Military institutions Books

Book SynopsisLlewelyn Wyn Griffiths Up to Mametz, published in 1931, is now firmly established as one of the finest accounts of soldiering on the Western Front. It tells the story of the creation of a famous Welsh wartime battalion (The Royal Welsh Fusiliers), its training, its apprenticeship in the trenches, through to its ordeal of Mametz Wood on the Somme as part of 38 Division. But there it stopped. General Jonathon Riley has however discovered Wyn Griffiths unpublished diaries and letters which pick up where Up to Mametz left off through to the end of the War. With careful editing and annotation, the events of these missing years are now available alongside the original work. They tell of an officers life on the derided staff and provide fascinating glimpses of senior officers, some who attract high praise and others who the author obviously despised. The result is an enthralling complete read and a major addition to the bibliography of the period. Llewelyn Wyn Griffiths was born into a Welsh speaking family in Llandrillo yn Rhos, North Wales. He joined the Civil Service as a Tax Surveyor. Aged 24 on the outbreak of War, he was accepted for a commission in the 15th (1st London Welsh) Battalion of the Royal Welch Fusiliers and served in the Battalion or on the staff for the rest of the War. Returning to the Inland Revenue he was responsible for the pay-As-You-Earn tax system, retiring in 1952. He filled many distinguished appointments, such as the Arts Council, and was a regular broadcaster. Awarded an Honorary DLitt by the University of Wales, he was holder of the CBE, OBE, Croix de Guerre and an MID. He died in 1977.

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Book Synopsis'Drawing on the stories of the soldiers who were there, this dramatic history of the SAS is full of bravado. Forged to fight guerrillas in the sweltering jungles of Malaya... Ryan writes with the authority of a man familiar with every nuance of the regiment's tactics, training, weapons and equipment.' - Sunday Times CultureTasked with storming mountain strongholds in the desert. Trained to hunt down the world's most wanted terrorists. This is the extraordinary story of 22 SAS. The history of the modern SAS is one of the great successes of post-war Britain. Since it was revived in 1950 to combat Communist insurgents, the Regiment has gone from strength to strength, fighting covert wars in Oman, Borneo, Northern Ireland, the Falklands, the Persian Gulf and beyond. In the process, it has become one of the most indispensable, and at times controversial, units in the British armyToday, the SAS is regarded as the world's leading Special Forces unit, renowned for its demanding Selection course and its relentless ability to adapt to the changing nature of warfare. More than anything else, however, it is the determination and ingenuity of the SAS soldiers that has made the Regiment what it is today. Drawing on his extensive network of contacts and his own experiences, Chris Ryan tells the story of the men on the ground. From the earliest patrols in the Malayan jungle, through to the storming of the Iranian Embassy, the daring raids behind enemy lines in the Gulf War, and up-to-minute missions to capture or kill notorious terrorists - this is the gripping, no-holds-barred account of Regiment operations. Above all, it is a story of elite soldiers fighting, and triumphing, against seemingly impossible odds.Trade ReviewPraise for Chris Ryan * : *Ryan chooses fiercely up-to-the-minute plots, and laces them with an exceptional eye for detail and insider knowledge ... Fearsome and fast-moving. * Daily Mail *The action comes bullet-fast and Ryan's experience of covert operations flash through the high-speed story like tracer rounds * The Sun *Nobody takes you to the action better than Ryan, because he's the real deal, and this muscle-and-bone thriller will have fans' blood pumping. * Evening Standard *

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Book SynopsisIt hardly seems credible today that a nineteenyear- old boy, just commissioned into the Seaforth Highlanders, could lead a platoon of men into the carnage of the Battle of the Somme. Or that, as the machine gun bullets whistled past and shells exploded, he could maintain his own morale to lead a platoon, keeping its discipline and cohesion, in spite of desperate losses. Norman Collins, the author of this superb memoir, was this remarkable man.Using Norman's own words, Last Man Standing follows him from his childhood in Hartlepool to his subsequent service in France. The book also covers such shattering events as the German naval assault on Hartlepool in December 1914 when, as a seventeen-year-old, Norman was subjected to as big a bombardment as any occurring on the Western Front at that time. Norman's love for, and devotion to, the men under his command shine out in this book and his stories are gripping and deeply moving. They are illustrated by a rare collection of private photographs taken at or near the front by Norman himself, although the use of a camera was strictly proscribed by the Army. Most of the images have never been published before.Trade ReviewThis fantastic little WWI book is a must for any budding historians. Collins was underage when he joined the Seaforth Highlanders and was a 19-year-old officer when he led at the battle of the Somme. This book contains extracts from his diaries and a remarkable personal collection of photographs which lend this account a poignancy and immediacy which is often breathtaking. - Scottish Field This is a harrowing tale of battle, loss and the horrors of war. - Scotland Magazine

