USS Philadelphia (CL-41)

USS Philadelphia (CL-41) was a Brooklyn class cruiser that took part in the US occupation of Iceland, Operation Torch, the invasion of Sicily and the landings at Salerno, Anzio and in the south of France.

USS Brooklyn (CL-40)

USS Brooklyn (CL-40) was the name ship of the Brooklyn class of light cruisers and served in the Mediterranean and Atlantic theatres during the Second World War, taking part in Operation Torch and the invasions of Sicily, Italy and the south of France. Brooklyn received four battle stars for her World War II service.

The Rise of the Seleukid Empire 323-223 BC, John D Grainger .

The Rise of the Seleukid Empire 323-223 BC, John D Grainger .

 Looks at the rise and first fall of the Seleucid Empire, the largest successor state to emerge from the collapse of Alexander the Great's Empire. Starts with the rise of the Empire under the impressive Seleucus I and ends with the accession of Antiochus III, the subject of volume two in the series.

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Over the Wire - A Pow's Escape Story from the Second World War, Philip Newman

Over the Wire - A Pow's Escape Story from the Second World War, Philip Newman .

An excellent account of a military doctor's experiences before the evacuation from Dunkirk, time in German captivity, escape from the camp and most valuably his escape to safety from occupied France. Highly recommended for its view of the entire process from camp to safety.
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World War II Tactical Camouflage Techniques, Gordon L. Rottman .

World War II Tactical Camouflage Techniques, Gordon L. Rottman .

This is a fascinating little on a subject which impacted on all armies involved in the conflict, focusing on European and the Med war zones (so no Japanese or jungle patterns) It’s a surprisingly interesting read and a great resource for war gamers , model makers and reenactors. Chapters include principles, materials used, individual and vehicle camo and how gun positions were camouflaged . It looks at what worked well and what methods didn’t and those which made things worse!  There are some fascinating sections on the techniques such as the use of light and shadow, using natural materials and the difference between cover and concealment.  As you would expect from an Osprey book it is lavishly illustrated with colour illustrations by the superb Peter Dennis and filled with period black and white photos which really bring the subject to life.
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Matilda Dozer

The Matilda Dozer was a bull-dozer equipped version of the A12 Matilda Infantry tank, produced in Australia for use in jungle warfare.

Matilda Murray

The Matilda Murray was a flame-thrower tank produced in Australian that arrived too late to see service in the Second World War.

Operation Appease, or the battle of Talasea (6-16 March 1944)

Operation Appease, or the battle of Talasea (6-16 March 1944) was the last major US advance on New Britain, and saw the US Marines capture Talasea, on the Willaumez Peninsula, cutting off the main route being used by Japanese troops attempting to flee from the western part of the island.

Battle of Cape Gloucester (26 December 1943-April 1944)

The battle of Cape Gloucester (26 December 1943-April 1944) was the main American attack during Operation Dexterity, the invasion of western New Britain, and was carried out in order to secure control of the Dampier and Vitiaz Straits, between New Britain and New Ireland.

Yokosho E6Y Type 19 Reconnaissance Seaplane

The Yokosho E6Y Type 19 Reconnaissance Seaplane was the first submarine-based reconnaissance plane to be officially accepted by the Japanese Navy.

Yokosho 1-go Reconnaissance Seaplane

The Yokosho 1-go Reconnaissance Seaplane was designed to be operated from a submarine, and was successfully tested but didn't enter production.

64th Troop Carrier Group (USAAF)

The 64th Troop Carrier Group (USAAF) was a transport unit that operated in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, the south of France and briefly in Burma during the siege of Imphal.

63rd Troop Carrier Group (USAAF)

The 63rd Troop Carrier Group (USAAF) was a home based transport unit that was used to move supplies in North America and later as a training group.

62nd Troop Carrier Group (USAAF)

The 62nd Troop Carrier Group (USAAF) took part in the battle for Tunisia, the invasion of Sicily, the fighting on the mainland of Italy, the invasion of the south of France and supported partisans in the Balkans.

Snafu: Sailor, Airman and Soldier Slang of World War II, Gordon L. Rottman.

Snafu: Sailor, Airman and Soldier Slang of World War II, Gordon L. Rottman.

 Focuses on navy and air force slang, with some army slang not covered in an earlier volume, covering the British, American and German forces. Gives a really interesting insight into the sort of things that concerned the fighting men on both sides of the conflict.
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Smolensk under the Nazis: Everyday Life in Occupied Russia, Laurie R. Cohen.

Smolensk under the Nazis: Everyday Life in Occupied Russia, Laurie R. Cohen.

A study of the experiences of the citizens of Smolensk, based on a series of interviews with five eyewitnesses to the occupation. A fascinating insight into both everyday life under the Germans and the impact of German atrocities and occupation policies on the people of Smolensk. A very serious and valuable study of a very serious topic.
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The Peninsular War Atlas, Colonel Nick Lipscombe.

The Peninsular War Atlas, Colonel Nick Lipscombe.

