Search results for ""imperial war museum""

The Imperial War Museum s archive is home to more than 20,000 hours of moving image material spanning the twentieth century in Britain. The clips range from documentary film and official newsreels, to unedited combat footage, and amateur shots. In the museum's early days the films could only be viewed through Mutoscope machines from the late nineteenth century that functioned much like a flipbook, giving life to a series of motionless images. The Mutoscope did not project images on a screen, rather the machine was used by one person at a time. To re-create the experience of watching these historical film reels, some of the most compelling scenes have been reproduced in these action-filled flipbooks. As you flip through the"Spitfire Flipbook," you ll come face to face with a 1940s Spitfire plane flying through the air. The single seat fighter aircraft dips and dives at lightning speeds as the pages progress. The Spitfire was the most commonly used airplane during the Battle of Britain and was used as both a fighter-bomber and for training. Replicating the action of old-time film strips, these flipbooks will be a delight for both children and adults, transporting those who flip the pages to Britain s wartime past."

Read more less

Part of a stunning new design partnership between Puffin and the Imperial War Museum, this is an unforgettable novel from a Carnegie Medal-winning author, featuring a special foreword from Elizabeth Wein, author of Code Name Verity.Scotland, 1915. A group of teenagers from very different backgrounds meet for an idyllic picnic, but the war across the Channel is proving increasingly impossible to ignore, and all too soon they will be engulfed by what is to become known as The Great War. Determined to forge their own paths during a time of enormous upheaval, the five friends encounter not only the horrors of the trenches, but also the thrum of first love, and the political struggles of pacifism and women's rights. Their lives will be changed forever - and nothing will ever be the same again.

Read more less

The HMS Belfast 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle from the Imperial War Museum is not just a puzzle; it's a journey through history. With meticulous attention to detail, this puzzle captures the essence of the last surviving war ship from WW2. HMS Belfast is renowned for its role in World War II and is now an iconic museum based in London.

Read more less

This special 1000 piece puzzle is to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Piece by piece, uncover the intricate tapestry of Operation Overlord, the monumental Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II. Each fragment of this puzzle unveils a snapshot of history, featuring iconic photographs, detailed map and poignant imagery from the historic D-Day landings.

Read more less

Part of a stunning new design partnership between Puffin and the Imperial War Museum, this is an unforgettable story from the bestselling author of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. This special edition features a foreword from Eoin Colfer. The day the First World War broke out, Alfie Summerfield's father promised he wouldn't go away to fight - but he broke that promise the following day. Four years later, Alfie doesn't know where his father might be, other than that he's away on a special, secret mission.Then, while shining shoes at King's Cross Station, Alfie unexpectedly sees his father's name - on a sheaf of papers belonging to a military doctor. Bewildered and confused, Alfie realises his father is in a hospital close by - a hospital treating soldiers with an unusual condition. And Alfie becomes determined to rescue his father from this strange, unnerving place . . .

Read more less

As relevant today as when they were first published in 1943, Wise Eating in Wartime and How to Keep Well in Wartime offer cheerful and practical advice on healthy diet, exercise and wellbeing. From providing a 'menu for the ideal meal' to addressing dilemmas such as 'do we eat too much sugar?', from offering useful remedies for fatigue to divulging frank advice on 'sex problems', they offer an amusing and interesting insight into keeping well in wartime.

Read more less

Using rare archival footage from IWM's unique collection, this flip book recreates the impressive manoeuvres of the legendary Hurricane in flight.

Read more less

Colour in the amazing animal heroes from IWM's unique collection of stories.

Read more less

IWM holds approximately 11 million photographs in its archives, covering the causes, course and consequences of modern conflict from the First World War to the present day. Drawing on this unique collection, Fighter Command showcases 50 photographs of the iconic aircraft and crew behind Britain's spirited fighting force. These vibrant images traces the development of Fighter Command from its inception and growth in the 1930s as war clouds gathered over Europe, to the dawn of the supersonic age in the early years of the Cold War.

Read more less

IWM holds approximately 11 million photographs in its archives, covering the causes, course and consequences of modern conflict from the First World War to the present day. Since the First World War, both official and unofficial photographers have documented the visceral, sensory and emotional experiences of war, from combat to medical innovation, friendship and loss. War Photographers showcases 50 iconic images by war photographers from the First World War to the Falklands, including Olive Edis, Vera Elkan, Bill Brandt, Jimmy Mapham and Paul RG Haley.