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Book SynopsisIn the years between 31 BC and AD 500 the Romans carved out a mighty empire stretching from Britain to the deserts of North Africa. The men who spearheaded this expansion were the centurions, the tough, professional warriors who led from the front, exerted savage discipline and provided a role model for the legionaries under their command. This book, the second volume of a two-part study, reveals the appearance, weaponry, role and impact of these legendary soldiers during the five centuries that saw the Roman Empire reach its greatest geographical extent under Trajan and Hadrian, only to experience a long decline in the West in the face of sustained pressure from its 'barbarian' neighbours. Featuring spectacular full-colour artwork, written by an authority on the army of the Caesars and informed by a wide range of sculptural, written and pictorial evidence from right across the Roman world, this book overturns established wisdom and sheds new light on Rome's most famous soldiers during the best-known era in its history.Table of ContentsIntroduction /Organization: centurions under the early Principate, in the army of the Julio-Claudian Caesars – the Flavian and Trajanic army – in the Marcomannic Wars – the 2nd and 3rd centuries – the period of military anarchy – the 4th century – the Eastern and Western Empires /Weapons, armour and clothing: offensive weapons, helmets, shields, body armour, rank symbols and insignia, and clothing /Service and discipline /Social status /Bibliography

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Book SynopsisA study of the Greek Hoplite in the "Golden Age" of Ancient Greek civilization, from the victory at Marathon over Darius of Persia, through bitter inter-state warfare, to the rise of Philip of Macedonia and his son Alexander the Great. It was during this Classical period that the state began to play an important role in military organization, taking responsibility for arming and equipping its citizens. Yet Hoplites also fought as mercenaries too, at the behest of their paymasters. The volume contains ten colour plates that seek to bring the Greek warrior of this period to life, covering his weapons, armour, shield and helmets, and how he was recruited, trained and fought.Table of ContentsChronology; the citizen soldier; weapons and armour; on campaign; the Hoplite in battle; strategy and tactics.

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Book SynopsisThis pocket guide will give you all the information you need to explore over 80 cemeteries in London with detailed reviews for each cemetery complete with a who's who of famous permanent residents, along with opening times and travel information.

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Book SynopsisAn accessibly written and superbly illustrated introduction to armor used for battle, tournament, and ceremony This engaging book offers an introduction to and overview of armor in Europe from the Middle Ages through the 17th century, focusing in particular on the 16th century when plate armor reached its peak of stylistic beauty and functional perfection. Created by highly skilled armorers, often in cooperation with noted artists and commissioned by wealthy patrons, armor was worn for centuries on the battlefield, in festive tournaments, and for ceremonial events. Through informative discussions of representative works from the Metropolitan Museum’s world-renowned collection, this new addition to the popular How to Read series shows what to look for when examining armor, the pieces that make up a typical suit of armor, how the parts work, the various methods used to decorate armor, and how armor became an important part of so many museum collections today. The book features a wealth of new photography of historically important armor and other works of art from the Metropolitan Museum and select pieces from other institutions.Published by The Metropolitan Museum of Art/Distributed by Yale University Press

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Book SynopsisSuperb images and description of British post war Main Battle Tanks.

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Book SynopsisRoyal Navy Uniforms 1930 - 1945 uses over 400 illustrations - both period images and new colour photographs of original items - to show the clothing of both Officers and Ratings in World War II and during the years leading up to it, when Naval uniforms underwent significant modernization. The illustrations are supported by detailed text describing the development and use of Naval clothing of the time. Its contents include Officers' clothing and effects; Class 1 and III Ratings' clothing and effects; seamens' clothing and effects; battledress and tropical clothing; miscellaneous clothing, personal effects and substantive and non-substantive insignia. This is the first book to offer a detailed study of Royal Navy clothing in the 1930s and World War II and will be a vital resource for collectors, historians and enthusiasts.

