Second World War Books

Book SynopsisMany thousands of different types of vehicles were used by the armies during the Second World War for various roles, including the fighting vehicles such as armoured cars and tanks. Today these are very popular with enthusiasts who restore these historic vehicles to their pristine state and attend specialist gatherings around the UK, Europe and the USA.This book explores original and reconstructed military vehicles from British, US, Russian, Italian and German forces using stunning colour photographs. It also provides a detailed history of each vehicle’s development and use in the war, plus a wealth of technical information and rare internal shots. The range of vehicles includes trucks, ambulances, half-tracks, motorcycles, bulldozers, armoured cars and of course the impressive range of tanks, from tankettes to the fearsome German Tiger. Some vehicles are so rare that examples have been recreated using designs of the era and together with the original vehicles their fascinating wartime experiences are revealed. From the Moto Guzzi tricycle to the Schwimmwagen, the T-34 to the Austin ambulance, this is the perfect book for recreating, restoring and exploring the history of these classic military vehicles.

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Book SynopsisD-Day was unprecedented. An invasion of this scale and magnitude had never been carried out before. The landings in North Africa, Sicily and Italy were of limited scope by comparison; if they had failed it would not have been a complete disaster, whereas Normandy heralded the long-awaited Second Front.D-Day 1944: The Making of Victory investigates the great feats of unique problem-solving that enabled the success of such an important invasion. Military historian Anthony Tucker-Jones brings his expert eye to bear on the D-Day landings and subsequent Normandy campaign. He reassesses the technical ingenuity required through the eyes of those who fought there, and vividly reveals how each side managed, whether dealing with the challenges of crossing the Channel safely or in defence of the French coast. Including first-hand accounts, this book places the reader in the thick of the action.

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Book SynopsisOn 11 May 1944, just four weeks before D-Day, sixty-seven American heavy bombers dropped 168 tons of bombs on the sunlit French town of Épinal on the Moselle river. Unbeknownst to the aircrew of the ?Mighty Eighth?, this was the temporary home of over 3,000 Indian prisoners of war ? and these bombs had just taken down the walls.The escapees took food and clothes and set off for the border. If they could make it to Switzerland, neutral territory, they would be safe. But between them and their goal were thousands of Nazis, collaborators and over 100km of French countryside.The Great Épinal Escape is the incredible story of the most successful escape of the Second World War. It is the story of how, during a period showcasing the worst of humanity ? a period marked by brutality, bloodlust and fascism ? ordinary people were able to demonstrate the best of humanity: resilience, support and a warm welcome. Ultimately, it is a story of hope.

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Book SynopsisDuring the Second World War, the Germans considered the Royal Artillery to be the most professional arm of the British Army: British gunners were accurate, effective and efficient, and provided fire support for their armoured and infantry colleagues that was better than that in any other army.However, the Royal Artillery delivered much more than field and medium artillery battlefield support. Gunner regiments manned antitank guns on the front line and light anti-aircraft guns in divisional regiments to defend against air attack at home and abroad. The Royal Artillery also helped to protect convoys that brought essential supplies to Britain, and AA gunners had their finest hour when they destroyed the majority of the V-1 flying bombs launched against Britain from June 1944.Richard Doherty delves into the wide-ranging role of the Royal Artillery, examining its state of preparedness in 1939, the many developments that were introduced during the war – including aerial observation and self-propelled artillery – the growth of the regiment and its effectiveness in its many roles. Royal Artillery in the Second World War is a comprehensive account of a British Army regiment that played a vital role in the ensuing Allied victory.

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Book SynopsisThe life of Bavarian Hans Frank, one of the ten war criminals hanged at Nuremburg in 1946, has not received the full attention the world has given to other Nazi leaders. In many ways, he warrants it more. His life symbolised Germany’s hubristic and visionary ambition to an alarming degree, much better than anyone else’s, perhaps because he was an intellectual of the highest calibre.An early supporter of the Nazi Party, Frank ultimately became Hitler’s personal lawyer and later served as Governor General of Poland during the Second World War. He was a fervent advocate of Nazi racist ideology and became the primary – if not the archetypal – symbol of evil, establishing a reign of terror against Polish civilians and becoming directly involved in the mass murder of Jews. The Butcher of Poland is a harrowing account of Hans Frank, the man who formalised the Nazi race laws.

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Book SynopsisThe moment Britain fought back.It was in North Africa that the tide turned; that Britain began its long fightback against Nazi dominance.The distinguished military historian Major General John Strawson's vivid, unputdownable book describes how the balance of power in North Africa see-sawed between the Italians, the British and the Germans through the years 1940 to 1943, and how ultimate victory was won by the Allies.In following the nail-biting course of battles during this three-year desert campaign, Strawson brings together the strategic considerations, the changing tactics and the searing impressions of those who did the actual fighting.His exciting narrative is brought to life with numerous eye-witness accounts, from German officers to Gurkhas and British tank crews and Americans.Essential and unforgettable reading for anyone interested in either the Second World War or its epic battle in the desert, this is perfect for fans of Ben Macintyre's SAS: Rogue Heroes.

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Book SynopsisThe seminal account of the heroism, daring and ingenuity of the men of Allied Bomber Command, who took the war to the enemy’s doorstep.The Second World War saw aerial bombing – of both civilian and military targets – become a new front line in warfare, as advances in aircraft and engine design allowed planes to fly further, faster and carrying heavier loads.The RAF pilots in their Lancasters, Wellingtons and Halifaxes, the USAAF pilots in their B-17 Flying Fortresses and B-24 Liberators, and the Luftwaffe pilots in their Junkers and Heinkels, flew thousands of sorties deep into enemy territory, into the teeth of flak and agile enemy fighters, with staggering losses.In Bomber!, Robert Jackson uses thirteen famous raids to chronicle the bomber mission as it evolved over the course of the war, from the ferocious North Sea Battle in 1939 to the French crew who became the first Allied airmen to bomb Berlin. From the US bombing of Tokyo that forced Japan to commit her navy in the Pacific to the Earthquake Raids carried out by 617 ‘Dambusters’ Squadron in the closing days of the war with terrifying 12,000lb ‘Tallboy’ bombs.Here, Jackson gives bomber crews a voice, weaving their accounts with historical analysis to create a minute-by-minute account of these events, letting you experience them as they happened.Perfect for readers of John Nichol and Rowland White.**Praise for Bomber!**‘Jackson has made a valuable contribution to our knowledge of the air war’ New York Times