Read more less

The Blitz showcases 50 images from this unique collection. On 7 September 1940, the German air force unleashed a devastating bombing campaign. Seeking to force Britain into surrender, the Blitz saw towns and cities across the United Kingdom blasted with high explosives and set ablaze by firebombs. Yet even as the bombs rained down, a civilian army of air raid wardens, firemen, first aiders and rescue parties mobilised for battle. These striking photographs tell the stories of those who experienced the Blitz and highlight the bravery and determination of civilians in wartime Britain.

Read more less

Monica Felton’s 1945 novel gives a lively account of the experiences of a group of men and women working in a munitions factory during the Second World War.

Read more less

"Brook was overcome by the most powerful feeling of sheer animal terror. It was as though his whole body and soul had suddenly rebelled against what he was doing and where he was. For a fraction of a second he wanted to scream and fly in panic, and only the physical impossibility of getting out of the tank stopped him. A moment later it passed, and he found himself obeying Donovan's orders automatically." Based on Peter Elstob's own wartime experiences, Warriors for the Working Day follows one tank crew as they proceed from the beaches of Normandy into newly liberated Western Europe, evoking the claustrophobia, heat, and intensity of tank warfare in brilliant detail. Published to great acclaim in 1960, the classic novel has been translated into several languages. This repackaged edition includes a contextual introduction by an Imperial War Museums historian.

Read more less

This book offers a powerfully intimate account of the Battle of Britain, related by young pilots in their most unguarded moments, talking with their chaplain. Guy Mayfield was the Station Chaplain at the Royal Air Force's Duxford base in the summer of 1940, and his diary is full of stories told by the pilots in his charge during that period of heroism and danger. Mayfield's notes on his conversations deliver unique insights into the mindset of these young men as they took to the skies night after night, risking death to defend their homes and countrymen. Rounded out with photographs of the men and a context-setting narrative by historian Carl Warner, the book gives us moving insights into the men who, through their commitment and sacrifice, ensured that Britain would survive its finest hour.

Read more less

Tim Hetherington highlights 50 photographs by the award-winning conflict photographer Tim Hetherington. Featuring seminal photography of his time in Liberia (2003-2006), Afghanistan (2007-2008) and Libya (2011) alongside unseen moments, this book showcases his important work as both a conflict photographer and humanitarian innovator.

Read more less

It is 1943, and a month into their service as Land Girls, Bee, Anne and Pauline are dispatched to a remote farm in rural Scotland. Here they are introduced to the realities of 'lending a hand on the land', as back-breaking work and inhospitable weather mean they struggle to keep their spirits high. Soon one of the girls falters, and Bee and Pauline receive a new posting to a Northumberland dairy farm. Detailing their friendship, daily struggles and romantic intrigues with a lightness of touch, Barbara Whitton's autobiographical novel paints a sometimes funny, sometimes bleak picture of time spent in the Women's Land Army during the Second World War.

Read more less

Operation Overlord, the codename given to the Allied invasion of German-occupied Western Europe in 1944, was arguably the most challenging, complicated and risky military operation in history. It began on 6 June with Operation Neptune, the largest seaborne invasion ever seen, when 150,000 troops crossed the Channel and attempted to land on the beaches at Normandy. This assault would lay the foundation for the Allied victory on the Western Front, and is now commonly known as D-Day. This highly illustrated book, first published to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day in 2019, will reconstruct the historic landings and the resultant battle for Normandy using artefacts, documents, interviews, film, art and photographs from the archives at IWM. Importantly, it will feature first-hand accounts of the action from the vast documents and sound collection, allowing the reader to follow a personal narrative throughout and experience what it was like to live through what was one of the most significant campaigns of the Second World War.

Read more less

January 1944, the south coast of England. The Fifth Battalion, Wessex Regiment wait patiently and nervously for the order to embark. There is boredom and fear, comedy and pathos as the men - all drawn from different walks of life - await the order to move. From The City, From The Plough is a vivid and moving account of the fate of these men as they set off for Normandy and advance into France.

Read more less

The scale and nature of the First World War, and the manner in which the dead were treated, created conditions in which a very particular language of grief and remembrance of the war dead flourished. From imposing monuments and dramatic artworks to mantelpiece memorials and cultural outpourings, A Century of Remembrance explores the varied - and often surprising - ways Britain's First World War dead have been remembered. Richly illustrated with objects, photographs, documents and artworks from the unique collections of IWM, A Century of Remembrance examines he deeply personal ways in which people mourned their loved ones, and memorialised them, and examines the cornerstones of national-scale remembrance that took hold in Britain throughout the 1920s, from the poppy to the cenotaph.

