A fascinating and detailed history of one of the great aircraft of World War II: the Beaufighter.Ideal for fans of Alexander McKee, John Nichol, and Martin W. Bowman.Developed to meet the RAF’s urgent need for a long-range fighter just before World War II, the Beaufighter was the most heavily armed aircraft of any type used in active service from 1940 until the late 1950s.Drawing on numerous original sources and meticulous research, Chaz Bowyer traces the Beau’s origins from planning, design, and factory floor through test flights, adaptations to meet service needs, and its remarkable and widespread use throughout the war. Bowyer includes many first-hand accounts from those who flew the plane in action and from ground crew who maintained it, giving readers a sense of the genuine affection felt for this formidable fighting machine.Ultimately, around 6,000 Beaufighters rolled off the production line, from where they were sent across the globe to serve in at least 77 squadrons of the RAF and Commonwealth air forces until they were finally retired from service in the 1960s. Bowyer recounts the aircraft’s many roles during the war—as a night and day fighter, reconnaissance vehicle, anti-shipping strike and torpedo bomber, ground strafer, and air-jungle rescue searcher, among many other uses. Through personal accounts and reminiscences, readers are brought vividly into the experience of piloting and supporting the Beau’s operations across vastly different theatres of war and environments, including Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Burma, the Mediterranean, UK coastal waters, North Africa, and the Middle East.Though merely a machine, there are many who owed their lives to the strength and capability of the ‘Mighty Beau.’ Their stories serve as a reminder of the incredible sacrifice, bravery, heroism, and devotion to duty of those service men and women, and why this plane should be proudly remembered as one of the all-time classic British fighters. Read more

In a world where loyalties shift like the tides and honor can be a double-edged sword, "Duty, Honor, Glory" plunges readers into the heart of an epic struggle. As England goes to war with France, the crew aboard the Wessex is given a dangerous mission: to hunt down elusive privateers in the treacherous waters of the Gulf of Mexico. At the helm is Captain Donland, a seasoned commander whose cunning and resolve will be tested as never before.With each encounter, Captain Donland must navigate not only the perils of the sea but also the nuances of honor and duty. As he pursues his mission, he grapples with the weight of sacrifice and the faint echoes of glory, knowing that every decision could cost him his crew or perhaps even his soul. But when a formidable Spanish frigate enters the fray, a battle for survival looms—one that pits courage against cunning in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse."Duty, Honor, Glory" is a breathtaking tale of resilience, bravery, and the human spirit's relentless quest for meaning amidst chaos. As Donland confronts his past and the moral complexities of war, readers will be drawn into an emotional tapestry that explores loyalty, camaraderie, and the true essence of heroism. Join the captain and his crew in this harrowing adventure where the call of duty can lead to unexpected legacies, and the lines between friend and foe blur in the face of conflict. Will glory come at a cost, or can honor prevail against the odds? Read more

The story of the fighter that wouldn’t back downFrom the Cold War’s frontlines to the battlefields of today, the MiG-29 Fulcrum has carved its name into the history of aerial warfare. Red Bandit pulls you into the cockpit of this legendary jet, delivering a visceral, no-holds-barred chronicle of its battlefield legacy. From its Cold War debut to its modern-day skirmishes, this is the definitive story of a fighter born from the crucible of the East-West rivalry.Based on declassified reports, first-hand pilot accounts, and meticulous combat analysis, Red Bandit strips away the myths to reveal the true capabilities—and limits—of Russia’s iconic warbird. Witness its clashes in the Middle East, Africa, and Eastern Europe, and trace its evolution from a Soviet frontline defender to a key player in 21st-Century conflicts. Whether dogfighting over the Persian Gulf or facing off in Kosovo, the MiG-29’s record is as complex as it is explosive.Perfect for military aviation fans, historians, and thrill-seekers alike, Red Bandit is more than just a parochial history—it’s a high-stakes, sky-scorching narrative of power, politics, and heart-pounding dogfights. Strap in for a supersonic ride through four decades of aerial combat...and discover how a jet designed to fight World War III found itself fighting on today's battlefronts. Read more

