Berliner Zinnfiguren/Books & Media/Books/1933-1945 (WW II)/Great Britain products

Barber, Neil: The Red Devils on D-Day 44,95 €

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 07:05:06 +0200

Drawing on years of research and eyewitness accounts, *Red Devils on D-Day* illuminates the pivotalalbeit often overlookedrole played by the British 6th Airborne Division during the opening hours of June 6, 1944. While famous operations such as the capture of Pegasus Bridge and the assault on the Merville Battery are widely known, Neil Barber reveals the broader and more complex missions executed by the airborne troops along the eastern flank of the Normandy landings. From securing the bridges over the Caen Canal and the River Orne to destroying crossings over the River Dives, paratroopers and engineers fought their way through the darkness and chaos of D-Day to delay German reinforcements and protect the Allied beachhead at "Sword." Through vivid accounts of courage and determination, Barber places center stage the experiences of those paratroopers, engineers, and support units whose actions contributed decisively to the success of Operation Overlord.

Trumpess, Charles R.: The Birth of British Special Forces 32,95 €

Sun, 10 May 2026 08:25:09 +0200

This volume reveals how the Household Division emerged as the driving force behind British special forces during the Second World War. Drawing on primary sources, Charles Trumpess traces the transition from the parade ground to the battlefield, demonstrating how Guards officerssuch as Robert Laycock, David Stirling, and Frederick Browningleveraged their social connections to establish the Commandos, the LRDG, the SAS, and the Parachute Regiment. Through character portraits, this book follows the evolution of this elite unit from "No. 8 (Guards) Commando" to the modern-day "G Squadron" of the 22 SAS. It illustrates how the grueling training at Caterham fostered the independence essential for special operations; how White's Club evolved into an unofficial recruiting hub; and why the "old boys' network" proved to be a decisive factor in wartime innovation.

Harrison, Edward: Hitler's Traitors 19,95 €

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 07:10:07 +0200

This collection of vivid essays sheds light on some of the most fascinating aspects of the German resistance against Hitler. It features the first English translations of studies examining the role of a leading National Socialist in the July 20th assassination attempt, Rudolf Hesss flight to Great Britain, and the fierce controversy surrounding Hugh Trevor-Ropers investigation into Hitlers death. Furthermore, the book explores the vocal Catholic resistance in Franconia, as well as the conspiracies hatched against the Third Reich by the revolutionary movement "Neu Beginnen." By examining key figures and dramatic events, this volume delves into the possibilities and challenges Germans faced in their attempts to thwartand stand up toHitlers tyranny.

Storey, Neil R.: Dunkirk, D-Day, Kohima and the Death Railway 32,95 €

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 07:10:07 +0200

The Royal Norfolk Regiment boasted a combat record that was second to none. Five members of the regiment were awarded the Victoria Crossthe highest number bestowed upon a single line infantry regiment during the Second World War. The 1st Battalion landed on Sword Beach on D-Day and fought its way with distinction through France, the Netherlands, and Germany. The 2nd Battalion was the first complete infantry battalion of the British Expeditionary Force to land in France in 1939; members of this battalion received the first gallantry awards of the war. Tragically, in 1940, during the retreat to Dunkirk, 97 men of this battalion were massacred at Le Paradis. The battalion was reconstituted and later fought in Burma, as well as in the hellish Battle of Kohima. The 4th, 5th, and 6th Battalions fought bitterly for Singapore; yet, following the island's surrender in 1942, they spent the remainder of the war as Japanese prisoners of war on the infamous "Death Railway" and in forced labor camps. The 7th Battalion fought in France in 1940. Only fifty men returned; however, the battalion was reformed and returned to the front lines once again in 1944 to fight in Normandy. Based on the diaries, memoirs, and recollections of eyewitnesses, this book stands as a worthy tribute to the brave men of the Royal Norfolk Regiment.