Read more less

This anthology provides a new approach, focusing on the best poems by the poets who were actually on the front line. It includes the most famous poets - Owen, Sassoon, Brooke - in greater than usual depth, plus rising stars such as Gurney and Blunden.

Read more less

Since the first show in 1973, IWM Duxford's air shows have established a reputation as the world's finest celebration of aviation history and culture. Every year, tens of thousands come to Duxford's iconic shows to see legendary aircraft from around the world take to the skies. Decade by decade, 50 Years of Duxford Air Shows charts the key aviation highlights of the past 50 years through a rich array of vintage photographs and archival material from the original programmes. Fabulous shots of the air shows are complemented by interviews and anecdotes from the partners and individuals, including Ted Inman, the Duxford Aviation Society and John Romain, who restored popular flight to Duxford's historic airfield. Each chapter showcases the event's vibrant history and traces its evolution across five decades. From the rare Spitfires of '75 to the arrival of Concorde and the dawn of Flying Legends, this pictorial celebration recalls Duxford's golden moments.

Read more less

Mr Bunting at War sheds a light on the wartime experiences of the quiet ‘everyman’ and his family on the British Home Front, during the Battle of Britain and beyond.

Read more less

IWM holds approximately 11 million photographs in its archives, covering the causes, course and consequences of modern conflict from the First World War to the present day. Animals in Wartime highlights 50 images from this vast collection and illustrates the many and varied ways that animals have played their part in wartime over the past century. Vital in moving supplies, sending messages and in many cases for the morale boost they gave, animals have often been subject to the same dangers faced by their owners during conflict. This unique selection of images depicts incredible animal bravery and features some of the most heart-warming stories found within IWM’s photograph archive.

Read more less

Enjoy amazing facts, stories and fun activities! Find out the answers to a whole host of things, including: • What happened to Tirpitz the pig? • Who was drawing pictures during the Falklands War? • Why did Alfie Knight write to Lord Kitchener? • Where would you find an Anderson shelter? • Who would wear a demob suit? • Whose helmet saved his life in Iraq in 2004? • What sort of dog was Wolf? • How do you avoid the Woolly Bear?!

Read more less

Thirty new and classic cocktail recipes inspired by the colorful and controversial Winston Churchill. This charming book from the Imperial War Museums features dozens of cocktail recipes, each accompanied by detailed instructions, an ingredients list, and a short description of how the drink is inspired by British former head of state Winston Churchill. Photographs of the cocktails at Churchill War Rooms or the Churchill Bar accompany each recipe, and archival images of Churchill himself, drawn from the Imperial War Museums collection, tie the volume together. Published in association with the Churchill Bar at the Hyatt Regency Churchill in London, this is the ideal gift for anyone who likes a glass of something strong mixed with a splash of history.

Read more less

Reproductions of one hundred rare, full-color images from the archives of the Imperial War Museums bring new life to World War II Britain Britain at War in Colour showcases one hundred of the best rare and original color images from the Imperial War Museums' unparalleled collection. Bringing together the most striking photographs from Ian Carter's bestselling War in the Air and The Second World War in Colour, alongside new and never-before-published images, this powerful visual collection shows us a new-or at least long-forgotten-World War II.

Read more less

A new edition of Cecil Lewis’s 1944 aviation classic. Over the course of a single night in 1942, the crew members of a Wellington bomber reflect on the paths of their own lives as they embark on a fateful mission deep in the heart of Nazi Germany. Based on his own experience as a World War I fighter ace, Cecil Lewis’s stunning novel examines the life of each man, rendering a moving account of each as not merely a nameless crew member, but as an individual with a life lived: “A life precious to some, or one. . . . These men with dreams and hopes and plans of things to come.” This new edition of the 1944 classic includes a new introduction from an Imperial War Museums historian that puts the novel in historical context and shines a light on this vital and sometimes contested aspect of Britain’s involvement in World War II.

Read more less

London, 1942. Flight-Lieutenant David Heron, home in London on convalescent leave, awakes to the news that a murder victim has been discovered in the garden of his boarding house. With a week until his service resumes, David Sets out to solve the murder. Drawn into a world of mystery and double dealing, can he solve the mystery before his return to the skies?