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Book SynopsisOne of the Second World War’s most brutal and dramatic campaigns brought to life in this vivid and epic historyIt could have all been over much quicker. In this gripping account, bestseller John Strawson analyses how the slow, bloody and fiercely fought Italian campaign delayed the end of the Second World War after the tide had turned against Hitler and the Germans. Here was a point of dogged resistance; and also indomitable advance and eventual victory from a huge Allied push up the peninsula.What was the justification for opening up a major new front against Hitler? What were the effects of doing so, the consequences of the important tactical decisions made by politicians and generals, the hostility between Patton and Montgomery, and the larger disagreement between the US and Britain? In answering them Strawson gets to the heart not only of this too-often overlooked struggle, but the entire War.Military history at its finest, full of unforgettable detail and grand strategy, this is perfect for readers of Max Hastings or James Holland.

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Book SynopsisIf asked to name a British aircraft of World War II, many people would pick the Spitfire. In production and frontline service throughout the war, this Supermarine design matured to become one of the greatest fighter aircraft of all time. By combining superb aerodynamics with one of the best aero-engines ever produced, R. J. Mitchell and his Supermarine team created a pure thoroughbred fighter which became a legend, especially during the Battle of Britain, the type’s baptism of fire. Much loved by its pilots, the Spitfire served as an interceptor, photo-reconnaissance, fighter-bomber and trainer, and it continued to serve in these roles until the 1950s. In total, there were 24 marks of Spitfire and many sub-variants. Spitfire offers a compact illustrated guide to this most iconic of aircraft, with chapters divided by type and time period. Find out about the Mk VB, the most numerous and hardy model that served in every theatre of war, including flying with the Soviet Air Force on the Eastern Front; marvel at EN409, a Mk XI that achieved a speed record of 975km/h (606mph) in high-speed diving trials; learn about the Spitfire’s role in the Dieppe Raid in 1942, where the Mk Vs and Mk IXs flew over 2000 sorties in support of the landing; and discover well-known Spitfire pilots, included ‘Johnnie’ Johnson, who shot down 34 enemy aircraft and who flew the Spitfire right through his operational career from late 1940 to 1945. Packed with 100 vivid artworks and photographs, Spitfire is a compact reference guide for lovers of classic aircraft and World War II aviation enthusiasts.Table of ContentsContents: Introduction: Developing a Prototype Development of the Type 224; the prototype Spitfire, K5054, first flew on 5 May 1936 from Eastleigh airfield near Southampton, improved Type 300 design; testing with the Aeroplane & Armament Experimental Establishment (A&AEE), 1936 Spitfire Mk I – Mk IV: the Battle of Britain As the first of over 20 distinct fighter variants of this most famous of all combat aircraft, the Spitfire Mk I was the equal of any fighter in 1940. A lengthy process of evolution through combat experience saw the Spitfire mature, via the Mk II, into a fighter of legendary abilities. Spitfire Mk V – Mk VI: Overseas Service Introduced as a stopgap between the Mk II and Mk III, the Spitfire Mk V became one of the most successful marks of Supermarine’s legendary fighter. It served in the UK and overseas as an interceptor and fighter-bomber. Includes Mk Va, Mk Vb; more Spitfire Mk Vs were built than any other type, with 6,487 built. Feature: Two-seater model: T Mk VIII; plus 4 Squadron SAAF Mk VB in North Africa, where a second seat was fitted instead of the upper fuel tank in front of the cockpit Spitfire Mk VII – Mk XVI: Campaigns in Western Europe Despite its early success, the Spitfire Mk V proved no match for the Luftwaffe’s Fw 190 in combat. A solution was sought and arrived in the form of the very capable Mk VII and VIII, which proved highly successful in all its theatres of operation. The Mk IX was the second most numerous type, with 5,656 being produced. It proved an effective counter to the appearance of the German Focke-Wulf Fw 190. Spitfire Mk XII – Mk XIX: Griffon-engined variants With the Rolls-Royce Merlin reaching the outer limits of its development potential, the Griffon – originating from a racing engine – was the logical choice to power the next generation of Spitfires. The first Mk XII flew in August 1942, and first flew operationally with 41 Squadron in April 1943. This mark could nudge 400 mph (640 km/h) and climb to an altitude of 33,000 ft (10,000 m) in under nine minutes. Photo-reconnaissance models Of all the Spitfire models, the least-known are the photo-reconnaissance variants. Yet it was these aircraft that were the most important Allied strategic reconnaissance machines of the European theatre and, together with the Mosquito, made up the bulk of the Allies’ camera-equipped assets. PR.Mk IA, PR.Mk IB, PR.Mk IC, PR.Mk IE, PR.Mk IG, PR.Mk XIII, PR.Mk IX, PR.Mk XIX Spitfires Mks 21–24: Postwar models By the time its last production variant, the Mk 24, entered RAF service in 1948, the Spitfire bore little resemblance to the prototype that had first flown 12 years earlier, but was a considerably more capable machine. Seafire The Seafire, a name derived from sea, and Spitfire, was a naval version of the Spitfire specially adapted for operation from aircraft carriers. In July 1943, the Seafire was used to provide air cover for the Allied invasion of Sicily; and reprised this role in September 1943 during the subsequent Allied invasion of Italy. The Seafire continued to be used for some time after the end of the war. The FAA opted to promptly withdraw all of its Merlin-powered Seafires and replace them with Griffon-powered counterparts. The type saw further active combat use during the Korean War, in which FAA Seafires performed hundreds of missions in the ground attack and combat air patrol roles against North Korean forces during 1950.

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Book SynopsisJohn Howard's name will forever be linked to the highly successful Pegasus Bridge assault by his glider-born company of the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. His men regarded him with awe and his courage and toughness were bye-words. However this book reveals the human side of the man as well as providing a graphic account of the preparation, actual operation and aftermath of this iconic raid.The Pegasus Diaries is a book that will be enjoyed by men and women alike, presenting as it does a complex man often torn between his high sense of loyalty to his men and devotion to duty.