Robertson, Jill/Slimming, Jan: Captured at Singapore 19,95 €

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 07:05:10 +0200

What must it be like to leave your loved ones behind, knowing that you might never see them again? Then, in the dead of night, to set sail on a ship bound for an unknown destinationonly to suddenly find yourself in the midst of a battle? A battle that ends under hostile conditions so brutal that even survival in captivity remains constantly at stake? Born from a small, yellowed address book secretly kept by a young soldier of the Royal Army Service Corps, *Captured at Singapore* tells the story of a prisoner of wara tale filled with adventure, courage, resilience, and sheer luck. In 1940, Londoner Stanley Moore became Driver T/170638 and, alongside many other members of the British Armys 18th Division, underwent training for desert warfare. Their mission, they believed, was to fight against Hitler and fascism in the Middle East. Yet, due to a change of plansand a new destinationhe and his comrades became casualties on a continent situated far further from home. After rigorous, rudimentary combat training in England, Stans division set off on a secret overseas deployment. Following months at sea and several unexpected stopovers, their convoy was diverted to the other side of the worldarriving just as the Imperial Japanese Army was carving a swathe of destruction through Manchuria, Hong Kong, and other parts of Asia. At the time, Singapore remained under sole British sovereignty; following the First World War, a major naval base had been established there to defend the island situated at the tip of the Malay Peninsula. The British government was firmly convinced that Japan would never attack its prized territory and, consequently, left Singapore largely to fend for itselfmanned by only a handful of troops and equipped with obsolete gear. However, following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the 18th Divisionpoorly trained and inadequately suppliedwas unceremoniously diverted to join the fight against the Japanese. Drawing on extensive research and personal documentsspecifically their fathers small, yellowed diary and an audio recording he made in 1990the authors chronicle Stans journey and his arrival at Keppel Harbour amidst enemy artillery fire. They recount the brutal, seventeen-day battle for the defense of the island, the "Japanese Admonition," and the horrific conditions of forced labor following the surrender. Only a small fraction of the 85,000 British soldiers involved ultimately returned home after the war ended. Their captivity and years of trauma ultimately robbed these young soldiers of precious years of their livesyears that, at the behest of the British government, they were later simply expected to forget. The aim of this work is to provide future generations with the information they need to understand how ordinary men perished amidst the ghastly conditions of war, and how the fortunate few survived.

Timpson, Alistair/Gibson-Watt, Andrew: In Rommel's Backyard 24,95 €

Wed, 27 May 2026 07:00:07 +0200

This World War II diary offers the reader a glimpse into the operations of an elite reconnaissance and commando unit that operated behind enemy lines during the North African Campaign. As a young man swept up in the maelstrom of the Second World War, Alastair Timpson was fortunate enough to find his way to the special unit that arguably enjoyed the most romantic reputation of them all: the Long Range Desert Group (LRDG). *In Rommel's Backyard* describes the diverse missions of the LRDGoperations that invariably demanded a high degree of daring and endurance deep behind enemy lines. They served as the eyes and ears of the Eighth Army, reporting on enemy troop movements; they destroyed enemy aircraft, supply depots, and vehicles; and they transported other special forces units and agents to their respective operational targets. Timpson meticulously chronicled all his activities with the LRDG. It was only after his death that his son recognized the true significance of his father's diary entries. The book is a personal firsthand account of the LRDG that serves as an exemplary embodiment of the spirit of the entire campaign.

