstrated, is as well fitted to host battles as any corner of the globe. * Tom Holland *In The Killing Ground Myke Cole and Michael Livingstone combine their proven talents as military historians to examine why the long, narrow stretch of land called Thermopylae in Greece was the site of twenty-seven battles that occurred there over 2,500 years. Their myth busting account of the legendary battle of 480 BC is a tour de force! * Lindsay Powell, author of 'Augustus at War: The Struggle for the Pax Augusta' *Table of ContentsPreface List of Illustrations List of Maps Introduction: The Killing Ground 1. The First Action: The First Battle of Thermopylae, Date Unknown 2. The Second Action: The Second Battle of Thermopylae, 480 BC 3. The Third Action: Crossing, 355 BC 4. The Fourth Action: Holding, 352 BC 5. The Fifth Action: Seizure, 346 BC 6. The Sixth Action: The Third Battle of Thermopylae, 323 BC 7. The Seventh Action: Holding, 316 BC 8. The Eighth Action: The Fourth Battle of Thermopylae, 315 BC 9. The Ninth Action: The Fifth Battle of Thermopylae, 279 BC 10. The Tenth Action: Holding, 224 BC 11. The Eleventh Action: The Sixth Battle of Thermopylae, 207 BC 12. The Twelfth Action: The Seventh Battle of Thermopylae, 191 BC 13. The Thirteenth Action: Crossing, 146 BC 14. The Fourteenth Action: Holding, AD 251 15. The Fifteenth Action: The Eighth Battle of Thermopylae, AD 254 16. The Sixteenth Action: Crossing, AD 396 17. The Seventeenth Action: The Ninth Battle of Thermopylae, AD 447 18. The Eighteenth Action: The Tenth Battle of Thermopylae, AD 517 19. The Nineteenth Action: The Eleventh Battle of Thermopylae, AD 539 20. The Twentieth Action: The Twelfth Battle of Thermopylae, AD 559 21. The Twenty-First Action: The Thirteenth Battle of Thermopylae, AD 997 22. The Twenty-Second Action: Crossing, AD 1203 23. The Twenty-Third Action: The Fourteenth Battle of Thermopylae, AD 1204 24. The Twenty-Fourth Action: The Fifteenth Battle of Thermopylae, AD 1822 25. The Twenty-Fifth Action: The Sixteenth Battle of Thermopylae, AD 1941 26. The Twenty-Sixth Action: Sabotage, AD 1942 27. The Twenty-Seventh Action: Sabotage, AD 1943 Conclusion: A Cauldron of War Notes Index
£21.25
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Those Must Be The Guards
Book SynopsisThe story of the British Army''s Household Division from 1969 to 2023. It is the biography of a family of three generations of soldiers who have served Crown and Country during a period of significant social and geostrategic change.The story of the British Army's Household Division from 1969 to 2023 is one of three generations of soldiers who have served Crown and Country during a period of significant social and geostrategic change. It is the story of a family of seven regiments that symbolise the Union of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Septem juncta in uno: The Life Guards, The Blues and Royals, Grenadier, Coldstream, Scots, Irish and Welsh Guards. The Guards established an ascendancy in the Peninsular War and at the Battle of Waterloo, and have never truly faltered since. They have managed this by changing when change was needed. Over the last 50 years, the Household Division has been at the centre of almost every major operation conducted by thTrade ReviewThis absorbing book celebrating a unique military asset commands close attention. * Country Life *This book is the perfect present for the Guardsman in your life. * Jonathan Boff, The Spectator *Table of ContentsForeword by HRH The Princess Royal Preface by the Major General Commanding The Household Division List of Illustrations and Maps Prologue 1. Setting the Scene: The Guards, 1969–2023 2. Commendable Restraint: The Troubles, 1969–2007 3. National Renewal: The Falklands Campaign, April–June 1982 4. The Household Division in Germany: The British Army’s Latter Day ‘Raj’, 1969–2008 5. Disengaging from Britain’s Far-flung Battle Line 6. Pomp and Circumstance: Ceremony and Drill 7. Cold War, Hot War and Options for Change, 1990–92 8. The Guards Depot: Septem juncta in uno 9. The Household Division in the Balkans, 1993–2007 10. Iraq and Afghanistan, 2003–21: A Strategic and Political Failure? 11. Afghanistan: Operation Herrick, 2006–14 Epilogue: Op Shader in Iraq and the Beat of the Drum Acknowledgements Index
£25.50
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Anders Army
Book SynopsisGeneral Anders was a significant and controversial figure in the politics of Allied command
£21.25
Pen & Sword Books Ltd M1 Abrams Tank
Book SynopsisA comprehensive record in words and images of America's main battle tank since 1981.