The “remarkable” story of America's secret post-WWII science programs (The Boston Globe), from the New York Times bestselling author of Area 51.  In the chaos following World War II, the U.S. government faced many difficult decisions, including what to do with the Third Reich's scientific minds. These were the brains behind the Nazis' once-indomitable war machine. So began Operation Paperclip, a decades-long, covert project to bring Hitler's scientists and their families to the United States.Many of these men were accused of war crimes, and others had stood trial at Nuremberg; one was convicted of mass murder and slavery. They were also directly responsible for major advances in rocketry, medical treatments, and the U.S. space program. Was Operation Paperclip a moral outrage, or did it help America win the Cold War?Drawing on exclusive interviews with dozens of Paperclip family members, colleagues, and interrogators, and with access to German archival documents (including previously unseen papers made available by direct descendants of the Third Reich's ranking members), files obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, and dossiers discovered in government archives and at Harvard University, Annie Jacobsen follows more than a dozen German scientists through their postwar lives and into a startling, complex, nefarious, and jealously guarded government secret of the twentieth century.In this definitive, controversial look at one of America's most strategic, and disturbing, government programs, Jacobsen shows just how dark government can get in the name of national security."Harrowing...How Dr. Strangelove came to America and thrived, told in graphic detail." —Kirkus Reviews Read more

Wessex is bound for the newly created Spanish Viceroyalty of the Ro de la Plata in South America. Gold has been discovered and the French Revolution needs it. Two Spanish treasure ships are to deliver the gold to Spain, but a scheme is devised to use Wessex to attack and take the gold. Donland is betrayed, mutineers take over Wessex and the yardarm is rigged for hangings. All this after Lieutenant Maddox is sent home to heal and replaced by a rather shady Lieutenant named Brown who becomes first aboard Wessex. From the beginning of the voyage there are inconsistencies, unexplained accidents and coincidences. Upon arrival in Buenos Aries, Donland is knifed and left for dead. Brown takes command and Donland plots his revenge and recapture of Wessex. Read more

Do you want to become an elite combat tactician and leader of men? Then master infantry tactics with the best-selling Full-Color manual on the subject—over 10,000 copies sold! (Also available in Spanish, French, and German.) Written by U.S. Army Special Forces Veterans.This eBook preserves the original formatting (i.e., a print-replica), and is best viewed on a larger screen, such as a tablet and computers, to see every detail.Small Unit Tactics is your best guide for mastering the art of using soldiers in squads and platoons to conduct warfare. It is straight to the point with its easy to understand, step-by-step instructions. You will learn to:Move behind enemy lines with little to no footprint while maintaining 360-degree security.React to surprise enemy contact by performing a U.S. Army-standard “Battle Drill 1.”Employ tactics to destroy the enemy by executing a Linear, L-shaped, K-shaped, T-shaped, V-shaped, or X-shaped ambush.Withdraw methodically and orderly without a trace after destroying the enemy.These tactics apply to both conventional and guerrilla warfare, as well as their military simulations. To fully explain them, Small Unit Tactics offers detailed, real-life examples in a narrative format to guide you through every phase of a successful mission. And to make explanations even easier, there are over 170 full-color diagrams and photos of real-world tactics. Visit the official Matthew Luke Publishing website to download every high-resolution diagram for free!Ready to prepare for war? Then acquire these battle-proven skills to plan attacks, outmaneuver opponents, and lead men in any situation! Read more

None

The battles of the Coral Sea, Midway, Eastern Solomons, Santa Cruz Islands, and Philippine Sea showcase the power of ship-based air power.But how did naval aviation emerge? And why was the Pacific such a ferocious battleground for aircraft carriers and their planes?This book is perfect for fans of Ian Toll, James D. Hornfischer, and N.A.M. Rodger.Beginning with the origins of naval aviation, Donald Macintyre traces the use of aircraft by naval forces from their fledgling days just prior to World War I to their apex of power at the Battle of the Philippine Sea during the Second World War.Wings of Neptune examines why, after witnessing the potential of naval air power during the First World War, navies diverged in their approaches. While British forces were provided with an inadequate air component, the Japanese and United States embraced air arms as integral to their sea power. The second part of this book explores the intense conflicts between these naval aviation proponents in the Pacific theatre of World War II.Drawing on his expertise as a convoy commander who liaised with supporting air cover and his renowned historical research, Macintyre provides a thorough investigation into the emergence of aircraft carriers during World War II and why air power became crucial to modern navies.“interesting and useful coverage of the naval aviation side of World War II.” U.S. Naval Institute Read more

