Military History

Pacific Adversaries conveys detailed stories of aerial warfare in the South Pacific, chosen because both Japanese and Allied records can be matched for an accurate accounting. This second volume describes confrontations between the air arm of the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) and the Allies in New Guinea and the Solomons.

Former Prime Minister of Great Britain and Nobel Prize-winner Winston Churchill's quintessential account of the Second World War.As not only the most powerful player in World War II, but also the most eloquent voice of defiance in the face of Nazi tyranny, Churchill recounts this epic time in world history. Remarkable for his grand sweep and incisive firsthand observations, Memoirs of the Second World War is a vital and illuminating work that retains the drama, eyewitness details, and magisterial prose of his classic six-volume history. Churchill's accounts offers an invaluable view of pivotal events of the twentieth century.

The gripping autobiography of a man whose air force career firmly proved him to be 'One of the Few'

"The Hummel ('bumblebee') and Nashorn ('rhinoceros') are two of Nazi Germany's most widely recognized self-propelled artillery pieces. The Hummel, with its heavy field howitzer, was indispensable as heavy field artillery despite its open-top fighting compartment. The Nashorn, also known as the Hornisse ('hornet'), utilized the same chassis but mounted the formidable 88 mm antitank gun, becoming one of the most feared pieces of antitank artillery, or Panzerjèager ('tank hunter'). This book chronicles the development and use of these vehicles from concept to combat. Through dozens of archival photos, many never before published, as well as detailed photographs of some of the finest existent examples of surviving vehicles, these iconic armored fighting vehicles are explored, and their history is explained."--Publisher website.

The story of the Spanish revolution of the 1930s is quite well known to most people on the left, but there is a surprising level of ignorance concerning the events that occurred subsequently. History did not cease with the victory of Franco in 1939. And the story of how the Franco dictatorship was eventually brought down by the revolutionary movement of the Spanish workers is an inspiring one.Under the most difficult and dangerous conditions, Spanish workers launched a strike wave, which, in its intensity and duration, has no parallel anywhere. There was nothing remotely like this in Hitler's Germany, Mussolini's Italy or Salazar's Portugal. This was a genuine revolution, which could and should have gone far further than it did. If it did not finally succeed, that was no fault of the working class. The Spanish revolution of the 1970s was shamefully betrayed by the leaders of the communist and socialist parties, who entered into an agreement with former fascists in order halt the movement in its tracks.Alan Woods participated personally in the last phase of this struggle and was a witness to some of its most decisive moments. Using a wealth of documentary material from the time and also new interviews with key participants in the events, he tears away the thick veil of lies, myths and half-truths to reveal what actually occurred.With new struggles and challenges on the order of the day in Spain and the rest of the world, it is the duty of all conscious workers and revolutionary youth to study the lessons of the past as a necessary precondition for victory in the future. This book is an important contribution to a necessary learning process and is obligatory reading for anyone who is interested in the struggle for socialism today.

Francis McCullagh opens the window on Mexico in the 1920s, a nation suffering cruel oppression under the ruthless anticlerical government of President Plutarco Elías Calles and General Álvaro Obregón, indirectly aided and abetted by the government of the USA under President Wilson.In this book, the author reveals the harsh realities of life in Mexico, exposing the iniquitous laws devised and imposed on all things Catholic. He examines the real purpose of these laws, and the main personalities involved, and shows how the resultant uprising of the ordinary people, the Cristero War, led to increased government brutality and the martyrdom of many innocent civilians, particularly priests and young Catholic laymen.Red Mexico is a valuable primary source account of a nation persecuted for its religious faith, written by a man of unquestioned courage and integrity, who was there at the time.We are indebted to Bishop Martín Dávila Gándara for his perceptive and informative foreword, and to María Concepción Márquez Sandoval for her detailed historical appendix.

A comprehensive account of the experiences of the volunteer Irish Brigade, founded and led by General Eoin O'Duffy, fighting under the Nationalist flag in the Spanish Civil War (1936-39).The Brigade comprised Irish nationals who, like their leader, regarded the War as primarily a Christian crusade against Communism, with the very survival of Catholic Spain at stake. General O'Duffy, an experienced political activist, soldier, and ex-police Commissioner, was responsible for recruitment and transportation to Spain where the men were barracked at Cáceres, provided with uniforms and received basic military training. The Brigade of some 700 men remained in Spain for about six months, experiencing front-line fighting at La Marañosa and Ciempozuelos, with losses of fifteen dead and many wounded. By this time new Irish law forbade Irish citizens to join the Brigade, and with Nationalist forces well in control, it was time for the Brigade to return to Ireland.In his book the author reveals a deep concern for the welfare of his men, a patriotic love for his country, and a strong devotion to his Catholic faith. He is proud of the courage and demeanour of his troops, echoing the praise received from Spanish military, civil, and religious authorities. History has been ambivalent in its views on the role of the Irish Brigade, but in the words of O'Duffy: "We have been criticised, sneered at, slandered, but truth, charity and justice shall prevail, and time will justify our motives. We seek no praise. We did our duty. We went to Spain."This republication is enriched with a foreword by noted independent academic Michael McCormack, historian and archivist of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

