Friday, December 30, 2011

Morane-Saulnier M.S.43

The Morane-Saulnier M.S.43 was a two-seat intermediate biplane trainer that saw service in France in the late 1920s.

Morane-Saulnier M.S.42

The Morane-Saulnier M.S.42 was a prototype two-seat biplane intermediate trainer that entered service in modified form as the M.S.43.

Morane-Saulnier M.S.36

The Morane-Saulnier M.S.36 was a single-seat parasol wing advanced trainer that was ordered into production in 1917, but cancelled at the end of the First World War.

Morane-Saulnier Type AR (M.S.35)

The Morane-Saulnier Type AR (M.S.35) was the first in a long series of Morane-Saulnier parasol wing trainers that were used by the French air services well into the 1930s.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Second battle of Trichinopoly (18 August 1753)

The second battle of Trichinopoly (18 August 1753) saw the French fail to prevent a British supply convoy and reinforcements from reaching the besieged city of Trichinopoly (Second Carnatic War).

First battle of Trinchinopoly or Battle of the Golden Rock (7 July 1753)

The first battle of Trinchinopoly or Battle of the Golden Rock (7 July 1753) was the first of three significant British victories fought outside the city during the long siege of Trichinopoly of 1753-54 (Second Carnatic War).

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Siege of Trichinopoly (3 January 1753-August 1754)

The siege of Trichinopoly (3 January 1753-August 1754) was the dominating action during the last two years of the Second Carnatic War, and saw the British win a series of battles that prevented the French from capturing the city, and eventually caused the fall from power of Governor Dupleix of Pondicherry, the driving force behind the French war effort.

Second Carnatic War (1749-54)

The Second Carnatic War (1749-54) was a struggle for power between various Indian claimants to power in southern India, each supported by the French or the British.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Battle of Arni (3 December 1751)

The battle of Arni (3 December 1751) was a second victory won by Robert Clive late in 1751, and helped secure his conquest of Arcot.

Siege of Arcot (September-October 1751)

The siege of Arcot (September-October 1751) was the first major success in the career of Clive of India, and saw him capture and then defend the capital of the Carnatic in an attempt to lift the pressure on a British force being besieged in Trichinopoly.

Friday, December 23, 2011

Battle of Volkondah (19-20 July 1751)

The Battle of Volkondah (19-20 July 1751) was a French victory that forced most of the British soldiers in southern India to take shelter in Trichinopoly, where they would be besieged for much of the next two years.

Battle of Gingee (11 September 1750)

The battle of Gingee (11 September 1750) was one of the most impressive French military achievements during the Second Carnatic War, and saw them capture the fortress of Gingee, widely believed to be invulnerable, in a single night.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Morane-Saulnier M.S. 325

The Morane-Saulnier M.S. 325 was the first monoplane fighter designed by the company after the First World War, but was outdated almost before the prototype was completed, and was abandoned in favour of the M.S. 405.

Morane-Saulnier M.S. 278

The Morane-Saulnier M.S. 278 was the designation given to the second M.S. 225 after it was fitted with a diesel engine.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Morane-Saulnier M.S. 275

The Morane-Saulnier M.S. 275 was the last parasol wing fighter designed by the Morane-Saulnier company, and produced in response to a French air ministry specification for a single seat fighter first issued in 1930.

Morane-Saulnier M.S. 227

The Morane-Saulnier M.S. 227 was the designation given to a single M.S. 225 used to test out a Hispano-Suize engine and 20mm cannon combination.

Morane-Saulnier M.S. 226

The Morane-Saulnier M.S. 226 was a carrier based fighter developed from the M.S. 225, itself seen as an interim design that saw service while more modern aircraft were under development.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Morane-Saulnier M.S. 225

The Morane-Saulnier M.S. 225 was an interim fighter design that saw front line service between 1933 and 1936, while the Armée de l'Air waited for more modern aircraft to enter production.

Morane-Saulnier M.S. 224

The Morane-Saulnier M.S. 224 was a parasol wing fighter closely related to four previous designs produced as lightweight fighters, but that was significantly larger and heavier, and paved the way for limited production of the M.S. 225.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Winter Uniforms of the German Army and Luftwaffe in World War II, Vincent Slegers.

Winter Uniforms of the German Army and Luftwaffe in World War II, Vincent Slegers.

A very detailed and meticulously researched examination of the winter uniforms of the German Army and the Luftwaffe, looking at items ranging in size from the bulky greatcoats down to rank badges and labels. All supported by a huge selection of photographs, many in colour.
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Battle of the Crater, Newt Gingrich and William R. Forstchen.

Battle of the Crater, Newt Gingrich and William R. Forstchen.

Historical novel set in the Petersburg campaign, focusing on the Battle of the Crater, a potentially war winning Union attack that failed after the plan of attack was changed at the very last minute. Seen through the eyes of a war artist and a black NCO in one of the well trained units that should have taken part in the initial attack.
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Stay the Distance - The Life and Times of Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir Michael Beetham, Peter Jacobs.

Stay the Distance - The Life and Times of Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir Michael Beetham, Peter Jacobs.

A biography of one of the RAF's most important post-war leaders, tracing his career from his wartime tour with Bomber Command to his post as Chief of the Air Staff during the Falklands War.
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Friday, December 16, 2011

Tracing your Tank Ancestors: A Guide for Family Historians, Janice Tait and David Fletcher.

Tracing your Tank Ancestors: A Guide for Family Historians, Janice Tait and David Fletcher.

Combines a history of the British armoured forces, and in particular the Royal Tank Corps and Royal Armoured Corps, with a guide to the resources available for family histories trying to trace ancestors who served in British tanks
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Panzers in the Sand: The History of Panzer-Regiment 5, Volume One 1934-41, Bernd Hartmann.

Panzers in the Sand: The History of Panzer-Regiment 5, Volume One 1934-41, Bernd Hartmann.

A history of the first armoured unit to be formed in Germany after the First World War, tracing its history from its formation in 1933, through the campaigns in Poland and France and into North Africa, ending with the Axis powers on the back foot, having been forced to abandon the siege of Tobruk.
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F-100 Super Sabre Units of the Vietnam War, Peter E. Davies with David W Menard.

F-100 Super Sabre Units of the Vietnam War, Peter E. Davies with David W Menard.

A look at the varied roles performed by the F-100 Super Sabre in Vietnam, from its limited role as a fighter, to its long period providing close support for the ground troops and on to its final role in forward air control and search and rescue.
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Thursday, December 15, 2011

If Chaos Reigns, Flint Whitlock.

If Chaos Reigns, Flint Whitlock.

Focuses on the activities of the Allied airborne forces on both flanks of the D-Day beaches, covering the British, American and Canadian paratroopers and glider-borne troops. Most of the book covers the fighting on D-Day itself, although the author also includes a history of the development of airborne troops
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The Parthian, Pete Darman.

The Parthian, Pete Darman.

Historical novel following the adventures of a Parthian prince who is captured by the Romans and taken to Italy, where he is rescued by Spartacus and joins his revolt. Nicely paced, and with a different take on the familiar story of Spartacus.
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Wild Strawberries, Derek Smith.

Wild Strawberries, Derek Smith.

The memoirs of an evacuee who was moved from Birmingham into the Staffordshire countryside, close to the village of Yoxall, before illness took him into the wartime health system. Well written and involving, and covers a different part of the evacuee experience to most memoirs.
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Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Second battle of Tiruvadi (1 September 1750)

The second battle of Tiruvadi (1 September 1750) saw a French led army defeat a much larger force commanded by Mohammad Ali, the British-supported candidate for the Nawabship of the Carnatic.

First battle of Tiruvadi (30 July 1750)

The first battle of Tiruvadi (30 July 1750) was one of a series of rapid victories that saw the French supported candidates for power in southern India gain the upper hand.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Battle of Ambur (3 August 1749)

The battle of Ambur (3 August 1749) was the first battle of the Second Carnatic War, and saw Anwar-ud-Din, the incumbent Nawab of the Carnatic, defeated and killed by an allied army formed by the new Nizam of Hyderabad, the French, and a claimant to the Nawabship of the Carnatic.

Siege of Devicotah (April 1749)

The siege of Devicotah (April 1749) was a British success that came between the First and Second Carnatic Wars and saw them gain possession of the fort of Devicotah in southern India.

Monday, December 12, 2011

Siege of Pondicherry (August-October 1748)

The siege of Pondicherry (August-October 1748) was the last major action of the First Carnatic War, and saw a sizable British army and fleet fail to capture the main French stronghold in southern India.

Battle of Cuddalore (27-28 June 1747)

The battle of Cuddalore (27-28 June 1747) was a British victory that prevented the French from capturing the fortified station of Cuddalore, a move that would have threatened the main British position in southern India at Fort St. David.

Friday, December 09, 2011

Battle of Fort St. David (19 December 1746)

The Battle of Fort St. David (19 December 1746) was a victory won by the cavalry of the Nawab of the Carnatic over a French army that was moving to besiege one of the last British strongholds in the south of India, at Fort. St David (First Carnatic War)

Battle of St. Thome (4 November 1746)

The battle of St. Thome (4 November 1746) was the second of two victories in three days in which small French armies defeated the larger army of the Nawab of the Carnatic (First Carnatic War).

Thursday, December 08, 2011

Battle of Madras (2 November 1746)

The battle of Madras (2 November 1746) was the first of two victories in three days that saw tiny French armies defeat the much larger army of the Nawab of the Carnatic (First Carnatic War).

First Carnatic War (1744-48)

The First Carnatic War (1744-48) was triggered by the War of the Austrian Succession, and saw the French win a series of victories over their English rivals in the south of India, although the pre-war situation was restored by the Treaty of Aix-le-Chapelle.