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Book SynopsisThe Trench - Life and Death on The Western Front - with a Foreword by Michael Morpugo.The horrors of the First World War scarred an entire generation at the beginning of the twentieth century. Now, one hundred years later, we are asked to reflect upon it and remember what a disastrous episode of history it was. During the next four years many thousands of people, especially the young in school parties, will visit the battle sites of the Western Front in France and Belgium,with their museums, memorials and trench reconstructions. These last were the setting for so much of the carnage. This book offers a brief, straightforward, illustrated history of the First World War in some 96 pages. In particular, it explains the trenches and what it was like to live and fight in them. Using his own diagrams, illustrations, and maps, author Trevor Yorke explains the architecture of them, with their command posts, sally points, tunnels, machine gun nests, duck boards, and sleeping billets. There are chapters to explain tactics, weaponry, and daily life. There are special features on the introduction of new weapons of war, such as tanks, early aeroplanes, and the first use of poison gas.The political events throughout the war are described in outline. There are summaries of the major battles and there is information about special places to visit in France and Belgium including key museums, battle sites and memorials.These can bring home to us a real understanding of the unique inhumanity of the war, and why the date 1914 - 1918 require all generations of today to remember and learn from them.As Michael Morpurgo says in his foreword:'As we begin to mark the centenary of the First World War, we should honour those who died, most certainly,and gratefully too, but we should never glorify. During these next four years of commemoration, we should read the poems, the stories, the history, the diaries, visit the cemeteries - German cemeteries as well as ours - they were all sons and brothers and lovers and husbands and fathers too.'

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Book SynopsisTwo men came to personify British and German generalship in the Second World War: Bernard Montgomery and Erwin Rommel. They fought a series of extraordinary duels across several theatres of war which established them as two of the greatest captains of their age. Our understanding of leadership in battle was altered for ever by their electrifying personal qualities. Ever since, historians have assessed their outstanding leadership, personalities and skill.The careers of both began on the periphery of the military establishment and represent the first time military commanders proactively and systematically used (and were used by) the media as they came to prominence, first in North Africa, then in Normandy. Dynamic and forward-thinking, their lives also represent a study of pride, propaganda and nostalgia. Caddick-Adams tracks and compares their military talents and personalities in battle. Each brought something special to their commands. Rommel's breathtaking advance in May-June 1940 was nothing less than inspired. Montgomery is a gift for leadership gurus in the way he took over a demoralised Eighth Army in August 1942 and led it to victory just two months later. This compelling work is both scholarly and entertaining and marks the debut of a major new talent in historical biography.Trade ReviewA quite brilliant piece of writing. Here in a single volume we have a first-rate expose of two of the war's best known commanders... if Caddick-Adams were a landscape painter his book would be the equivalent of Monet, full of rich intriguing colours and patterns. The resultant effect is spectacular, and Caddick-Adams is to be congratulated on his achievement ... a brilliant book written with passion and verve. * Robert Lyman for BBC History Magazine Book of the Month *A compelling study of two of the Second World War's best known commanders. Peter Caddick-Adams writes with authority and a deep knowledge of both his subjects and the two world wars in which they fought. He has produced an utterly absorbing and hugely entertaining book that will provide a new benchmark on how we view these two divisive generals. * James Holland *Peter Caddick-Adam's comparison of two entwined careers is full of penetrating new insights, illuminated by a clear understanding of the world wars. This impressive book will undoubtedly prove one of the best military histories of the year * Richard Holmes *Intriguing study of General Bernard Montgomery and Erwin Rommel ... discursive ... highly rewarding book. * Spectator *Distinguished military historian Caddick-Adams has achieved a first by entwining biographies of two WW2 adversaries, field marshals Montgomery and Rommel ... Caddick-Adams makes good use of personal memoirs to make his book an exciting character-driven read and it an excellent example of how the personal experience of war can create great and yet humane generals. First class history * Military Illustrated *

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Book SynopsisFew people know that Ypres, centre of First World War remembrance, was once home to a thriving British community that played a heroic role in the Second World War. This expatriate outpost grew around the British ex-servicemen who cared for the war memorials and cemeteries of 'Flanders Fields'. Many married local women and their children grew up multi-lingual, but attended their own school and were intensely proud to be British. When Germany invaded in 1940 the community was threatened: some children managed to escape, others were not so lucky. But, armed with their linguistic skills and local knowledge, pupils of the British Memorial School were uniquely prepared to fight Hitler in occupied territory and from Britain. Still in their teens, some risked capture, torture and death in intelligence and resistance operations in the field. An exceptional patriotism spurred them on to feats of bravery in this new conflict. Whilst their peers at home were being evacuated to the English countryside, these children were directly exposed to danger in one of the major theatres of war.James Fox was a pupil at the British Memorial School in 1940 and he has made it his mission to trace his former school friends. The Children Who Fought Hitler is their story: a war story about people from an unusual community, told from a fresh and human perspective.Gardens of Stone: My Boyhood in the French Resistance, published recently by Hodder & Stoughton, tells the story of one of James's former school friends, Stephen Grady, and his role in the French Resistance.Trade Review'It's hard to come up with new, untold stories about World War Two, but this book succeeds in just that... [James Fox] has retraced all the individual stories with impressive detail and moving candour' * Military Illustrated *'Fascinating' * Best of British *'Extraordinary' * Sunday Express *'essential reading' * Families Journal *'A vivid slice of human history.' * Independent on Sunday *

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Book SynopsisIn February 1943, German forces surrendered to the Red Army at Stalingrad and the tide of war turned. By May 1945 Soviet soldiers had stormed Berlin and brought down Hitler's regime. Total War follows the fortunes of these fighters as they liberated Russia and the Ukraine from the Nazi invader and fought their way into the heart of the Reich. It reveals the horrors they experienced - the Holocaust, genocide and the mass murder of Soviet POWs - and shows the Red Army, brutalized by war, taking its terrible revenge on the German civilian population. For the first time Russian veterans are candid about the terrible atrocities their own army committed. But they also describe their struggle to raise themselves from the abyss of hatred. Their war against the Nazis - which in large part brought the Second World War in Europe to an end - is a tarnished but deeply moving story of sacrifice and redemption.Trade ReviewPraise for Michael Jones * --- *A milestone in the treatment of the battle . . . highly effective and utterly captivating . . . This is the finest history of its type published to date * David Glanz *'A tribute to the resilience of the human spirit' * Herald *'Jones deserves full credit for the remarkable personal testimonies he has amassed' * Max Hastings, Sunday Times *An epic depiction of a "tarnished victory" * Independent *

