On the Precipice: Stalin, the Red Army Leadership and the Road to Stalingrad 1931-42, Peter Mezhiritsky.
An account of the road to Stalingrad loosely based around a
discussion of Marshal Zhukov's memoirs, but focusing on Stalin's role
in the catastrophes that almost overwhelmed the Soviet Union after the
German invasion of 1941. Often conversational in tone, and with a
tendency to indulge in flights of fantasy and speculation, this is
still an entertaining read that provides an interesting point of view
on this devastating period.
[read full review]
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Watershed - Angola and Mozambique: A Photo-History - The Portuguese Collapse in Africa, 1974-75, Wilf Nussey.
Watershed - Angola and Mozambique: A Photo-History - The Portuguese Collapse in Africa, 1974-75, Wilf Nussey.
An excellent photographic history of the end of the Portuguese Empire in Africa, triggered by the overthrow of the Fascist regime back in Portugal. Based around the photos take by the Argus Africa News Service, supported by a text written by the then head of the service. Follows a tragic tale of great but disappointed expectations after Independence was followed by prolonged civil wars in both countries.
[read full review]
An excellent photographic history of the end of the Portuguese Empire in Africa, triggered by the overthrow of the Fascist regime back in Portugal. Based around the photos take by the Argus Africa News Service, supported by a text written by the then head of the service. Follows a tragic tale of great but disappointed expectations after Independence was followed by prolonged civil wars in both countries.
[read full review]
A Biographical Dictionary of the Twentieth Century Royal Navy: Volume 1 Admirals of the Fleet and Admirals, Alastair Wilson .
A Biographical Dictionary of the Twentieth Century Royal Navy: Volume 1 Admirals of the Fleet and Admirals, Alastair Wilson .
The start of a large project to produce a dictionary of 20th Century British Naval Biography, starting with Admirals and Admirals of the Fleet. Split into two, with the biographies in pdf form on CD and a printed volume to explain the format and contents of the biography. This is a very useful reference work in its own right – it'll certainly be of great use for me as I try and track down some of the more obscure wartime admirals – and the complete series will be a very impressive achievement.
[read full review]
The start of a large project to produce a dictionary of 20th Century British Naval Biography, starting with Admirals and Admirals of the Fleet. Split into two, with the biographies in pdf form on CD and a printed volume to explain the format and contents of the biography. This is a very useful reference work in its own right – it'll certainly be of great use for me as I try and track down some of the more obscure wartime admirals – and the complete series will be a very impressive achievement.
[read full review]
Monday, May 30, 2016
Battle of Thespiae (378 BC)
The battle of Thespiae (378 BC)
was a Theban victory that ended a period of Sparta raids from their
base at Thespiae, and in which the Spartan commander Phoebidas was
killed.
Theban campaign of 378 BC
The Theban campaign of 378 BC
was the first of two unsuccessful invasions of Boeotia led by King
Agesilaus II of Sparta, and ended after a standoff close to the city of
Thebes.
Friday, May 27, 2016
Aichi S1A Denko (Bolt of Light)
The Aichi S1A Denko (Bolt of Light)
was a Japanese Navy night fighter that was at an advanced stage of
development before US bombing destroyed the two prototypes, effectively
ending the programme.
Aichi H9A flying boat
The Aichi H9A flying boat was the only dedicated flying boat trainer to be placed into production in significant numbers during the Second World War.
Thursday, May 26, 2016
USS Jenkins (DD-42)
USS Jenkins (DD-42)
was a Monaghan class destroyer that took part in the US intervention
in Mexico in 1914, then operated from Queenstown in Ireland during
1917-18.
USS Jouett (DD-41)
USS Jouett (DD-41)
was a Monaghan class destroyer that took part in the US intervention
in Mexico in 1914, then largely operated off the US coast after the
American entry into the First World War. In the 1920s she was loaned to
the Coast Guard.
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Battle of Rheims (13 March 1814)
The battle of Rheims (13 March 1814)
was Napoleon's last significant success during the 1814 campaign, and
saw his troops recapture Rheims in a night attack, briefly causing a
panic amongst the Allied commanders.
Battle of Arcis-sur-Aube (20-21 March 1814)
The battle of Arcis-sur-Aube (20-21 March 1814)
was Napoleon's last major battle during the campaign of 1814 and saw
him misjudge his opponents, march into a dangerous trap and then manage
to extricate much of his army.