A remarkable history of 1944, packed with eyewitness accounts from the beaches of D-Day to the Siegfried Line, captures what the Second World War was like from those who fought in it. The perfect book for fans of Stephen E. Ambrose, Cornelius Ryan, and Rick Atkinson.On June 6, 1944, the Allies pulled off the most audacious amphibious landing on the beaches of Normandy. The Germans had been taken by complete surprise, and it seemed like the tide had turned in the battle for Europe. Yet, just six months later, the Allies would be halted in the Ardennes, while the Germans launched a massive counter-offensive in what has become known as the Battle of the Bulge.While the strategic decisions of generals that caused these events have been discussed in countless books, it is rare that you are able to understand them from the viewpoint of ordinary soldiers. In this book, Charles Whiting recreates the combat soldiers’ world down to the most intimate details: their weapons, the food they ate, how they learned to cope with the ever-present threat, how they lived in hope, and died in agony.’44 is a gripping testament to the fighting men who fought from the beaches of Normandy to the snow-laden hills of the Ardennes.Praise for the work of Charles Whiting:‘’44 re-creates the combat soldiers’ world of more than fifty years ago. Whiting's depiction of the campaign makes this volume a seminal work of World War II history that is neither romantic nor glorious.’ Dominic J. Caraccilo, Author of The Ready Brigade of the 82nd Airborne in Desert Storm.‘Rich in detail about the soldiers on both sides and studded with anecdotes of their experiences-heroic, tragic, ironic, and sometimes humorous―Whiting's book is a powerful reminder that war is neither romantic nor glorious.’ World War II History‘provides … unique insights that most historians fail to capture’ Armor, Bryant Love Read more

None

An in-depth reference to the naval weapons used by Britain, Germany, the US, and the other combatants in the Great War, with photos: “Superb…invaluable.”—History of War   Although the Great War might be regarded as the heyday of the big-gun at sea, it also saw the maturing of underwater weapons, the mine and torpedo, as well as the first signs of the future potency of air power. Between 1914 and 1918 weapons development was both rapid and complex, so this book has two functions: on the one hand it details all the guns, torpedoes, mines, aerial bombs and anti-submarine systems employed during that period; but it also seeks to explain the background to their evolution: how the weapons were perceived at the time and how they were actually used. This involves a discussion of tactics and emphasizes the key enabling technology of fire control and gun mountings. In this respect, the book treats the war as a transition from naval weapons which were essentially experimental at its outbreak to a state where they pointed directly to what would be used in World War II.   Based largely on original research, this sophisticated book is more than a catalogue of the weapons, offering insight into some of the most important technical and operational factors influencing the war at sea. Read more

An in-depth study of how these direct fire weapons were actually employed on the battlefields and their true place in the armory of World War I. The machine-gun is one of the iconic weapons of the Great War—indeed of the twentieth century. Yet it is also one of the most misunderstood. During a four-year war that generated unprecedented casualties, the machine-gun stood out as a key weapon. In the process it took on an almost legendary status that persists to the present day. It shaped the tactics of the trenches, while simultaneously evolving in response to the tactical imperatives thrown up by this new form of warfare. Paul Cornish, in this authoritative and carefully considered study, reconsiders the history of automatic firepower, and he describes in vivid detail its development during the First World War and the far-reaching consequences thereof. He dispels many myths and misconceptions that have grown up around automatic firearms, but also explores their potency as symbols and icons. His clear-sighted reassessment of the phenomenon of the machine-gun will be fascinating reading for students of military history and of the Great War in particular.“For those wanting a little more in-depth information about the role and development of machine guns during the war, this book offers an excellent, well written and easily accessible account of what became the iconic weapon of the war, mainly due to the massive casualties it was able to inflict . . . This really is well worth reading.” —Great War Magazine Read more

“A comprehensive, highly detailed study [that] displays a stunning wealth of technical knowledge . . . a brisk and understandable narrative.” —HistoryNet   The phrase “German secret weapons” immediately conjures up images of the V-1 and V-2 missiles that bombarded London in 1944. But what of the V-3 and V-4? What of Schmetterling, the Rochling shell, the Kurt bomb, the Hs293? These, and many other devices, were all part of the German secret armory, but are relatively unknown except to a handful of specialists. What of the German nuclear bomb? And the question of chemical warfare?   The sheer magnitude of the secret weapon projects of the Third Reich is revealed in this comprehensive study written by one of the world’s great experts on weaponry. The book explores the various fields in which the Germans concentrated their weapon development and discusses the multiplicity of ideas, the difficulties, and, in several cases, how these ideas were subsequently exploited by the victors. Although much of the German wartime development was not completed before the war’s end, it nevertheless provided a foundation for a great deal of the munitions development that has since taken place. Comparisons with Allied projects are also drawn. This book explodes some of the myths surrounding Hitler’s secret weapons to reveal a truth all the stranger for being fact.  Includes photographs and line drawings Read more