Saunders, Tim: In Company with Tanks 38,95 €

Sat, 23 May 2026 07:40:09 +0200

With the approach of World War II, the Territorial Army was doubled in size, and the 2nd Battalion of the London Rifle Brigade was formed. This name, however, was short-lived, as in the spring of 1941 the 8th Rifle Brigade joined the newly formed 11th Armoured Division. Three years of training followed, marked by regular changes in tactics and advancements in weapons and equipment. Some of these innovations were implemented shortly before the invasion of northwestern Europe, including the issuance of US half-tracks through the Lend-Lease program. The companies of the 8th Rifle Brigade were transferred to Normandy, assigned to their respective Sherman regiments of the 29th Armoured Brigade, and were well-prepared for their deployment in Operation Epsom. At the tip of the salient, which had advanced across the Odon River, the riflemen experienced their first bloody battle on Hill 112. In mid-July, Operation Goodwood followed, with successful infantry assaults on villages, before tank losses and heavy rain brought the battle to an end. At the end of the month, as the American breakout gained momentum, the 11th Panzer Division was transferred west into the Bocage as part of Operation Bluecoat. In completely different terrain, the riflemen played a leading role in the advance south. After reaching Preseles, once again at the forefront of a thrust, the 8th Battalion of the Royal Rifles (8RB) engaged in a desperate defensive battle against an SS Panzer Division. But the Germans were by then exhausted, and for over two weeks the pattern repeated itself: a thrust of about 16 kilometers against delaying positions before encountering a serious German position, usually behind an obstacle at dusk. Overnight, the enemy would withdraw again, and this pattern was repeated daily as far as Falaise and beyond. The distances covered to the Seine were greater, but with the capture of a crossing at Venon, the division advanced hastily and, in a remarkable push of many kilometers against disorganized German units, captured Amiens and secured bridges over the Somme, thereby thwarting enemy attempts to form a defensive line.

Stoppels, Joel/Jong, Harold de: Operation Amherst 31,95 €

Sat, 02 May 2026 07:40:06 +0200

To prepare for the liberation of the northern part of the Netherlands, Operation Amherst was launched on the night of April 7-8, 1945. This last airborne operation of the Second World War was carried out by 702 French paratroopers (SAS). After landing in the province of Drenthe and part of southeast Friesland, fighting quickly broke out. Canadian and British forces subsequently liberated Groningen and the Westerbork transit camp and broke the Delfzijl pocket.

Liberty, Harold: The Other Codebreakers 31,95 €

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:35:16 +0200

The work of the military codebreakers at Bletchley Park is rightly recognized today for its contribution to the Allied victory in the Second World War. The ability to decipher enemy communications made it possible to understand and utilize strategic and tactical information. Less attention, however, has been paid to other, non-military codes and the organizations associated with them, despite their immense importance to the course of the war. This report describes how these areas operated, the people involved, and the results achieved. In particular, it examines the work of the Diplomatic and Commercial Department of the Government Code and Cypher School (GC&CS), which, in the face of impending war, was evacuated to Bletchley Park along with the military codebreakers in August 1939 and remained there until early 1942, before returning to London and being housed in Berkeley Street and other nearby buildings. The department did not process military material unless military matters appeared in diplomatic communications (which, by their very nature, were more strategic than combat-related). This book details the economic, diplomatic, sociological, and even psychological conflicts that shaped the war and affected raw materials, food, energy, and transportation. Neutral states, which by virtue of their status could continue to interact with both sides, also played a crucial role, as did the information that could be gleaned from them. Deciphering numerous neutral messages between representatives provided valuable insights into the enemy's intentions, problems, and situation. This new account of the "other" codebreakers draws on original documents from the National Archives and Bletchley Park and details how the decryption of civilian codes exposed the activities of diplomats, trade groups, spy rings, financial and economic actors, traders, and smugglersall embroiled in a fierce battle of intelligence. The book will be of interest to anyone interested in learning more about codebreaking, the Second World War, and the economics and politics of nations.

Newell, Grant. R.: Airborne to Arnhem. Personal reminiscences of the Battle of Arnhem, Operation Market, 17-26 September 1944. Volume 3 46,95 €