Read more less

Allied victory in the Second World War owed much to air power. The success of military and naval operations invariably hinged on control of the skies, and the rise to dominance of the Allied air forces meant that the Nazi war machine was effectively doomed. Following the success of The Second World War in Colour, this book presents a further selection of original colour photographs from the IWM collection, focusing on Allied aircraft and airmen. Alongside these striking images, War in the Air examines how crucial aviation was to winning the war, from the defence of Britain’s skies and maritime trade, to battlefield support in North Africa and Europe and the strategic bombing offensive over Germany. Shot from the ground and from the air, these powerful images bring a vital aspect of the Second World War to life.

Read more less

IWM holds one of the most significant collections of British art anywhere in the world - a collection whose artists and artworks have uniquely shaped our understanding of war. Visions of War charts the manifold engagement between artists, art movements and a century-plus of conflict since 1914. Its richly illustrated pages uncover the intricate and changing history of IWM's art collection, from its inception during the First World War to its consideration of the causes, course and consequences of conflict today. It illuminates some of the museums's most powerful stories, from the provocative, heartfelt statement of William Orpen's To the Unknown British Soldier in France to the frontline challenges for contemporary war artists, including Steve McQueen. This book brings together iconic and previously unseen works to tell the authoritative story of modern war art. Artists featured include Paul Nash, C R W Nevinson, David Bomberg, Anna Airy, John Singer Sargent, Walter Sickert, Wyndham Lewis, Eric Ravilious, Laura Knight, Henry Moore, Evelyn Dunbar, Linda Kitson, Peter Kennard, Gilbert & George, Colin Self, William Crozier and Rosalind Nashashibi.

Read more less

This magnificent volume, now in a smaller paperback format, gives you exclusive access to behind the glass partition at Churchill War Rooms, bringing you closer than ever before to where Churchill not only ran the war - but won it. Go behind closed doors to sit at Churchill's desk, open long-abandoned drawers and sift through seventy-year old papers. See the anxious scratches on the arms of Sir Winston's chair, pick up the phone that he used to speak to the president of the United States, and examine the map that loomed over his bed as he took his famous afternoon naps. These are sights you can't experience on a tour of Churchill War Rooms; they are views that few people in the world have ever seen. But now you can walk where Churchill walked, and see what Churchill saw. Now you can discover the Secrets of Churchill's War Rooms.

Read more less

This magnificent new volume gives you exclusive access to the Churchill War Rooms, bringing you closer than ever before to where Churchill not only ran the war - but won it.

Read more less

'The English have for centuries been a puzzle to the people of other countries', explains this guide produced for overseas forces stationed in England during the Second World War. The English and Their Country attempts to solve this puzzle, providing an account of English characteristics for confused guests. Including everything from a description of England's geography and climate, to an explanation of the English class system and the Englishman's 'reserved', 'sensitive' and 'shy' behaviour, this book is a lighthearted and amusing take on English life and customs.

Read more less

Using first-hand accounts from IWM's unparalleled archives, HMS Belfast at D-Day tells the extraordinary story of this remarkable ship, her crew, and the contribution they made in the summer of 1944.

Read more less

The D-Day Landings showcases 50 iconic photographs of the largest amphibious assault ever undertaken in the history of conflict. This insightful collection of photographs commemorates the momentous day that paved the way for the Allied victory in Europe.

Read more less

When Singapore falls to Japan's Imperial army in early 1942, the life that Susan Sandyman has lovingly created abroad is shattered. Forced to flee home to the hamlets of southern England, she can either succumb to grief or find solace in war work. When a chance encounter with the elusive Air Transport Auxiliary pilots stirs a spark of excitement, Susan's decision is made. Based on the authors' own experiences with the ATA, Paid To Be Safe vividly captures the gruelling training and day-to-day life of female ferry pilots. To these women, the allure of the Spitfire is more than just the freedom to fly, but an invitation to start anew. Detailing their camaraderie, bravery and romantic encounters, this classic novel explores the depths of personal loss during conflict and the healing powers of love, family and friendship.

