Military History Books

Book SynopsisAs the final month of fighting in Europe in 1945 dawned, the Allies embarked upon a series of mopping-up operations, destroying the last centers of German resistance as the essentially defeated Wehrmacht fought on in increasingly desperate conditions, driven by the explicit no-surrender order issued by Hitler.Yet at the same time, the Allies were already on shaky ground--as German resistance was crushed, the Allies began to eye one another nervously across a battle-torn Europe. These politically driven military decisions would have a huge impact on the future of the continent. This book traces the final operations of the war, from the liberation of Denmark, the Allied drive toward the Baltic straits, incursions in Yugoslavia, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, and engagements in Eastern and Western Germany, while also analyzing how the Allied strategies in the final days of the war were a hint of the future difficulties that would drive the Cold War.Table of ContentsIntroduction/Chronology/Opposing commanders/Opposing armies/Opposing plans/The campaign/Aftermath/The battlefield today/Further reading/Index

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Book SynopsisIn the mid-1960s, the Soviet Union unveiled the BMP, the first true infantry fighting vehicle. A revolutionary design, the BMP marked a significant departure from the traditional armoured personnel carrier, with a lower silhouette and heavier armament than rival APCs. One of the most fearsome light-armoured vehicles of its day, it caused great consternation on the other side of the Iron Curtain as the Americans scrambled to design a machine to rival the BMP. The result was the M2/M3 Bradley. These Cold War icons first clashed not on the plains of Europe, but in southern Iraq during the Gulf War of 1991. Featuring specially commissioned full-colour artwork, this is the absorbing story of the origins, development and combat performance of the BMP and Bradley, culminating in the bloody battles of the Gulf War.Table of ContentsIntroduction /Chronology /Design and Development /The Strategic Situation /Technical Specifications /The Combatants /Combat /Statistics and Analysis /Conclusion /Further Reading /Index

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Book SynopsisIn the build-up to World War II both the United States and Japan believed their battleships would play a central role in battle, but after the Pacific War began in December 1941, the role of the battleship proved to be much more limited than either side expected. There would be only two battleship vs battleship actions in the Pacific in World War II, both of which are assessed in this engaging study. At Guadalcanal in 1942, Kirishima faced two modern US battleships, USS Washington and USS South Dakota. In the Surigao Strait in 1944, two World War I-era Japanese battleships, Yamashiro and Fuso, faced six American battleships supported by four heavy cruisers in history''s last-ever clash between battleships.Employing full-color artwork, carefully selected archive photographs, and expert analysis, former US Navy Commander Mark E. Stille examines the two head-to-head clashes between the battleships deployed by the United States and Japan in the

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Book SynopsisRecreate the action and drama of 17th Century warfare on your tabletop with The Pikeman''s Lament. Start by creating your Officer is he a natural leader raised from the ranks, the youngest son of a noble family, or an old veteran who has seen too many battles? As you campaign, your Officer will win honor and gain promotion, acquiring traits that may help lead his men to victory. Before each skirmish, your Officer must raise his Company from a wide range of unit options should he lean towards hard-hitting heavy cavalry or favor solid, defensively minded infantry? Companies are typically formed from 68 units, each made up of either 6 or 12 figures, and quick, decisive, and dramatic games are the order of the day. With core mechanics based on Daniel Mersey''s popular Lion Rampant rules, The Pikeman''s Lament captures the military flavor of the 17th Century, and allows you to recreate skirmishes and raids from conflicts such as the Thirty Years'' WTable of ContentsOverview/ Understanding the basics/ Playing the game/ Army lists/ Strategies and tactics/ Sample armies/ Scenarios/ Campaigns

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Book SynopsisEstablished in June 1940, as the brainchild of scientist and soldier Major Ralph Bagnold, a contemporary of Lawrence of Arabia, the Long Range Desert Group (LRDG) allowed the British Army to gain a crucial advantage in the North African Front of World War II.Traversing great swathes of the desert that had never before been explored by Europeans, the LRDG was able to launch hit-and-run raids against remote enemy targets, such as the fort and airfield at Murzak. From December 1941 until the end of the Desert War in May 1943, the LRDG carried out numerous missions in tandem with the Special Air Service, using their unparalleled knowledge of the desert to navigate the SAS to enemy airfields on which attacks would be launched. As well as in Africa, the LRDG also fought in the Aegean, undertaking numerous dangerous missions in Yugoslavia, Albania, Italy, and Greece, displaying their extraordinary versatility by operating in boats, on foot, and by parachute. Using never-befTable of ContentsDedication Acknowledgements Introduction Chapter 1: From Scientist to Soldier Chapter 2: Only the Tough Need Apply Chapter 3: into Action Chapter 4: Expansion and Excitement Chapter 5: Fight at the Front Chapter 6: The Afrika Korps Arrive Chapter 7: Misuse and Malaria Chapter 8: Heavy Losses and New leader Chapter 9: The Saviours of the SAS Chapter 10: On the Back Foot Chapter 11: Courage in the Face of Calamity Chapter 12: The Eyes of the Alamein Offensive Chapter 13: Adventures in the Aegean Chapter 14: The Battle for Leros Chapter 15: A Different Type of Warfare Chapter 16: Valour and Versatility Chapter 17: Until the Bitter End Epilogue Endnotes Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisIn March 1944, the Japanese Fifteenth Army launched an offensive into India from Burma. Named U Go, its main objective was the capture of the town of Imphal, which provided the easiest route between India and Burma. Whoever controlled it, controlled access between the two countries. Facing off against the Japanese was the British Fourteenth Army and its Imphal-based 4 Corps. For the next four months, over 200,000 men clashed in the hills and valley of Manipur in what has since been described as one of the greatest battles of World War II.Although numbers vary, it is estimated that some 30,000 Japanese soldiers died and 23,000 were injured at ImphalKohima in 1944 due to fighting, disease and in the retreat back to Burma. It remains the largest defeat on land ever for the Japanese Army. With fully commissioned artwork and maps, this is the complete story of the turning point in the Burma campaign in World War II.

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Book SynopsisIn many ways, the Heinkel He 177 ''Greif'' (Griffon) was Nazi Germany''s ''lost'' strategic bomber. With some fundamental creases ironed out, and built in large numbers, the He 177 would have offered the Luftwaffe the means with which to carry out long-range, mass bombing attacks against targets of a strategic nature. Although competing interests and personalities served to prevent this from happening, from mid-1943 the aircraft nevertheless saw service over England, the Atlantic, the Mediterranean and in Russia. The He 177 flew to the end of the war, with some machines undertaking extremely hazardous low-level missions against Soviet armour in Poland in late 1944-45. This fascinating book, filled with detailed artwork and contemporary photographs, tells the story of this aircraft, including the political infighting at the top of the Luftwaffe's hierarchy that stymied its development, its radical technical design and its state-of-the-art weaponry.