Wed, 20 May 2026 07:05:11 +0200

This is the third of three volumes of memoirs of the Battle of Arnhem, Operation Market, 17 to 26 September 1944. The three volumes contain over 150 personal accounts from veterans of the 1st Airborne Division and crew members of the RAF and XXX Corps. The study is the result of over forty years of research focusing on the role of the British 1st Airborne Division in the capture of the northern end of the Arnhem Bridge and the subsequent fighting for the Oosterbeek perimeter, as well as the eventual evacuation across the Neder Rijn. Volume 1 of the study contains accounts from members of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Parachute Battalion, the 1st Parachute Brigade and their support units such as the 1st Parachute Squadron, the Royal Engineers, the 1st Airborne Anti-Tank Battery of the Royal Artillery, the 1st Airborne Light Gun Regiment of the Royal Artillery and the 16th Parachute Field Ambulance. Division units are also covered, including the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, the Defence Train of the 1st Airborne Division, the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and the 261 Field Park Company, Royal Engineers, as well as reports from members of the Glider Pilot Regiment. Volume 2 covers the involvement of the glider infantry of the 2nd Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment, the 1st Battalion, Border Regiment, and the 7th (Galloway) Battalion, The King's Own Scottish Borderers, of the 1st Airborne Brigade, as well as further reports from the glider pilots who flew them into battle. Volume 2 also begins with coverage of the 4th Parachute Brigade, namely the 10th and 11th Parachute Battalions, including the 133rd Parachute Field Ambulance and the attached 2nd (Oban) Parachute Anti-Tank Battery of the Royal Artillery. Of particular interest is the account of a pilot from the United States Army Air Corps who transported the 10th Parachute Battalion. Volume 3 completes the accounts of members of the 4th Parachute Brigade with the 156th Parachute Battalion and the 4th Parachute Squadron of the Royal Engineers. In addition, there are recollections from members of the 250th (Airborne Unit) Light Composite Company, Royal Army Service Corps, which was responsible for collecting supplies dropped by the RAF. The Royal Artillery, both the 1st Airborne Division and the 2nd Army in the form of the 1st Airlanding Light Regiment, RA, the 1st Forward Observation Unit, RA and the 64th Medium Regiment, RA, XXX. Corps are covered in detail. In between are additional reports from glider pilots, including those who transported the glider contingent of the 1st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade, as well as a report from the 3rd Polish Parachute Battalion, which was dropped near Driel. Finally, the volume covers the important contribution of the Royal Air Force to the overall operation, including the 38th and 46th Groups and the fighter aircraft tasked with ground support and resupply. After nine days of siege, the evacuation of the survivors of the 1st Airborne Division is first discussed, with the disastrous diversionary attack by the 4th Battalion of the Dorset Regiment and the retreat itself, with reports from members of the 553rd and 260th Field Companies of the Royal Engineers, XXX. Corps, who, together with their Canadian engineering colleagues, were tasked with evacuating the survivors across the Neder Rijn. Each volume in the series contains detailed chapter introductions that provide the reader with background information on the events described by those involved. The entire series is richly illustrated with wartime and post-war photographs, many of them in colour, with detailed accompanying maps illustrating the positions of the units involved at various stages of the battle.

Newell, Grant. R.: Airborne to Arnhem. Personal reminiscences of the Battle of Arnhem, Operation Market, 17-26 September 1944. Volume 1 46,95 €