In 1521, Suleiman the Magnificent, Muslim ruler of the Ottoman Empire at the height of its power, dispatched an invasion fleet to the Christian island of Rhodes. This would prove to be the opening shot in an epic struggle between rival empires and faiths for control of the Mediterranean and the center of the world.In Empires of the Sea,acclaimed historian Roger Crowley has written his most mesmerizing work to date–a thrilling account of this brutal decades-long battle between Christendom and Islam for the soul of Europe, a fast-paced tale of spiraling intensity that ranges from Istanbul to the Gates of Gibraltar and features a cast of extraordinary characters: Barbarossa, “The King of Evil,” the pirate who terrified Europe; the risk-taking Emperor Charles V; the Knights of St. John, the last crusading order after the passing of the Templars; the messianic Pope Pius V; and the brilliant Christian admiral Don Juan of Austria. This struggle’s brutal climax came between 1565 and 1571, seven years that witnessed a fight to the finish decided in a series of bloody set pieces: the epic siege of Malta, in which a tiny band of Christian defenders defied the might of the Ottoman army; the savage battle for Cyprus; and the apocalyptic last-ditch defense of southern Europe at Lepanto–one of the single most shocking days in world history. At the close of this cataclysmic naval encounter, the carnage was so great that the victors could barely sail away “because of the countless corpses floating in the sea.” Lepanto fixed the frontiers of the Mediterranean world that we know today.Roger Crowley conjures up a wild cast of pirates, crusaders, and religious warriors struggling for supremacy and survival in a tale of slavery and galley warfare, desperate bravery and utter brutality, technology and Inca gold. Empires of the Sea is page-turning narrative history at its best–a story of extraordinary color and incident, rich in detail, full of surprises, and backed by a wealth of eyewitness accounts. It provides a crucial context for our own clash of civilizations. Read more

Quite simply, you have just found the best book series to learn about Long Range Shooting and Hunting This book series is aimed at anyone who wants to get into Long Range Shooting and become a better shooter, period. In the First Volume of the Ultimate Guide to Long Range Precision Shooting And Hunting we help you save money and time with your equipment choices. You will learn how to maintain your equipment and to start building your DOPE and ballistic tables. Volume One is ideal to get started in the sport. It explains the terminology and units of measurement (like MOA and MIL) along with details about ammunition and equipment to suit your mission. Each element is explained in detail, helping you make the right informed decisions. CONTENTS: An Introduction to Long Range Shooting Choosing a Caliber and Ammunition Choosing a Precision Rifle Choosing "Glass" (Optics) Essential Tools and Accessories Cleaning and Maintenance Ballistics and Dope Ongoing Learning and Practice TAKE AWAY THESE KEY LEARNINGS: How to be a safe and confident long range shooter. How to choose the right rifle for your personal "mission". Good glass does make a difference - across scopes, range finders and binocular. The math part is really not that big of a deal, especially if you have the right tools. Wind is the big equalizer. WE WILL ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS IN DEPTH: What is long range shooting and how do I "ring" steel at 1000 yards? How to choose the right caliber, rifle and associated gear I need to get started? Advice on buying a scope and precision rifle, including detailed discussion on the options and accessories. How to set up and use the equipment needed for long range. Explanation of ballistics and the associated techniques required to get on target. Explanation and use of MOA and MILs/MRAD systems. A detailed explanation of the fundamentals of precision shooting. How to read the wind and use tools to make adjustments requirements for long range. How to clean and maintain your rifle. Much much more, with over 300 pages of easy to absorb illustrations, images and expert guidance. Even when you attend a practical course or go to the range, it will save you time and allow you to focus on success.  This book series will make you a better shooter, period. It is an investment in the most powerful weapon, in being able to achieve success in long range shooting, that's you! More details: longrangeshootingbooks.com Read more

An encyclopedic study of the ship-killer par excellence—from its development to post-World War II usage. “A well-written book, lavishly illustrated.” —International Journal of Maritime History The torpedo was the greatest single game-changer in the history of naval warfare. For the first time it allowed a small, cheap torpedo-firing vessel—and by extension a small, minor navy—to threaten the largest and most powerful warships afloat.The traditional concept of seapower, based on huge fleets of expensive capital ships, required radical rethinking because of this important naval weapon. This book is a broad-ranging international history of the weapon, tracing not only its origins and technical progress down to the present day, but also its massive impact on all subsequent naval wars. Torpedo contains much new technical information that has come to light over the past thirty years and covers all of the improved capabilities of the weapon. Heavily illustrated with photos and technical drawings this is a book no enthusiast or historian can afford to miss.“The torpedo—one of the most fearsome weapons ever created by man—is well worth its own history.” —Forum Navale Read more