£13.49
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Cataphracts Knights of the Ancient Eastern
Book SynopsisCataphracts were the most heavily armoured shock cavalry on the ancient battlefield, predating the knights of Western Europe by over 1000 years.
£17.99
Pen & Sword Books Ltd American Wheeled Armoured Fighting Vehicles
Book SynopsisComprehensive account in words and images of all US Wheeled AFVs of the last 80 years.
£18.15
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Panzer IV
Book SynopsisHighly illustrated introduction to one of the most important German tanks of the Second World War with over 150 archive photographs plus specially commissioned colour profiles.
£14.24
Pen & Sword Books Ltd History of the Green Howards
Book SynopsisThe exploits of one of Britain's finest regiments written by a father and son team who are distinguished members.
£15.29
Pen & Sword Books Ltd British Armoured Car Operations in World War I
Book SynopsisA fascinating and action packed history, focussing on the armoured car and the many ways in which it was employed during the Great War.
£17.99
Pen & Sword Books Ltd SS Specialist Units in Combat
Book SynopsisIt is an often overlooked fact that the SS Divisions included Cavalrymen, Paratroopers, Mountain and Ski Battalions and these rare photographs illustrate the unique role played by specialist units in action.
£13.49
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Allied Armoured Fighting Vehicles of the Second
Book SynopsisMany rare images of all Allied Armoured Fighting Vehicle variants of WW2 across all theatres.
£21.21
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Hitlers Spanish Division
Book SynopsisContains over fifty full-colour drawings of the various uniforms and insignia. Tells the story of a little-known part of the war on the Eastern Front.
£17.99
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Middlebrook Guide to the Somme Battlefields
Book SynopsisFull of useful information and points of interest the book covers not just the WW1 battles but the full span of history.
£13.49
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Hitlers Arctic War The German Campaigns in Norway
Book SynopsisIllustrated by over 100 photographs, the majority sourced from Russian archives and previously unpublished.
£14.24
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Tank Craft 2 Sherman Tanks British Army and Royal
Book SynopsisSummary of design and operational history
£18.43
Pen & Sword Books Tank Craft 1 Tiger I and Tiger II Tanks German
Book SynopsisSummary of design and operational history
£14.24
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Axis Tanks of the Second World War Images of War
Book SynopsisSuperb collection of colour and B&W images of all Axis tanks variants of WW2 across all theatres
£19.51
Pen & Sword Books Ltd SS Totenkopf Division at War History of the
Book SynopsisThe SS Totenkopf Division was one of the most effective and ruthless fighting formations of WW2.
£14.99
Pen & Sword Books Ltd SS Polizei Division at War 1940 1945
Book SynopsisThe SS-Polizei Division became one of the most effective and ruthless fighting formations of WW2.