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Book SynopsisIn 1942, the massive Japanese naval base and airfield at Rabaul was a fortress standing in the Allies' path to Tokyo. It was impossible to seize Rabaul, or starve the 100,000-strong garrison out. Instead the US began an innovative, hard-fought two-year air campaign to draw its teeth, and allow them to bypass the island completely. The struggle decided more than the fate of Rabaul. If successful, the Allies would demonstrate a new form of warfare, where air power, with a judicious use of naval and land forces, would eliminate the need to occupy a ground objective in order to control it. As it turned out, the Siege of Rabaul proved to be more just than a successful demonstration of air power it provided the roadmap for the rest of World War II in the Pacific.Table of ContentsIntroduction Chronology Attackers' Capabilities Defenders' Capabilities Campaign Objectives The Campaign Aftermath and Analysis Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisIn 1908 the most incredible naval arms race in history began. Flush with cash from rubber and coffee, Brazil decided to order three of the latest, greatest category of warship available--the dreadnought battleship. One Brazilian dreadnought by itself could defeat the combined gunnery of every other warship of all the other South American nations. Brazil''s decision triggered its neighbor Argentina to order its own brace of dreadnoughts, which in turn forced Chile (which had fought boundary disputes with Argentina) to order some.In the process, the South American dreadnought mania drove the three participants nearly into insolvency, led to the bankruptcy of a major shipyard, and triggered a chain of events which led Turkey to declare war on Great Britain. It also produced several groundbreaking dreadnought designs and one of the world''s first aircraft carriers.Table of ContentsIntroduction /The South American Dreadnought Race /The Dreadnoughts /Operational History /Index

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Book SynopsisA detailed and comprehensive study of the carrier formations of the Pacific War, including their origins, development, and key battles from the Coral Sea, through Midway and Guadalcanal to the battle of the Philippine Sea. The defining feature of the Pacific Theater of World War II was the clash of carriers that ultimately decided the fate of nations. The names of the battles become legendary as some of the most epic encounters in the history of naval warfare. Pre-war assumptions about the impact and effectiveness of carriers were comprehensively tested in early war battles such as Coral Sea, while US victories at Midway and in the waters around Guadalcanal established the supremacy of its carriers. The US Navy''s ability to adapt and evolve to the changing conditions of war maintained and furthered their advantage, culminating in their comprehensive victory at the battle of the Philippine Sea, history''s largest carrier battle, which destroyed almost the entire JapanTrade ReviewAn excellent book, thoroughly recommended. * Miniature Wargames *An excellent introduction into the decisive role played by aircraft carriers in the Pacific campaigns. * History of War *Pacific Carrier War provided a thought-provoking, engaging read, and is recommended. * The Naval Review *Table of ContentsIntroduction 1. Ships, Aircraft, and Men 2. The First Six Months 3. Clash of Carriers in the Coral Sea 4. Ambush at Midway 5. The Battle of the Eastern Solomons 6. Showdown at Santa Cruz 7. Preparing for the Ultimate Carrier Battle 8. The Battle of the Philippine Sea 9. Conclusion and Analysis Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisThe battle of Shrewsbury in 1403 is one of the most important battles in English history. King Henry IV faced his erstwhile ally Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland in a bloody contest on a field outside the Shropshire town of Shrewsbury where two English armies, well-matched, and fighting with similar equipment and tactics, struggled in an archery duel in which the arrows fell like leaves in Autumn', before the battle was ultimately decided in close quarter hand-to-hand combat. With his victory, Henry IV secured the Lancastrian hold on the kingdom and demonstrated the right of his bloodline to the throne. Using full colour artwork and specially commissioned battlefield maps and illustrations, this is the fascinating story of the battle without which the reign of Henry V, his wars and glorious victories against the French, and the later disastrous reign of Henry VI and subsequent Wars of the Roses could not have happened.Table of ContentsOrigins of the campaign /Chronology /Opposing commanders /Opposing armies /Orders of battle /Opposing plans /The campaign /Aftermath /The battlefields today /Further reading /Index

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Book SynopsisFully illustrated with stunning artwork, Chinese Ironclad Battleship vs Japanese Protected Cruiser is the engrossing story of the Yalu River campaign, where Chinese and Japanese warships fought for control of Korea.The 189495 war between China and Japan, known in the West as the First Sino-Japanese War, lasted only nine months, but its impact resonates today. The Chinese Beiyang (Northern) Fleet was led by her flagship, Dingyuan, and her sister ship, Zhenyuan, which were the biggest in Asia; German-built armored turret ships, they were armed with four 12in guns and two 6in guns, plus six smaller guns and three torpedo tubes. For their part the Japanese fleet, including the Matsushima and her sister ships Itsukushima and Hashidate, were each armed with a single 12.6in Canet gun and 11 or 12 4.7in guns, plus smaller guns and four torpedo tubes. The scene was set for a bloody confrontation that would stun the world and transformTable of ContentsIntroduction / Chronology / Design and Development / Technical Specifications / The Combatants / The Strategic Situation / Combat / Statistics and Analysis / Aftermath / Bibliography / Index

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Book SynopsisBuilt within a 180-day time limit in 1943, the F-80 Shooting Star first saw service in Italy in the final year of World War 2, and consequently was sent to bases in the US, Europe and the Far East after VJ Day. It was the latter groups based in Japan that initially bore the brunt of the early fighting in Korea, engaging MiG-15s in the world's first jet-versus-jet combat. Flown principally by the 8th and 49th Fighter Bomber Wings, the F-80 served until the end of the war, completing an astonishing 98,515 combat sorties, shooting down 17 aircraft (including three of the vastly superior MiG-15s), dropping over 33,000 tons of bombs, and firing over 80,000 air-to-ground rockets. Aside from the fighter-bomber Shooting Stars, the ultra-rare, but heavily used, photo-reconnaissance RF-80A saw extensive use in the frontline in Korea as a replacement for the vulnerable RF-51D. Filled with first-hand accounts and rare colour photographs taken by the veterans themselves, this is Table of ContentsChapter One: PACAF pre-war Chapter Two Into combat from Japan – first 60 days of the war Chapter Three Flying from South Korea – fighting MiGs over the Yalu Chapter Four 8th, 35th and 49th Fighter Bomber Wings take the strain Chapter Five Replaced by the F-86 in the fighter role – only fighter-bombers now Chapter Six: Photo-recce RF-80s at War Appendices Index

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Book SynopsisA revealing, sometimes sinister and often hilarious look at the gadgets and devices devised to help spies in their profession.Spies claim that theirs is the second oldest profession. Secret agents across time have had the same key tasks: looking and listening, getting the information they need and smuggling it back home. Over the course of human history, some amazingly complex and imaginative tools have been created to help those working under the cloak of supreme secrecy.During the Second World War, British undercover agents were the heroes behind the scenes, playing a dangerous and sometimes deadly game risking all to gather intelligence about their enemies. What did these agents have in their toolkits? What ingenious spy gadgets did they have up their sleeves? What devious tricks did they deploy to avoid detection?From the ingenious to the amusing, this highly visual book delves into espionage files that were long held top secret, revealing spycraf