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Book SynopsisFrom the author of the celebrated Great War memoirTrade Review'...a remarkable and fascinating account...' --Phil Carradice, BBC

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Book SynopsisWhen the shadowy, notorious Spetsnaz were first formed, they drew on a long Soviet tradition of elite, behind-the-lines commando forces from World War II and even earlier. Throughout the 1960s-70s they were instrumental both in projecting Soviet power in the Third World and in suppressing resistance within the Warsaw pact. As a powerful, but mysterious tool of a world superpower, the Spetsnaz have inevitably become the focus of many ''tall tales'' in the West. In this book, a peerless authority on Russia''s military Special Forces debunks several of these myths, uncovering truths that are often even more remarkable. Now, since the chaotic dissolution of the USSR and the two Chechen Wars, Russian forces have seen increasing modernization, involving them ever more in power-projection, counter-insurgency and anti-terrorism and the Spetsnaz have been deployed as a spearhead in virtually all of these operations. This book offers a unique, absorbing guide to the secrets of the Spetsnaz, theiTable of ContentsIntroduction: overview; background in Russian history and culture The Spetsnaz Tradition: special units of the Bolshevik Red Guard, and behind-the-lines NKVD operations in World War II /Cold Warriors: foundation by GRU, 1950 Operations 1960s–70s: Angola, Czechoslovakia, etc, and order-of-battle 1980 Operations in Afghanistan, and order-of-battle Spetsnaz after the USSR: the turmoil of the 1990s Tajikistan and Moldova, imitation units in post-Soviet states Operations in Chechnya, the Chechen Spetsnaz Modern Spetsnaz: increasing strength and importance Naval Spetsnaz, and order-of-battle 2013 Special Weapons Index

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Book SynopsisFor over a century and a half, since the Uniform Regulations of 1856 were introduced, identification of rank amongst officers in the Royal Navy, its branches and its reserves has not been restricted to a single, or even small number, of insignia. Rank may be seen on jacket cuffs, on shoulder badges, on shoulder boards and on epaulettes. It may be seen on swords and buttons, and in the manner in which buttons are worn. Cap peaks indicate rank, as do collars, cocked hat ornaments and cuff slashes.

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Book SynopsisTerracotta Warriors provides an intriguing, original and up-to-date account of one of the wonders of the ancient world. Illustrated with a wealth of original photographs, this is the first book available for the general reader. In one of the most astounding archaeological discoveries of all time, the Terracotta Warriors were discovered by chance by farmers in 1974. We now understand that the excavated pits containing nearly eight thousand warriors and hundreds of horses are only part of a much grander mausoleum complex. There is a great deal still to be discovered and understood about the entire area whichis now thought to cover around 100 square kilometres. And there is the tantalising possibility of the opening of the imperial tomb.Trade ReviewTell[s] us a great deal that is fascinating about the figures and the Emperor who ordered them to be built -- Nick Rennison * Daily Mail *Edward Burman examines the most up-to-date theories about these extraordinary artefacts -- Arminta Wallace * Irish Times *

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Book SynopsisTo mark the 20th anniversary of the lifting of the British Armed Forces gay ban' on 12 January 2020, this book brings together a selection of LGBTQ servicemen and women who have served in the Armed Forces since the Second World War. Their stories are profoundly moving testaments to their loyalty, their courage on the battlefield, and their unswerving sense of right and wrong. Included are ten accounts of members of our Armed Forces who have lived remarkable lives. In some cases they were dismissed in disgrace or forced to resign when asked questions about their private lives. Their stories are those of remarkable sacrifice and courage in their units (and in battle), but who were forced to live in secret before their services were removed at the stroke of a pen after being declared 'no longer required' or dismissed in disgrace'. These are the stories of the David and Goliath battle for equality, through every court in the UK and Europe. For others their story is one of remarkable careers at the front line of operations worldwide, with accounts of service in the Second World War, the Falklands War, the Gulf Wars and the war in Afghanistan. This book celebrates the lives of servicemen and women who have stood tall and taken their place with pride and dignity in the fighting units of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Air Force and the British Army. These are the inspiring stories of people who have created amazing careers and sought and found a welcome denied to so many.