Wed, 20 May 2026 07:05:11 +0200

Airborne to Arnhem is the first of three volumes of memoirs of the Battle of Arnhem, Operation Market Garden, 17 to 26 September 1944. The three volumes contain over 150 personal accounts from veterans of the 1st Airborne Division and crew members of the RAF and XXX Corps. The study is the result of over forty years of research focusing on the role of the British 1st Airborne Division in the capture of the northern end of the Arnhem Bridge and the subsequent fighting for the Oosterbeek perimeter, as well as the eventual evacuation across the Neder Rijn. Volume 1 of the study contains accounts from members of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Parachute Battalion, the 1st Parachute Brigade and their support units such as the 1st Parachute Squadron, the Royal Engineers, the 1st Airborne Anti-Tank Battery of the Royal Artillery, the 1st Airborne Light Gun Regiment of the Royal Artillery and the 16th Parachute Field Ambulance. Division units are also covered, including the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, the Defence Train of the 1st Airborne Division, the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and the 261 Field Park Company, Royal Engineers, as well as reports from members of the Glider Pilot Regiment. Volume 2 covers the involvement of the glider infantry of the 2nd Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment, the 1st Battalion, Border Regiment, and the 7th (Galloway) Battalion, The King's Own Scottish Borderers, of the 1st Airborne Brigade, as well as further reports from the glider pilots who flew them into battle. Volume 2 also begins with coverage of the 4th Parachute Brigade, namely the 10th and 11th Parachute Battalions, including the 133rd Parachute Field Ambulance and the attached 2nd (Oban) Parachute Anti-Tank Battery of the Royal Artillery. Of particular interest is the account of a pilot from the United States Army Air Corps who transported the 10th Parachute Battalion. Volume 3 completes the accounts of members of the 4th Parachute Brigade with the 156th Parachute Battalion and the 4th Parachute Squadron of the Royal Engineers. In addition, there are recollections from members of the 250th (Airborne Unit) Light Composite Company, Royal Army Service Corps, which was responsible for collecting supplies dropped by the RAF. The Royal Artillery, both the 1st Airborne Division and the 2nd Army in the form of the 1st Airlanding Light Regiment, RA, the 1st Forward Observation Unit, RA and the 64th Medium Regiment, RA, XXX. Corps are covered in detail. In between are additional reports from glider pilots, including those who transported the glider contingent of the 1st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade, as well as a report from the 3rd Polish Parachute Battalion, which was dropped near Driel. Finally, the volume covers the important contribution of the Royal Air Force to the overall operation, including the 38th and 46th Groups and the fighter aircraft tasked with ground support and resupply. After nine days of siege, the evacuation of the survivors of the 1st Airborne Division is first discussed, with the disastrous diversionary attack by the 4th Battalion of the Dorset Regiment and the retreat itself, with reports from members of the 553rd and 260th Field Companies of the Royal Engineers, XXX. Corps, who, together with their Canadian engineering colleagues, were tasked with evacuating the survivors across the Neder Rijn. Each volume in the series contains detailed chapter introductions that provide the reader with background information on the events described by those involved. The entire series is richly illustrated with wartime and post-war photographs, many of them in colour, with detailed accompanying maps illustrating the positions of the units involved at various stages of the battle.

Newell, Grant. R.: Airborne to Arnhem. Personal reminiscences of the Battle of Arnhem, Operation Market, 17-26 September 1944. Volume 2 49,95 €

Sat, 23 May 2026 07:40:09 +0200

This is the second of three volumes of memoirs of the Battle of Arnhem, Operation Market Garden, 17 to 26 September 1944. The three volumes contain over 150 personal accounts from veterans of the 1st Airborne Division and crew members of the RAF and XXX Corps. The study is the result of over forty years of research focusing on the role of the British 1st Airborne Division in the capture of the northern end of the Arnhem Bridge and the subsequent fighting for the Oosterbeek perimeter, as well as the eventual evacuation across the Neder Rijn. Volume 1 of the study contains accounts from members of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Parachute Battalion, the 1st Parachute Brigade and their support units such as the 1st Parachute Squadron, the Royal Engineers, the 1st Airborne Anti-Tank Battery of the Royal Artillery, the 1st Airborne Light Gun Regiment of the Royal Artillery and the 16th Parachute Field Ambulance. Division units are also covered, including the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, the Defence Train of the 1st Airborne Division, the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and the 261 Field Park Company, Royal Engineers, as well as reports from members of the Glider Pilot Regiment. Volume 2 covers the involvement of the glider infantry of the 2nd Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment, the 1st Battalion, Border Regiment, and the 7th (Galloway) Battalion, The King's Own Scottish Borderers, of the 1st Airborne Brigade, as well as further reports from the glider pilots who flew them into battle. Volume 2 also begins with coverage of the 4th Parachute Brigade, namely the 10th and 11th Parachute Battalions, including the 133rd Parachute Field Ambulance and the attached 2nd (Oban) Parachute Anti-Tank Battery of the Royal Artillery. Of particular interest is the account of a pilot from the United States Army Air Corps who transported the 10th Parachute Battalion. Volume 3 completes the accounts of members of the 4th Parachute Brigade with the 156th Parachute Battalion and the 4th Parachute Squadron of the Royal Engineers. In addition, there are recollections from members of the 250th (Airborne Unit) Light Composite Company, Royal Army Service Corps, which was responsible for collecting supplies dropped by the RAF. The Royal Artillery, both the 1st Airborne Division and the 2nd Army in the form of the 1st Airlanding Light Regiment, RA, the 1st Forward Observation Unit, RA and the 64th Medium Regiment, RA, XXX. Corps are covered in detail. In between are additional reports from glider pilots, including those who transported the glider contingent of the 1st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade, as well as a report from the 3rd Polish Parachute Battalion, which was dropped near Driel. Finally, the volume covers the important contribution of the Royal Air Force to the overall operation, including the 38th and 46th Groups and the fighter aircraft tasked with ground support and resupply. After nine days of siege, the evacuation of the survivors of the 1st Airborne Division is first discussed, with the disastrous diversionary attack by the 4th Battalion of the Dorset Regiment and the retreat itself, with reports from members of the 553rd and 260th Field Companies of the Royal Engineers, XXX. Corps, who, together with their Canadian engineering colleagues, were tasked with evacuating the survivors across the Neder Rijn. Each volume in the series contains detailed chapter introductions that provide the reader with background information on the events described by those involved. The entire series is richly illustrated with wartime and post-war photographs, many of them in colour, with detailed accompanying maps illustrating the positions of the units involved at various stages of the battle.