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Book SynopsisJapan 1944-45 examines the only time in history that a major war was ended by the use of air power. It shows how the United States used a combination of industrial capability and geography to devastate Japan from the air, and why the Japanese, despite a promising start to their defense, proved unable to prevent the XXIst Air Force from destroying their country. Since the early 1930s air power advocates had claimed that aerial bombardment alone could defeat a nation. Yet by January 1945, while it had been the key to winning ground campaigns, from the German Blitzkrieg to the Allies'' advance across the Pacific, air power had failed to demonstrate their most audacious claim: that strategic bombing, by itself, could win a war.The United States sought to prove it by reducing the Japanese Home Islands'' military and industrial capability through bombing alone until they had to surrender.Table of ContentsIntroduction /Chronology /Attacker's Capabilities /Defender's Capabilities /Campaign Objectives /Order of Battle /The Campaign /Analysis /Conclusion /Bibliography /Index

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Book SynopsisHunt the Bismarck tells the story of Operation Rheinübung, the Atlantic sortie of Nazi Germany''s largest battleship, Bismarck, in May 1941 and her subsequent pursuit by the Royal Navy. Bismarck entered naval service in the summer of 1940. She was well-armed, with eight 15in guns as well as a powerful array of lighter weapons, while her armoured protection earned her the reputation of being unsinkable.This claim was put to the test in May 1941 when she sortied into the Atlantic and fought the legendary battle of the Denmark Strait, destroying HMS Hood, the pride of the Royal Navy. Bismarck was now loose in the North Atlantic. However, damage sustained in the battle limited her ability to roam at will, and the Royal Navy deployed the Home Fleet to avenge the sinking of the Hood. The stage was set for the greatest chase story in the history of naval warfare. Drawing on a wealth of first-hand accounts and iTable of ContentsPrologue Time, Speed, Distance and Bearing Preface Chapter 1: The Bismarck Chapter 2: Germany’s Atlantic Strategy Chapter 3: The Home Fleet Chapter 4: Preparations Chapter 5: Through the Baltic Chapter 6: Sojourn in Norway Chapter 7: Move and Countermove Chapter 8: The Denmark Strait Chapter 9: Duel at Dawn Chapter 10: Hood Has Blown Up Chapter 11: Breakout into the Atlantic Chapter 12: Hunting for the Bismarck Chapter 13: Air Strike Chapter 14: Destroyers in the Night Chapter 15: The Final Battle Epilogue Notes Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisThe campaign for Guadalcanal, which stretched from August 1942 until February 1943, centered on Henderson Field. The airfield was captured by the US on 8 August and placed into operation by 20 August. As long as the airfield was kept operational and stocked with sufficient striking power, the Japanese could not run convoys with heavy equipment and large amounts of supplies to the island. Instead, they were forced to rely on night runs by destroyers which could not carry enough men or supplies to shift the balance decisively against the American garrison on the island. The American air contingent on the island, named the Cactus Air Force', comprised Marine, Navy and Army Air Force units. It had the challenging mission of defending the airfield against constant Japanese attacks, and more importantly, of striking major Japanese attempts to reinforce the island. The mission of neutralizing Henderson Field fell primarily to the Imperial Navy's Air Force flying out of airfields in theTable of ContentsIntroduction /Chronology /Attacker's Capabilities /Defender's Capabilities /Campaign Objectives /Order of Battle /The Campaign /Analysis /Conclusion /Bibliography /Index

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Book Synopsis''The Home Guards are an attacking force lying in wait for, and ready to destroy, any enemy who dares to set foot on out shores.'' The Home Guard has been immortalised in British culture in the TV series Dad''s Army. Formed by men not eligible for active service too old, too young, in reserved occupations vital to the war effort who were expected to resist a German invasion with any resources they had to hand, the Home Guard is the embodiment of plucky British resolve against the odds.The British Home Guard Pocketbook evokes this spirit. Written by Brig-Gen Green, commanding 4th battalion, Sussex Home Guard and Training Adviser for the Sussex Zone, this book is based on his experience and, in his own words, ''is the result of my ransacking the dusty pigeon-holes of memory and the condensation of many books, official instructions and writings''. Its tone is informal and colloquial: ''March discipline. Troops will always march off the parade ground at

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Book SynopsisThis is the David-and-Goliath story of how RAF Coastal Command battled with outdated aircraft against the deadly U-boat fleet during the crucial first years of World War II. In his six-volume series The Second World War, Winston Churchill wrote The only thing that ever really frightened me during the war was the U-boat peril. But initially, everyone was surprised at the efficiency of the submarines. Sonar proved less effective a detection method than the British had predicted; surface attack made the U-boat invisible, especially at night; and wolf-pack tactics overwhelmed convoy escorts. Only faulty German torpedoes and the restricted number of available U-boats limited their success.Astonishingly, Britain had the major piece of the solution to the U-boat threat from the opening days of World War II: the antisubmarine aircraft. If it had been used assiduously and effectively in the first months of the war, Britain might have won the Battle of the Atlantic Table of ContentsIntroduction Chronology Attacker's Capabilities Defender's Capabilities Campaign Objectives The Campaign Aftermath and Analysis Further Reading Index

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Book SynopsisFeaturing contemporary photographs and full-color artwork, this title explores the action-packed history of the Hotchkiss machine gun and its derivatives, which were used around the globe for nearly fifty years. Created by a long-forgotten Austrian nobleman, Adolf Odkolek von Augezd, the air-cooled Hotchkiss machine gun was the first to function effectively by tapping propellant gas from the bore as the gun fired. Although the Hotchkiss would be overshadowed by the water-cooled Maxim and Vickers Guns, it proved its effectiveness during the Russo-Japanese War. The gun, quirky though it was, was successful enough to persuade Laurence Benét and Henri Mercié to develop the Modèle Portative: a man-portable version which, it was hoped, could move with infantrymen as they advanced. Later mounted on tanks and aircraft, it became the first automatic weapon to obtain a kill in aerial combat. Though it served the French and US armies during World War I (and also tTable of ContentsIntroduction /Development /Use /Impact /Conclusion /Bibliography /Index