Wednesday, December 07, 2011

Siege of Madras (14-21 September 1746)

The siege of Madras (14-21 September 1746) was a major French success early in the First Carnatic War that saw them capture the main British stronghold in southern India.

Battle of Negapatam (6 July 1746)

The battle of Negapatam (6 July 1746) was an inconclusive battle fought between British and French naval squadrons operating off the south coast of India.

Tuesday, December 06, 2011

King's African Rifles - A History, Malcolm Page.

King's African Rifles - A History, Malcolm Page.

A study of the King's African Rifles, one of the most important of the local forces raised by the British in Africa. Looks at their experience against the 'Mad Mullah', their contribution in East Africa in the First World War, and against the Italians, Vichy French and Japanese during the Second World War, before moving on to the end of Empire and the last imperial wars
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A Magnificent Disaster: The Failure of Market Garden, David Bennett.

A Magnificent Disaster: The Failure of Market Garden, David Bennett.

An interesting study of the failure at Arnhem, focusing on the wider aspects of the campaign as much as on the narrow thrust or the fighting at Arnhem. Bennett covers the German point of view, the flanking operations of XII & VIII Corps and the actions of the 101st Airborne, as well as the wider strategic aims of the operation.
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Return Flights in War and Peace, the Flying Memoirs of Squadron Leader John Rowland, DSO, DFC.

Return Flights in War and Peace, the Flying Memoirs of Squadron Leader John Rowland, DSO, DFC.

The memoirs of an RAF pilot who started with war in Army Co-Operation before joining Bomber Command, where he flew 50 missions, ending the war as a flight leader. Covers the experiences of a Bomber Command pilot in the second half of the war, when targets became rather more varied than earlier.
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Monday, December 05, 2011

No.350 (Belgian) Squadron

No.350 (Belgian) Squadron was the first Belgian-manned fighter squadron in the RAF, and spent most of the war flying offensive sweeps over occupied Europe.

No.349 (Belgian) Squadron

No.349 (Belgian) Squadron was a fighter squadron formed for service in the Belgian Congo but that spent most of its existence operating from the UK and liberated Europe.

No.345 (French) Squadron (GC II/2 'Berry')

No.345 (French) Squadron (GC II/2 'Berry') was a French fighter squadron that served with 2nd Tactical Air Force, taking part in the liberation of Europe in 1944-45.

Friday, December 02, 2011

Waterloo Collection 1: Ligny and Quatre Bras (DVD).

Waterloo Collection 1: Ligny and Quatre Bras (DVD).

The first of four DVDs looking at the Waterloo campaign, this DVD looks at the background to the campaign and the battles of Quatre Bras and Ligny, the first serious fighting of the short campaign. An informative DVD, filmed on the battlefield and presented by a group of historians and expert battlefield guides
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Voices from the Front: The 2nd Norfolk Regiment, from Le Paradis to Kohima, Peter Hart.

Voices from the Front: The 2nd Norfolk Regiment, from Le Paradis to Kohima, Peter Hart.

A history of the 2nd Norfolk Regiment during the Second World War,based on interviews conducted with veterans of the battalion conducted by the author, and tracing the battalion's story from France in 1939-40 to Burma, the fight for Kohima and the reconquest of the country
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6th Battalion the Manchester Regiment in the Great War, John Hartley.

6th Battalion the Manchester Regiment in the Great War, John Hartley.

A history of a territorial army battalion that fought at Gallipoli before moving to the Western Front, where it took part in the fighting at Ypres in 1917 and in the major battles of 1918, both the German offensive of the spring and the victorious Allied advance of the late summer and autumn
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Thursday, December 01, 2011

The Battle for Flanders - German Defeat on the Lys 1918, Chris Baker.

The Battle for Flanders - German Defeat on the Lys 1918, Chris Baker.

An account of the second major German offensive of 1918, Operation Georgette, or the Battle of the Lys of April 1918. A clear narrative is supported by copious eyewitness accounts from the British side to produce a clear account of this pivotal battle after which the Germans began to lose the initiative on the Western Front
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US MACV-SOG Reconnaissance Teams in Vietnam, Gordon L. Rottman.

US MACV-SOG Reconnaissance Teams in Vietnam, Gordon L. Rottman.

Focuses on an elite reconnaissance unit that carried out deep penetration missions into Laos and Cambodia to scout out the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Each team consisted of a mix of American soldiers and local troops, and their tasks were amongst the most dangerous of any combat missions during the Vietnamese War
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The Rise and Fall of the Japanese Imperial Naval Air Service, Peter J. Edwards.

The Rise and Fall of the Japanese Imperial Naval Air Service, Peter J. Edwards.

An unusual book, containing some fascinating material on the early development of Japanese naval aviation, its increasing efficiency during the 1930s and the dramatic early victories and eventual costly defeat of the Naval Air Service during the Second World War. Written very much from the Japanese point of view, and in a rather breathless style
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Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Prussian Napoleonic Tactics 1792-1815, Peter Hofschröer.

Prussian Napoleonic Tactics 1792-1815, Peter Hofschröer.

An examination of the organisation, tactics and battlefield effectiveness of the Prussian Army, from the early reasonably successful involvement in the Revolutionary Wars, through the crushing defeats at Jena and Auerstadt and on to the brief involvement in Russia in 1812, the War of Liberation and the final defeat of Napoleon.
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Armies of the Irish Rebellion 1798, Stuart Reid.

Armies of the Irish Rebellion 1798, Stuart Reid.

A study of the British, French and Irish rebel armies involved in the Irish Rebellion of 1798 and the brief French intervention that came after the defeat of the main rebel armies. Demonstrates the variety of troops involved on the British side, the tiny size of the French expeditionary force and the limited organisation of the Irish rebels.
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Prussian Napoleonic Tactics 1792-1815, Peter Hofschröer.

Prussian Napoleonic Tactics 1792-1815, Peter Hofschröer.

An examination of the organisation, tactics and battlefield effectiveness of the Prussian Army, from the early reasonably successful involvement in the Revolutionary Wars, through the crushing defeats at Jena and Auerstadt and on to the brief involvement in Russia in 1812, the War of Liberation and the final defeat of Napoleon.
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Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Operation 'Overlord' June-September 1944: Volume 2: USAAF Eight and Ninth Air Forces, Neil Robinson and Peter Scott.

Operation 'Overlord' June-September 1944: Volume 2: USAAF Eight and Ninth Air Forces, Neil Robinson and Peter Scott.

A detailed pictorial study of the paint schemes and markings of the aircraft of the 8th and 9th Air Forces during the period of the D-Day landings and the battle of Normandy, complete with a background history of the two air force and their orders of battle in 1944.
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The Very Thing: The Memoirs of Drummer Richard Bentinck, Royal Welch Fusiliers 1807-1823, Jonathan Crook.

The Very Thing: The Memoirs of Drummer Richard Bentinck, Royal Welch Fusiliers 1807-1823, Jonathan Crook.

Based on a series of interviews conducted with Bentinck in 1873 and a narrative that he dictated in his old age, and supported by a historical narrative that fills the gaps and explains the context of the memoirs, this is a fascinating view of the life of the British soldier in the Napoleonic Wars.
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Samurai Women, 1184-1877, Stephen Turnbull.

Samurai Women, 1184-1877, Stephen Turnbull.

A wide ranging book, looking at the role of women on the battlefields of Japan from the semi-legendary Empress Jingu of 170-260 AD to the Samurai women who fought against the Meiji Restoration of 1868. Mainly covers women's roles in sieges, but also includes some rare examples of involvement on the battlefield.
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Monday, November 28, 2011

Morane-Saulnier M.S. 223

The Morane-Saulnier M.S. 223 was the fourth in a series of parasol wing fighters produced in response to a French requirement for a lightweight fighter, and only differed from the M.S. 222 by having a new undercarriage.

Morane-Saulnier M.S. 222

The Morane-Saulnier M.S. 222 was the third in a series of parasol wing fighters produced in response to a French requirement for a lightweight fighter, and differed from the earlier M.S. 221 by having a turbo-supercharged engine.

Operation 'Overlord' June-September 1944: Volume 1 RAF & Commonwealth Air Force plus Luftflotte 3, Neil Robinson & Jon Freeman.

Operation 'Overlord' June-September 1944: Volume 1 RAF & Commonwealth Air Force plus Luftflotte 3, Neil Robinson & Jon Freeman.

A guide to the colour schemes and markings used by the aircraft of 2nd Tactical Air Force, Air Defence of Great Britain and Luftflotte 3 during Operation Overlord. A useful introduction is followed by a huge number of illustrations showing each type of aircraft and each squadron, each with an explanation of what we are seeing.
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Hitler's Army, Chris McNab.

Hitler's Army, Chris McNab.

Ten times larger than many Ospreys, this book looks at the development of the Germany army from the triumphs of 1939-40 to its eventual defeat in 1944-45. Covers a wide range of topics, from the overall organisation of the army to the evolution of different parts of the uniform, all supported by illustrations, photos and maps from Osprey's archives. A very useful and readable reference work.
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Friday, November 25, 2011

Saladin, David Nicolle.

Saladin, David Nicolle.

The book is a fascinating, balanced read portraying Saladin as a complex political and military leader of the Muslim world, who faced as many Muslim as Christian enemies. It is well written and as usual with Osprey well illustrated with maps, colour plates and black and white as well as colour photographs. The book examines his early life, his military and political campaigns and briefly his well known battles; it also looks at what motivated him as a leader.
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Goering: The Rise and Fall of the Notorious Nazi Leader, Roger Manvell and Heinrich Fraenkel.

Goering: The Rise and Fall of the Notorious Nazi Leader, Roger Manvell and Heinrich Fraenkel.