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Book SynopsisIt was in 1794 that the Duke of Argyll deputed his kinsman Campbell of Lochnell to raise a Regiment of Argyllshire Highlanders. In 1881 the Cardwell Reforms twinned the 91st with the 93rd, raised by Major General William Wemyss in 1800. The 93rd came into prominence in the Crimean War where it formed the Thin Red Line at Balaklava before seeing action in the Indian Mutiny, notably at the Relief of Lucknow where the Regiment won no less than six VCs. These two units were brought together to form the Argyll Sutherland Highlanders. The new Regiment was given an area comprising the counties of Argyll and Bute, Stirlingshire, Clackmannan, Renfrew and Dumbarton. They saw action in Palestine before taking part in Korea where Major Muir won the Regiment''s last VC. They took part in the Suez operation in 1956, were on active service in Cyprus in 1958-9 and were among the last troops out of Aden in 1969 after their famous retaking of Crater.

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Book SynopsisOn 27 July 1880 the 66th (Berkshire) Regiment fought a terrible battle on the dusty plains of Afghanistan. The battle went down in history as a massacre which effectively wiped out the regiment. They lost 10 officers and 276 men. Nonetheless, their valiant fighting was an inspiration to many, from Kipling to Conan Doyle, who based Dr Watson on the 66th medical officer Major Preston. Queen Victoria presented medals to the survivors, and it was Maiwand and the 66th''s battle against the Zulus the year before which resulted in the British Army no longer carrying Colours into battle. This book tells the story of this fine Victorian regiment from 1870 when they went to India through Afghanistan and back to England in 1881, bringing the regiment to life and concentrating on the characters who made it what it was.

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Book SynopsisFor as long as there have been armed forces there have been camp followers – the families who move with the military to stay with their men.

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Book SynopsisCulture has an enormous influence on military organizations and their success or failure in war. Cultural biases often result in unstated assumptions that have a deep impact on the making of strategy, operational planning, doctrinal creation, and the organization and training of armed forces. Except in unique circumstances culture grows slowly, embedding so deeply that members often act unconsciously according to its dictates. Of all the factors that are involved in military effectiveness, culture is perhaps the most important. Yet, it also remains the most difficult to describe and understand, because it entails so many external factors that impinge, warp, and distort its formation and continuities. The sixteen case studies in this volume examine the culture of armies, navies, and air forces from the Civil War to the Iraq War and how and why culture affected their performance in the ultimate arbitration of war.Trade Review'The Culture of Military Organizations explains superbly the importance of military culture and clearly demonstrates how culture underpins the effectiveness of armed force. Culture, once formed, is difficult to change; it cannot always be 'tamed,' but it can and should be understood. This book makes an enormous contribution in helping to foster that understanding. The history is first-rate, the analysis incisive, and the conclusions of enormous value to military leaders and policy makers today.' General David Petraeus, US Army (Ret.), former commander of the surge in Iraq, US Central Command, and Coalition Forces in Afghanistan'A brilliant set of analyses of military cultures that captures the nature of military culture and an understanding of its importance. This is an important work written at a time when military innovation and transformation are being hotly discussed and debated. This is a must read for all those military leaders attempting to develop organizations that can meet the challenges posed by a new and different security environment.' General Anthony C. Zinni, United States Marine Corps (Ret.)'The old Druckerism that 'culture eats strategy for breakfast' is aptly demonstrated in this erudite yet accessible book. Murray and Mansoor reveal how military culture eats strategy, operational logic and sound tactics in every war. Students of military history will revel in its insights and professors will find it chocked with invaluable lessons for the classroom.' Colonel Frank Hoffman, United States Marine Corps (Ret.)'Invaluable perspectives on what may be the most important determinant of victory or defeat in war. Students of warfare and those responsible for military effectiveness will find important insights that not only impart understanding, but also illuminate ways to accentuate positive elements of military culture or compensate for deficiencies.' H.R. McMaster, Stanford University'The editors assembled a strong roster of contributors; there are no weak chapters as sometimes occurs in such works. Though the quality is uniformly good, the great strength of the cases is their diversity. There is a temporal balance with the late 19th, early and late 20th centuries represented in roughly equivalent parts.' Col. J.P. Clark, ARMY Magazine'This volume makes a useful contribution to begin global historical explorations of military culture.' Thomas Furse, Journal of Contemporary HistoryTable of Contents1. Introduction Peter R. Mansoor and Williamson Murray; Part I. Theoretical Frameworks: 2. Culture and military organizations Leonard Wong and Stephen J. Gerras; 3. Strategic culture David Kilcullen; Part II. Land Forces: 4. Ulysses S. Grant and the culture of the Union Army of Tennessee Wayne Wei-siang Hsieh; 5. 'Playing a very bold game': the organizational culture of the Army of Northern Virginia, 1862–1865 Mark Grimsley; 6. German Army culture, 1871–1945 Jorit Wintjes; 7. The culture of the Indian Army, 1900–1947: an evolving identity Daniel Marston; 8. An army apart: the influence of culture on the Victorian British Army Richard Hart Sinnreich; 9. The culture of the British Army, 1914–1945 Williamson Murray; 10. Imperial Japanese Army culture, 1918–1945: duty heavier than a mountain, death lighter than a feather David Hunter-Chester; 11. Military culture, military efficiency, and the Red Army, 1917–1945 Reina Pennington; 12. An army like no other: the origins of the IDF's military culture Gil-li Vardi; 13. The weight of the shadow of the past: the organizational culture of the Iraqi Army, 1921–2003 Kevin M. Woods; 14. US Army culture, 1973–2017 Peter R. Mansoor; Part III. Maritime Forces: 15. The Royal Navy, 1900–1945: learning from disappointment Corbin Williamson; 16. US Navy cultural transformations, 1945–2017: the jury is still out John T. Kuehn; 17. The US Marine Corps, 1973–2017: cultural preservation in every place and clime Allan R. Millett; Part IV. Air Forces: 18. The culture of the Royal Air Force, 1918–1945 David Stubbs; 19. US Air Force culture, 1947–2017 Robert Farley; 20. Conclusion Peter R. Mansoor and Williamson Murray.