Read more less

Christmas has been regularly celebrated during wartime. From the Christmas truce of 1914 out in no-mans land on the Western Front, to POWs cooking up their very unique Christmas dinners with whatever they could get their hands on in German prisoner of war camps in the 1940s, the privations and difficulties caused by conflict has never stopped people indulging in a little Christmas cheer. This highly illustrated gift book tells the stories of those who lived through these challenging times, when wrapping paper was banned, rationing was in force and children were separated from their families. Also included are tips and tricks to create recycled presents and greetings cards, and recipes to cook a delicious wartime Christmas meal. Wartime Christmas explores the dichotomy apparent in celebrating 'peace to all men' while continuing to fight a war of aggression.

Read more less

The famous Sherman tank was the most widely used Allied tank of the Second World War, and the sheer number of units produced played a crucial part in the Allies winning the war. Using rare footage from the film archive at IWM, this flip book shows the famous Sherman tank move up to the front, as a tank squadron prepares for action north of Caen in early July 1944.

Read more less

During World War II, London was at its most perilous moment since the Great Fire of 1666. Districts were transformed at night by falling bombs, fires, and searchlights. During the day, when the results of the previous night's bombing were laid bare, ordinary people dealt with the aftermath as best they could. In 1939, the Ministry of Information set up the War Artists Advisory Committee (WAAC) to compile an artistic record of Britain during the war. After the war had ended, more than half of the paintings commissioned--some three thousand works--ended up in the Imperial War Museums collection. Wartime London in Paintings showcases seventy oil paintings from the IWM's unmatched collection in one stunning illustrated volume, portraying the ordinary and the extraordinary of London at the time. Featuring works by some of the most famous war artists of the conflict--including Graham Sutherland, Henry Moore, Edward Ardizzone, and more--this incredible visual exploration of a wartime city gives readers a firsthand look at how London coped during one of the most significant periods of its history.

Read more less

It is well to remember that the stomach governs the world. Winston Churchill Mrs. Landemare s food is distinguished. She is an inspired intuitive cook. Clementine Churchill "Churchill s Cookbook" provides fascinating insight into what the legendary prime minister ate during World War II, containing over three hundred delicious recipes created by his personal cook, Georgina Landemare. The celebrity cook of her day, Landemare specialized in creating sumptuous feasts for England s nobility. At the outbreak of the Second World War, however, she devoted her full-time services to the Churchill family, declaring This will be my war work! She worked for the prime minster throughout the war; she was up at dawn preparing his breakfast and remained steadfastly in the kitchen until after his last whiskey at night. On VE Night, Churchill told her that he could not have managed through the war without her. With an introduction by Phil Reed, director of the Churchill War Rooms, "Churchill s Cookbook" marks the fiftieth anniversary of Churchill s death and the seventieth anniversary of VE Day. Covering mouth-watering cakes, biscuits, and puddings; healthy salads; and warming soups; this timely publication revives some forgotten British classics and reveals the food that sustained Churchill during his finest hours."

Read more less

The major art installation Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red at the Tower of London marked one hundred years since the first full day of Britain's involvement in the First World War. Created by artists Paul Cummins and Tom Piper, 888,246 ceramic poppies progressively filled the Tower's famous moat between 17 July and 11 November 2014. Each poppy represented a British military fatality during the war. The poppies encircled the iconic landmark, creating a spectacular display visible from all around the Tower, which attracted more than 5 million visitors. The scale of the installation was intended to reflect the magnitude of such an important centenary and create a powerful visual commemoration. Featuring forewords by Paul Cummins and Tom Piper and stunning photography of the installation, The Poppies: Blood Red Lands and Seas of Red is the only official publication to mark this landmark event. As thousands of the poppies used in the installation tour the country during the remainder of the First World War Centenary, this publication will undoubtedly prove popular with visitors to both the Tower and the new venues alike.

Read more less

London was a city on the front line in the Second World War. It suffered hits from nearly 12,000 tons of bombs, with nearly 30,000 civilians killed by enemy action. The Blitz changed the landscape of the city. Many famous landmarks were hit, including Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London - even the Imperial War Museum. Some areas, such as Stepney, were so badly damaged that they had to be almost entirely rebuilt after the war. But it wasn't just the city's physical landscape that was transformed. With the arrival of large numbers of Commonwealth and overseas service personnel, London became much more cosmopolitan. After 1942, vast numbers of American servicemen were deployed in the capital, and it was also a busy transport hub and a popular destination for troops on leave.This book tells the story of these momentous years in London's history through IWM's unique collections. Using personal accounts from letters and diaries, objects, photographs, maps and documents it gives an up-close and revealing insight into those turbulent years in the capital, experienced by those who lived there.

Read more less