A very high quality biography of Hermann Goering, the 'second man' of the Third Reich. Best known as head of the Luftwaffe, Goering played a wider role in the rise of the Nazis to power and was a major figure in Nazi Germany until the failures of the Luftwaffe to protect against Allied bombers undermined his position.
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Morane-Saulnier M.S. 221

The Morane-Saulnier M.S. 221 was the second fighter developed by the company in response to a French requirement for a lightweight fighter, but lacked speed and was superseded by the M.S. 222.

Morane-Saulnier M.S. 121

The Morane-Saulnier M.S. 121 was the first fighter aircraft developed by the company after the First World War, and was designed in response to an official requirement for a light fighter.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Morane-Saulnier Type AI

The Morane-Saulnier Type AI was a single seat parasol-wing fighter developed during 1917 and that entered service early in 1918, but had to be withdrawn after a number of wing failures.

Morane-Saulnier Type AFH

The Morane-Saulnier Type AFH was an amphibious version of the Type AF biplane, designed to be used from the deck of French warships.

Morane-Saulnier Type AF

The Morane-Saulnier Type AF was a single seat biplane fighter developed in 1917, but that didn't enter large scale production.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Armies of the Napoleonic Wars, ed. Gregory Fremont-Barnes.

Armies of the Napoleonic Wars, ed. Gregory Fremont-Barnes.

A collection of ten articles by nine different authors looking at the main armies of the Napoleonic Wars, from 1803 to 1815. The chapters vary in tone, with some only having the space to trace the evolving structure of an army, while others, for the smaller participants, also provide details on the army's performance. A very useful reference work.
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Ancient Warfare Vol V Issue 3: The last great enemy: Rome and the Sassanid Empire.

Ancient Warfare Vol V Issue 3: The last great enemy: Rome and the Sassanid Empire.

This issue of Ancient Warfare Magazine focuses on Sassanid Persia, the last great civilised opponent of Rome (and a major opponent for the early Byzantines). Includes an overview of the Sassanid era, a look at the role of their army, an examination of their many victories over the Romans, and a reconstruction of one type of Sassanid soldier.
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Casca: Sword of the Brotherhood, Tony Roberts.

Casca: Sword of the Brotherhood, Tony Roberts.

This entry in the Casca series is set in an interesting period - the last clashes between Byzantium and the soon to be overwhelmed Persian Empire. Casca is blackmailed into taking part in this struggle by his arch enemies, who want to retrieve the 'true cross', captured by the Persians when they briefly held Jerusalem.
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Tuesday, November 22, 2011

No.344 Squadron

No.344 Squadron was the RAF designation for a French-manned land based anti-submarine squadron operating from Dakar.

No.343 Squadron

No.343 Squadron was the RAF designation given to a French naval anti-submarine warfare squadron operating from Dakar.

No.342 (French) Squadron G.B. I/20 'Lorraine'

No.342 (French) Squadron G.B. I/20 'Lorraine' was a French bomber squadron that carried out daylight bombing raids from 1943-44, then day and night bombing raids to support the invasion of Europe.

No.341 (French) Squadron 'G.C. III/2 'Alsace'

No.341 (French) Squadron 'G.C. III/2 'Alsace' was a French-manned fighter squadron that served with 2nd Tactical Air Force, taking part in the liberation of Europe in 1944-45.

Monday, November 21, 2011

No.340 'Ile-de-France' Squadron

No.340 'Ile-de-France' Squadron was a Free French fighter squadron that spent most of its existence on offensive duties, ending the war as part of Second Tactical Air Force.

No.336 Squadron

No.336 Squadron was a Greek manned fighter squadron that provided shopping protection from 1943 until 1944, before moving to Italy and later Greece to operate over the Balkans and the Aegean.

No.335 Squadron

No.335 Squadron was a Greek manned fighter squadron that served in the Mediterranean, the Balkans and over the Aegean from 1941 until the end of the Second World War.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

No.334 Squadron

No.334 Squadron was a short-lived unit, formed from the Mosquito wing of No.333 Squadron after the end of the war in Europe.

No.333 (Norwegian)

No.333 (Norwegian) Squadron was a maritime patrol and special duties squadron that ended the war operating with the Banff strike wing.

No.329 (GC I/2 'Cigognes')

No.329 (GC I/2 'Cigognes') was a Free French squadron that served with the 2nd Tactical Air Force during the invasion of Normandy and the campaign in northern Europe.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

No.332 (Norwegian) Squadron

No.332 (Norwegian) Squadron was a fighter squadron that served with Fighter Command until 1943 and then with 2nd Tactical Air Force.

No.331 (Norwegian) Squadron

No.331 (Norwegian) Squadron was a fighter squadron that fought with Fighter Command from 1941, before joining 2nd Tactical Air Force to support the invasion of Europe.

No.330 (Norwegian) Squadron

No.330 (Norwegian) Squadron was an anti-submarine warfare squadron manned by Norwegian personnel.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

No.328 Squadron

No.328 Squadron was the RAF designation given to G.C. I/7 'Provence', a French fighter squadron that had served with the Vichy forces in North Africa before joining the Allies in 1943.

No.327 Squadron

No.327 Squadron was the RAF designation given to G.C. I/3 'Corse', a French fighter squadron that had served with the Vichy forces in North Africa before joining the Allies in 1943.

No.326 Squadron

No.326 Squadron was the RAF designation given to G.C. II/7 'Nice', a French fighter squadron that had served with the Vichy forces in North Africa before joining the Allies in 1943.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Wilhelm Bittrich (1894-1979)

Wilhelm Bittrich (1894-1979) was a SS General who played a major part in the defeat of the Allied attack on Arnhem in 1944, and became one of the last recipients of the Swords to the Knights Cross.

Erich von dem Bach-Zelewski (1899-1972)

Erich von dem Bach-Zelewski (1899-1972) was an SS General who took part in the anti-partisan campaign on the Eastern Front and who was responsible for crushing the Warsaw uprising in 1944.

Friday, November 11, 2011

No.322 'Dutch' Squadron

No.322 'Dutch' Squadron was a fighter squadron manned by Dutch personnel. It formed part of 2nd Tactical Air Force, took part in the anti V-1 campaign, and ended the war operating from the Netherlands.

No.321 Squadron

No.321 Squadron was a Dutch manned squadron that went through two incarnations during the Second World War, the first as an anti-submarine squadron, the second as a maritime patrol squadron, and in both cases built around aircraft that escaped from Axis attacks.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

No.320 (Netherlands) Squadron

No.320 (Netherlands) Squadron was formed around a number of Fokker T-VIIIW seaplanes that escaped from the Netherlands. It spent the next three years serving as a maritime patrol and anti-shipping squadron, before becoming a daylight bomber squadron in 1943, a role it performed until the end of the war.
No.318 'Gdanskski' Squadron was a Polish ground attack and tactical reconnaissance squadron that fought in Italy from 1944 until the end of the Second World War.

Friday, November 04, 2011

Motherland: Part One, Through Hunger and War, Natan Gimelfarb.

Motherland: Part One, Through Hunger and War, Natan Gimelfarb.

Part one of the autobiography of a Jewish director living in the Soviet Union, covering his childhood, wartime experiences and student days. The author grew up in the Ukraine, suffered during the pre-war famines, and was forced to flee east ahead of the advancing Germans. A period in the Red Army ended when he was seriously wounded, and the final part of the book looks at his experiences as a wartime student.
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Battleground Ypres: The Battle of the Lys 1918, Givenchy and the River Lawe, Phil Tomaselli.

Battleground Ypres: The Battle of the Lys 1918, Givenchy and the River Lawe, Phil Tomaselli.

A detailed account of the fighting on the southern half of the battlefield during the first four days of the Battle of the Lys, one of the series of major German offensives that pushed the Allied line back in the spring and early summer of 1918. Finishes with a selection of tours of the battlefield
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No.317 'Wilenski' Squadron

No.317 'Wilenski' Squadron was a Polish fighter squadron that spent most of the war flying offensive sweeps over German occupied territory.

No.316 'Warszawski' Squadron

No.316 'Warszawski' Squadron was a Polish fighter squadron that spent most of the war flying offensive sweeps, before moving to escort duties in 1944. The squadron was formed on 15 February 1941 as a Hurricane-equipped fighter squadron, and was used to provide defensive cover for the south-west.

No.315 'Deblinski' Squadron

No.315 'Deblinski' Squadron was a fighter squadron that performed a mix of offensive and defensive duties, serving with Second Tactical Air Force, the anti V-1 campaign and briefly provided long range bomber escorts.

Thursday, November 03, 2011

No.313 Squadron

No.313 Squadron was the third Czechoslovakian fighter squadron to be formed within the RAF. It took part on the offensive sweeps over France, formed part of Second Tactical Air Force and ended the war flying a mix of bomber escort and ground attack missions.

No.312 Squadron

No.312 Squadron was a Czechoslovak manned fighter squadron that was formed during the Battle of Britain, and that flew a mix of fighter-bomber and bomber escort for the rest of the war.

No.311 Squadron

No.311 Squadron was a Czechoslovakian squadron that served with Bomber Command from 1940-1942 and from Coastal Command from 1942 until the end of the war, sinking two U-boats during that period.

Wednesday, November 02, 2011

General Theodor Tolsdorf (1909-1978)

General Theodor Tolsdorf (1909-1978) was the youngest German Generalleutnant of the Second World War, and after taking part in the Ardennes offensive in 1944 ended the war commanding a corps on the Eastern Front.

General Hermann Bernhard Ramcke (1889-1968)

General Hermann Bernhard Ramcke (1889-1968) was a German parachute general who fought on Crete and at El Alamein, but who is best known for the defence of Brest in 1944.

Tuesday, November 01, 2011

Hasso Eccard von Manteuffel (1897-1978)

Hasso Eccard von Manteuffel (1897-1978) was a German general who fought on the Eastern Front, in Tunisia and in the Battle of the Bulge, where he was the most successful German commander.