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Book SynopsisReprint of classic WW2 Divisional history. The Guards have universal appeal. The Division had an exemplary fighting record. A number of VC winners. Possible Royal foreword.

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Book SynopsisAcclaimed biography of one of the great military leaders of WW2 and the penultimate Viceroy of India.

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Book SynopsisThe book is divided in two to cover the men who were serving in the Gurkha Regiments at the time of their VC actions and those serving in the Indian Regiments.

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Book SynopsisExplore this revealing, well illustrated look back at American airbases in Britain in the post-war era.Trade Review‘Fascinating and beautifully illustrated… A timely and important book.’ -- Battle of Britain historian James Holland

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Book SynopsisFrance''s colonial wars in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia were very largely fought by an organization completely separate from both the home-defense Metropolitan Army and the Armée d''Afrique in Algeria. The Naval Troops (Troupes de la Marine) were volunteers, and earned a reputation for greater toughness and hardiness than the conscripted Metropolitan Army. Spread throughout the French Empire, Naval Troops in this period were characterized by very large infantry and artillery regiments based in France, mixed race regiments (Régiments Mixtes), and entire native regiments raised in West Africa, Madagascar, and Indochina. The latter, the so-called Tirailleurs, were organized and led by officers and cadres from the Naval Troops, and wore very varied and colorful uniforms based on formalized versions of traditional local costumes.French Naval & Colonial Troops 18721914 uses rich and detailed full color plates as well as thorough Table of ContentsIntroduction – organization of French forces for overseas service/ Chronology/ Campaigns: Indochina, from 1883 – West Africa, from 1886 – Dahomey, from 1890 – Madagascar, from 1885 – China, 1900/ Locally raised units: Tirailleurs & Spahis Sénégalais – Tirailleurs Haoussas – Tirailleurs & Spahis Soudanais – Tirailleurs Sakalaves & Malgaches – Tirailleurs Annamites, Tonkinois & Cambodgiens/ Minor island garrisons/ Plate Commentaries

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Book SynopsisThe hidden and often moving story of Britain's coming of age in the First World War.Trade Review'An important and poignant Christmas success.' * Bookseller *'Oliver has written a deeply moving book about a war that is rapidly receding in our national consciousness . . . This book tells not merely of captains and kings, but of the ordinary men who battled, and the women who cared for them, more than 90 years ago. They deserve to be remembered.' * Daily Express *

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Book SynopsisHighly interesting to anyone with a passing interest in military badges, this book is invaluable for military collectors.