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Book SynopsisFor troops in the desert, Cairo meant fleshpots or brass hats. For well-connected officers, it meant polo at the Gezira Club and drinks at Shepheard's. For the irregular warriors, Cairo was a city to throw legendary parties before the next mission behind enemy lines. For countless refugees, it was a stopping place in the long struggle home. The political scene was dominated by the British Ambassador Sir Miles Lampson. In February 1942 he surrounded the Abdin Palace with tanks and attempted to depose King Farouk. Five months later it looked as if the British would be thrown out of Egypt for good. Rommel's forces were only sixty miles from Alexandria - but the Germans were pushed back and Cairo life went on. Meanwhile, in the Egyptian Army, a handful of young officers were thinking dangerous thoughts.Trade Review'As hard to put down as good fiction. The research is wide, detailed and scrupulous. It is hard to think, on finishing, how this demanding book could have been handled better, more lucidly or more entertaining' * Patrick Leigh Fermor, Times Literary Supplement *'This informative and enjoyable book puts political history side-by-side with the personal sub-history of the characters who determined it . . . a mine of entertaining anecdotes' * Rana Kabbani, Observer *'What lifts it out of the ordinary is the sparkle of the writing and its command of the background' * P. H. Newby, Sunday Telegraph *'Much more than a lively and amusing social history. With enormous skill she has shaped it into a gripping account of the progress of the war itself and of the fortunes of its major protagonists. The result is bracing and salutary and very readable indeed' * Charles Allen, Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisSturmgeschutz III was originally designed as an assault weapon, but as war progressed it was increasingly used in a defensive role and evolved into an assault gun and tank destroyer. By 1943 its main role was providing anti-tank support to the units in its area of operation. This consequently led to many StuGs being destroyed in battle. Nonetheless they were very successful as tank killers and destroyed, among others, many bunkers, pillboxes and other defences.The StuG was not considered to be a true tank because it lacked a turret. The gun was mounded directly in the hull, in a casemate-style fashion, with a low profile to reduce vehicle heights, and had a limited lateral traverse of a few degrees in either direction. Thus, the entire vehicle had to be turned in order to acquire targets. Omitting the turret made production much simpler and less costly, enabling greater numbers to be built. Its significantly shorter vertical profile as compared to contemporary tanks made the StuG more difficult to hit.Most assault guns were mounted on the chassis of a Panzer III or Panzer IV, with the resultant model being called either a StuG III or StuG IV respectively. The StuG was one of the most effective tracked vehicles of World War II, and over 10,000 of them were eventually produced.During the course of the war StuG III assault guns were issued to Sturmartillerie Batteries, Sturmgeschutz Abteilungen, Sturmgeschutz Brigades, Sturmartillerie Batteries, Ersatz (Reserve), Abteilungen and Funklenk (Remote Control) Companies. StuG III assault guns served on all fronts of WWII until the end of the war.

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Book SynopsisThe Consolidated B-24 Liberator was almost certainly the most versatile Second World War Bomber. Apart from its bombing role in all theatres of operation, the B-24 hauled fuel to France during the push towards Germany, carried troops, fought U-boats in the Atlantic and, probably most important of all, made a vital contribution towards winning the war in the Pacific. Its most famous single exploit is possibly the raid on the Ploesti oilfields in August 1943.The B-24 ended World War Two as the most produced Allied heavy bomber in history, and the most produced American military aircraft at over 18,000 units, thanks in large measure to Henry Ford and the harnessing of American industry. It still holds the distinction as the most produced American military aircraft. The B-24 was used by several Allied air forces and navies, and by every branch of the American armed forces during the war, attaining a distinguished war record with its operations in the Western European, Pacific, Mediterranean and China-Burma-India theatres.This book focuses on the design, engineering, development and tactical use of the many variants throughout the bomber's service life. The overall result is, as David Lee, the former Deputy Director of the Imperial War Museum at Duxford said upon reading the final manuscript, to be acquainted with '...all you never knew about the B-24!'The book is enlivened by the many dramatic photographs which feature, and this coupled with the clarity of Simons' prose makes for an engaging and entertaining history of this iconic Allied bomber, a key component in several of their biggest victories and a marvel of military engineeringTrade ReviewA useful and well-illustrated concise story. Skywriters

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Book SynopsisDuring the early years of World War Two it soon became apparent that the system for tracing the whereabouts of the remains of RAF aircrew deemed 'Missing Believed Killed' was totally inadequate. The Missing Research Section (MRS) of the Air Ministry was set up in late 1941 to deal with this increasing problem. It collected and collated intelligence reports from a wide variety of official, unofficial and covert sources in an attempt to establish the fate of missing aircrew. Increasingly this included forensic or semi-forensic work to identify personal effects passed on through clandestine channels or bodies washed up on Britain's shores.In December 1944 the MRS was expanded and a small team of fourteen men, named the Missing Research and Enquiry Service (MRES), was sent to France to seek the missing men on the ground. With 42,000 men missing, the amount that fourteen men could achieve was naturally limited, so in July and August 1945 a series of meetings at the Air Ministry decided on the rapid expansion of the MRES to over twenty-five times its current size, split between six units with set geographical areas of responsibility. This book explains why, in their own words, men volunteered for the job, and why they worked for so long at such a gruesome task. Each faced difficulties in terrain and climate, all the way from the Arctic Circle to the jungles of Burma. Local populations, essential to much of the MRES's work, ranged from the immensely friendly to the openly hostile; teams had to operate in Germany, only recently razed from end to end by the aircrews they were seeking and then also behind an ever solidifying Iron Curtain. The final chapters explain how to trace RAF members through both personnel and operational records, show where these records are kept and explain how to access them.