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
The Siege of LZ Kate, Arthur G. Sharp .
The Siege of LZ Kate, Arthur G. Sharp .
Looks at the short but fierce North Vietnamese siege of a US firebase close to the Cambodia border, and the dramatic night time escape that saw the besieged US and allied soldiers escape from this trap. The siege only really lasted four days, so is covered in some detail, especially of the invaluable air support that kept the base supplied, evacuated the wounded and provided fire power to defend the isolated post against much larger attacking force.
[read full review]
Looks at the short but fierce North Vietnamese siege of a US firebase close to the Cambodia border, and the dramatic night time escape that saw the besieged US and allied soldiers escape from this trap. The siege only really lasted four days, so is covered in some detail, especially of the invaluable air support that kept the base supplied, evacuated the wounded and provided fire power to defend the isolated post against much larger attacking force.
[read full review]
The Rebel in Me - A ZANLA Guerrilla Commander in the Rhodesian Bosh War, 1975-1980, Agrippah Mutambara .
The Rebel in Me - A ZANLA Guerrilla Commander in the Rhodesian Bosh War, 1975-1980, Agrippah Mutambara .
Very much the insider's view of the Liberation struggle in Zimbabwe (with about half of the book looking at the Rhodesian attack on the ZANLA HQ at Chimoio), written by a key figure in the political side of the struggle who is still loyal to Mugabe. Fascinating material on the ZANLA struggle, just be aware that politically this is very one sided.
[read full review]
Very much the insider's view of the Liberation struggle in Zimbabwe (with about half of the book looking at the Rhodesian attack on the ZANLA HQ at Chimoio), written by a key figure in the political side of the struggle who is still loyal to Mugabe. Fascinating material on the ZANLA struggle, just be aware that politically this is very one sided.
[read full review]
Redeye - Fulda Cold, Bill Fortin.
Redeye - Fulda Cold, Bill Fortin.
A novel largely set on the East-West German border during the Cold War, following the experiences of an American draftee during his two years of service in the late 1960s. Feels far more like an autobiography than a novel, with a mix of historical and fictional figures, while the lead character is involved on the edge of a piece of Cold War military diplomacy.
[read full review]
A novel largely set on the East-West German border during the Cold War, following the experiences of an American draftee during his two years of service in the late 1960s. Feels far more like an autobiography than a novel, with a mix of historical and fictional figures, while the lead character is involved on the edge of a piece of Cold War military diplomacy.
[read full review]
Monday, May 23, 2016
Medium Tank T5
The Medium Tank T5 was the prototype for the Medium Tank M2, and was also the first in the series of designs that ended with the M4 Sherman.
Medium Tank T4/ Medium Tank M1
The Medium Tank T4/ Medium Tank M1
was the last medium tank to use Christie style convertible running
gear, and was based on the Combat Car T4, itself developed from the
Christie M1931/ Medium Tank T3.
Friday, May 20, 2016
Theban Hegemony (371-362)
The Theban Hegemony (371-362)
was a short period in which the battlefield victories of Epaminondas
overthrew the power of Sparta, and made Thebes the most powerful state
in Greece. It began with the crushing Theban victory over a Spartan
army at Leuctra, and effectively ended with the death of Epaminondas at
the battle of Mantinea.
Theban-Spartan War or Boeotian War (379-371 BC)
The Theban-Spartan War or Boeotian War (379-371 BC)
was a conflict triggered by Sparta's attempts to impose her dominance
over the rest of Greece, and that ended with a dramatic Spartan defeat
that marked the beginning of the end for Sparta as a great power.
Thursday, May 19, 2016
Aichi D1A Diver Bomber 'Susie'
The Aichi D1A Diver Bomber 'Susie' was a carrier dive-bomber based on the Heinkel He 66 that saw service with the Japanese Navy during the 1930s.
Aichi B7A Ryusei (Shooting Star) 'Grace'
The Aichi B7A Ryusei (Shooting Star) 'Grace'
was a large torpedo bomber designed for use on a new generation of
Japanese aircraft carriers, but that only saw limited service from land
after the Japanese carrier fleet was destroyed.