Edmondes, Eve: SOE Operations 31,95 €

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:35:16 +0200

In the summer of 1940, with their backs against the wall, the British were urgently seeking ways to fight back against the Germans who had occupied Europe. The Special Operations Executive was established to operate as a secret army capable of sending agents to Europe to fight behind enemy lines. Their tasks included espionage, sabotage and reconnaissance. They also played a key role in establishing resistance networks in the occupied countries particularly in France in preparation for D-Day. Due to the location of their headquarters, they became known as the Baker Street Irregulars and attracted recruits from the professional classes, including lawyers, bankers, secretaries and even housewives. Another rich source was the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry.

Wallace, Sam: Lighting the Torch 39,95 €

Sat, 23 May 2026 07:40:09 +0200

The Tunisian campaign of World War II, fought between November 1942 and May 1943, is often described as the place where the Allies learned to fight. As a crucial climax to the conflict that spanned North Africa and an important milestone in the opening of a second front in Europe, Tunisia saw American, British, and French forces on land, sea, and air join forces to finally drive the Axis powers from the African continent. Yet despite Tunisia's importance to the grand narrative of World War II, it has been chronically neglected by scholars, particularly with regard to the lessons the Allies learned from their experiences during the campaign. This monograph examines the understudied Tunisia campaign from the perspective of military learning, shedding light on an often-ignored aspect of the North African campaign. At the same time, it makes an important contribution to our understanding of how the Allies learned and evolved before returning to Europe in 1943/44. Lighting the Torch shows that it was North Africa where the Allies were able to develop the organizations, doctrines, and processes necessary for an effective multinational campaign in the air, on the water, and on land, as well as the command talent, combat experience, and technologies to successfully fight and win battles. These lessons would prove crucial when the Allies finally returned to the European continent. They formed the basis for the successful invasions of Sicily, Italy, and Normandy, enabling the Allies to fight their way across the continent until the final surrender of the Axis powers.