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Book SynopsisSpies in the Congo is the untold story of one of the most tightly-guarded secrets of the Second World War: America's desperate struggle to secure enough uranium to build its atomic bomb.The Shinkolobwe mine in the Belgian Congo was the most important deposit of uranium yet discovered anywhere on earth, vital to the success of the Manhattan Project. Given that Germany was also working on an atomic bomb, it was an urgent priority for the US to prevent uranium from the Congo being diverted to the enemy - a task entrusted to Washington's elite secret intelligence agents. Sent undercover to colonial Africa to track the ore and to hunt Nazi collaborators, their assignment was made even tougher by the complex political reality and by tensions with Belgian and British officials. A gripping spy-thriller, Spies in the Congo is the true story of unsung heroism, of the handful of good men -- and one woman -- in Africa who were determined to deny Hitler his bomb.Trade Review'To have found in the history of the Second World War a million square miles of unfamiliar territory- the Congo- is an achievement in itself. On top of that, her story is thrilling. Even the mundane details are delightful.' * The Sunday Telegraph *'Ms Williams pieces together her history in forensic fashion. The result is a gripping, if occasionally dense, work that uncovers a world long cast in shadow ... tells a little-known story, but one with a terribly familiar ring-and ultimately devastating consequences.' * The Economist *'[Williams's] new, meticulously researched book has shades of Graham Greene, a hint of Conrad, even echoes of Indiana Jones ... truly a thriller, in which Williams paints clear and sympathetic pictures of characters thrust into a totally unfamiliar territory.' * The Guardian *'Williams lays out in fascinating detail how several score US spies went about monitoring whether the Germans were gathering Congolese uranium and preparing to scupper them if so. ... Her account is nuanced but gripping and does a sterling job of delineating a complicated plot while at the same time giving a clear sense of the characters of the major players.' * The Spectator *'Spies in the Congo is an espionage classic. Scrupulously researched, it illuminates a barely-known aspect of arguably the most significant event of the 20th century, giving fresh perspectives.' * The Scotsman *'The US was determined first to ensure that the Shinkolobwe mine in particular wouldn't be able to supply Germany with uranium, and then to take control of its whole production. This is the theme of Spies in the Congo. It's a clever book, because it's based on almost no explicit evidence ... [Williams] analyses what little evidence there is, much of it only recently released, with great skill.' * London Review of Books *'A highly informative and valuable historical record.' -- Morning Star'Williams has pieced together the details of a story so enormous it seems incredible that most people will have heard nothing about it before ... a thrilling tale ... sometimes comical, sometimes tragic, but always riveting.' * History of War Magazine *'This is an extraordinary and fascinating story, revealed here with all the detail and pace of a well crafted thriller.' * Alexander McCall Smith *'Using recently declassified material, Susan Williams reveals the startling story of the small and colourful band of secret agents who jealously guarded this ore in a game of cat and mouse that may well have been the key to Allied victory.' * Anjan Sundaram, author of Stringer: A Reporter's Journey in the Congo *'The first book to tackle this important and overlooked subject.''Williams has greatly advanced our knowledge of the Allied strategic and atomic effort in the Congo as well the unique role of OSS in Africa. She has also provided excellent background as to why so much of the cold war played out in the Congo. Spies in the Congo is an excellent contribution to the history of intelligence, Africa, World War Two and Atomic Power.'‘A very well-written book . . . a deep discussion about World War II geopolitics [which brings] these individuals, too many of whom died at a young age, to life.’ 'Truly remarkable.'

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Book SynopsisMotor Gun Boats were the Spitfires of the Seas of the Royal Navy. Bristling with small-calibre guns and machine guns, they served in a variety of roles during the War. In the early war period they battled against German E-boats in the English Channel, then went on the offensive, searching the enemy shore for targets of opportunity. At other times, they ran support for Motor Torpedo Boats and were used to deliver commandos on various raids. Naval Warfare expert, Angus Konstam, tells the story of these small, but destructive boats, beginning with their design and development and carrying through to their operational use in both the European and Mediterranean theatres of World War-II.Table of ContentsIntroduction 250 words Outlines the role of motor gun boats, and the way their importance increased as the war progressed Design & Development 4,500 words This major section covers pre-war development, British Power Boat designs, Fairmile designs, and MGB’s built by other companies, including lend-lease production. Construction & Operation 4,250 words This section covers details of construction, propulsion, armament, and outlines the way these vessels were manned and operated. MGB Specifications 1,200 words MGB Losses 600 words MGBs listed by Pennant Number 750 words Bibiography 250 words

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Book SynopsisArctic explorer, survival expert and naturalist Freddy Spencer Chapman was trapped behind enemy lines when the Japanese overran Malaya in 1942. His response was to begin a commando campaign of such lethal effectiveness that the Japanese deployed an entire regiment to hunt him down, believing that a 200-strong guerrilla army was responsible for the wholesale destruction of their convoys. He was wounded, and racked by tropical disease. His companions were killed, or captured and then beheaded. Cut off from friendly forces, his only shelter the deep jungle, Chapman held out for three years and five months. Jungle Soldier recounts the thrilling and unforgettable adventures of the North country orphan who survived against all odds to become a legend of guerrilla warfare.Trade Review'Incredible ... the death-defying adventures of a great British war hero' Chris Ryan. * Chris Ryan *'This story of endurance in the fetid heat of the Malayan jungle is surely one of the most inspiring of the whole war ... A courageous and utterly English hero' Daily Mail. * Daily Mail *'Freddy Spencer Chapman is the greatest war hero you have probably never heard of ... Perhaps this book will help win final recognition for a truly extraordinary man' Sunday Times. * Sunday Times *'An extraordinary life ... Quite why Chapman hasn't found Lawrence of Arabia's fame is anyone's guess' Guardian. * Guardian *Table of ContentsList of Maps. Prologue: Behind Enemy Lines. A Very English Boyhood. Journeys on the Ice Cap. Goodbye to a Golden Boy. Scrambles in Sikkim. The Mission. To War. Across the Main Range. The Mad Fortnight. Disasters and Decapitations. Birds and Bullets. 'Japun! Japun!' The Betrayer. Journey to Shangri-La. A World Turned Upside Down. The Search for Noone. Taken by the Japanese. On the Run. The Traitor-Killing Camp. Hollow Days. Deliverance. The Lion in Winter. Glossary. Acknowledgement and Bibliography. Index.