A very impressive achievement, covering the entire Peninsula War from the first French invasion of Portugal to the final campaigns in France, and looking at just about every aspect of the war, not just the familiar campaigns of Wellington. Excellent maps, marred only by the lack of contrast between the colours chosen for Spanish and French units.
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USS Chicago (CA-136/ CG-11)

USS Chicago (CA-136/ CG-11) was a Baltimore class heavy cruiser that entered service just in time to take part in the final bombardment of Japan during the Second World War, and that was later converted into a guided-missile cruiser.

USS Los Angeles (CA-135)

USS Los Angeles (CA-135) was a Baltimore class heavy cruiser that served on two tours of duty during the Korean War. Los Angeles received five battle stars for service during the Korean conflict.

The Matilda Frog was a flamethrower tank produced in Australia, around the A12 Matilda infantry tank Mk II.

The Matilda Frog was a flamethrower tank produced in Australia, around the A12 Matilda infantry tank Mk II.

Matilda with Carrot

The Matilda with Carrot was produced by fitting an explosive charge on a frame mounted in front of the tank, and was designed to clear obstacles and minefields.

Battle of Arawe (15 December 1943- 16 January 1944)

The battle of Arawe (15 December 1943- 16 January 1944) was a diversionary attack on New Britain, carried out to distract Japanese attention from the main American target at Cape Gloucester on the north-west corner of the island.

Operation Dexterity (16 December 1943-10 February 1944)

Operation Dexterity (16 December 1943-10 February 1944) was the Allied invasion of western New Britain, carried out in order to secure the straits between New Britain and New Guinea, and to tighten the Allied net around the Japanese base at Rabaul.

60th Troop Carrier Group (USAAF)

The 60th Troop Carrier Group (USAAF) served in the Mediterranean Theatre and took part in Operation Torch, the battle for Tunisia, the invasion of Sicily the liberation of Greece and the partisan battles in Yugoslavia.

10th Troop Carrier Group (USAAF)

The 10th Troop Carrier Group (USAAF) was a transport unit that was based in the United States throughout its existence.

Battle of the Maeander (497 BC)

The battle of the Maeander (497 BC) was the first of three battles between Carian rebels and the Persians that eventually disrupted the first major Persian counterattack during the Ionian Revolt.

Siege of Soli (c.497 BC)

The siege of Soli (c.497 BC) was part of the Persian reconquest of Cyprus after the island's failed participation in the Ionian Revolt, and was the last to be concluded, lasting for four months.

USS Toledo (CA-133)

USS Toledo (CA-133) was a Baltimore class heavy cruiser that carried out three combat tours during the Korean War, and was one of the few members of her class to be continuously in commission in her original configuration.

USS Macon (CA-132)

USS Macon (CA-132) was a Baltimore class heavy cruiser that was completed too late for service in the Second World War and that was used in the Atlantic and Mediterranean during the Korean War.

Matilda Scorpion I

The Matilda Scorpion I was a mine-clearing device developed in the Middle East and that saw use in North Africa as well as being modified for use on the Valentine tank.

Matilda with AMRA Mk Ia

The Matilda with AMRA Mk Ia was an attempt to create a mine-sweeping vehicle by pushing heavy rollers ahead of a Matilda infantry tank.

Battle of Kankiryo Saddle (20 January-1 February 1944)

The battle of Kankiryo Saddle (20 January-1 February 1944) saw Australian troops finally force the Japanese to abandon a key position in the Finisterre Mountains of New Guinea, after a period of difficult fighting on jungle-clad mountain ridges that had begun in October 1943 with the first clashes on the famous Shaggy Ridge.

Battle of Dumpu (8-13 December 1943)

The battle of Dumpu (8-13 December 1943) was a rare Japanese counterattack during the fighting in the Finisterre Range on New Guinea, and saw them attempt to push the Australians out of their furthest outposts downstream from Dumpu in the Ramu Valley

Siege of Paphos (c.497)

The siege of Paphos (c.497) was part of the Persian reconquest of Cyprus after the defeat of the Cyprian rebels at Salamis.

Battle of Salamis, c.497 BC

The battle of Salamis, c.497 BC, was a land and sea battle on Cyprus, won by the Persians on land and the Cypriotes and their Ionian allies at sea.

Battle of St Quentin (10 August 1557)

The battle of St Quentin (10 August 1557) saw the Spanish defeat a French army that was attempting to get reinforcements to the besieged garrison of St Quentin (Fifth Hapsburg-Valois War).

Siege of St Quentin (2-27 August 1557)

The siege of St Quentin (2-27 August 1557) saw Gaspard de Coligny, Admiral of France, hold off a massive army led by Philip II of Spain for nearly a month, badly disrupting his plans for an invasion of France.

USS Fall River (CA-131)

USS Fall River (CA-131) was a Baltimore class heavy cruiser that had a very short active career that included a spell as a flagship during the Bikina Atoll atomic weapons tests of 1946.

USS Bremerton (CA-130)

USS Bremerton (CA-130) was a Baltimore class heavy cruiser that was completed just too late to see combat during the Second World War but was recommissioned and was used during the Korean War. Bremerton received two battle stars for service performed during the Korean action.