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Book SynopsisConsiders the ideals and realities of generalship across the Greek, Roman and Byzantine worlds.Trade Review"This stimulating and innovative collection of essays takes a traditional subject in ancient military history and reinvigorates it by shifting discussion away from a focus on 'great commanders' to analysis of ancient ideals and principles of military leadership, while also contextualising this discussion within a broader chronological and geographical framework." -Doug Lee, Emeritus Professor of Ancient History, University of Nottingham

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Book SynopsisFrom its origins as the Consular Guard of the French Republic, and as Napoleon's personal bodyguard, the Imperial Guard developed into a force of all arms numbering almost 100,000 men. Used by Napoleon as his principle tactical reserve, the Guard was engaged only sparingly, being deployed at the crucial moment of battle to turn the tide of victory in favour of the Emperor of the French. Naturally, the Imperial Guard has been the subject of numerous books over many decades, yet there has never been a publication that has investigated the uniforms and equipment of the infantry of the Imperial Guard in such detail and with such precision. The author has collected copies of almost all the surviving documents relating to the Guard, which includes a vast amount of material regarding the issuing of dress items, even in some instances down to company level. This information is supported by an unrivalled collection of illustrations, many of which have never been published before, as well as images of original items of equipment held in museums and private collections across the globe. In addition, the renowned military artist, Keith Rocco, has produced a series of unique paintings commissioned exclusively for this book. This glorious book is, and will remain, unsurpassed as the standard work on the clothing and equipment of the Imperial Guard, and will not only be invaluable to historians, but also reenactors, wargamers and modellers. It is one of the most important publications ever produced on this most famous of military formations.

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Book SynopsisFrom its origins as the Consular Guard of the French Republic, and as Napoleon's personal bodyguard, the Imperial Guard developed into a force of all arms numbering almost 100,000 men. Used by Napoleon as his principle tactical reserve, the Guard was engaged only sparingly, being deployed at the crucial moment of battle to turn the tide of victory in favour of the Emperor of the French. Naturally the Imperial Guard has been the subject of numerous books over many decades, yet there has never been a publication that has investigated the uniforms and equipment of the Guard in such detail and with such precision. The author has collected copies of almost all the surviving documents relating to the Guard, which includes a vast amount of material regarding the issuing of dress items, even in some instances down to company level. The Guard was extravagantly dressed and accoutred, with the finest materials and the brightest colours. On both campaign and parade, the Guard provided a dazzling display of military grandeur. From the green and gold trappings of the Chasseurs Cheval, to the multi-coloured Mamelukes, the Guard cavalry was among the most brilliantly clothed formations ever to grace the field of battle. This information is supported by around 100 contemporary prints, many of which have never been published before, as well as images of original items of equipment held in museums and private collections across the globe. In addition, the renown military artist, Keith Rocco has produced a series of unique paintings commissioned exclusively for this book. This glorious book is, and will remain, unsurpassed as the standard work on the clothing and equipment of the Imperial Guard, and will be eagerly sought by reenactors, wargamers and modellers, and will sit on the book shelves of historians and enthusiasts as one of the most important publications ever produced on this most famous of military formations.

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Book SynopsisThere are few names in the annals of military history that evoke such emotion, and in some cases controversy, as the small Belgian town of Bastogne. The 101st Airborne are the best known defenders of Bastogne, but they only constituted one third of the eventual force that saved the city from total annihilation.This book digs deeper into the defense of Bastogne, revealing more details about those indomitable “Screaming Eagles” and the other units that stood with them during that punishingly bitter cold winter of 1944/45. It also presents the perspective of the German soldiers trying desperately to re-take Bastogne that desperate winter. It is a story of sacrifice, dedication to duty, and honor in the face of terrible adversity, but more importantly it’s a human story, one that encapsulates the finest attributes of humankind in the absolute direst of circumstances.Table of Contents1 Setting the Stage 2 We're Heading Where? 3 First into Bastogne 4 Dig in and get ready 5 Lights Out 6 Disintegration and Destruction 7 Hand to Hand, Face to Face 8 We're Running out of Everything 9 The Value of Momentum 10 He Said What? 11 Smiling at Me 12 What's Merry About All This? 13 The Proud Eagle Division 14 A Winter's Tale 15 Who's Patton?