General Hermann Balck (1893-1982)

General Hermann Balck (1893-1982) was one of the best German field commanders of the Second World War, serving with Guderian in France in 1940, on the Eastern Front, and briefly in Alsace in 1944.

Monday, October 31, 2011

The Maginot Line: History and Guide, J.E Kaufmann, H.W. Kaufmann, A. Jankovic-Potocnik and P. Lang.

The Maginot Line: History and Guide, J.E Kaufmann, H.W. Kaufmann, A. Jankovic-Potocnik and P. Lang.

A combination of a history of the Maginot Line, from its design and construction to its use in battle in 1940 and 1944-45, with a detailed guide to the individual fortified areas (or ouvrages). A very useful guide to this controversial line of fortifications, and to the brief periods when it was caught up in the fighting
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Sparta at War, Scott M. Rusch.

Sparta at War, Scott M. Rusch.

A study of the rise, dominance and fall of Sparta, the most famous military power in the Classical Greek world. Sparta dominated land warfare for two centuries, before suffering a series of defeats that broke its power. The author examines the reasons for that success, and for Sparta's failure to bounce back from defeat.
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Retreat and Retribution in Afghanistan 1842 - Two Journals of the First Afghan War, Margaret Kekewich.

Retreat and Retribution in Afghanistan 1842 - Two Journals of the First Afghan War, Margaret Kekewich.

An account of the First Afghan War, based on two diaries produced during the war, one by Lady Florentia Sale, the wife of a British officer caught up in the disaster at Kabul, the second by the Reverend Isaac Allen, a clergyman who accompanied the army of retribution that rescued the prisoners taken during the retreat from Kabul.
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ANZAC Infantryman 1914-15, From New Guinea to Gallipoli, Ian Sumner.

ANZAC Infantryman 1914-15, From New Guinea to Gallipoli, Ian Sumner.

Looks at the raising, training and deployment of the Australian and New Zealand armies in 1914-15, a period that saw them deployed in the south Pacific, Egypt and most famously at Gallipoli. Gallipoli rather dominates, but it is nice to have more of the background than normal.
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Up to Mametz and Beyond, Llewelyn Wyn Griffith.

Up to Mametz and Beyond, Llewelyn Wyn Griffith.

A classic account of life on the Western Front (Up to Mametz, first published in 1931), accompanied by the same author's unpublished memoirs covering his time as a staff officer during the last two years of the war. The two books are very different in tone, well written and of great value.
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Friday, October 28, 2011

Walther K. Nehring (1892-1983)

Walther K. Nehring (1892-1983) was a German general who served in Poland, France and North Africa, but who spent the most time serving on the Eastern Front.

Felix Steiner (1896-1966)

Felix Steiner (1896-1966) was an SS General best known for his role in the battle for Berlin in 1945, when he commanded a army that Hitler hoped would be able to lift the Russian siege of the city.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Hermann Hoth (1885-1971)

Hermann Hoth (1885-1971) was a German general who was responsible for a series of impressive successes on the Eastern Front but who was sacked late in 1943 for urging Hitler to allow him to retreat, and wasn't given another command.

Smilo Freiherr von Luettwitz (1895-1975)

Smilo Freiherr von Luettwitz (1895-1975) was a German general who served in Poland, France, Italy and on the Eastern Front, before being sacked and threatened with a court martial for defeatism early in 1945. He also served in the post-war Bundeswehr, retiring as a Generalleutnant in 1960.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Karl Eibl (1891-1943)

Karl Eibl (1891-1943) was an Austrian who rose to high rank in the German army before being assassinated by an Italian soldier in 1943.

Ludwig Cruewell (1892-1958)

Ludwig Cruewell (1892-1958) was the German general who succeeded Rommel as commander of the Africa Corp, but his military career ended when he was captured by the British in May 1942.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

No.310 Squadron

No.310 Squadron was a Czechoslovakian fighter squadron that fought in the Battle of Britain, the offensive sweeps over France and joined Second Tactical Air Force to support the Normandy landings.

No.309 'Ziemia Czerwienska' Squadron

No.309 'Ziemia Czerwienska' Squadron was a Polish manned squadron formed as an army co-operation unit, but that became first a tactical reconnaissance unit and then a fighter squadron.

No.308 'Krakowski' Squadron

No.308 'Krakowski' Squadron was a Polish manned fighter squadron that performed a mix of defensive and offensive duties from 1941 to 1943, before becoming a fighter-bomber squadron in Second Tactical Air Force.

Monday, October 24, 2011

Hyazinth Graf Strachwitz von Gross-Zauche und Camminetz (1893-1968)

Hyazinth Graf Strachwitz von Gross-Zauche und Camminetz (1893-1968) was an aristocratic German general who served in Poland in 1939, France in 1940 and on the Eastern Front, before commanding Panzer Lehr Division from the summer of 1944 until late in the year. He was one of only twenty eight recipients of the Diamonds to the Knight's Cross.

Fritz Bayerlein (1899-1970)

Fritz Bayerlein (1899-1970) was a German general who served in almost every theatre of operations during the Second World War, from the opening invasion of Poland to the last major German offensive in the Ardennes, and including the campaigns in North Africa and Normandy.

Friday, October 21, 2011

No.307 'Lwowski' Squadron was a Polish manned night fighter squadron that was formed as a defensive unit but that ended the war as a night intruder squadron.

No.306 'Torunski' Squadron

No.306 'Torunski' Squadron was a Polish manned fighter squadron that took part in the offensive sweeps over France, joining Second Tactical Air Force but was diverted to the anti flying bomb campaign and ended the war providing fighter escorts for Bomber Command.

No.305 'Weilkopolski' Squadron

No.305 'Weilkopolski' Squadron was a Polish manned bomber squadron than originally served as a night bomber squadron, but that converted to daylight operations in 1943 and ended the war as a low-level bomber squadron.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

No.304 'Slaski' Squadron

No.304 'Slaski' Squadron was a Polish-manned squadron that served with Bomber Command from 1940-1942 before transferring to Coastal Command for the rest of the war.

No.303 'Warsaw-Kosciusco' Squadron

No.303 'Warsaw-Kosciusco' Squadron was a Polish manned fighter squadron that took part in the Battle of Britain, flew offensive sweeps over France and joined Second Tactical Air Force for the invasion of Europe.

No.302 'Poznanski' Squadron

No.302 'Poznanski' Squadron was a Polish-manned fighter squadron that fought in later stages of the Battle of Britain, before becoming a fighter-bomber squadron and joining 2nd Tactical Air Force during the invasion of Europe in 1944-45.

Friday, October 07, 2011

No.300 'Mazowiecki' Squadron

No.300 'Mazowiecki' Squadron was a Polish-manned bomber squadron that served with Bomber Command for most of the Second World War, and survived until 1947.

No.299 Squadron

No.299 Squadron was an airborne forces squadron that took part in the D-Day landings Arnhem, the crossing of the Rhine and the liberation of Oslo.

No.294 Squadron

No.294 Squadron was an air-sea rescue squadron that served in the eastern Mediterranean from 1943 until 1945 and then in the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea.

Thursday, October 06, 2011

No.293 Squadron

No.293 Squadron was an air-sea rescue squadron that served in North Africa and around Italy from 1943 until early in 1946.

No.292 Squadron

No.292 Squadron was an air-sea rescue squadron that provided cover over the Bay of Bengal and off the coast of Burma.

No.291 Squadron

No.291 Squadron was an anti-aircraft cooperation squadron formed to provide target towing aircraft along the East Coast of England.

No.290 Squadron

No.290 Squadron served as an anti-aircraft cooperation squadron in Northern Ireland and Scotland, before moving to Belgium to support the advancing Allied armies.

No.289 Squadron

No.289 Squadron was formed from No.13 Group Anti Aircraft Cooperation Flight in 1941 and continued to serve in that role for the rest of the Second World War.

Wednesday, October 05, 2011

USS Wasp vs HMS Avon (1 September 1814)

The clash between USS Wasp and HMS Avon (1 September 1814) was a second victory for the American raider, but came late in an ambitious raid that ended in tragedy when the Wasp was lost at sea with all hands.

Battle of Valparaiso (28 March 1814)

The battle of Valparaiso (28 March 1814) saw the defeat of the Essex and Essex Junior by HMS Pheobe and HMS Cherub and was one of the more controversial naval encounters of the War of 1812, taking place in neutral Spanish waters.

Monday, October 03, 2011

War in the Ruins: The American Army's Final Battle against Nazi Germany, Edward G. Longacre.

War in the Ruins: The American Army's Final Battle against Nazi Germany, Edward G. Longacre.

A history of the US Army's 100th Infantry Division's involvement in the Second World War, focusing on the battle for Heilbronn, the last major battle fought by American troops in Europe in 1945, as well as covering the division's training, their advance to the German border, attacks on part of the Maginot Line and the impact of the Battle of the Bulge.
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Women in the Second World War, Collette Drifte.

Women in the Second World War, Collette Drifte.

A collection of personal reminiscences from Women who served in the armed forces, industry or farming during the Second World War, looking at the ATS, WAAF, WRNS, the Land Army, the Timber Corps, the Voluntary Aid Detachment, Queen Alexandra's Nurses, the Fire Service, the NAAFI and finishing with the stories of three famous SOE operatives.
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Haig - Master of the Field, Major General Sir John Davidson.

Haig - Master of the Field, Major General Sir John Davidson.

An account of the events on the Western Front in 1917 and 1918, written by Haig's Director of Operations. The author was motivated by a desire to restore Haig's reputation against what he believed were unfair attacks, and to a large extent he succeeds, although on occasions he does rather over-state his case.
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Great War Lives: A Guide for Family Historians, Paul Reed.