£13.49
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Tanks of the USSR 19171945
Book SynopsisA short, but well-researched overview of the main developments of tanks used by the USSR from 1917-1945
£12.99
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Tank Wrecks of the Eastern Front 1941 1945
Book SynopsisA history of the destroyed and disabled tanks photographed on the battlefields of the Eastern Front
£13.49
University of Toronto Press Merry Hell
Book SynopsisMerry Hell is the only complete history of the 25th Canadian infantry battalion, which was recruited in the autumn and winter of 1914–15 and served overseas from spring 1915 until spring 1919. Author Robert N Clements, who served in the battalion throughout that period and rose from private to captain, wrote the story many years after the war, based on his personal memories and experiences. As such, his story reflects two unique perspectives on Canadian military history – the remarkably fresh recollections and anecdotes of a veteran, and the outlook of a man eager to share what his generation contributed to the nation’s history, character, and identity.Professional military historian Brian Douglas Tennyson buttresses Clements’s story with a valuable critical apparatus, including an analytical introduction that contextualizes the history and notes that explain unfamiliar points and people. Merry Hell is a captivating tale foTrade Review‘Merry Hell is a well written book that can be used for casual reading or academic study... It is rare to come across such a book, especially in the study of history.’ -- Erich N. Lenz * Canadian Military History vol 25:01:2016 *‘This is a useful contribution to our understanding of the experiences of that generation of young Canadians who marched off to war 100 years ago.’ -- Patrick Brennan * University of Toronto Quarterly vol 84:03:2015 *‘Canadians everywhere, and not just those of us in Nova Scotia, owe a debt of gratitude to Robert Clements for writing this book – and to Brian Tennyson for placing it so resolutely in the public realm. This is a work permitting us to see with searing clarity the vile nature and devastating toll of modern warfare.’ -- Wilf Cude * The Antigonish Review #180 *‘I enjoyed reading every page of Merry Hell – couldn’t put it down, really. Part history and part memoir, it is a singular contribution to our knowledge of the First World War and those who fought it. Anyone who calls himself or herself a First World War historian will read this book with a smile of satisfaction on their face – it just rings true and genuine, and is more immediate than existing studies. And for those who haven’t read much on the First World War, at least at the battalion history level, this will be a revelation.’ -- Steve Harris, Chief Historian, Directorate of History and Heritage, Department of National Defence‘Merry Hell is an amazing book…. As we approach the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War, Merry Hell is an invaluable addition to the literature of that war and Nova Scotia’s role in it.’ -- John Boileau * The Chronicle Herald, September 14, 2013 *Table of ContentsIntroduction Preface Chapter 1 In the Beginning Chapter 2 Growing Pains Chapter 3 Oh What a Lovely War Chapter 4 Under Way at Last Chapter 5 Summer Days Chapter 6 Away to the Races Chapter 7 Phooie Il Pluie Chapter 8 What Next? Chapter 9 Waiting Time Chapter 10 Dear Old Blighty Chapter 11 You Can Have It Chapter 12 In the Good Old Summer Time Chapter 13 Notes from the Observers Chapter 14 Birth of the Battalion Canteen Chapter 15 Why? Chapter 16 The Corps Comes of Age Chapter 17 In Again Out Again Chapter 18 Dirty Jobs Chapter 19 Cleaning Up Chapter 20 The Last 100 Days Chapter 21 The Long Road Home Appendix Nominal Roll of Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers and Men of the 25th Battalion Recommended Reading
£23.39
Skyhorse Publishing Navy SEAL Sniper: An Intimate Look at the Sniper
Book SynopsisThe sniper is a battlefield threat second to none. Mastering the art of marksmanship is critical but is only part of what makes a Navy SEAL sniper. Snipers must be able to apply the craft in an urban environment or alone on a hostile mountain top with equal effectiveness. Today’s sniper must not just leverage technological advances but also have the foreknowledge to select the best rifle and gear for the mission. Increasingly, he must have the mental toughness to adapt to a constantly changing environment, gather intelligence, and truly act as a force multiplier.In this comprehensive look through the eyes of former Navy SEAL sniper instructor Brandon Webb and fellow Navy SEAL snipers Chris Kyle and Glen Doherty, the authors reveal not just the fundamentals of marksmanship but also the science of shooting, stalking, and camouflage and how technological advances have changed the training and increased the effectiveness of the modern sniper. Including maritime, helicopter, and urban sniper operations, this updated edition also goes into detail on the latest research, development, testing, and evaluation of weapons and optics. From the basics like compensating for wind and bullet drop, to camouflage and placing yourself or your team in the best position to take a photo or pull a trigger, Webb and Doherty cover the critical elements that comprise the twenty-first century sniper.