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Book SynopsisThe surrender of the German U-boat fleet at the end of World War II was perhaps the principal event in the war's endgame which signified to the British people that peace really had arrived. This revised, updated and expanded new edition gives career details of not only the 33 commanders who accompanied their boats to Loch Eriboll but also of a further 23 previous commanders of those U-boats, including four who might be considered 'Aces' because of the damage they inflicted, sinking and disabling Allied shipping. The book also features an analysis of the Allied naval operation under which the surrendering U-boats were assembled in Scotland and Northern Ireland; asks who first contacted those U-boats after the capitulation - armed British trawlers, frigates of the Allied navies or aircraft of the Royal Air Force; and discloses how U-boats spared destruction were distributed to the navies of the USA, France, USSR and the Royal Navy. Also revealed are more unpublished recollections of British and German naval personnel present at the Loch Eriboll surrenders and how 116 surviving U-boats came to be sunk in the waters of the Western Approaches in the winter of 1945/46.The Grey Wolves of Eriboll includes a wealth of historical insights including the German Surrender Document; detailed descriptions of the construction, service careers and circumstances of each surrendered U-boat; details of the frigates that supervised the surrenders, contemporary newspaper reports and descriptions of the naval Operations Pledge, Commonwealth, Cabal, Thankful and Deadlight, each of which involved Eriboll U-boats. The mysteries surrounding Hitler's yacht and the alleged 'Norwegian Royal Yacht' (which did not exist at the time) are also explored. The pivotal role played by Loch Eriboll in ending the U-boat menace is little-known and lesser celebrated - this book rights that wrong.Trade Review`...a wealth of historical insights and personal memories of those who witnessed the events...a remarkably interesting read. A definitive account of a secret mass surrended of interest to all students of naval history’. Julian Stockwin -------------------- `...Mr Hird has told the story of the secret mass surrender with new insights, including many personal memories of those who witnessed the events as well as the career histories of the U-Boat commanders'. The Northern Times -------------------- `David Hird's success is bringing these stories together and adding to them with extracts from official documents and newspaper reports... The result is a fascinating account of a little known operation and a treasure trove of vignettes that are as attractive for the general reader as they are for the specialist. ...this book deserves to be on staff officers' reading lists as much as it does on that of anyone interested in naval history'. Headmark, The Australian Naval Institute -------------------- `Truly definitive books are very rare, but "The Grey Wolves of Eriboll" by David M. Hird is certainly one of them. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the naval history of World War Two, or in the history of northern Scotland. ...David M. Hird has done a simply magnificent job in covering the surrender of the U-boats from every conceivable angle. Perhaps most fascinatingly of all, he looks at some of the myths and legends that have built up around the surrender of the U-boats, and convincingly separates fact from the British propaganda that sometimes muddied the waters'. Undiscovered Scotland ---------------------------------------- Reviews for the 1st edition... ---------------------------------------- 'This is a book for the U-boat war aficionado. There are inclusions throughout of unusual detail, such as the actual messages exchanged between Donitz and his vanquished boats... ...The Grey Wolves of Eriboll offers an interesting view of a brief moment at the end of a long struggle...' The Northern Mariner/Le marin du nord -------------------- '...a specialist book for enthusiasts who wish to follow the story of the German submarine fleet to its end in May 1945. In particular, it gives the details of the 33 U-boats that surrendered at Loch Eriboll...' The Nautical Magazine -------------------- '... Containing a wealth of information, the author has clearly meticulously researched his work. Historical insights are littered throughout and include the German Surrender Document; detailed descriptions of the construction, service careers and circumstances of each surrendered U-boat... A fascinating read.' Sea Breezes -------------------- '...covers the surrender of some 160 German U-boats on active patrol in the North Atlantic in May 1945. ...lists and details of each U-boat there are however, diary extracts which underline the extreme bravery and privation endured by the U-boat crews.' The Little Ship v 'The author has assembled a fascinating amount of 'personal recollections' from both German and Allied people, he looks at the naval escorts involved - 21st Escort Group and the 9th Canadian Escort Group and details every U-boat that visited Loch Eriboll. Most fascinating is the author's selection of 'contemporary information' in the form of extracts from how 'The Scotsman' newspaper saw it. An excellent book covering a significant naval event in the immediate days following the ending of combat against Nazi Germany.' Warships -------------------- '...well researched book... ...this fascinating book describes how the surrender of the U boat fleet was put in place...' Ships Monthly -------------------- '...well researched, fact filled and eminently readable account of this mass surrender... David Hird's excellent book highlights a little known period at the end of the war when the "Grey Wolves" were temporary visitors. It comes highly recommended.' The Northern Times -------------------- '...a highly readable narrative. ... Hird is proving to be an excellent chronicler of modern history of Sutherland and this book is a welcome addition to the literature of the area.' Am Bratach