Great War Lives: A Guide for Family Historians, Paul Reed.

An unusual approach to family history, looking at the wartime experiences of twelve very different British soldiers (including the only black pilot in the RFC and a rare example of a major war poet of low rank). Each of these biographies is followed by research notes which explain where the information was found.
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Ian Fleming's Commandos: The Story of 30 Assault Unit in WWII, Nicholas Rankin.

Ian Fleming's Commandos: The Story of 30 Assault Unit in WWII, Nicholas Rankin.

Partly a history of 30 Assault Unit and partly a look at Ian Fleming's wartime service and Naval Intelligence. This is an accessible look at an interesting topic, with plenty of background material as well as some fascinating accounts of the technological intelligence gathering activities of the unit.
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Vietnam Gun Trucks, Gordon L. Rottman.

Vietnam Gun Trucks, Gordon L. Rottman.

A study of the armed trucks used to escort vulnerable supply convoys as they crossed South Vietnam, looking at their origins as an impromptu solution to an unexpected problem, the development of more powerfully armed versions of the trucks, the tactics used by the truck crews and the often flamboyant decorative paint schemes used on the truck names.
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Friday, September 30, 2011

No.288 Squadron

No.288 Squadron was formed from No.12 Group Anti Aircraft Cooperation Flight in 1941 and continued to serve in that role for the rest of the Second World War.

No.287 Squadron

No.287 Squadron was formed from No.11 Group Anti Aircraft Cooperation Flight in 1941 and continued to serve in that role for the rest of the Second World War.

No.286 Squadron

No.286 Squadron was formed from No.10 Group Anti Aircraft Cooperation Flight in 1941 and continued to serve in that role for the rest of the Second World War.
No.285 Squadron was an anti-aircraft cooperation squadron that helped Anti-aircraft command practice its aim.

No.284 Squadron

No.284 Squadron was an air-sea rescue squadron that was formed in the UK, but operated in the Mediterranean.

No.283 Squadron

No.283 Squadron was an air-sea rescue squadron that served overseas. It was formed in North Africa, and spent the entire war providing cover for different parts of the Mediterranean

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Monday, September 26, 2011

USS Idaho (BB 42)

USS Idaho (BB 42) was a New Mexico class battleship that was in the Atlantic when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, and that was involved in most of the island invasions in the Pacific from 1943 until the end of the war, although not the invasion of the Philippines.

USS Mississippi (BB 41) was a New Mexico class battleship that was in the Atlantic when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, and that took part in most of the major island invasions of the Pacific War, from the Aleutians to Okinawa.

c was a New Mexico class battleship that was in the Atlantic when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, and that took part in most of the major island invasions of the Pacific War, from the Aleutians to Okinawa.

Friday, September 23, 2011

USS New Mexico (BB 40)

The USS New Mexico (BB 40) was the name ship of the New Mexico class of battleships, and saw service in the Second World War, missing Pearl Harbor but spending the rest of the conflict operating in the Pacific.
The New Mexico class battleships were slightly improved versions of the previous Pennsylvania class, with a clipper bow and a more useful arrangement of secondary guns.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

USS Wasp and HMS Reindeer (28 June 1814)

The clash between USS Wasp and HMS Reindeer (28 June 1814) was an early success in the cruise of the Wasp, the fifth American warship to carry that name (and the fourth in just two years!).

USS Wasp and HMS Frolic (18 October 1812)

The clash between USS Wasp and HMS Frolic (18 October 1812) was one of a number of American naval victories early in the War of 1812, but soon after the battle the Wasp was captured by a British ship of the line.

Sacrifice on the Steppe, Hope Hamilton.

Sacrifice on the Steppe, Hope Hamilton.

The tragic tale of the Italian Alpine Corps sent by Mussolini to fight alongside the Germans in Russia, their disastrous  retreat after the Soviet counterattack at Stalingrad, and the fate of the many men who were captured by the Soviets, from the early poor treatment to the later political indoctrination.
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Images of War: Operation Barbarossa, Hitler's Invasion of Russia, Hans Seidler.

Images of War: Operation Barbarossa, Hitler's Invasion of Russia, Hans Seidler.

A collection of German photographs from the first six months of the invasion of the Soviet Union, from the triumphal advances in the summer to the first dreadful experiences of the Russian winter. A good selection of high quality pictures, showing the German army at the height of its powers and confidence.
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August 1941 - Surrender at St. Quentin, John Hutton.

August 1941 - Surrender at St. Quentin, John Hutton.

A study of an infamous incident during the British retreat from Le Cateau in 1914, when the commanders of two infantry battalions decided to surrender under great German pressure, only for another officer to intervene and extract their men. Looks at the pressure the two men were under, their subsequent court martial and their different reactions to being disgraced.
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Hitler Triumphant: Alternate Decisions of World War II, Peter G. Tsouras.

Hitler Triumphant: Alternate Decisions of World War II, Peter G. Tsouras.

A series of counterfactual scenarios which examine various ways in which the Germans might have won the Second World War, most starting with a single change and working out from there. An entertaining read, even if some of the scenarios do require further dramatic alterations of history to work.
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Wednesday, September 21, 2011

USS Arizona (BB 39)

USS Arizona (BB 39) was a Pennsylvania class battleship that was destroyed during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, and remains where she sank as a memorial to the people killed during the battle.

USS Pennsylvania (BB 38)

The USS Pennsylvania (BB 38) was the name ship of the Pennsylvania class of battleships. She was one of the least damaged battleships at Pearl Harbor, and remained in service during 1942 before undergoing a refit late in the year. On her return she took part in a series of island invasions, before being badly damaged by a Japanese torpedo in August 1945.

Pennsylvania class battleships

The Pennsylvania class battleships were enlarged versions of the previous Nevada class, given two extra 14in guns by making all four turrets into triple turrets.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

USS Oklahoma (BB 37)

USS Oklahoma (BB 37) was a Nevada class battleship that helping protect American convoys crossing the Atlantic late in the First World War, but was sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and never returned to service.

USS Nevada (BB 36)

The USS Nevada (BB 36) was the name ship of the Nevada class of battleships, and served in both World Wars. She was the only American battleship to get underway during the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, but was forced to beach after being hit by Japanese bombs.

Nevada class battleships

The Nevada class battleships were the second class of 14in battleships built for the US Navy, and adopted a new 'all or nothing armour' scheme, designed to make better use of a similar weight of armour to earlier ships.

Monday, September 19, 2011

USS Texas (BB 35)

The USS Texas (BB 35) was a New York class battleship that served with the British Grand Fleet during the First World War, and took part in the D-Day landings, and the invasions of the South of France, Iwo Jima and Okinawa during the Second World War.

USS New York (BB 34)

The USS New York (BB 34) was the name ship of the New York class of battleships, and saw service in both world wars, operating with the British Grand Fleet in 1917-18 and taking part in Operation Torch and the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa in the Second World War.
The New York class battleships were the first American dreadnoughts to move away from 12in guns, and were armed with ten 14in guns in five twin turrets.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

USS Arkansas (BB 33)

The USS Arkansas (BB 33) was a Wyoming class battleship that served with the British Grand Fleet in the last few months of the First World War, and saw active service in the Atlantic, Mediterranean and Pacific during the Second World War. 

USS Wyoming (BB 32)

The USS Wyoming (BB 32) was the name ship of the Wyoming class of battleships, and saw active service with the British Grand Fleet during the First World War and as a gunnery training ship during the Second World War.

Wyoming class battleships

The two Wyoming class battleships were the last US battleships to be armed with 12in guns and were seen as an interim design before the appearance of the 14in armed New York class ships.

Monday, September 12, 2011

No.282 Squadron

No.282 Squadron was an air-sea rescue squadron that had two incarnations during the Second World War, the first serving from Scotland and the second from the south-west of England.

No.281 Squadron

No.281 Squadron was an air-sea rescue squadron that served all around the British coast in a large number of detachments.

No.280 Squadron

No.280 Squadron was an air-sea rescue squadron that provided cover off the south-east of England, East Anglia and into the North Sea.

Friday, September 09, 2011

Florida class battleships

The Florida class battleships were the third class of dreadnoughts built for the US Navy, and were modified versions of the previous Delaware class ships.

Siege of Athens (to 404 BC)

The siege of Athens (to 404 BC) was the final act of the Great Peloponnesian War, and confirmed the Spartan victory that had been made almost inevitable at the naval battle of Aegospotami in 405 BC.

Thursday, September 08, 2011

Delaware class battleships

The two Delaware class battleships were the second class of American dreadnoughts, and the first to be on a par with their British contemporaries.

South Carolina class battleships

The two South Carolina class battleships were the first American battleships to be built with all big-gun main armament, and were designed at around the same time as the British Dreadnought, although took much longer to build, and were not completed until 1910.

Wednesday, September 07, 2011

No.279 Squadron

No.279 Squadron was an air-sea rescue squadron that provided cover over the Bay of Biscay and Western Approaches, before moving to the north of Scotland, while also providing a detachment for service in Burma.

No.278 Squadron

No.278 Squadron was an air-sea rescue squadron formed to cover the coast off East Anglia, but that ended the war with responsibility for the English Channel.

No.277 Squadron

No.277 Squadron was an air-sea rescue unit that covered the area between the south-east of England and the French coast, one of the busiest areas around the British coast during the Second World War.

No.276 Squadron

No.276 Squadron was an air-sea rescue unit that covered the western end of the English Channel and the Bristol Channel

Updated articles

Two modified articles to start today. We have now re-written our article on the Douglas C-84, as a result of infomation provided by Chuck Rau. Peter Antill has also provided an enlarged section on the Junkers Ju 390 for his article on the Ju 290.