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Book SynopsisDrawing on difficult-to-access wartime documents and other contemporary sources, this is the first compact, illustrated study of the tactics and techniques of the US fast carriers of Task Forces 50, 58 and 38 during the naval war against Japan in 194345. This title concentrates on exactly how these highly successful forces actually operated: their composition in ships, aircraft and men; the essential technology at their disposal; the evolving doctrine for their employment; the opposition and dangers they faced; and how they overcame them at the tactical level. It explains in straightforward terms the intricate details of topics such as how ships manoeuvred, how aircraft were deployed and recovered, the formations and approaches used by fighters, dive-bombers and torpedo-bombers against naval and land targets, and how Task Forces defended themselves. The text is supported by a wide range of wartime photos and full-colour illustrations, showing, for example, the formations employeTable of ContentsIntroduction Composition Organization Air Group Equipment & Organization Operations & Tactics Surface Combat Air Combat Conclusion Select Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisA history of female combatants, from those who joined the military disguised as men to the current role of women in the armed forces.In October 2018, Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson announced that all roles in the military would now be open to women. Although this marks a historic shift, officially allowing British women into combat roles, the presence of women on the front lines dates back to antiquity. Beginning with the founding myth of the Amazons--in reality female warriors of a nomadic tribe to whom the Greeks attributed super-heroic powers--Julie Wheelwright explores the history of women in arms. She traces our fascination with these figures, many of whom successfully disguised themselves as men, using primary sources and their own words to bring their experiences vividly to light. Among these forgotten heroines are Christian Davies, Ireland''s most famous 18th-century soldier, who received poems from adoring women claiming that she represented a resurgence Trade ReviewA long overdue assertion on the role of women on the battlefield. This book is going straight on my daughter’s bookshelf. * Dan Snow, historian, TV presenter and broadcaster *Julie Wheelwright discovers and recounts the lives of extraordinary women with a historian’s craft and a storyteller’s flair. Sisters in Arms shows the many faces of women in combat – from the myths of the ancient world to the headline-grabbing conflicts of today – with a scrupulous attention to their different contexts, but a common compassion for their struggles and achievements. Her fascinating subjects cease to be freaks, marvels or outliers but become part of our shared history of war, peace and change. * Boyd Tonkin, journalist and author *It is always a treat to read Julie Wheelwright. She not only uncovers neglected female warriors, but she brings their temperaments, talents, fancies, and foibles to life. While Wheelwright is sensitive to each of these women’s unique circumstances, she also shows that they shared hopes and dreams for less gender-constrained worlds. * Professor Joanna Bourke, Birkbeck, University of London *Julie Wheelwright removes the shackles of gender in this powerful feminist history revealing an army of fearless unforgettable warrior women in an inspiring and passionate history of their lives. * Lisa O’Donnell, author of 'The Death of Bees' and winner of The Commonwealth book prize 2013 *Sisters in Arms is an important 21st-century revision of a pioneering 20th-century work of women's history. Julie Wheelwright's lively, entertaining, and scholarly book combines elements of gender studies, popular culture, and military history in a manner that brings fresh insights to the stories of women who lived as men. * Professor George Robb, author of 'British Culture and the First World War' *A superb survey. From the Silk Roads to the trenches, Sisters in Arms brings to light a trove of fascinating and hidden histories. * Peter Moore, author of 'Endeavour' and 'The Weather Experiment' *Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Introduction 1: The Persistence of a Phenomenon 2: The Founding Myth of the Amazons 3: Enlisting 4: Life Among the Men 5: The Denouement 6: Back to Civvy Street 7: The Legacy 8: Daughters of Warriors 9: Komsomol Girls to Facebook Icons Endnotes Select Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisNew scenarios and rules for Bolt Action covering the British and Canadian sectors of Operation Overlord.Covering the fiercely contested British and Canadian sectors of D-Day, including the beaches of Gold, Juno, and Sword. This new Campaign Book for Bolt Action allows players to refight the Anglo-Canadian beach landings, beach head breakouts, and Airborne assaults. New, linked scenarios, rules, troop types, and Theatre Selectors provide plenty of options for both novice and veteran players alike.

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Book SynopsisThis title explores the history of the airborne troops, the elite striking arm of the Soviet Union during the Cold War, from their inception in 1930 until the fall of the USSR. Established in 1932, the Vozdushno-desantnye voyska (air-landing forces, or VDV) of the Red Army led the way in airborne doctrine and practice. Though they were initially handicapped by a lack of infrastructure, due in part to a turbulent political climate in the 1930s, they still conducted major drops during World War II, including at the Dnepr River in September 1943. After the war ended, the VDV became independent of the Air Force and were elevated to the role of strategic asset. The newly rebuilt divisions were now organized and trained to conduct deep insertions behind enemy lines, attacking command-and-control facilities, lines of communication, and key infrastructure targets such as nuclear power plants. This training came into play in numerous Cold War confrontations, inTable of ContentsIntroduction Chronology Early Years of the VDV The VDV Goes to War The VDV in the Cold War The VDV in Afghanistan Conclusion Select Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisThis fascinating title explores the conflict between two formidable warship types of the Age of Discovery--the Spanish and English Galleon--as they battled for control of the Atlantic.Between 15501605, Europe witnessed a rapid evolution in the art of ship design which enabled safer and more efficient transatlantic travel. This was the pinnacle of the Age of Discovery and Exploration for European powers, in which the galleon played a crucial role. Galleons were both the main vessels in maritime commerce and the principal warships used by opposing fleets throughout the Age of Exploration. This period also saw a large amount of naval combat, much of it between individual ships belonging to the competing powers of England and Spain as they sought to control and exploit the rich mineral, material, agricultural, and human resources of the New World. The conflict between the English Sea Dogs and the Spanish Adventurers has been a source of fascination for over four cTable of ContentsIntroduction Chronology Design and Development The Strategic Situation Technical Specifications The Combatants Combat Analysis Aftermath Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisA highly illustrated updated study of Patton's daring attempt to bounce the river Rhine in March 1945. In January 1945, the collapse of the German front along the Siegfried Line led to a large-scale dissolution of German combat forces and capability. Pressed hard by Allied forces advancing eastward, German units often found themselves trapped west of the Rhine River. With his eye on history, US Lt. Gen. George S. Patton, Jr. was determined to be the first leader since Napoleon to make an assault crossing of the Rhine. The most logical crossing-place was at Mainz, as it served as a major railroad logistical link from west to east. However, Patton was aware that this would be obvious to the Germans, and therefore he and his staff made rapid plans for another site at Nierstein and Oppenheim, about 12 miles south of Mainz. The crossing began at 2230 hours on 23 March, when the first boats carrying 11th Infantry Regiment troops left the western bank of the Rhine. They met with little opTable of ContentsOrigins of the campaign Chronology Opposing Commanders Opposing Forces Opposing Plans The Campaign Aftermath The Battlefield Today Further reading Index

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Book SynopsisJu 87 dive-bombers, originally developed for pin-pointing bombing missions against land targets and Allied naval vessels were deployed by both the Luftwaffe and the Regia Aeronautica against the Allied forces. Included in such a target were perhaps the greatest prize of all for a Stuka pilot: a British aircraft carrier.This superbly illustrated book looks at the duel between the Ju 87 Stuka and the aircraft carriers of the Royal Navy. Despite their gun protection (pompoms')and their squadrons of fighters, these immense and mighty vessels proved irresistible targets to determined and experienced Stuka aces as they endeavoured to stop British naval intervention in the campaigns in Norway, Malta and Crete. By 1941, the Ju 87 had become known by the British as a fearsome aircraft following its operations in France, specifically at Dunkirk, as well as in the Balkans. For the Luftwaffe, it was an aircraft in which they still had great confidence despite its mauling in the BTrade ReviewThe book is a significant contribution to the knowledge of how the Mediterranean campaign was affected by these two weapon systems. Well-produced (the font size could have been bigger) and fully illustrated with coloured drawings and evocative black and white photographs, it was an enjoyable and informative read. -- REAR ADMIRAL R. G. MELLY * The Naval Review *Table of ContentsIntroduction Chronology Design and Development Technical Specifications The Strategic Situation The Combatants Combat Statistics and Analysis Aftermath Further Reading Index