"Comprising 10 sand table exercises suitable for NCOs of the Regular Army and Territorial Army and for Cadets of Officers' Training Corps. With 8 maps, over 50 sand table problems and solutions, and 20 questions and answers suitable for NCOs' promotion examinations."Sand tables employ a three-dimensional terrain model made from sand and various props to provide a visual representation of the situation described in the tactical decision game.This is an excellent Gale & Polden manual with good clear instructions that will be of good use to military wargamers. Sand tables have been used for military planning and wargaming for many years as a field expedient, small-scale map, and in training for military actions.

Designated as a light truck, the Jeep was the primary four-wheel drive vehicle for the U.S. Army during WWII. The Jeep's design owed a great deal to Karl Probst, a freelance designer employed by the American Bantam Car Co. Probst's prototype "Blitz Buggy" was built in a mere 49 days. It clearly impressed the Army in head-to-head competition against a design submitted by Willys-Overland. However the Buggy's engine failed to meet requirements, and the Army determined that Bantam could not produce the vehicle in quantity. As a result, the Army bought the Bantam design and asked both Willys and Ford to improve it. The Willys model MB, equipped with a L134 straight-4 "Go Devil"engine, was eventually accepted as the standard. Ford models built to Willys specifications were designated GPW ("G" for government vehicle, "P" designating the 80" wheelbase, and "W" indicating the Willys engine design). (Notably, the "GP" part of the designation is often misinterpreted to mean "General Purpose", and some have suggested this is the reason the vehicle wasnick-named the "Jeep". In reality it was probably named after a character in the Popeye cartoons). Roughly 640,000 Jeeps were built during WWII by Ford and Willys, and used on every front. Utilitarian, rugged, and easy to maintain, Jeeps saw service as scout cars, ambulances, firefighting vehicles, as tractors for artillery, and more. The vehicle so impressed war correspondent Ernie Pyle that he called it one of the "two most important pieces of non-combat equipment ever developed" - the other being the pocket stove. Jeeps remained in service for the U.S. military in Korea and in the Vietnam War. Created in 1944, this technical manual reveals a great deal about the Jeep's design and capabilities. Intended as a manual for those charged with operation and maintenance, this manual shows many aspects of its engine, cooling, power, drive train and other systems. Originally labeled restricted, this manual was declassified long ago and is here reprinted in book form. Care has been taken to preserve the integrity of the text.

Originally printed during WWII by the Commander of Submarines, Atlantic Fleet, "Submarine Phraseology" was standard issue for sailors serving in the Silent Service. The first section of the book puts forth general rules for formulating messages, with an emphasis on creating uniform voice procedures. The second part of the text covers specific forms of phraseology used in various operations. Whether you're a submarine fleet veteran, a museum docent, a fan of submarine history, or a screenwriter who wants to create historically accurate dialogue, this book makes a great addition to any submarine library.

" Souvent on m'a demandé d'écrire mes Mémoires; mais toujours j'éprouvais à parler de moi une répugnance pareille à celle qu'on éprouverait à se déshabiller en public. Aujourd'hui, malgré ce sentiment puéril et bizarre, je me résigne à réunir quelques souvenirs. Je tâcherai qu'ils ne soient pas trop imprégnés de tristesse." L. Michel

"War is a Racket" is marine general, Smedley Butler's classic treatise on why wars are conducted, who profits from them, and who pays the price. Few people are as qualified as General Butler to advance the argument encapsulated in his book's sensational title. When "War is a Racket" was first published in 1935, Butler was the most decorated American soldier of his time. He had lead several successful military operations in the Caribbean and in Central America, as well as in Europe during the First World War. Despite his success and his heroic status, however, Butler came away from these experiences with a deeply troubled view of both the purpose and the results of warfare.