An in-depth chronicle of the jet aircraft that revolutionised military aviation during the height of World War Two.Essential reading for aviation enthusiasts, military historians, and anyone fascinated by the evolution of modern air combat.Debuting as the world’s first fully operational jet-powered aircraft in July 1944, the Gloster Meteor transformed aerial combat.How did this revolutionary plane come into being? Did it truly live up to its promise in the heat of battle? And how did it shape the evolution of modern aviation?Renowned aviation historian Chaz Bowyer charts the remarkable story of this jet — from its conception in the mind of Sir Frank Whittle, to experimental development and its first combat flights in the Second World War. For over a decade, the Meteor reigned as the RAF's premier fighter, capable of travelling over six hundred miles an hour, serving air forces around the world before it was ultimately outpaced by newer, more advanced aircraft.Gloster Meteor stands as a compelling tribute to one of aviation history's most groundbreaking aircraft. Read more

A pictorial history and analysis of the infamous World War II German tanks. The German Tiger I and Tiger II (known to the Allies as the King Tiger or Royal Tiger) were the most famous and formidable heavy tanks of the Second World War. In their day, their awesome reputation inspired such apprehension among Allied soldiers that the weaknesses of these brilliant but flawed designs tended to be overlooked. Anthony Tucker-Jones, in this illustrated history, tells the story of their conception and development and reconsiders their operational history, and he dispels the myths that have grown up around them. The Tigers were over-engineered, required raw materials that were in short supply, and were time-consuming to manufacture and difficult to recover from the battlefield. Only around 1,300 of the Tiger I and fewer than 500 of the Tiger II were produced, so they were never going to make anything more than a local impact on the outcome of the fighting on the Western and Eastern fronts. Yet the myth of the Tigers, with their 88mm guns, thick armor, and brutal profiles, has grown over time to the extent that they are regarded as the deadliest tanks of the Second World War. Anthony Tucker-Jones’s expert account of these remarkable fighting vehicles is accompanied by a series of color plates showing the main variants of the designs and the common ancillary equipment and unit markings. His book is an essential work of reference for enthusiasts. Read more

“From mountain warfare with guns on mules to V2 rockets and everything between makes it well worth a place on anyone’s reference shelf.” —Clash of SteelIt is said that artillery won the Second World War for the Allies—that Soviet guns wore down German forces on the Eastern Front, negating their superior tactics and fighting ability, and that the accuracy and intensity of the British and American artillery was a major reason for the success of Allied forces in North Africa from El Alamein, in Italy and Normandy, and played a vital role in the battles of 1944 and 1945. Yet the range of weapons used is often overlooked or taken for granted—which is why this highly illustrated history by Simon and Jonathan Forty is of such value. They stress the importance of artillery on every front and analyze how artillery equipment, training and tactical techniques developed during the conflict.The selection of wartime photographs—many from east European sources—and the extensive quotations from contemporary documents give a graphic impression of how the guns were used on all sides. The photographs emphasize the wide range of pieces employed as field, antiaircraft and antitank artillery without forgetting self-propelled guns, coastal and other heavyweights and the development of rockets. The authors offer a fascinating insight into the weapons that served in the artillery over seventy years ago.“Superbly illustrated, this is testament to the courage and skills of extraordinary men in the execution of their duty. An amazing book.” —Books Monthly Read more

“A ‘must have’ book for anyone who has an interest in edged weapons . . . Loades holds the reader’s full attention with each sword’s story that he tells.” —The Lone Star Book Review This magnificent book tells the story of the evolution of swords, how they were made, how they were used, and the people that used them. It doesn’t claim to give comprehensive coverage but instead takes certain surviving examples as landmarks on a fascinating journey through the history of swords. Each is selected because it can be linked to a specific individual, thus telling their story too and giving a human interest. So the journey starts with the sword of Tutankhamun and ends with the swords of J. E. B. Stuart and George Custer. Along the way we take in Henry V, Cromwell and Uesugi Kenshin, and there is the most detailed discussion you’ll find anywhere of all of George Washington’s swords. The chapters on these specific swords and swordsmen are alternated with more general chapters on the changing technical developments and fashions in swords and their use. The reader’s guide on this historical tour is Mike Loades. Mike has been handling swords most of his life, as a fight arranger, stuntman and historical weapons expert for TV and stage. As much as his profound knowledge of the subject, it is his lifelong passion for swords that comes through on every page. His fascinating text is supported by a lavish wealth of images, many previously unpublished and taken specifically for this book.“Superb . . . the most breathtaking coverage from the earliest days to modern times. Brilliant.” —Books Monthly Read more