Accounts of delivery of Spitfire and Beaufighter

Many thanks to Michael Goold for providing us with accounts of the delivery of a Spitfire from the UK to Egypt and of a Beaufighter from Egypt to Rome. Michael served with 216 group No 4 ADU (part of Transport Command) and flew eighteen types of aircraft during his service.

Monday, September 05, 2011

Kyushu Q1W Tokai (Eastern Sea) 'Lorna'

The Kyushu Q1W Tokai (Eastern Sea) 'Lorna' was the first dedicated anti-submarine warfare aircraft to be produced for the Japanese navy, but wasn't a great success and was only produced in small numbers.
The Kyushu J7W Shinden (Magnificent Lighting) was the only canard configuration aircraft (with the main wings at the rear) to be ordered into production by any nation during the Second World War, but the aircraft never proceeded beyond the prototype stage.

Friday, September 02, 2011

No.275 Squadron

No.275 Squadron was an air-sea rescue squadron that provided cover over the Irish Sea, then between England and the Normandy invasion beaches and finally over the western part of the English Channel.

No.274 Squadron

No.274 Squadron spent most of the Second World War serving as a fighter squadron in North Africa. It then returned to Britain in 1944 where it took part in the campaign against the V-1 flying bomb, before moving to the continent to join 2nd Tactical Air Force.

No.273 Squadron

No.273 Squadron was reformed on Ceylon in 1939, and had a quiet war until the Japanese raid on the island in April 1942. Two more quiet years followed, before the squadron moved to the Burma front in 1944 to carry out ground attack and fighter escort missions.

Thursday, September 01, 2011

Kyushu Q3W1 Nankai

The Kyushu Q3W1 Nankai was a dedicated anti-submarine warfare aircraft based on the K11W trainer.

Kyushu K11W Shiragiku

The Kyushu K11W Shiragiku was a single-engined crew training aircraft that was also used as an anti-submarine warfare aircraft.

Kyushu K10W 'Oak'

The Kyushu K10W 'Oak' was an intermediate trainer based on the North American NA-16 and that replaced the Yokosuka K5Y1 in Japanese naval service.

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Battle of Aegospotami (405 BC)

The battle of Aegospotami (405 BC) was a crushing Athenian defeat that effectively ended the Great Peloponnesian War, leaving the city vulnerable to a siege and naval blockade.

Battle of the Arginusae Islands (406 BC)

The battle of the Arginusae Islands (406 BC) was the last major Athenian victory of the Great Peloponnesian War, but after the battle six of the eight victorious generals were executed for failing to rescue the crews of the twenty five Athenian warships lost during the battle.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Kokusai Ki-86

The Kokusai Ki-86 was a version of the Bücker Bü 131 Jungmann produced under licence for the Japanese Army.

Kyushu K9W Momiji

The Kyushu K9W Momiji was a licence-built version of the Bücker Bü 131B Jungman basic trainer produced in Japan for use by the Imperial Japanese Navy.

Monday, August 29, 2011

Siege of Mytilene (406 BC)

The siege of Mytilene (406 BC) saw the Peloponnesians attempt to capture this Athenian held city on Lesbos. The siege was ended by the Athenian naval victory at Arginusea, but the reaction to the aftermath of this battle played a part in the final Athenian defeat in the Great Peloponnesian War.

Siege of Methymne (406 BC)

The siege of Methymne (406 BC) was a second success for the Peloponnesian fleet commanded by Callicratidas, and saw the loss of a second Athenian stronghold on the coast of Asia Minor.

Friday, August 26, 2011

Siege of Delphinium (406 BC)

The siege of Delphinium (406 BC) was a minor Peloponnesian success that came early in the command of Callicratidas, an admiral who replaced the popular Lysander in command of the Peloponnesian fleet in Asia Minor.

Battle of Notium (407 BC)

The battle of Notium (407 BC) was a minor Athenian naval defeat, but in its aftermath Alcibiades went into exile for a second time, removing one of the best Athenian commanders of the Great Peloponnesian War.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Bücker Bü 182 Kornett

The Bücker Bü 182 Kornett was a single-seat training aircraft that like the Bü 181 Bestmann developed from the earlier Bü 180, but that didn't enter mass production.

Bücker Bü 181 Bestmann

The Bücker Bü 181 Bestmann was a two-man basic trainer produced in vast numbers for the Luftwaffe, as well as in Sweden, Holland, Czechoslovakia and Egypt.

Bücker Bü 180 Student

The Bücker Bü 180 Student was a commercially unsuccessful two-seat touring aircraft that was more significant as the direct precursor to the Bü 181 Bestmann, one of the most important training aircraft used by the Luftwaffe during the Second World War

Monday, August 22, 2011

Bücker Bü 134

The Bücker Bü 134 was the Bücker Company's first monoplane, and was a rare failure for the company.

Bücker Bü 133 Jungmeister

The Bücker Bü 133 Jungmeister was a very successful single seat aerobatic trainer used as an advanced trainer by the Luftwaffe and as an aerobatic display aircraft after the war.

Bücker Bü 131 Jungmann

The Bücker Bü 131 Jungmann was a biplane primary trainer that played an important role in the growth of the Luftwaffe, before seeing limited active service as a night harassment aircraft late in the Second World War

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Siege of Byzantium (408 BC)

The siege of Byzantium (408 BC) was an Athenian victory that saw them regain control over the Bosphorus, and remove a threat to Athens's food supplies from the Black Sea.

Siege of Chalcedon (408 BC)

The siege of Chalcedon (408 BC) was part of an Athenian attempt to regain control of the Bosphorus and ensure the safety of Athens's food supplies from the Black Sea.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Battle of Megara (409/408 BC)

The battle of Megara (409/408 BC) was a rare example of an Athenian victory on land over a force that contained Spartan troops.

Battle of Cyzicus (410 BC)

The battle of Cyzicus (410 BC) was a major Athenian victory won in the Propontis and that temporarily restored Athenian control of the Hellespont and the sea routes to the Black Sea, as well as restoring confidence and morale in Athens after the disaster at Syracuse

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

No.272 Squadron

No.272 Squadron was formed as a home-based shipping escort squadron during 1940, but spent most of the war serving as a long range fighter squadron in the Mediterranean theatre.

No.271 Squadron

No.271 Squadron was formed in 1940 as a transport squadron, and served in that role until 1944, when it became an airborne forces squadron, taking part in the D-Day landings, the battle of Arnhem and the crossing of the Rhine.

No.270 Squadron

No.270 Squadron was a flying boat squadron that provided anti-submarine cover off the coast of West Africa.

Monday, August 15, 2011

Erich von Manstein - Hitler's Master Strategist, Benoit Lemay.

Erich von Manstein - Hitler's Master Strategist, Benoit Lemay.

Focuses on Manstein's wartime career, from the planning for the invasions on Poland and France to his time on the Eastern Front. This is an objective account, acknowledging both Manstein's great ability as a general and his involvement in the massive war crimes committed in Russia, with his knowledge, and on occasion encouragement.
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Marshal Vauban and the Defence of Louis XIV's France, James Falkner.

Marshal Vauban and the Defence of Louis XIV's France, James Falkner.

A biography of the famous French military engineer, whose fortifications dominated many French towns for centuries after his death. Vauban was both a builder and besieger of fortifications, and this biography looks at both his defensive work, where he created a strongly defended border, and his military career, where by his own count he was involved in over fifty major sieges.
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The 16th Durham Light Infantry in Italy, 1943-1945, Peter Hart.

The 16th Durham Light Infantry in Italy, 1943-1945, Peter Hart.

Using interviews conducted from the mid 1980s, this book tells the story of the 16th Durham Light Infantry's time in Italy as seen by the men of the unit. The result is a very valuable ground level view of the world of the fighting men, supported by a good overall account of the campaign.
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Kawanishi N1K-J Shiden (Violet Lightning)

The Kawanishi N1K-J Shiden (Violet Lightning) was one of the best fighters to see service with the Imperial Japanese Navy, and in skilled hands was more than capable of holding its own against the American fighters that were increasingly dominating the Pacific skies.

Kawanishi N1K Kyofu (Mighty Wind)

The Kawanishi N1K Kyofu (Mighty Wind) was a floatplane fighter designed to support amphibious assaults in areas out of the range of land-based or carrier aircraft.

Friday, August 12, 2011

No.269 Squadron

No.269 Squadron began the war as a home based coastal reconnaissance squadron, but spent the second half of the war serving overseas, first as a anti-submarine warfare squadron based on Iceland and then as an air-sea rescue and meteorological squadron operating from the Azores.

No.268 Squadron

No.268 Squadron was formed as an army co-operation squadron in 1940, but spent most of the war serving as a tactical reconnaissance unit, ending the war with 2nd Tactical Air Force.

No.267 Squadron

No.267 Squadron was a transport squadron that served in the Mediterranean from its formation in 1940 until early 1945, and then moved to Burma to help support the final Allied offensive in that country.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Kawanishi H8K 'Emily'

The Kawanishi H8K 'Emily' was the fastest and most heavily armed flying boat to enter service in significant numbers during the Second World War, and was considered by Allied pilots to be the hardest Japanese aircraft to shoot down.

Kawanishi E15K Shiun (Violet Cloud)

The Kawanishi E15K Shiun (Violet Cloud) was a reconnaissance float-plane designed to be able to operate in areas dominated by enemy fighters, and that would thus be too dangerous for more conventional float-planes.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Battle of Abydos (411 BC)

The battle of Abydos (411 BC) was a second Athenian victory won in the Hellespont during 411 BC, and played a major part in securing Athens's food supplies from the Black Sea and in restoring morale after the disaster at Syracuse in 413 BC

Great Peloponnesian War (431-404 BC)

The Great Peloponnesian War (431-404 BC) was a titanic struggle between Athens and Sparta that engulfed the entire Greek world, and that ended with the total defeat of Athens and the destruction of her naval empire.