£15.03
Pen & Sword Books Ltd From Arromanches to the Elbe: Marcus Cunliffe and
Book SynopsisIt was on 14 June 1944, D+8, that the tanks of the 144th Regiment Royal Armoured Corps began to disembark on Gold Beach during the Normandy landings. Delayed in going ashore, the regiment's tanks had been sorely missed by the infantry - and consequently the men of the 144th soon found themselves in action. It was the start of a long and bitter campaign that would take them across North West Europe into the heart of Germany. During that advance the regiment took part in a number of important actions. These included Operation Pomegranate (July 1944), Operation Totalize, an innovative night attack which was one of the final steps to breaking out of the Caen bridgehead (7/8 August 1944), the siege and capture of Le Havre, the fighting in Holland during late 1944, the crossing of the Rhine (by which time the regiment had been equipped with amphibious Buffaloes and during which it carried the flag which accompanied the first British tanks to cross the Rhine after the end of the First World War), and the capture of Bremen just before the end of the war in Europe. The author began to investigate the regiment's service through his late father-in-law, Captain R.W. Thorne, who had been officer in it during the war. As well as extensive interviews with him about the regiment and the campaign, this book draws on a variety of contemporary sources - not least of which are the archives of fellow officer Marcus Cunliffe. Cunliffe, who went on to become a distinguished British scholar and author who specialized in American Studies after the war (particularly military and cultural history), had kept a detailed and graphic diary and written a number of lively and informative accounts - all of which are now in the George Washington University in Washington DC. Unsurprisingly, Cunliffe's work features heavily in this publication. Arromanches to the Elbe is a serious contribution to the history of the Second World War. As well as exploring all aspects of army life, such as training and what might be called the social history of an active service unit, this book will appeal to those interested in the campaign in Europe as a whole, the use of tanks and armoured warfare in general, and, of course, the final battles to defeat Hitler's Third Reich.
£21.25
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Jagdpanther Tank Destroyer: German Army, Western
Book SynopsisCombining the destructive firepower of the 88mm gun with the outstanding mobility of the Panther series, the Jagdpanther is quite probably the best-known tank destroyer of the Second World War. In the vehicle's first action on 30 July 1944, three Jagdpanthers managed to destroy eleven British tanks in a vicious two minute firefight near the village of Les Loges in Normandy, cementing the Jagdpanther's reputation as a potent tank killer. In his fifth book in the TankCraft series, Dennis Oliver uses contemporary photographs and meticulously researched, superbly presented colour and monochrome illustrations to tell the story of these heavy self-propelled anti-tank guns and the units which operated them in the German defence of the Western Front. As with all the books in the TankCraft series, a large part of this work showcases available model kits and aftermarket products, complemented by a gallery of expertly constructed and painted models. Technical details as well as modifications introduced during production and in the field are also explained giving the modeller all the information and knowledge required.Trade Review"Impressive!"--AMPS Indianapolis "Really interesting concept to combine historical, technical and modeling content in one book. Nicely illustrated. Good selection of paint schemes tied to specific units and periods; good kit and accessory reviews; good, brief unit histories... As a first Jagdpanther book for modelers seeking an economical source on models, accessories and paint schemes, this is valuable... Highly Recommended for Beginner to Intermediate builders."--AMPS
£17.33
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Panzer I and II: Blueprint for Blitzkrieg
Book SynopsisThe Panzer I and II played a significant part in the blitzkrieg campaigns that brought Germany such extraordinary success in the early years of the Second World War, and this highly illustrated volume in the TankCraft series is the ideal introduction to them. The Treaty of Versailles forbade Germany to manufacture tanks so the Panzer I had to be developed in strict secrecy, but by the time of the invasion of Poland the Wehrmacht had over 1400 of these light tanks. The Panzer II was an interim design, bridging the gap between the Panzer I and subsequent, far more viable armoured fighting vehicles like the Panzer III and IV. As well as tracing the history of the Panzer I and II, Robert Jackson's book is an excellent source of reference for the modeller, providing details of available kits, together with artworks showing the colour schemes applied to these tanks. Each section of the book is supported by a wealth of wartime photographs as well as diagrams showing the technical changes that were made to these tanks in the course of their careers.
£13.49
Pen & Sword Books Ltd T-34: Russia's Armoured Spearhead
Book SynopsisVon Kleist, one of Hitler s best panzer leaders, described the T-34 as The finest tank in the world . There could have been no finer accolade from a commander whose panzer divisions experienced the full fury of its devastating attacks on the Eastern Front. Without doubt, the T-34 was one of the best tanks of all time, and in this volume in the TankCraft series Robert Jackson tells its story. He describes its conception in the 1930s, its development during the Second World War, and its post-war deployment to over thirty countries within the Soviet sphere of influence. His book is an excellent reference work for the modeller, providing details of available kits, together with artworks showing the colour schemes applied to the T-34 by its operators throughout the world. Photographs, many in colour, illustrate the T-34 in action and there is a section dealing with the range of armoured vehicles that were built using the T-34 chassis. Robert Jackson's introduction to the T-34 is necessary reading for tank enthusiasts and tank modellers alike.