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Book SynopsisRecounted with his usual level of meticulous historical research, Rod weaves an easily readable account of the build-up to and implementation of Operation Desecrate 1 - the raid undertaken to destroy Japanese ships and aircraft in the lagoons of Palau. He uses his intimate knowledge of shipwrecks to reveal in glorious detail each of the 20 major Japanese WWII shipwrecks lying at the bottom of the Palauan lagoons today. On 30th March, 1944 Grumman F6F Hellcat fighters made an Initial fighter sweep of the lagoon to destroy Japanese air cover. Simultaneously Grumman Avenger torpedo-bombers dropped mines and successive group strikes of torpedo bombers and dive-bombers sank the shipping and destroyed the airfields. Palau was neutralised as a Japanese naval and air base in a repeat of the same Task Force 58 raid, Operation Hailstone, on Truk Lagoon 1,000 miles to the east just six weeks earlier. A number of long-lost wrecks have recently been relocated including a Japanese freighter filled with depth charges and Army helmets. This was found in 1989 but remained unidentified until now - after painstaking research Rod reveals her identify for the first time in the book. Each wreck is covered in detail and is supported by underwater photography and by fabulous illustrations by renowned artist Rob Ward. The shipwrecks of Palau are now revealed.Trade Review'Each of the main wrecks is supported by carefully researched recording of the vessel's history and final demise, together with excellent colour photographs, artist's illustrations and the essential details needed to support a dive. So if you are heading for a dive holiday there, lucky you, and you will need to take this book with you'. Warship World -------------------- 'Rod Macdonald's books are always eagerly awaited, and it is the level of detail that wreck-dive enthusiasts relish. His latest offering Dive Palau: The Shipwrecks, is no exception. ...sits perfectly alongside Dive Truk Lagoon. ...I enjoyed this easy-to-read book from cover to cover, but it would work equally well to dip into for reference'. Diver -------------------- '...a rather magnificent coverage of an action taken on 30 March 1944 in WWII on the island of Palau. ... He has managed in such books to admirably blend a combination of historical research, capable writing, and excellent illustrations. These works add a new dimension to understanding their subject matter, and should be considered well beyond the concepts of "dive books." Highly recommended'. Australian Naval Institute -------------------- 'Indispensable guide to wreck diving in this remote Pacific atoll. ...this is as near a definitive wreck diving guide as you'll ever read. ...the level of technical research in this book is breathtaking. Details such as when an attack was launched, the weight of explosive charge used or the exact power output of a Zero fighter. It's dizzying. ...a phenomenal record. ...brings an almost forgotten piece of war history firmly to life, and knowing exactly what happened in Palau - and why - would add an important new dimension to diving there. If you have an expedition planned, read Rod's book before you go'. British Diver -------------------- 'Diver Rod Macdonald became intrigued by the ship [Helmet Wreck] while researching his latest book Dive Palau - The Shipwrecks, which catalogues a series of wrecks found in the waters around the small Micronesian nation and the history of how they got there'. The Herald -------------------- '...the ideal resource for wreck divers to discover Palau in a different way. ...well-written, so you do not have to struggle through difficult texts and you will be glued to the text until the minute'. Duiken -------------------- `…displays his breadth of knowledge of the numerous ship and plane wrecks scattered around the theatre of the Pacific. … this is a well-researched and readable volume, which present a soundly considered introduction for those interested in World War II history. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in increasing their knowledge of Palau’s history and the Pacific conflict, or the archaeology of deep-water warship sites’. International Journal of Maritime History

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Book SynopsisThis is a very British story from more than 50 years ago. It is a story of remarkable technological ambition from a different country than is seen today. It was an era in which the country adjusted to decolonisation and a dangerous nuclear arms race close to home. The maturing Cold War engineers of the British aviation industry sought to outdo the nationally-celebrated and frankly propagandised achievements of their fathers' generation. Meanwhile, black and white post-war austerity was being replaced by the colour and rhythms of the swinging sixties. For everyone, engineers or otherwise, the country was changing fast. Britain and the Bomb tells one of the great British stories from the Cold War - the transition of the nuclear deterrent from the Royal Air Force to the Royal Navy. The author draws upon insights from the laboratories, the military, popular culture and from politicians to make sense of a complex time and to challenge some widely-held perceptions that Britain in the 1960s lost her technical ambition and ability. Rather than industrial chaos and short-termist leadership, there is instead a story of shrewd, but pragmatic, moves in the chess game that was the Cold War. The author looks at how Britain saw the role of nuclear weapons, providing insights for the decisions that now lie ahead for Britain in the twenty-first century. The story pivots around a single day in April 1965. The recently-established Labour government very publicly cancelled the much-vaunted TSR2 nuclear strike bomber, causing dismay among aviation enthusiasts. The passing decades have done little to diminish the controversy and a pervasive sense of nostalgic melancholy about a lost Britain. What really happened to the TSR2 and more importantly what happened in the years that followed? By taking a wider view, the merit of the 1965 decision is apparent, providing better understanding of the even bolder and more ambitious decisions that were needed into the 1970s. Those bold actions were once highly secret and are still not widely-known or understood. While Britain very publicly cancelled her strike bomber ambitions she very secretly pursued a different nuclear weapons project: the `Chevaline' upgrade of the submarine-based nuclear deterrent. That engineering success deserves to be remembered. This is a fascinating book that takes us back to a time of British boffins, supersonic test pilots, mods, rockers and Cold War spies.Trade Review'This is a good, readable volume...' Aeroplane -------------------- '...does a good job of providing a detailed account of the development of the TRS2 and its cancellation... If you're interested in the TSR2 project this book is for you'. The Naval Review -------------------- 'W.J. Nuttall's fascinating account of technology and culture surrounding one often overlooked aspect of the Cold War: the nuclear strike bomber TSR2, which in April 1965 was cancelled by the Labour government. ... Where Nuttall excels is by placing the Cold War in a social and technological context that invites the reader to come to a closer understanding of why this complex aspect of recent history...is so important. It's also a vital parable for our time'. E&T, Engineering and Technology -------------------- '...this is an interesting read...' The Aviation Historian------------------‘For those of us who haven’t thought too deeply about nuclear warfare recently it is a timely reminder…It is a very good book, well written and well researched, covering a wide range of topics. It is timely and I suggest that you buy a copy for the young people in your lives’. Army Rumour Service, ARRSE

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Book SynopsisThis new book reveals the part played by the eight Bustler Class Rescue Tugs built at the Henry Robb Shipyard during the Second World War and will shed more light on the almost-forgotten part played by this country's mariners. The men and women who were rescued under the most trying of times and dreadful weather conditions would no doubt have felt immense gratitude to the brave souls who formed part of the huge maritime effort, both in war and peacetime. This is the story of the small force of much-needed rescue tugs that were built during the dark forbidding days of the Second World War, when Great Britain had only the ships and men to bring in the raw materials that were required to fight against the might of Nazi Germany and its Allies. This compelling story shines a spotlight on the small, but very significant work done over many years by His and Her Majesty's Rescue Tugs in defence of the realm, and which benefited seafarers all over the world. The author's very detailed account of the contribution made by HMRT in general, and the Bustler Class in particular, is an excellent read, and has brought to life the immense impact that these rescue tugs have had over many years, usually in dire circumstances, and especially during the Second World War. Many of these ships also served with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) and this story recognises the part played by these heroic rescue tugs in accounts of many convoys that crossed the seas and were attacked by hostile forces. This fine volume will help to raise the profile of these magnificent small and immensely powerful vessels, and of course their highly-skilled crews without whom these heroic achievements would not have been possible.