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Book SynopsisThe amazing true story of America’s first Black generals, Benjamin O. Davis, Sr. and Jr., a father and son who helped integrate the American military and created the Tuskegee Airmen. Perfect for fans of Devotion and Hidden Figures.Red Tails, George Lucas’s celebration of America’s first Black flying squadron, the Tuskegee Airmen, should have been a moment of victory for Doug Melville. He expected to see his great-uncle Benjamin O. Davis Jr.—the squadron’s commander—immortalized on-screen for his selfless contributions to America. But as the film rolled, Doug was shocked when he realized that Ben Jr.’s name had been omitted and replaced by the fictional Colonel A. J. Bullard. And Ben’s father, Benjamin O. Davis Sr., America’s first Black general who helped integrate the military, was left out too. Dejected, Doug looked inward and realized that unless he worked to bring their inspirational story to light, it would remain hidden from the world just as it had been concealed from him. In Invisible Generals, Melville shares his quest to rediscover his family’s story across five generations, from post-Civil War America to modern day Asia and Europe. In life, the Davises were denied the recognition and compensation they’d earned, but through his journey, Melville uncovers something greater: that dedication and self-sacrifice can move proverbial mountains—even in a world determined to make you invisible. Invisible Generals recounts the lives of a father and his son who always maintained their belief in the American dream. As the inheritor of their legacy, Melville retraces their steps, advocates for them to receive their long-overdue honors and unlocks the potential we all hold to retrieve powerful family stories lost to the past.Trade Review"Melville traces his family's history to ensure their groundbreaking achievements are not forgotten." —Arlington Magazine"Documenting unsparingly the opposition they had to overcome due solely to the color of their skin, Melville recounts [his family's] stories with deep emotion, sympathetic with their struggles and angry with the system that made these humans invisible." —Booklist“In the rich tapestry of American history, the inspiring saga of the country’s first two Black generals remains a lesser-known gem, hidden in the shadows of time. These trailblazers, courageous leaders, and unyielding advocates rose above adversity with the unwavering spirit of justice burning in their hearts. Their story serves as an enduring beacon of hope, a reminder that the path to equality and justice is not without challenges, but it is one worth traversing.” —Ben Crump, Black America’s Attorney General“The book Black America needs in this moment. This American story is rooted in family, loyalty, heart, and excellence. Doug’s family is representative of our own families . . . rooted in the consistent legacies of connection, disruption, and love in ways we can all be proud of.” —Eboni K. Williams, journalist, attorney, and author of Pretty Powerful“For centuries, Black people’s contributions to American history have been overlooked—including their contributions to US military prowess. As Black Americans, our stories have power. And it’s long past time to reclaim that power.” —Charlamagne Tha God, New York Times bestselling author of Black Privilege“Invisible Generals is not Black history, nor military history, but American history. The military’s first two Black generals paved the way for so many not just in our military but for all Americans—yet they have been invisible for so long. This book will educate and inspire Americans to honor these heroes for their selfless contributions toward moving our nation forward.” —BRIGADIER GENERAL (RET.) LEON JOHNSON, former national president of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.“A thoughtful, highly readable blend of family and military history.” —Kirkus Reviews