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Book SynopsisAn incredible insight into the origins, training and earliest operations of the special service volunteer soldiers who formed the original units of the world's most famous military force.The Special Air Service was the brainchild of Scots Guards' officer Lieutenant David Stirling, serving with No 8 Commando. He advocated a specially organised, specially equipped and specially trained unit dedicated to the ''unrelenting pursuit of excellence'' that could act covertly and operate behind enemy lines to gain intelligence, destroy enemy aircraft and attack their supply and reinforcement routes.The 1st SAS Regiment was officially designated after successful raids against enemy airfields in the Middle East in 1941-1942. In May 1943 a 2nd SAS Regiment was raised in Algeria and would also serve in Sicily and Italy. SAS troopers were at the forefront of the action on D-Day, serving behind the enemy lines, assisting the French Resistance in diversionary attacks and in support of Allied arm

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Book SynopsisReplete with specially commissioned artwork, this lively study assesses the effectiveness of the various weapons equipping the Civil War cavalryman and the decisions made concerning the armament of the US cavalry after 1865.During the American Civil War, the mounted soldiers fighting on both sides of the conflict carried a wide array of weapons, from sabers and lances to carbines, revolvers, and other firearms. Though some sections of the cavalry placed their trust in the sabre, the advent of viable breechloading carbines--especially repeaters such as the Spencer--was to transform warfare within little more than a decade of General Lee''s final surrender at Appomattox. However, output struggled to keep up with unprecedented demands on manufacturing technology and distribution in areas where communication was difficult and in states whose primary aim was to equip their own men rather than contribute to the arming of Federal or Confederate regiments. In addition, the alTrade ReviewCopiously illustrated with colour plates of the various weapons, this is a handsome guide. -- Chris Jarvis * Miniature Wargames *Table of ContentsIntroduction Development Use Impact Conclusion Appendix: US Patents Select Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisThe final part in a three-book series on the Battle of Stalingrad, examining the Soviet encirclement, German relief efforts, and the final surrender of Paulus' 6.Armee.Having fought hard just to reach the outskirts of Stalingrad, the Axis forces found themselves embroiled in a protracted urban battle amid the ruins of a devastated city on the Volga. The Soviet Red Army was able to hold onto the city then mount a surprise winter counter-offensive known as Operation Uranus, which succeeded in encircling the German 6.Armee at Stalingrad. Despite a desperate German relief operation, the Red Army eventually crushed the 6.Armee and hurled the remnants of the German southern front back in disorder. This third and final volume in the Stalingrad trilogy begins just after the German 6.Armee has been isolated at Stalingrad, and covers the period from 24 November 1942 to 2 February 1943. The specially commissioned maps and 3D diagrams guide the reader in step-by-step, easily to follTrade ReviewA worthy addition to anyone's bookshelf. * Army Rumour Service *Precise analysis of the battle and lessons learnt. * The Armourer Magazine *Table of ContentsORIGINS OF THE CAMPAIGN CHRONOLOGY OPPOSING COMMANDERS Soviet Axis OPPOSING FORCES Soviet Axis Orders of Battle, 19 November 1942 OPPOSING PLANS Soviet Axis THE CAMPAIGN Operation Uranus, 19–23 November 1942 The initial German reaction, 24–28 November 1942 The Battle of the Chir River, 30 November–15 December 1942 Wintergewitter, 12–29 December 1942 Little Saturn, 16–28 December 1942 Stalingrad Kesselschlacht, 1–31 December 1942 Operation Ring and the end of 6.Armee, 1 January–2 February 1943 ANALYSIS THE BATTLEFIELD TODAY FURTHER READING INDEX

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Book SynopsisThe Six-Day War in 1967 was a lightning Israeli campaign that changed the face of the Middle East. Israel's armoured brigades, despite being heavily outnumbered on paper by Arab AFVs, managed to dominate the Arab forces tactically and technologically, through excellent gunnery and decentralized battlefield leadership. The fighting took place on three different fronts: the Sinai Front, the Jordanian Front and the Golan Heights. Each presented its own unique set of tactical and terrain challenges, from the long-range battles between massed Egyptian and Israeli armour in the scorching flatlands of the Sinai Desert, to relatively close-quarters engagements across steep and narrow terrain in the Golan Heights. Not only did the Six-Day War see the direct clash of opposing Cold War tactical approaches, but also the direct confrontation of Western and Soviet MBTs. On the Israeli side, the IDF had the British Centurion, the American M48 Patton, the M51 Super Sherman, and the French ATable of ContentsIntroduction Chronology Design and Development The Strategic Situation Technical Specifications The Combatants Combat Analysis Conclusion Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisA superbly illustrated study of a major conflict between the southern New England colonists and the area''s indigenous Native Americans, which comprised the Native Americans'' last major effort to drive the English colonists out of New England.King Philip''s War was the result of over 50 years'' tension between the native inhabitants of New England and its colonial settlers, as the two parties competed for land and resources. The Native Americans were led by the Wampanoag chief Metacomet (who adopted the name Philip on account of the friendly relations between his father Massasoit and the Mayflower Pilgrims), and comprised a coalition of the Wampanoag, Nipmuck, Pocumtuck, and Narraganset tribes. They fought against a force of over 1,000 men raised by the New England Confederation of Plymouth, Connecticut, New Haven, and Massachusetts Bay, alongside their Indian allies the Mohegans and Mohawks. The fighting took place in Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and laTable of ContentsOrigins of the Campaign Chronology Opposing Commanders Opposing Forces Opposing Plans The Campaign Aftermath The Battlefields Today Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisA new study of the Battle of Bosworth, the climactic battle of the Wars of the Roses, based on a new interpretation of events following the discovery of the true location of the battlefield.The battle of Bosworth was the culmination of the dynastic struggle between the houses of York and Lancaster known as the Wars of the Roses that dominated England in the second half of the 15th century. Edward IV had secured the throne for the house of York, but his early death in 1483, followed by the death of his sons and the taking of the throne by his brother, Richard of York saw a renewed outbreak of fighting. Richard''s reign was dogged by rumors of his involvement in murder and began with a major rebellion in 1483, which was put down. Richard faced threats from not only lords he alienated but the Lancastrian faction waiting in the wings, and Henry Tudor decided to take the huge risk of attempting to seize the throne. Richard positioned himself in central England and from theTrade ReviewThis is an intriguing account of the battle and also the personalities and conspiracies – a fine read. -- Chris Jarvis * Miniature Wargames *Table of ContentsIntroduction Origins of the Campaign Chronology Opposing Commanders Opposing Forces Opposing Plans The Battle of Bosworth Aftermath The Battlefield Today Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisIn late January 1968, some 84,000 North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops launched a country-wide general offensive in South Vietnam. The bitter fighting that raged in Hue for more than three weeks drew the attention of the world.Hue was the ancient capital of Vietnam, and as such, had been previously avoided by both sides; it had not seen any serious fighting prior to 1968. All that changed on the night of January 31 that year when four North Vietnamese battalions and supporting Viet Cong units simultaneously attacked and occupied both parts of the city straddling the Perfume River.The Communist forces dug in and prepared to defend their hold on the city. US Marines and South Vietnamese soldiers were ordered to clear the city, supported by US Army artillery and troops. A brutal urban battle ensued as combat raged from house to house and door to door. Eventually, the Marines and the South Vietnamese forces retook Hue, but it was a bloody fight and resulted in laTrade Reviewa nicely balanced look at the battle -- Robin Buckland * Military Model Scene *Table of ContentsORIGINS OF THE CAMPAIGN - The Tet Offensive - Hue City CHRONOLOGY OPPOSING PLANS - North Vietnamese - Allied OPPOSING COMMANDERS - Allied - North Vietnamese OPPOSING FORCES - Allied - The NVA and VC - Orders of battle, Hue City, January 31–March 2, 1968 THE BATTLE OF HUE - Prelude to the battle - The initial attack - The Marines respond - Fighting south of the Perfume River continues - The fight for the Citadel - The final push AFTERMATH THE BATTLEFIELD TODAY BIBLIOGRAPHY INDEX