Volume IIB is the second volume relating to (and completing) the Wehrmacht, and the German mobilisation and war-economy, from June to December 1941. It includes the most detailed Orders of Battle ever published on the German Heer, Luftwaffe, Waffen SS and Kriegsmarine, in all areas of the Reich, between 22nd June and 4th July 1941. Even small and obscure units are included, such as: flak companies, artillery HQs, observation battalions, bridging columns, Landesschützen battalions, MP battalions, railroad companies, and Luftwaffe Kurierstaffeln, Verbindungsstaffeln and Sanitätsflugbereitschaften. The Luftwaffe OOBs also include details on aircraft types and strengths in each air unit.Also scrutinised in detail are: the personnel and equipment allocated to combat-units in each army, army-group or reserve-force, in all areas across the Reich during the initial phase of Barbarossa; the ground and air units used as reinforcements as well as those newly mobilised; the total available military personnel and equipment in the Reich from June to December 1941; the Replacement Army; the overall mobilisation process and resources used; the available replacements and those sent east; the logistical supply of the Wehrmacht (i.e. the changing Supply Distribution Efficiency); the Kriegsmarine forces in the East; and the Wehrmacht and Waffen SS casualties from June 1941 to February 1942. The latter includes details on killed, wounded, missing/POW, sick and unfit, and recuperated casualties.Operation Barbarossa: the Complete Organisational and Statistical Analysis collates an immense amount of information from many sources, and presents it with contextual history and analyses. The professional or amateur scholar is provided with comprehensive details of all the armed forces on the East Front during 1941, as well as the relevant economic and logistical support. The complete work represents the most accurate and comprehensive quantitative analysis yet, of the East-Front campaign. Currently no other single work provides a comparable reference on what was the most decisive and destructive campaign of WWII.

This 1945 WW2 publication emphasises the importance of a physically fit fighting force, with clear guidance and useful line drawings.1. Physical exercise: Daily exercise. Surprise Movements. P.E. Tables A, B, C, and D.2. Applied Physical Training: Introduction. Rifle exercise. Log Exercise. Low tubular bar work. Balance work. Tug-o'-war. Outdoor gymnasium and A.P.T. Tables. Physical efficiency tests. Bayonet Fighting. Close combat.3. Recreational games: R.T. games. Agility exercise. Bayonet fencing. Tug-o'-war training. Notes on draws and competitions.

The War Diaries for the Great War, held under WO95, represent one of the most popular record collections held at the National Archives, Kew, London. For researchers and family historians, the War Diaries contain a wealth of information of far greater interest than the army could ever have predicted. They provide unrivalled insight into daily events on the front line and are packed with fascinating detail. They contain no modern editing, opinions or poorly judged comments, just the war day by day, written by the men who fought this 'War to end all Wars. They are without question, the most important source of information available on the war on the Western Front.Full colour facsimile of each page with specially created chronological index.What is a War Diary?The headquarters of each unit and formation of the British Army in the field was ordered to maintain a record of its location, movements and activities. For the most part, these details were recorded on a standard army form headed 'War diary or intelligence summary'.What details are given?Details given vary greatly, depending on the nature of the unit, what it was doing and, to some extent, the style of the man writing it. The entries vary from very simple and repetitive statements like 'Training' up to many pages of description when a unit was in battle. Production of the diary was the responsibility of the Adjutant of the headquarters concerned.Is there any other information or documents with the diaries?Some diaries have other documentation attached, such as maps, operational orders and after-action reports.

The Great War was the first global conflict of the industrial age and launched on a wave of patriotic fervor and optimism. After the commemoration of the 100 years of the start of the Great War and now at the end of World War 1, young people are once again engaging in projects about stories and events on the Western front, rich in content and memories. To continue to connect with the young generation, this first illustrated book charts the events from the beginning to Verdun and the Somme across the muddy battlefields. To present this historical period, this book narrates the history of World War 1 using short re-enactment and scenes built from Minifig Battlefields military figures, the accessories, trenches, battlefields and weaponry used in the campaign as well as other customised Lego pieces.Military tactics before WW1 failed to keep pace with advances in technology. These advances, particularly on the Western Front in Europe, allowed the creation of strong defensive systems such as trenches, while barbed wire, artillery and machine guns, made crossing the ground in between, 'no-mans-land', extremely difficult. It was into this that soldiers of the major powers on the Western Front, the Germans, the French and the British, found themselves placed in 1914, armed only with a rifle, bayonet and grenades. In this book, the Minifig Soldiers with high quality printed uniform designs, and equipped with a wide range of custom 3D printed headgear, weapons and accessories enter the war. Together with field artillery and machine guns, trenches and battlefields, this book charts the Great War from the beginning to Verdun and the Somme, from 1914 to 1916.The imagery throughout this book has been recreated using customised minifigs and accessories from photographs of the period to make it both historically faithful and engaging especially to enthusiasts and younger readers.

Another in the series of short but useful booklets written by Col. G.A. Wade in 1940 for the instruction of the newly recruited Home Guard. A companion to Wade's earlier 'Fighting Patrol' this advises on the best patrol tactics.