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Book SynopsisThe heroic and inspiring story of the fortunes of the Black Watch, whose soldiers have distinguished themselves in theatres of war across the world. Formed into a regiment in 1739 and named for the dark tartan of its soldiers' kilts, The Black Watch has fought in almost every major conflict of nation and empire between 1745 and the present, and has a reputation second to none. Following on from The Highland Furies, in which she traced the regiment's history to 1899, Victoria Schofield tells the story of The Black Watch in the 20th and 21st centuries. She tracks its fortunes through the 2nd South African War, two World Wars, the 'troubles' in N Ireland and the war in Iraq – up to The Black Watch's merger with five other regiments to form the Royal Regiment of Scotland in 2006. Drawing on diaries, letters and interviews, Victoria Schofield weaves the many strands of the story into an epic narrative of a heroic body of officers and men. In her sure hands, the story of The Black Watch is no arid recitation of campaigns and battle honours, but a rewarding account of the fortunes of war of a regiment that has played a distinguished role in British, and world, history.Trade ReviewPRAISE FOR THE HIGHLAND FURIES: 'Schofield's meticulous record of the spirit provides a worthy memorial to the Black Watch' Spectator. 'Rigorously authoritative and detailed... An absorbing book that lives up to its name as the 'Official Regimental History'' Military History Monthly. 'Each campaign, battle and tour of duty [is] allocated its due place... It is lively... recounting the regiment's experiences' * TLS *

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Book SynopsisThis is the first book ever to present the authentic ninja techniques in a highly accessible, illustrated 'how to' format. The shadowy figure of the ninja – expert commando, secret agent, maverick who operates outside social norms – continues to exert fascination in the West, yet much of what is presented as ninja fact today is distorted or wrong. Drawing on the scrolls created by historical Japanese ninjas (or shinobi, as they were then known), this book offers the real ninja teachings in 150 easy-to-follow, illustrated lessons designed to draw contemporary students of ninja straight into the world of these skilled spy-commandos. The truth about the ninja is so much more complex and intriguing than the Hollywood clichés we know today. We may think, for example, of a ninja as being always garbed in black and fighting with 'throwing stars' but in fact, a ninja had clothes in different colours to serve as disguises for different times of day, and their arsenal of weaponry could include anything from poison, poison gas, pepper spray and fire-creating tools to swords, spears and knives (but no throwing stars). The 150 lessons in this book cover all the basics of ninja warcraft, including clever ideas for infiltrating an enemy compound (from wearing 'silent sandals' to faking passes and passwords), tactics for hiding and retreat (in the racoon dog retreat, a ninja will crouch low and halt, allowing the pursuer to collide with him at speed, whereupon the agent kills his enemy), and ways of crossing marshes and water (for example, with special shoes made of boards, or using a foldaway floating seat). The description is made all the more vivid by step-by-step photographs of the fighting techniques, diagrams outlining military tactics and beautiful samples of Japanese calligraphy.

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Book SynopsisA lavishly illustrated military and social history of the forces in Germany, published to coincide with the winding down of the operation in 2019-20. The book is split into decades and covers important military strategy, political events such as the Berlin Airlift and the fall of the Wall, but also the experiences of British soldiers and the increasing integration of British troops and the German population, and their domestic and family lives.

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Book Synopsis“Who Dares Wins”. The world’s most legendary special forces unit - and a history of action you will barely believe.This is the extraordinary, secretive story of how the SAS evolved from an unconventional handful of soldiers, operating behind enemy lines in North Africa in 1941, into the world’s most disciplined and respected professionals, up to their daring and dangerous exploits in the Iranian Embassy siege and the Falkland Islands.We see them during the latter years of the Second World War, in the numerous post-war security campaigns in the Middle and Far East, and in the difficult circumstances of urban terrorism. Above all, we see how the regiment’s founder David Stirling’s emphasis on The Man has not changed at all.Here indeed are men who dare to excel - and in General Strawson they have a worthy chronicler of their remarkable activities both in wartime and in the “savage wars of peace”. In the first history of the SAS ever published, we see their unique courage on full display - a courage that changed the British Army, and the world.

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Book SynopsisA detailed glimpse into the weapons, equipment and uniforms worn by Roman Centurions from the Roman Kingdom right through to the height of the Republic. Including new research, photographs of artefacts and the signature Men-at-Arms artwork, this is an essential addition to the series and includes several artwork reconstructions of actual named individuals and two lavish scenes depicting combat between Centurions and a Triumphal procession.Table of ContentsIntroduction: origins - service /The Age of Kings: centurions in the army of Servius Tullius /Early Consular period: centurions in the Punic Wars /Later Consular period: centurions in the Roman civil wars /Arms and equipment: helmets - armour - weapons - shields - rank symbols - clothing

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