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
USS Beale (DD-40)
USS Beale (DD-40)
was a Monaghan class destroyer that took part in the US intervention
in Mexico in 1914, patrolled US waters in 1917 and operated from
Queenstown during 1918. She spent part of the 1920s operating with the
Coast Guard.
USS Henley (DD-39)
USS Henley (DD-39)
was a Monaghan class destroyer that was used to test geared turbines,
then operated along the US East Coast after the American entry into the
First World War. In the 1920s she served with the Coast Guard, before
being sold for scrap in 1934.
Monday, May 16, 2016
Battle of Laon (8-9 March 1814)
The battle of Laon (8-9 March 1814)
was a French defeat that ended Napoleon's hope of defeating Blucher
for a second time during the campaign of 1814 and forced him to retreat
into a position between the two main Allied armies.
Battle of Craonne (7 March 1814)
The battle of Craonne (7 March 1814)
was a rare example of a battle where both commanders misjudged the
situation and was unsatisfactory for both the French and the Allies,
although counts as a narrow French victory.
Friday, May 13, 2016
Medium Tank T2
The Medium Tank T2
was a 15ton tank that was judged to be the best tank yet designed by
the US Ordnance Department when it was tested in 1931, but that didn't
enter production because of financial restrictions during the Great
Depression.
Medium Tank T1
The Medium Tank T1
was the final attempt to produce an effective tank on the basis of the
earlier Medium Tank M1921, but although it was briefly accepted as the
Medium Tank M1 it never entered production.
Thursday, May 12, 2016
Honourable Warriors: Fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan, Richard Streatfield.
Honourable Warriors: Fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan, Richard Streatfield.
Follows the experience of a company commander operating in Sangin in 2009-2010, during a period of intense active operations in which his unit slowly began to win control of the area away from the local Taliban, although at fairly heavy cost. Contains a detailed analysis of the correct way to operate in this sort of environment if there was to be any chance of long term success, and how that was implemented at company level.
[read full review]
Follows the experience of a company commander operating in Sangin in 2009-2010, during a period of intense active operations in which his unit slowly began to win control of the area away from the local Taliban, although at fairly heavy cost. Contains a detailed analysis of the correct way to operate in this sort of environment if there was to be any chance of long term success, and how that was implemented at company level.
[read full review]
SS: Hitler's Foreign Divisions - Foreign Volunteers in the Waffen-SS, 1940-45, Chris Bishop.
SS: Hitler's Foreign Divisions - Foreign Volunteers in the Waffen-SS, 1940-45, Chris Bishop.
Looks at the surprisingly large number of foreign troops who fought with the SS during the Second World War, starting with a country-by-country examination of the motivation, scale and organisation of recruitment, and then turning to a unit by unit account of their often rather unimpressive combat record. Covers a mix of units, including a handful of high qualify front line divisions but far more vicious anti-partisan units with dreadful records and late war units thrown together as the Nazi empire crumbled.
[read full review]
Looks at the surprisingly large number of foreign troops who fought with the SS during the Second World War, starting with a country-by-country examination of the motivation, scale and organisation of recruitment, and then turning to a unit by unit account of their often rather unimpressive combat record. Covers a mix of units, including a handful of high qualify front line divisions but far more vicious anti-partisan units with dreadful records and late war units thrown together as the Nazi empire crumbled.
[read full review]
Moltke and His Generals: A Study in Leadership, Quintin Barry.
Moltke and His Generals: A Study in Leadership, Quintin Barry.
Looks at the relationship between Helmuth von Moltke, Chief of the Prussian General Staff during the Wars of German Unification, and the generals he had to work with. Shows the skill with which he managed a very varied group of officers, of different levels of skill, independence and stubbornness. Also helps explain why the Prussian needed a system where professional staff officers worked alongside unit commanders, many of whom had aristocratic or royal backgrounds.
[read full review]
Looks at the relationship between Helmuth von Moltke, Chief of the Prussian General Staff during the Wars of German Unification, and the generals he had to work with. Shows the skill with which he managed a very varied group of officers, of different levels of skill, independence and stubbornness. Also helps explain why the Prussian needed a system where professional staff officers worked alongside unit commanders, many of whom had aristocratic or royal backgrounds.
[read full review]
Monday, May 09, 2016
Douglas C-29 Dolphin
The Douglas C-29 Dolphin was the most powerful aircraft in the Dolphin series and was powered by two 550hp engines.