Another of the informative booklets written in 1940 by Col. G. A. Wade for the instruction of the newly recruited Home Guard. In this one Wade expounds tactics and tips on the fighting patrol.

Another in the series of booklets written by Col. G. A.Wade and published in the dangerous year of 1940 intended for the instruction of the newly recruited Home Guard. Colonel Wade's clear writing and the diagrams tell the new recruits quite literally how to Guard their Homes.

One of a series of manuals written by Col. G. A. Wade in 1940 for the instruction of the newly former Home Guard. Fullly illustrated and clearly written, this full colour booklet tells the Dad's Army recruits how to fight and defend the communities where they lived and worked.

An excellent example of the high quality of instruction offered to recruits of the newly raised Home Guard in 1940. One in a series written by Col. G. A. Wade in a clear and down to earth style. Gives advice on presenting military information and keeping headquarters in close touch with one another's situation in the the "Fog of War".

The War Diaries for the Great War, held under WO95, represent one of the most popular record collections held at the National Archives, Kew, London. For researchers and family historians, the War Diaries contain a wealth of information of far greater interest than the army could ever have predicted. They provide unrivalled insight into daily events on the front line and are packed with fascinating detail. They contain no modern editing, opinions or poorly judged comments, just the war day by day, written by the men who fought this 'War to end all Wars. They are without question, the most important source of information available on the war on the Western Front.Full colour facsimile of each page with specially created chronological index.What is a War Diary?The headquarters of each unit and formation of the British Army in the field was ordered to maintain a record of its location, movements and activities. For the most part, these details were recorded on a standard army form headed 'War diary or intelligence summary'.What details are given?Details given vary greatly, depending on the nature of the unit, what it was doing and, to some extent, the style of the man writing it. The entries vary from very simple and repetitive statements like 'Training' up to many pages of description when a unit was in battle. Production of the diary was the responsibility of the Adjutant of the headquarters concerned.Is there any other information or documents with the diaries?Some diaries have other documentation attached, such as maps, operational orders and after-action reports.

The Aroostook War of 1839, an oft-forgotten incident in the storied history of Canada-US relations, is a misnomer. It was an undeclared war with no real combat. Its underpinnings were a two-fold reaction to the 1793 Treaty of Paris -- which ended the American Revolutionary War but left the border between Maine (then part of Massachusetts) and British North America unsettled -- and the War of 1812, when parts of northern Maine were occupied by Britain. Concluding that a negotiated border might negatively afect their claim for the disputed territory, the Maine government set out to occupy the Aroostook River valley in early 1839. In preparation for armed conflict, British regulars, New Brunswick militia, and Maine militia were deployed in the dead of winter, laying the kindling for a third major Anglo-American conflagration. Although a truce negotiated in late March 1839 prevented the outbreak of hostilities, confrontations between the Maine volunteers and New Brunswick's warden, magistrates, and seizing officers continued. Ultimately, cooler heads prevailed and an agreement was reached, which resulted in the Ashburton-Webster Treaty of 1842. A multifaceted story of friction, greed, land grabs, and rivalry, this tale of a border dispute and near-war is an intriguing chapter in the history of Canada and the United States.

This title explores the history of the accurate and reliable Browning High-Power Pistol, which was considered the world's standard for a semi-automatic combat pistol for half a century.Making its debut in 1935, the Browning High-Power was the world's most widely used military pistol for much of the 20th century. Military and law-enforcement agencies in more than 90 countries have issued the High-Power and it has seen combat in conflicts from World War II through to the "War on Terror." After conquering Belgium, Nazi Germany produced more than 300,000 High-Powers for use by the Waffen-SS, Fallschirmjäger, and others, and after 1945 the High-Power became standard for most NATO-armed forces as well as scores of others. Chambered for the 9×19mm Luger cartridge, John Browning's High-Power improved on the classic Colt M1911 design, especially in its use of a far simpler takedown system. The pistol's innovative 13-round magazine, designed by Dieudonné Saive, staggered the cartridges for higher capacity without unduly increasing the grip size. During its 82-year production run at Fabrique Nationale in Belgium, the design evolved slightly, but a 2017 High-Power was still easily recognizable as a descendant of the original model. Packed with gripping material including detailed technical specifications, contemporary photographs and highly accurate artist's renditions, this title is a comprehensive and informative guide to the world's most iconic semi-automatic pistol.

The five-thousand year story of warfare is presented across a range of differently indicative conflicts, drawing on expertise regarding the characters, events and equipment.

This volume conveys detailed stories of aerial warfare in the South Pacific, chosen because both Japanese and Allied records can be matched for an accurate accounting. This first volume describes confrontations between the Japanese Army Air Force (JAAF) and the Allies in New Guinea and the Solomons.