£14.99
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Guderian: Panzer General
Book SynopsisBorn in Kulm, Germany, on 17 June 1888, Heinz Wilhelm Guderian was the son of an army officer. He eventually joined the German Army and was commissioned in the Jaegers in 1908 where he became a communications specialist. He fought in the First World War and afterwards was a member of the right-wing Freikorps units. Between the wars, Guderian became a catalyst for developing a Panzer division in the German Army. By February 1938 he had been promoted to Lieutenant General; later that year Hitler appointed Guderian to the new post of Chief of Mobile Troops. Guderian was a man of ideas equipped with the ability to turn inspiration into reality. A master of strategy and tactics, he was the officer who led the attack on Poland in September and in so doing introduced the world to the reality of Blitzkrieg. This biography draws on material from Enigma sources and information taken directly from the extensive Guderian family archives to explore the man who was partly responsible for the development of modern tank warfare and who is considered to be the father of Blitzkrieg.The author also looks at Guderian s reaction to the July 1944 plot to kill Hitler as well as illuminates the struggles within the German hierarchy, in the process investigating why Guderian was so admired by some while denigrated by others.
£13.49
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Siege Warfare during the Crusades
Book SynopsisSieges played a key role in the crusades, but they tend to be overshadowed by the famous battles fought between the Franks and the Muslims, and no detailed study of the subject has been published in recent times. So Michael Fulton's graphic, wide-ranging and thought-provoking book is a landmark in the field. He considers the history of siege warfare in the Holy Land from every angle - the tactics and technology, the fortifications, the composition of the opposing armies, and the ways in which sieges shaped Frankish and Muslim strategy at each stage of the conflict. The differences and similarities between the Eastern and Western traditions are explored, as is the impact of the shifting balance of power in the region. The conclusions may surprise some readers. Neither the Muslims nor the Franks possessed a marked advantage in siege technology or tactics, their fortifications reflected different purposes and an evolving political environment and, although there were improvements in technologies and fortifications, the essence of siege warfare remained relatively consistent. Michael Fulton's book is a fascinating all-round reassessment of an aspect of the crusades that had a decisive impact on the outcome of the struggle. It will be essential reading for medieval and military historians.
£25.50
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Cromwell and Centaur Tanks: British Army and
Book SynopsisDesigned with the hard lessons of the North African campaign in mind, including the adoption of a dual-purpose gun capable of firing high-explosive and anti-tank rounds, the Cromwell was one of the most successful of the British cruiser tanks produced during the Second World War. The lack of heavy armour was made up for by the tank's high speed provided by a Rolls-Royce Meteor engine. The Centaur was externally almost identical to the Cromwell, the major difference being the installation of the less powerful Liberty engine. While the Centaur equipped the Royal Marines during the Normandy battles, the Cromwell served until the end of the war and formed the basis for the Comet. In his fifth book in the TankCraft series, author and illustrator Dennis Oliver uses official wartime photographs and comprehensively researched, exquisitely presented colour profiles to tell the story of the penultimate British cruiser tank. In common with all the titles from the TankCraft series, the large full-colour section features available model kits and accessories as well as aftermarket products. In addition to the colour profiles there is a gallery of expertly constructed and painted models. A separate section explains technical details and modifications made during production and in the field, giving the modeller all the information required to recreate an authentic replica of one of the tanks that served from the Normandy beaches to the final battles in Germany.
£13.49
Pen & Sword Books Ltd M2/M3 Bradley: Rare Photographs from Wartime
Book SynopsisThrough hundreds of color photos, the bulk previously unpublished, Images of War: M2 Bradley explores America's premier Infantry Fighting Vehicle in an unprecedented level of detail. Go inside and out the modern-day icon, then ride it into battle through they myriad of photos presented in this book. See why Bradley remains one of the most formidable armored combat vehicles of its class, even as it logs over 35 years of service.