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Book SynopsisA fully illustrated history of how the US Navy destroyed Truk, the greatest Japanese naval and air base in the Pacific, with Operation Hailstone, and how B-29 units and the carriers of the British Pacific Fleet kept the base suppressed until VJ-Day.In early 1944, the island base of Truk was a Japanese Pearl Harbor; a powerful naval and air base that needed to be neutralized before the Allies could fight their way any further towards Tokyo. But Truk was also the most heavily defended naval base outside the Japanese Home Islands and an Allied invasion would be costly. Long-range bombing against Truk intact would be a massacre so a plan was conceived to neutralize it through a series of massive naval raids led by the growing US carrier fleet. Operation Hailstone was one of the most famous operations ever undertaken by American carriers in the Pacific.This book examines the rise and fall of Truk as a Japanese bastion and explains how in two huge raTable of ContentsINTRODUCTION CHRONOLOGY ATTACKER'S CAPABILITIES Long-range air power in 1944 DEFENDER'S CAPABILITIES The ‘Gibraltar of the Pacific’ CAMPAIGN OBJECTIVES Keystone of the Pacific War Allied objectives and plans Japanese objectives and plans THE CAMPAIGN From feared bastion to the Allies’ punchbag Background: 1939-January 1944 Operation Hailstone: February 1944 April Showers: April 1944 Truk Besieged: March 1944–June 1945 Operation Inmate: June 14-15, 1945 AFTERMATH AND ANALYSIS Surviving Aircraft FURTHER READING INDEX

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Book SynopsisIn the early months and years of World War II, it was Germany''s cruisers and battleships that most ravaged the Atlantic Convoys. This is the history of those raids, and how the success of 1941''s Operation Berlin led directly to the Kriegsmarine sending into the Atlantic its greatest battleship - the mighty, ill-fated Bismarck.At the outbreak of World War II the German Kriegsmarine still had a relatively small U-boat arm. To reach Britain''s convoy routes in the North Atlantic, these boats had to pass around the top of the British Isles - a long and dangerous voyage to their hunting grounds. Germany''s larger surface warships were much better suited to this kind of long-range operation. So, during late 1939 the armored cruiser Deutschland, and later the battlecruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau were used as commerce raiders, to strike at Allied convoys in the North Atlantic. These sorties met with mixed results, but for Germany''s naTrade ReviewThe artwork in this book is extremely good and the narrative details the Kriegsmarine’s early Atlantic raids which led directly to the ill-fated Bismarck’s only voyage, that in turn led to Hitler’s loss of confidence in his surface Navy. -- SIMON HAILL * The Naval Review *Table of Contentsintroduction Initial Strategy Planning For War The Atlantic Sorties Aftermath Analysis Conclusion Further Reading Index

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Book SynopsisA detailed look at the tactics and techniques used by both P-47 fighter-bomber pilots and the German flak gunners charged with preventing their attacks. Analysis will focus on the employment of Allied tactical air power in Europe from 1943 and how German defenses struggled to counter the overwhelming air threat.Since the end of World War 2, the tactical air war over Europe has been largely overlooked by historians and authors alike in favor of analysis of the higher profile strategic bombing campaign. Involving just as many aircraft as the daylight heavy bombing campaign, the fighter-bombers (principally of the Ninth Air Force) wreaked considerably more havoc on German ground forces. Indeed, Thunderbolt units undertaking such missions effectively complemented the strategic campaign, ensuring the defeat of Nazi Germany. P-47 pilots paid a high price to achieve this victory, however, as the German flak arm was well equipped (nearly a quarter of all war-related productioTrade ReviewIf you want to look at an analysis of how the P-47 fared against the formidable and numerous German Flak defenses then this is a book you need on your shelf. -- Todd Shughart * The Aviation Historian *Table of ContentsIntroduction Chronology Design and Development Technical Specifications The Strategic Situation The Combatants Combat Statistics and Analysis Aftermath Further Reading Index

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Book SynopsisThis engrossing study investigates the tactics, weapons, and combat record of the Seminole warriors and US soldiers who fought three key battles during the epic struggle for control of Florida.During the 19th century, US forces confronted the Seminole people in a series of bitter wars over the fate of Florida. After the refusal of the Seminoles to move west to the Creek Reservation in Mississippi, the US government sent troops to bring Florida under federal control, marking the beginning of the Second Seminole War. On December 28, 1835, troops led by Major Francis Langhorne Dade were ambushed and massacred en route to Fort King. Two years of guerrilla warfare ensued, as the Seminoles evaded the US forces sent to defeat them. Ordered to hunt down the Seminoles, a US force led by Colonel Zachary Taylor incurred heavy losses at the battle of Lake Okeechobee (December 25, 1837), but the Seminoles were forced to withdraw. At the battle of the Loxahatchee River (January 24,Table of ContentsIntroduction The Opposing Sides Dade’s Massacre, December 28, 1835 Lake Okeechobee, or Big Water, December 25, 1837 The Loxahatchee River, or Turtle River, January 24, 1838 Analysis Aftermath Orders of Battle Select Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisLeading expert Gavin Mortimer tells the remarkable origin story of a wartime special forces unit that defied the odds.Z Special Unit, one of the most intrepid but arguably the most unsung of Allied Special Forces of the Second World War waged a guerrilla war against Japan for two years in the south-west Pacific. On some of their 81 operations Z Special Unit slipped into enemy harbours in canoes and silently mined ships before vanishing into the night; on others they parachuted into the dense Borneo jungle to fight with headhunters against the Japanese and on one occasion they landed on an Indonesian island and smuggled out the pro-Allied sultan from under Japanese noses. The Japanese weren''t the only adversary that Z Special Unit encountered in the brutal terrain of the Pacific. In the mango swamps of Borneo and the dense jungle of Papua New Guinea they were faced with venomous snakes, man-eating crocodiles and deadly diseases. But it was the enemy soldiers who proved the mosTrade ReviewWith superb production standards and lots of interesting photos, this is an intriguing look at the chaotic world of spec ops down under. * The Armourer *Table of ContentsIntroduction: Stirling effort Chapter 1: Lyon hearted Chapter 2: Operation Jaywick Chapter 3: An Old Krait Chapter 4: ‘Good luck and God’s Speed’ Chapter 5: Singapore Struck Chapter 6: The Wizards of Oz Chapter 7: Another Crack Chapter 8: Sleeping Beauties Chapter 9: Pirates and Porpoise Chapter 10: Tiger Hunting Chapter 11: 'A blow to us all' Chapter 12: Jungle Challenge Chapter 13: Allies and Headhunters Chapter 14: Guerrilla Army Chapter 15: Victory in Borneo Chapter 16: Savage Revenge Chapter 17: The Elusive Truth Epilogue: 'War’s pretty grim' Index