Tuesday, August 09, 2011

Kawanishi J6K1 Jinpu

The Kawanishi J6K1 Jinpu was a purpose-built land based interceptor designed for the Japanese navy, but that didn't enter production because of the success of the same company's N1K2-J.

Kawanishi J3K1

The Kawanishi J3K1 was a land based interceptor designed for the Japanese navy, but that was abandoned early in the design stage.

Monday, August 08, 2011

Hitler's Savage Canary - A History of the Danish Resistance in World War II, David Lampe.

Hitler's Savage Canary - A History of the Danish Resistance in World War II, David Lampe.

Tells the story of the Danish Resistance, which from a slow start in 1940 became one of the most effective in occupied Europe, and is now most famous for helping the vast majority of Denmark's Jews escape to neutral Sweden.
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North American Indian Tribes of the Great Lakes, Michael G. Johnson.

North American Indian Tribes of the Great Lakes, Michael G. Johnson.

Packs a great deal of information into its 48 pages, with a look at the main tribes and tribal groupings in the Great Lakes, or Old North West. Includes a guide to the tribes, an account of the main wars from the mid 18th to early 19th centuries, and some mini biographies of Indian leaders.
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Border Reiver, 1513-1603, Keith Durham.

Border Reiver, 1513-1603, Keith Durham.

An examination of the last century of warfare on the Anglo-Scottish border, which mainly involved the local families, or reivers, who took part in an endless series of border raids. Most were more criminal than military, but the same men were normally involved in the regular battles on the borders, and their activities turned the whole border region into a fortified area.
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Images of the Past: Fishing Industry, Jon Sutherland & Diane Canwell.

Images of the Past: Fishing Industry, Jon Sutherland & Diane Canwell.

An interesting photographic record of the fishing industry of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Although there is little directly relevant to military history, these men and these boats did serve in vast numbers in the Royal Navy in both world wars.
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World War II Soviet Armed Forces (1), 1939-41, Dr Nigel Thomas.

World War II Soviet Armed Forces (1), 1939-41, Dr Nigel Thomas.

This is a fairly traditional Osprey Man at Arms book looking at the soviet armed forces during the early stages of the Second World War 1939-1941. The book gives a brief outline of the early course of the war, the purges of high command, and the land forces' main campaigns, with sections on the Air force, Navy and NKVD uniforms. The book is short and gives an introduction to a big subject with excellent detail on uniforms and organisation at this early stage.
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Merville Battery and the Dives Bridges, Carl Shilleto.

Merville Battery and the Dives Bridges, Carl Shilleto.

One part of a two part guide to the British airborne operations at the Merville Battery and Pegasus Bridge on D-Day. The book combined an account of the attack on the Merville gun battery and nearby operations with a guide for visitors to the modern battlefields.
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Battle of Cynossema (411 BC)

The battle of Cynossema (411 BC) was the first major Athenian victory since their disastrous defeat on Sicily in 413 BC, and helped restore morale in the city after a series of setbacks and a period of political upheaval.

Battle of Miletus (412 BC)

The battle of Miletus (412 BC) was an Athenian victory fought outside the walls of Miletus, but that was followed almost immediately by the arrival of a Peloponnesian fleet and an Athenian retreat.

Friday, August 05, 2011

Battle of Panormus (412 BC)

The battle of Panormus (412 BC) was a minor Athenian victory during the longer siege of Miletus, most notable for the death of the Spartan commander Chalcideus.

Siege of Miletus (412 BC)

The unsuccessful siege of Miletus (412 BC) was a major Athenian setback early in the Ionian phase of the Great Peloponnesian War, and helped establish a revolt against Athenian power in the area.

Thursday, August 04, 2011

No.266 'Rhodesia' Squadron

No.266 'Rhodesia' Squadron was a fighter squadron that operated the Spitfire during 1940 and 1941 before converting to the Hawker Typhoon at the start of 1942, using that aircraft with Second Tactical Air Force during the liberation of Western Europe.

No.265 Squadron

No.265 Squadron was a flying boat squadron that was formed in 1943 to provide patrols over the India Ocean and that continued in that role until it was disbanded in April 1945.

No.263 Squadron

No.263 Squadron began the Second World War as a fighter squadron equipped with the Gloster Gladiator biplane which it used in Norway, and ended it as a Typhoon squadron in the Second Tactical Air Force.

Tuesday, August 02, 2011

Kawanishi H6K 'Mavis'

The Kawanishi H6K 'Mavis' was a long range flying boat that demonstrated that Kawanishi could complete with the best in the world, and that despite its lack of protection remained in front line service throughout the Second World War.

Kawanishi H3K

The Kawanishi H3K was a long range reconnaissance seaplane designed by Shorts and produced under licence in Japan by Kawanishi.

Monday, August 01, 2011

Nakajima G8N Renzan (Mountain Range)

The Nakajima G8N Renzan (Mountain Range) was a four engined long range bomber designed from 1943 and that only reached the prototype stage before the end of the Second World War.

Mitsubishi A5M 'Claude'

The Mitsubishi A5M 'Claude' was the first monoplane fighter to enter service with the Imperial Japanese Navy, and helped Japan to win air superiority over China in 1937-39, but had largely been replaced in front line units by the start of the Pacific War.

Friday, July 29, 2011

Rising Sun, John Toland.

Rising Sun, John Toland.

A well researched and compelling history of the Second World War in the Pacific, mainly told from the Japanese point of view. As a result we learn more about the Japanese strategy for the war, the reasons for each decision, and the political background in Japan.
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Britain's Part-Time Soldiers: The Amateur Military Tradition 1558-1945, Ian F. W. Beckett.

Britain's Part-Time Soldiers: The Amateur Military Tradition 1558-1945, Ian F. W. Beckett.

An in depth study of the amateur military tradition, from its medieval roots to the modern Territorial Army. Looks at the impact of the militia, volunteers and territorials on society, their composition and their relationship with the professional army.
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Images of War: Blitzkrieg Poland, Jon Sutherland and Diane Canwell.

Images of War: Blitzkrieg Poland, Jon Sutherland and Diane Canwell.

Contains three photo albums belonging to German soldiers who took part in the invasion or occupation of Poland in 1939. Each picture is accompanied by an informative caption, discussing either the details of the picture or the wider situation in the fighting.
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The Battle-Cruiser HMS Renown 1916-1948, Peter C. Smith.

The Battle-Cruiser HMS Renown 1916-1948, Peter C. Smith.

Built as a First World War battlecruiser, the Renown survived to become one of the most important British warships of the Second World War. Making extensive use of the memories of the crewmen who served in her, this book tells the tale of a fast, happy, but vulnerable ship that despite her thin battlecruiser armour surivied to play a major part in the most British naval successes, especially in the Mediterranean.
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No.262 Squadron

No.262 Squadron was a flying boat squadron that was based in South Africa from 1942 until it was transferred to the S.A.A.F. in 1945. The squadron was formed on 29 September 1942 at Liverpool, and its personnel immediately set sail for South Africa.

No.261 Squadron

No.261 Squadron was the fighter squadron responsible for the defence of Malta in 1940-41. It was later reformed in Iraq, and served in Palestine, Cyprus and Burma, ending the war as a fighter-bomber squadron.

No.260 Squadron

No.260 Squadron was a fighter squadron that briefly served in Scotland, before moving to the Mediterranean, where it remained for the rest of the war, acting as a fighter-bomber squadron.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

No.259 Squadron

No.259 Squadron served as an anti-submarine warfare squadron over the Indian Ocean, from its formation in 1943 until the end of the Second World War.

No.258 Squadron

No.258 Squadron was a fighter squadron that served in Britain until 1941, when it was moved to the Far East. After taking part in the disastrous defence of Singapore, Sumatra and Java the squadron was reformed in India, and spent the rest of the war fighting on the Burma front.

No.257 Squadron

No.257 Squadron was a Typhoon squadron that took part in the campaign against German fighter-bomber raids on the south coast before joining Second Tactical Air Force to serve as a fighter-bomber squadron during the invasion of Western Europe.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

No.256 Squadron

No.256 Squadron was a home based defensive night fighter squadron from 1940 until 1943, when it moved to the Mediterranean, ending the war flying intruder missions over the Balkans.

No.255 Squadron

No.255 Squadron served as a night fighter squadron through the Second World War, first in a home based defensive role, then in North Africa and Sicily and finally as a night intruder squadron operating over the Balkans.

No.254 Squadron

No.254 Squadron was formed as a shipping protection squadron, and spent the first half of the war on largely defensive duties, before becoming a torpedo bomber squadron with the North Coates strike wing from 1942 until the end of the war.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Ancient Warfare Vol IV, Issue 6: Royal Stalemate: Hellenistic kingdoms at war.

Ancient Warfare Vol IV, Issue 6: Royal Stalemate: Hellenistic kingdoms at war.

An examination of the long series of wars between the successor states to Alexander the Great, often seen as a series of futile wars that only ended when Macedonia, Ptolemaic Egypt and Seleucid Empire were swept away by the Romans.

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Ancient Warfare Vol V Issue 1: The 'new man' who saved Rome: Gaius Marius at War.

Ancient Warfare Vol V Issue 1: The 'new man' who saved Rome: Gaius Marius at War.

An examination of the career of one of the great military and political leaders of the late Republic, looking at his military achievements, the innovations attributed to him and the political background to his rise and career. Also looks at professionalism under Alexander the Great and the role of the chariot on the battlefield.

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Frigates, Sloops and Brigs, James Henderson.

Frigates, Sloops and Brigs, James Henderson.