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Book SynopsisGermany's nightfighter force was virtually non-existent at the start of the war, mainly due to Reichmashall Herman Goring's boast that bombs would never fall on Germany. By mid 1940 the folly of this statement had been revealed and the first Luftwaffe nightfighter wing was formed. Their effectiveness was greatly enhanced by the creation of a radar chain stretching from Denmark to Switzerland. By 1942 the Luftwaffe was equiped with some 389 fighters fitted with advanced airbourne radar which helped to destroy hundreds of RAF bombers. This detailed text explains the conflict and tactics flown and includes interviews with some of the leading aces. Scale drawings of the all the major nightfighters used are presented, including the Bf110, Ju88, Do 17/217 and Hs 219.Table of ContentsIntroduction/With Lights and Guns/Intruders/Electronic Eyes/Hamburg Watershed/'Wild Boar' and Jazz Musik/Last Kills/Fighter's Night/Appendices

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Book SynopsisBeaten Paths are Safest - was the motto of The Reconnaissance Regiment. This book tells the story of the 61st Recce Regiment whose own official history was never completed for the period 23rd Feb 1944 to 1st October 1944. Roy Howard who compiled the book served with the Regiment through the period in question which saw 61st Recce land on "Gold Beach" on D-Day followed by continuous active service up to and including the German Ardennes offensive when the 50th Northumbrian Division, of which the Regiment was a part, disbanded. Roy's book consists of personal memoirs of events together with a considerable amount of material from The Old Comrades Association newsletter. Sadly, the author died in 1996 but the book has been completed by his son Mark, as a tribute to his father and all the members of the 61st Reconnaissance Regiment.

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Book Synopsis"The Friendly Invasion of Leominster" relates the activities of a number of American units based in Leominster during World War II. During its history the Herefordshire market town had been no stranger to invasions from across the Welsh border, but in 1943 it was to encounter an incursion of another type. The invasion of U.S. soldiers was a friendly one, although not all of Leominster's residents recognised it as such at the time. On the outskirts of Leominster, Barons Cross became home to the doctors and nurses of the 76th and 135th U.S. Army General Hospitals and patients from the hostilities on the Continent. In the build up to D. Day, American units occupied camps in the grounds of Berrington Hall and in the town. Some of these units, such as the 5th Ranger Battalion and the 90th Infantry Division were to play a major part in the D. Day landings. Others, such as the 7th Armored Division and the 736th Field Artillery Battalion landed after D. Day and took part in the liberation of France. This book describes each unit's time in Leominster, using eyewitness accounts and photographs, and then follows the unit across the English Channel and through Europe.

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Book SynopsisIn Down to Earth, Nancy Cooper gives us a glimpse into the real life of a seventeen year old young woman who is recruited into the Women’s Land Army in 1943. It is a big change from her life at Old Hill in the Black Country, and a welcome escape from the secretarial training that she was desperate to avoid. She soon found herself living alone, far from home and working on several farms. She managed to milk 30 cows, working alone, as she did her part in providing the country with enough food in the shortages both during and after WWII. At one farm she cared for a yard full of pigs, who cunningly tried to outwit her attempts to share their food out. Dealing with unfairly jealous wives, strange billeting arrangements with a nocturnal visitor and rats everywhere were also ways in which Nancy’s resourcefulness was tested. There is now a memorial to honour the work of the Women’s Land Army at the National Arboretum in Staffordshire. If you go to see it you will notice that the rats have got in on this as well!

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Book SynopsisIn July 1940 Britain faced the very real possibility of being invaded by Germany. Hitler's war machine had subjugated the Continent in six weeks and 'Engeland' was next on the list. The German Navy had been working on the logistics for a seaborne invasion of England since the autumn of 1939, just in case it was sprung on them at short notice some-time in the future. In July 1940 the operation was given the code-name 'Seeloewe' (Sealion) which was to be mounted from French, Belgian and Dutch ports on the Channel coast. However, arguments between the German Army, Navy and Air Force took weeks to resolve, yet in the end it was the failure of Hermann Goering's Luftwaffe to achieve air supremacy over the Royal Air Force that prevented the invasion becoming a reality. In this book we recount the story right from the beginning, covering all the significant events in the months from August 1939, through the build-up in the summer months, to October 1940 when Hitler accepted that orders must be given to postpone 'Seeloewe'.Table of Contents7 Introduction 8 Sealion Diary 10 The Abwehr makes the first move at Jablunka 14 More Cross-border incursions centred on Gleiwitz 20 Prelude to the Second World War 26 Warsaw 30 The First Shots on the Western Front 32 Directives by Hitler 34 Plan 'Julius Caesar' 40 German Strategy 50 The Invasion of Denmark and Norway 54 The Fuhrer's Headquarters for the Campaign in the West 62 Blitzkrieg! 64 May 11: Panzers in the Ardennes 66 May 12: Guderian Crosses the Semois 67 May 13: Rommel Over the Meuse 68 May 14: Defeat on the Meuse 70 May 15: Break-out is Achieved 75 Operation 'Dynamo' 94 Surrender 98 Hitler's Victory Tour 112 Invasion Plans 118 Questions 119 Planning 121 Narrow or Broad Front? 125 Selection of Landing Areas 128 Intelligence of the Enemy 136 The Diversionary Measures 137 The Carrying Out of the Naval Preparations 150 Cross-Channel Guns 155 Air Operations in Relation to the Planning of 'Seeloewe' 164 The Days of Decision 168 Summary 170 Conclusion

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Book SynopsisVillers-Bocage has, for years, been the battle that confirmed the reputation of Germany's greatest tank ace, Michael Wittmann. In this book the battle is analysed in depth for the first time through detailed examination of the images taken by war photographers after the town was captured by German forces. The claims made of the battle are re-appraised, and the arguments set out in dozens of published accounts have been compared with primary evidence never utilised before, and evaluated anew. Perhaps the two most striking �revelations come from German sources. First, graphically, by the study of the 100 photographs taken by the Germans the day after the battle. Secondly, from Wittmann's own account which refutes many of the claims of historians attempting to glamorise the action.

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