Douglas RD
The Douglas RD was
the Navy version of the Douglas Dolphin twin-engined amphibious
aircraft, and was produced in a number of variants for the Navy and
Coast Guard.
Friday, May 06, 2016
USS Jarvis (DD-38)
USS Jarvis (DD-38)
was a Monaghan class destroyer that took part in the US intervention
in Mexico in 1914, then served from Queenstown and Brest during the
First World War.
USS Fanning (DD-37)
USS Fanning (DD-37) was a Monaghan class destroyer that took part in the US intervention in Mexico in 1914, and helped sink U-58, one of only two Germans submarines sunk by US destroyers during the First World War.
Wednesday, May 04, 2016
368th Fighter Group
The 368th Fighter Group
served with the Ninth Air Force and took part in the D-Day invasion,
the siege of Cherbourg, the advance across France, the attack on Germany
and the Battle of the Bulge.
367th Fighter Group
The 367th Fighter Group
served with the Ninth Air Force and took part on the D-Day invasion,
the advance across France, the Battle of the Bulge and the invasion of
Germany.
366th Fighter Group
The 366th Fighter Group
served with the Ninth Air Force and took part in the D-Day invasion,
the advance across France, Operation Market Garden, the Battle of the
Bulge and the invasion of Germany.
Tuesday, May 03, 2016
Britain and Colonial Maritime War in the Early Eighteenth Century - Silver, Seapower and the Atlantic, Shinsuke Satsuma.
Britain and Colonial Maritime War in the Early Eighteenth Century - Silver, Seapower and the Atlantic, Shinsuke Satsuma.
A look at the political influences on British naval policy during the first half of the eighteenth century, a period in which Spain was still the main focus of naval warfare and Spanish silver still held sway in many imaginations. Focuses very much on the political scene in Britain, rather than the details of actual naval expeditions, although these are also covered.
[read full review]
A look at the political influences on British naval policy during the first half of the eighteenth century, a period in which Spain was still the main focus of naval warfare and Spanish silver still held sway in many imaginations. Focuses very much on the political scene in Britain, rather than the details of actual naval expeditions, although these are also covered.
[read full review]
The Men Who Gave Us Wings: Britain and the Aeroplane 1796-1914, Peter Reese
The Men Who Gave Us Wings: Britain and the Aeroplane 1796-1914, Peter Reese.
An interesting account of the early days of flight in Britain, from the research into gliders, through various unsuccessful attempts at powered flights and into the post-Wright Brothers world, when the pioneers of the British aviation industry came to the fore, a group of remarkable men that included the Short brothers, A.V. Roe, Geoffrey de Havilland and Sir Thomas Sopwith.
[read full review]
An interesting account of the early days of flight in Britain, from the research into gliders, through various unsuccessful attempts at powered flights and into the post-Wright Brothers world, when the pioneers of the British aviation industry came to the fore, a group of remarkable men that included the Short brothers, A.V. Roe, Geoffrey de Havilland and Sir Thomas Sopwith.
[read full review]
The Winter War, Eloise Engle and Lauri Paananen .
The Winter War, Eloise Engle and Lauri Paananen .
A classic account of this early offshoot of the Second World War, written largely from the Finnish point of view (perhaps inevitably given the limited amount of reliable Soviet sources in the 1970s). Although more recent works exist, this is an excellent starting point and gives a good feel for the impact of the war on the Finns.
[read full review]
A classic account of this early offshoot of the Second World War, written largely from the Finnish point of view (perhaps inevitably given the limited amount of reliable Soviet sources in the 1970s). Although more recent works exist, this is an excellent starting point and gives a good feel for the impact of the war on the Finns.
[read full review]
Monday, May 02, 2016
Battle of Bar-sur-Aube (27 February 1814)
The battle of Bar-sur-Aube (27 February 1814)
was one of a series of defeats suffered by Napoleon's subordinates
during the campaign of 1814, and saw a combined Russian and Bavarian
force defeat Marshal Oudinot after an attempt to convince the Allies
that Napoleon was still present in that area failed.
Battle of Montereau (18 February 1814)
The battle of Montereau (18 February 1814)
was Napoleon's last significant victory over General Schwarzenberg's
Army of Bohemia during the campaign of 1814, and forced Schwarzenberg
to retreat east from the vicinity of Paris back towards Troyes.
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