£16.99
Pen & Sword Books Ltd M7 Priest: Rare Photographs from Wartime Archives
Book SynopsisThe M7 Howitzer Motor Carriage, dubbed the Priest, was the most successful and widely used example of American self-propelled artillery during WWII. Examples continued to be used by the U.S. Army during the Korean war, and beyond, even serving Allied countries into the 1970s.
£18.01
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Tiger I: German Army Heavy Tank, Southern Front
Book SynopsisWhen at Hitler's insistence the first Tiger I tanks went into action in Tunisia in December 1942 they rapidly gained a formidable fighting reputation despite their lack of reliability and the small number deployed. With its heavy armour and 88mm gun, it outclassed all the Allied tanks then in service and forced the Allies to accelerate the introduction of improved anti-tank guns and tanks that could match the Tiger in terms of firepower and protection. In this, his second volume in the TankCraft series on the Tiger, Dennis Oliver uses archive photos and extensively researched colour illustrations to examine the Tiger tanks and German army units that first took them into combat in North Africa and then operated them as they fell back through Sicily and Italy between 1943 and 1945. A large part of the book showcases available model kits and aftermarket products, complemented by a gallery of beautifully constructed and painted models in various scales. Technical details as well as modifications introduced during production and in the field are also examined providing everything the modeller needs to recreate an accurate representation of the tanks that made such an immediate impact on the southern front during the Second World War.
£13.49
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Centurion: Armoured Hero of Post-War Tank Battles
Book SynopsisThe fifty-ton British Centurion tank, developed during the darkest days of the Second World War, was designed to out-gun and out-perform the latest German tanks, such as the formidable Panzer V Panther. It was one of the most successful tanks ever produced, and this volume in the TankCraft series by Robert Jackson is the ideal introduction to it. The Centurion came into service too late to test its ability in action with German armour, but in the post-war world it earned a fearsome reputation in action during the many conflicts of the Cold War era, from the Middle East to Vietnam. Nearly 4,500 were built, serving with the armies of some twenty nations. The Centurion's chassis was also adapted to fulfil a variety of tasks, including armoured recovery, bridge-laying and guided weapons carrier. As well as tracing the history of the Centurion, Robert Jackson's book is an excellent source of reference for the modeller, providing details of available kits and photographs of award-winning models, together with artworks showing the colour schemes applied to these tanks. Each section of the book is supported by a wealth of archive photographs.
£13.49
Pen & Sword Books Ltd T-54/55: Soviet Cold War Main Battle Tank
Book SynopsisDuring the Cold War, the T-54/55 series of tanks represented the most serious threat to Nato land forces in Europe. Available in huge quantities, it formed the core of the Warsaw Pact armoured warfare doctrine, which envisaged massed tank attacks against the weakest point in Nato's front-line defences. Yet the T-54/55 could be stopped by smaller numbers of tanks which had the benefit of better technology and training, as was demonstrated during the Yom Kippur War of 1973 when Israeli tanks dealt out appalling punishment to T-55s of the Syrian army. Despite these limitations, the T-54/55 was one of the most successful tanks ever produced, and this volume in the TankCraft series by Robert Jackson is the ideal introduction to it. As well as tracing the history of the T-54/55, his book is an excellent source of reference for the modeller, providing details of available kits and photographs of award-winning models, together with artworks showing the colour schemes applied to these tanks. Each section of the book is supported by a wealth of archive photographs.
£13.49
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Chieftain: British Cold War Main Battle Tank
Book SynopsisThe British Chieftain - designed in the late 1950s as the replacement for the Centurion - was perhaps the best main battle tank in service with Nato during the 1960s and 1970s. Its 120mm rifled main gun and advanced armour made it one of the most formidable tanks of its time, and Robert Jackson's book is an authoritative introduction to it. Although it was intended to fight Soviet armour on the plains of northern Germany, it was in the heat and sand of the Middle East that the Chieftain fought its major battles during the Iran-Iraq War of the 1980s, and it proved to be very effective during the Gulf War of 1991\. Variants of the Chieftain were exported to Iran, Oman, India, Kenya and Nigeria, and its chassis was adapted to fulfil a variety of tasks, including armoured recovery and bridge-laying As well as tracing the history of the Chieftain, Robert Jackson's work provides an excellent source of reference for the modeller, providing details of available kits and photographs of award-winning models, together with artworks showing the colour schemes applied to these tanks. Each section of the book is supported by a wealth of archive photographs.