Originally published as two separate books, this single volume edition looks at the frigates and smaller ships that served in the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic and Revolutionary Wars. Tales of daring successes mix with stories of bold actions that ended in defeat to produce an picture of life and death in the small ships.

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Cross and Crescent in the Balkans - the Ottoman Conquest of Southeastern Europe, David Nicolle.

Cross and Crescent in the Balkans - the Ottoman Conquest of Southeastern Europe, David Nicolle.

Partly chronological and partly thematic, this book looks at the Ottoman conquest and retention of the Balkans, overcoming the remnants of Byzantium, a number of powerful Balkan states, before  recovering from the devastation caused by Tamerlane. Looks at Ottoman culture, architecture, urban and rural life as well as the military campaigns that established an empire that lasted into the Twentieth Century.

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The Soviet Union at War 1941-1945, ed. David R. Stone.

The Soviet Union at War 1941-1945, ed. David R. Stone.

An examination of the impact of the German invasion on the Soviet Union, and how effective the various elements of the Soviet system were in fighting the war. Topics covered include the collective farming system, Soviet industry, the structure and attitudes of the military, the role of Women and the fate of non-Russians on both sides of the front line.

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Battle of Eretria (411 BC)

The battle of Eretria (411 BC) was a naval defeat suffered by Athens that was followed by a major revolt on the island of Euboea, cutting the city off from one of its last sources of food (Great Peloponnesian War).

Battle of Cnidus (412/411 BC)

The battle of Cnidus (412/411 BC) was an inconclusive naval battle which meant that the Athenians were unable to prevent two Spartan fleets from uniting on the coast of Asia Minor.

Monday, July 25, 2011

Mitsubishi Ki-7

The Mitsubishi Ki-7 was the designation given to two K3M training aircraft produced for the Japanese Army.

Mitsubishi K3M 'Pine'

The Mitsubishi K3M 'Pine' was a single-engined crew trainer that also saw service as a light liaison aircraft during the Pacific War.

Friday, July 22, 2011

No.253 Squadron

No.253 Squadron was a fighter squadron that fought in the Battle of Britain, before moving to the Mediterranean, ending the war operating from a base in Yugoslavia.

No.252 Squadron

No.252 Squadron was reformed on 21 November 1940, and was the first squadron in Coastal Command to be equipped with the Bristol Beaufighter.

No.251 Squadron

No.251 Squadron was reformed on 1 August 1944 by the renumbering of No.1407 Flight at Reykjavik, and served as an air-sea rescue and meteorological squadron for the rest of the war.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Siege of Syracuse of 414-413 BC

The Athenian siege of Syracuse of 414-413 BC was a two year long epic that ended with the total defeat and destruction of the Athenian army, and that put Athens onto the defensive in the renewed fighting in the Great Peloponnesian War.

Battle of Syracuse (or of the Anapus River) of 415 BC

The battle of Syracuse (or of the Anapus River) of 415 BC was an Athenian victory won close to the shore south of the city of Syracuse, but one that had no impact on the long-term outcome of the Sicilian expedition, which ended in total defeat.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

No.250 Squadron

No.250 Squadron spent the entire Second World War operating in or around the Mediterranean, taking part in the battles in the Western Desert and the invasions of Sicily and Italy.

No.249 Squadron

No.249 Squadron was a fighter squadron that took part in the Battle of Britain, where one of its pilots won Fighter Command's first Victoria Cross, before moving to Malta and the Mediterranean.

No.248 Squadron

No.248 Squadron was formed as a night fighter unit, but spend most of the war serving with Coastal Command, ending the war with the Banff Strike Wing.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Battle of Mantinea (418 BC)

The battle of Mantinea (418 BC) was a Spartan victory over an alliance of Peloponnesian states led by Argos and supported by Athens. The alliance survived into the following year, but the threat that it originally posed to Sparta was gone.

Siege of Orchomenes (418 B.C.)

The siege of Orchomenes (418 B.C.) was a short-lived success won by an alliance of Greek cities led by Argos and that included Athens.

Monday, July 18, 2011

Mitsubishi J8M/ Ki-200

The Mitsubishi J8M/ Ki-200 was a rocket plane based on the German Me 163B but that was developed in Japan in less than a year despite the lack of any detailed plans of the German original.

Mitsubishi A7M Reppu (Hurricane) 'Sam'

The Mitsubishi A7M Reppu (Hurricane) 'Sam' was designed to be the replacement for the A6M Zero, but despite a great deal of effort over several years only one production aircraft was completed before the end of the Second World War.

Friday, July 15, 2011

No.247 Squadron

No.247 Squadron was a fighter squadron that alternated between defensive duties and offensive sweeps over France, ending the war with 2nd Tactical Air Force.

No.245 Squadron

No.245 Squadron served with Fighter Command from 1939 until 1943, before joining 2nd Tactical Air Force to take part in the D-Day invasion.

No.244 Squadron

No.244 Squadron served in the Middle East for the entire Second World War, first as a patrol and army co-operation squadron and later as an anti-submarine squadron.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Mitsubishi J4M1

The Mitsubishi J4M1 was an advanced interceptor produced for the Japanese Navy but that never progressed beyond the design stage.

Mitsubishi J2M Raiden (Thunderbolt) 'Jack'

The Mitsubishi J2M Raiden (Thunderbolt) 'Jack' was a land-based interceptor that emphasised performance and pilot protection rather than manoeuvrability, and that would have been of great value to the Japanese Navy if its combat debut hadn’t been delayed until 1944.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Mitsubishi F1M 'Pete'

The Mitsubishi F1M 'Pete' was designed as an observation float plane, but saw service as an impromptu fighter, diver bomber and patrol aircraft.

Mitsubishi B1M

The Mitsubishi B1M was a Japanese Navy torpedo bomber that was designed by Herbert Smith, formerly of Sopwith, and that served well into the 1930s.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

No.243 Squadron

No.243 Squadron had three incarnations during the Second World War, first as a fighter squadron at Singapore, second as a fighter squadron in the Mediterranean and finally as a transport squadron in the Pacific.

No.242 Squadron

No.242 Squadron went through three incarnations during the Second First World War, the first as Douglas Bader's fighter squadron during the Battle of Britain, the second as a fighter squadron in North Africa and Italy and the third as a transport squadron.

No.241 Squadron

No.241 Squadron was reformed in 1940 as an army co-operation squadron, but saw most of its active service as a ground attack and reconnaissance squadron in North Africa and Italy.

Monday, July 11, 2011

No.240 Squadron

No.240 Squadron was a flying boat squadron that spend the first half of the war serving in Home Waters and the second half operating from India.

No.239 Squadron

No.239 Squadron served as an army co-operation squadron and a tactical reconnaissance and ground attack squadron, before ending the war as a night intruder squadron supporting Bomber Command.

No.238 Squadron

No.238 Squadron was a fighter squadron that took part in the Battle of Britain before moving to the Mediterranean, where it took part in the fighting in North Africa, the invasion of Sicily and the invasion of Italy. It was then reformed as a transport squadron, and took part in the invasion of Burma.

Friday, July 08, 2011

Mitsubishi B5M 'Kate'

The Mitsubishi B5M 'Kate' was a torpedo bomber developed alongside the more successful Nakajima B5N, but that also entered production and saw some limited front line service.

Thursday, July 07, 2011

Nakajima B5N 'Kate'

The Nakajima B5N 'Kate' was the most successful Japanese torpedo bomber of the Second World War, playing a major part in every victory in the year after Pearl Harbor.

Wednesday, July 06, 2011

Invasion of Poland, 1 September 1939 (Part 1)

The invasion of Poland on the 1 September 1939 by Nazi Germany heralded the start of another general European war, which quickly became a global conflict with the declaration of war by Britain and France as well as their respective empires, two days later.

Tuesday, July 05, 2011

Nakajima B6N Tenzan (Heavenly Mountain) 'Jill'

The Nakajima B6N Tenzan (Heavenly Mountain) Jill was designed to replace the Nakajima B5N 'Kate', but delays meant that it didn't enter service until 1943, two years after originally planned, and too late for it to have any real impact on the fighting in the Pacific.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Nakajima Ki-84 Hayate (Gale)

The Nakajima Ki-84 Hayate (Gale) was the best Japanese fighter aircraft to see front line service in significant during the Second World War, and the last in a series of radial engine powered fighters produced by the Nakajima company.

Nakajima Ki-63

The Nakajima Ki-63 was the designation given to a version of the Nakajima Ki-62 that would have been powered by the 1,050hp Mitsubishi Ha-102 radial engine.

Nakajima Ki-62

The Nakajima Ki-62 was a design for a fighter to be powered by the Japanese version of the Daimler-Benz DB 601A engine, produced in case the Kawasaki Ki-61 design failed.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Peace of Nicias (421 BC)

The Peace of Nicias (421 BC) brought a temporary end to the fighting in the Great Peloponnesian War. Although it was meant to last for fifty years, it was broken after only a year and a half, and the war continued until 404 BC.

Battle of Amphipolis (422 BC)

The battle of Amphipolis (422 BC) was a disastrous Athenian defeat in Thrace, inflicted on them by an army led by the Spartan Brasidas.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Battle of Delium (424 BC)

The battle of Delium (424 BC) was a costly Athenian defeat that came during an unsuccessful attempt to seize control of Boeotia (Great Peloponnesian War)

Siege of Scione (423-421 B.C.)

The siege of Scione (423-421 B.C.) came after the city rebelled against Athens, with Spartan support, but continued on after those cities agreed a short-lived peace treaty, and at the end the defenders of the city were either executed or sold into slavery.

Battle of Laodocium (423 or 422 BC)

The battle of Laodocium (423 or 422 BC) was a clash between two Peloponnesian cities, fought during a brief armistice between Athens and Sparta (Great Peloponnesian War).