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Book Synopsis''Masterful research, impeccable detail, with a beautifully flowing narrative of which Churchill himself would have been proud.'' - Professor Peter Caddick-AdamsFrom his earliest days Winston Churchill was an extreme risk taker and he carried this into adulthood. Today he is widely hailed as Britain's greatest wartime leader and politician. Deep down though, he was foremost a warlord. Just like his ally Stalin, and his arch enemies Hitler and Mussolini, Churchill could not help himself and insisted on personally directing the strategic conduct of World War II. For better or worse he insisted on being political master and military commander.Again like his wartime contemporaries, he had a habit of not heeding the advice of his generals. The results of this were disasters in Norway, North Africa, Greece and Crete during 194041. His fruitless Dodecanese campaign in 1943 also ended in defeat. Churchill's pig-headedness over supporting the Italian campaign in defiance of the RiTrade ReviewThis well-researched, well-written and soundly argued book is a real addition to the avalanche of books on Winston Churchill, illuminating where the military views came from that were so profoundly to affect the twentieth century and beyond. * Andrew Roberts, author of 'Churchill: Walking with Destiny' *Masterful research, impeccable detail, with a beautifully flowing narrative of which Churchill himself would have been proud. * Professor Peter Caddick-Adams *A lively and compelling account of a remarkable military-political career. As eye-opening as it is comprehensive, Tucker-Jones brings to life Churchill’s experience of combat and military command and charts the course that made him such a great warlord. Balanced and judicious, this book shows us the full measure of the man – his mistakes, blunders and defeats, as well as the glorious victories. * Professor Geoffrey Roberts *This is a thoroughly recommended book and important to appreciate its focus and scope as a welcome addition to the Churchill library. * Aspects of History *A well-researched and well-argued offering that looks at some of [Churchill's] most controversial decisions and how they were influenced by his experiences in the First World War. * Soldier *Throughout the book the author offers a well-balanced opinion, & he is critical, but fair, when pointing out some of Churchill's mistakes. -- Simon Dalton * History Book Chat *Table of ContentsForeword by Andrew Roberts Introduction Prologue: Death or Glory List of Maps List of Illustrations PART ONE: BAPTISM OF FIRE 1. Soldiers of the Queen 2. Frontier Wars 3. Great Escape 4. The Sakabulas PART TWO: FALL AND RISE 5. A Haunting Lesson 6. ‘Cat on Hot Bricks’ 7. Winston’s Mercenaries PART THREE: WORLD ORDER OR DISORDER 8. Flying Police 9. Troubled Emerald Isle 10. Beneath the Sphinx 11. Nazism or Communism PART FOUR: THE WARLORD RETURNS 12. Master and Commander 13. His Finest Hour 14. Strategic Dilemma 15. Old Foes 16. Hitting Back 17. ‘Bands of Brothers’ PART FIVE: GLOBAL JUGGLING ACT 18. Mediterranean Showdown 19. An American Friend 20. Joan of Arc 21. Courting the Red Czar 22. Loss of Faith 23. India in Revolt PART SIX: WAR OF WILLS 24. Strained Relations 25. Second Front Now 26. ‘Death Wish’ 27. Miracle of Deliverance 28. ‘The Whole Scene’ Epilogue: Gone Painting Winston Churchill’s Military Career at a Glance: 1895–1945 Notes and References Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisThe US-backed Kurdish YPG/SDF fought on the front line of the war against Islamic State for five years. This study reveals how they developed their own armored force using captured tanks, homebuilt armor and technicals and the role they played in the defeat of Daesh.The emergence of the armored force of the YPG (People''s Protection Units), later renamed the Syrian Democratic Forces during the Syrian Civil War is one of the major developments of this conflict. The YPG/SDF employed a range of vehicles against Daesh during 2014-19 and this study identifies, as far as possible which vehicles took part in major battles, such as Kobane, Manbij and Raqqa. While the YPG was frequently outgunned by the so-called Islamic State (ISIS), it was able to rely on United States air support after 2015. Nonetheless, AFVs formed part of the fighting units and were important in both the fighting and propaganda war.The title covers the original sources of Kurdish tanks and other aTable of ContentsINTRODUCTION THE ROLE OF ARMOURED FORCES IN SYRIA ARMED GROUPS IN THE SYRIAN CIVIL WAR The YPG/YPJ The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria The Syrian Democratic Forces IMPROVISED ARMOURED FIGHTING VEHICLES Improvised tanks Improvised armoured cars Improvised armoured support vehicles Improvised armoured personnel carriers AFV SOURCES: SYRIAN ARMY, ISIS AND COALITION SUPPLIED Soviet armour BRDM-2 scout vehicles Armoured personnel carriers M1117 armoured security vehicle The US Army Humvee Other US-supplied wheeled vehicles 'TECHNICALS' 12.7mm heavy machine guns 14.5mm KPV 23mm cannon 57mm recoilless rifles and multiple rocket launchers UNIT STRUCTURE AND TACTICS THE YPG/SDF WAR AGAINST ISIS Initial ISIS attacks (2013–14) The battle of Kobanê (15 September 2014–26 January 2015) The al-Hasakah offensives (21 February–17 March 2015 and 6 May–31 May 2015) The Tell Abyad offensive (31 May–10 July 2015) The battle of Sarrin (18 June–27 July 2015) The battle of al-Hasakah (23 June–1 August 2015) The al-Hawl offensive (31 October–30 November 2015) Tishrin Dam (23–30 December 2015) The al-Shaddadi offensive (16–24 February 2016) The Manbij offensive (31 May–21 August 2016) The Raqqa campaign (6 November 2016–20 October 2017) Setbacks and victory over ISIS (2017–19) CONCLUSION BIBLIOGRAPHY INDEX