£13.49
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Hitler's Light Tanks: Rare Photographs from
Book SynopsisHitler's Wehrmacht led the way in armoured warfare as the successful blitzkriegs in Poland and North West Europe in 1940 so convincingly proved. The contribution of light tanks such as Panzers I, II and 35(t) was critical. As the war spread to the Balkans, north Africa and the invasion of Russia, German engineers worked tirelessly modifying existing light tanks and developing new models. The growing Soviet armoured threat, in particular, spawned tank destroyers such as the Marder III Panzerjager, SdKfz 138/1 and 139. Anti-aircraft variants included the Flakpanzer 38(t) and the SdKfz 140/1 was a reconnaissance tank armed with a 20mm turret-mounted gun, developed from the SdKfz 22 armoured car, whereas the Aufklarungerspanzer 38(t) carried a 7.5cm gun in the support reconnaissance role. In the final stages of the war light tanks were phased out and the Marder and 38 (t) were up-gunned; the Wespe was adapted from the Panzer II chassis. This superbly illustrated book gives a comprehensive overview of the multitude of vehicles and variants that came into service. With the text and captions providing technical data, the images show this formidable array of fighting vehicles in action across the theatres of war.
£14.99
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Tiger I and Tiger II Tanks, German Army and
Book SynopsisTiger tanks were among the most-feared fighting vehicles of the Second World War and they gained almost legendary status, yet they never fulfilled their potential because they were not produced in sufficient numbers and the tide the war had turned against the German army by the time they were introduced. Often they were deployed in difficult circumstances and in defensive battles, struggling against the odds. Nowhere was this more true than in western Europe during the Allied advance across France and into Germany, and it is the Tigers of this phase of the war that Dennis Oliver portrays in his third volume on the Tiger in the TankCraft series. He uses archive photos and extensively researched colour illustrations to examine the Tiger tanks and units of the German Army and Waffen-SS heavy panzer battalions that struggled to resist the onslaught of Allied armour and air attacks during the last days of the conflict. A key section of his book displays available model kits and aftermarket products, complemented by a gallery of beautifully constructed and painted models in various scales. Technical details as well as modifications introduced during production and in the field are also examined providing everything the modeller needs to recreate an accurate representation of these historic tanks.
£13.49
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Tank Destroyer: Achilles and M10, British Army
Book SynopsisIn this heavily illustrated volume in the TankCraft series Dennis Oliver focuses on the Achilles - the British variant of the American M10 - which was one of the most important Allied tank destroyers of the Second World War. It played a key role in the armoured battles fought on the Western Front, in particular in France, the Low Countries, Germany and Italy. Built on an adapted Sherman chassis, with sloped armour, an open-topped turret and powerful 17-pounder gun, it was designed to counter the threat posed by the formidable panzers deployed by the German army towards the end of the conflict, in particular the Panther and Tiger tanks. The book covers the design and operational history of the Achilles in close detail, using rare archive photographs and meticulously researched colour illustrations, as well as a detailed, authoritative text. A key section displays available model kits and aftermarket products, complemented by a gallery of beautifully constructed and painted models in various scales. Technical details as well as modifications introduced during production and in the field are also examined providing everything the modeller needs to recreate an accurate representation of these historic armoured fighting vehicles.
£13.49
Pen & Sword Books Ltd FV430 Series: Rare Photographs from Wartime
Book SynopsisDuring the Second World War the British infantry found itself lacking suitable transport to cope with the fast moving German Blitzkrieg tactics. Various stop-gap measures were introduced with mixed success but, with the pots-war nuclear biological and chemical threat, it was imperative that a robust solution was found. The FV300 and FV400 Cambridge carriers paved the way for the introduction of the AFV430 series in the 1960s at the height of the Cold War. Initially a basic armoured personnel carrier, the series grew to cover a multitude of roles; command, recovery, mortar, Swingfire and remote mine clearing to name but a selection. Over 50 years later variants are still in service. This classic Images of War book not only describes in words and images the AFV430 series but traces the development of infantry carriers for the British Army.
£15.29