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Book SynopsisA detailed, illustrated exploration of the land, sea and air units that defended Malta, and the repeated Axis attempts to bring the crucial Allied island fortress to its knees.On 11 June 1940, the British crown colony of Malta which dominated the central Mediterranean and all-important sea routes to and from North Africa was bombed for the first time by aircraft of the Italian Regia Aeronautica. The Italians were joined in their efforts by the German Luftwaffe in January 1941. Malta was effectively beleaguered for nearly two and a half years, dependent for survival on naval supply convoys and reliant for defence on often-outnumbered fighter aircraft and anti-aircraft guns. Anthony Rogers provides a retelling of these events, drawing on accounts from both sides. This work features carefully selected photographic images, some previously unpublished. Seven specially commissioned colour maps explore the strategic situation in the Mediterranean in this period, the military sectors Trade ReviewGreat history well told an all-round excellent read. * Gunmart *Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION CHRONOLOGY OPPOSING COMMANDERS British Axis OPPOSING FORCES British Axis OPPOSING PLANS THE BATTLE Start of the air war First naval surface engagements Operation ‘Hurry’ Malta Convoys Operation ‘Excess’ and the ‘Illustrious Blitz’ Messerschmitt Bf 109s join battle Spring–summer, 1941 Italian seaborne attack on Grand Harbour Autumn, 1941 Destruction of ‘Maestrale’ Convoy Early U-Boat operations Return of the Luftwaffe Schnellboot operations Spitfires join battle ‘M.W.10’ April, 1942 ‘C3’/‘Herkules’ May, 1942 3.Schnellbootflottille Axis clandestine operations Operation ‘Julius’ Operation ‘Pedestal’ Autumn 1942 and the final Axis offensive SUMMARY THE BATTLEFIELD TODAY ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS BIBLIOGRAPHY INDEX

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Book SynopsisFeaturing specially commissioned artwork and maps, carefully chosen illustrations and insightful analysis, this book examines the legendary Mongol warriors and their vastly different European opponents. Having conquered much of Central Asia by 1237, the Mongols advanced into the northern Caucasus. The fall of several key centres such as Riazan and Vladimir was followed by Mongol victory at Kiev. Moving west, in 1241 two Mongol armies achieved stunning victories at the battles of Liegnitz in Poland and the Sajo River (Mohi) in Hungary, before suffering their only reverse of the campaign at the fortress of Klis. The Mongol forces regrouped in Hungary to prepare for a further advance into Austria and Germany, but the death of their leader, Ogedei Khan, meant that his generals were required to return to Mongolia to choose a successor. Smaller Mongol forces would return to raid in the years to come, but never again would Western Europe be threatened as it was in 1242.Fully illustrateTrade Reviewan interesting match-up, pitting two very different warriors against each other. -- Dave Watson * The Balkan Wargamer *This is an interesting match-up, pitting two very different warriors against each other. * The Balkan Wargamer *Table of ContentsIntroduction The Opposing Sides Liegnitz, 9 April 1241 Muhi, 1241 Esztergom and Székesfehérvár, 1242 Analysis Aftermath Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisWritten by one of the world''s leading experts on D-Day, Smashing Hitler''s Guns is a ground-breaking new history of the legendary Rangers'' attack on Pointe-du-Hoc.The Ranger attack on the German gun batteries at Pointe-du-Hoc in the early morning hours of D-Day is the stuff of legend. The gun batteries were strategically positioned between the two American D-Day landing beaches, and were considered the main threat to the Operation Neptune landings. In spite of the confusion and chaos of the June 6, 1944 mission, the Rangers succeeded in scaling the 100-foot cliffs, but the guns were nowhere to be found.Spreading out in all directions, a Ranger team managed to find and spike the guns at their hidden location south of Pointe-du-Hoc. For two days, this small force fought off repeated German attacks, until an American relief force finally arrived on 8 June, by which time more than half the Rangers were casualties. The heroic Ranger missioTrade ReviewWell written and researched and essential reading for those interested in US Special Forces. * Army Rumour Service *Table of ContentsList of Illustrations Introduction Author’s Note Acknowledgements Chapter 1: The Guns of Pointe-du-Hoc Chapter 2: The Coastal Gun Threat Chapter 3: “Hard Men for Dirty Work” Chapter 4: Refining the Ranger Plan Chapter 5: Spying on Pointe-du-Hoc: The Intelligence Battle Chapter 6: Softening Pointe-du-Hoc Chapter 7: Obliteration Chapter 8: Assault Group O-4 Chapter 9: Carnage on Charlie Beach Chapter 10: The Stormy Voyage to Pointe-du-Hoc Chapter 11: Force A Strikes Pointe-du-Hoc Chapter 12: Spiking the Guns Chapter 13: The Germans Strike Back Chapter 14: Night Attack Chapter 15: Ranger Force C on Dog Green Beach Chapter 16: The Crazy March on D+1 Chapter 17: Relief from the Sea Chapter 18: Final Mission: The Maisy Gun Batteries Chapter 19: Battle Analysis Afterword: The Rangers in Cinema Appendix A: Ranger Organization, Equipment, and Combat Awards Appendix B: The Pointe-du-Hoc Guns: Doctrine and Technology Appendix C: Naval Fire Support for the Rangers Appendix D: The Guns of Maisy Endnotes Further Reading Glossary Index

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Book SynopsisA detailed look at the deadly battle between US Navy F9F Panther jet fighter-bombers and communist anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) defenses that proliferated throughout the Korean War.The F9F Panther was one of the many fighters converted for ground-attack duties, following an established US tradition. Originally designed as a jet fighter, in April 1951 it became the first jet to launch from a carrier with bombs loaded, using them to destroy a crucial railway bridge at Songjin. The Panther''s four 20 mm guns were considered to be very effective for flak suppression and these aircraft were used as escorts for propeller-driven AD Skyraider and F4U Corsair attack aircraft. However, later in 1951, flak damage to Panthers increased as the Chinese established better AAA weapons to defend key transport routes. The communist AAA crews had heavy guns of 37 mm caliber and above. Gunners could use optical height finders, predictors and in many cases radar control. They learned to Trade ReviewGreat pieces on development especially the F9F along with details of missions and descriptions of actions straight from the pilots themselves, superb photographs, colour profiles and all the other items we’re used to seeing in these brilliant publications are present and correct making it an easy purchase for those familiar with Osprey and a great introduction for those who aren’t but would like to try. -- Simon Jakubowski * The Aviation Enthusiast Book Club *Both opponents' tactics and gunnery are explored in depth in this study of the the adversaries. Containing full-colour illustrations including cockpit scenes and armament views, this innovative volume also includes a detailed analysis of the US Navy Panthers' loss rates and their causes. -- Gar Hatcher * Scale Aircraft Modelling *Table of ContentsIntroduction Chronology Design and Development Technical Specifications The Strategic Situation The Combatants Combat Statistics and Analysis Aftermath Further Reading Index

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Book SynopsisDrawing on rare, historical photography and specially commissioned artwork, Matthew Willis explores the heroic feats of the few Royal Navy's obsolescent biplanes that stood between the state-of-the-art Axis warships and their objectives.Focusing on the technical specifications of both opponents, using original records, and detailed armament and cockpit views, this book explores the key attributes and drawbacks of the disadvantaged Royal Navy torpedo-bombers against the mighty Regia Marina and Kriegsmarine destroyers and raiders, covering a wide range of sea battles, from the more famous attacks such as the strike on the Bismarck, the tragic events of the Channel Dash or the clash with the Italian battle fleet at Taranto, to less covered sea battles such as the Battle of Matapan.Despite their powerful weaponry and heavy armour protection, the Axis warships proved vulnerable to a skillfully and audaciously flown torpedo-bomber, thanks to innovative commanders Table of Contents(Subject to Confirmation) Introduction Chronology Design and Development Technical Specifications The Strategic Situation The Combatants Combat Statistics and Analysis Aftermath Further Reading Index

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