Hamon, Simon/Grehan, John: Storming Hitler's British Fortress 24,95 €

Wed, 06 May 2026 06:55:09 +0200

In 1940, British forces withdrew from the Channel Islands, allowing the Germans to occupy British territory. Hitler was determined to keep what he considered a valuable prize, and the islands were heavily fortified. However, despite their extensive defences, the occupied Channel Islands remained vulnerable to commando raids. In fact, a total of nine such operations were carried out between 1940 and 1943. Many more were planned but never carried out. Each one was a daring and dangerous expedition in which small groups of men ventured to penetrate Hitler's cherished British stronghold. The first of these attacks, Operation Ambassador, took place on the night of 1415 July 1940. The commandos' second raid focused on the island of Guernsey. Although the mission failed to achieve any of its objectives, valuable lessons were learned. In the weeks, months and years that followed, raids were also carried out on Jersey, Sark, Herm, Burhou and the Casquets lighthouse off Alderney. The last attack, Hardtack 22, was one of three attacks against the German garrison on Sark. After the second mission, Hardtack 7, had to be aborted, the commandos returned to the island on the night of 26 to 27 December 1943 to carry out a reconnaissance mission and take prisoners. This attempt also failed after the attackers hit a minefield; two men were killed and most of the others were wounded. The descriptions of the individual raids, compiled from official reports and eyewitness accounts, are full of intrigue and drama including the fear of reprisals against the islanders. The authors have investigated all the missions on site and photographed and described the routes and all the important locations associated with each attack. The planned but never executed raids are also examined. Never before have these stories been told in such detail, and never before from the perspective of those who took part in the raids and those who were ultimately most affected by them.

Tait, Derek: Cornwall at War 1939-45 20,95 €

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:35:16 +0200

When the Second World War began on 1 September 1939, the people of Cornwall rallied together in a way they had not done since the First World War from 1914 to 1918. Thousands of young men enlisted in the army, while older men joined the Home Guard. Women took over the men's jobs, and many helped charitable organisations and other good causes by joining the Women's Voluntary Service. The Land Army helped with farming, a service that was urgently needed within the county. Many RAF bases were established in Cornwall, which proved indispensable for the defence of the country and as stopovers during bombing raids and other missions. Many evacuees from other parts of the country, including London and nearby Plymouth, were welcomed into the county and cared for by local families. Thousands of American soldiers were stationed in Cornwall before setting off for the coast of northern France on D-Day in June 1944. They were warmly welcomed by the county's residents, many of whom invited them into their homes. This book covers the contribution of the people of Cornwall to the war, from the beginning of the conflict in September 1939 to its end in September 1945. It contains many forgotten news reports from the period and deals with the changes in the daily lives of the civilian population, entertainment and the internment of foreigners living in the region. Air raid shelters, wearing gas masks, rationing, the culture of making do with what was available and collecting scrap metal became part of everyday life. When the war ended, there were huge celebrations throughout the county, but the lives of many people in Cornwall had changed forever.

Milne, Gustav: The Thames at War 24,95 €

Tue, 12 May 2026 07:00:12 +0200

Between 1940 and 1945, London experienced 101 daytime and 253 night-time air raids by the Luftwaffe, as well as V1 and V2 attacks. There were 80,000 deaths or serious injuries and horrific destruction. As well documented as these terrible events are, there was another major threat the very real possibility of widespread flooding if the German attacks breached the Thames flood defences. This well-researched and illustrated book describes the important role and unknown achievements of the London County Council's emergency repair teams, led by Chief Engineer Thomas Peirson Frank. Three rapid response teams were formed, which repaired over 100 breaches in the flood defences in an emergency, thus saving the capital from destruction. We also learn about the fate of London's docks and bridges, as well as the ships, boats and barges that were lost in the estuary and tidal areas. Compiled by the Thames Discovery Programme team, this report pays tribute, 80 years later, to the non-combatants who kept the vital port running and saved London.

Greenberg, Joel: Alastair Denniston 24,95 €

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:30:23 +0200

Some of the people who contributed significantly to Bletchley Park's success in decrypting the secret messages of Britain's enemies during the Second World War have become well-known figures. However, the man who founded the organisation based there and led it from its inception in 1919 until 1942 has been surprisingly overlooked until now. In 1914, Alastair Denniston, who had previously taught French and German at Osborne Royal Navy College, was one of the first recruits to the Admiralty's newly formed code-breaking department, known as Room 40. There, a team of representatives from various professions successfully decrypted intercepted German messages during the First World War. After the armistice, Room 40 was merged with the corresponding department of the British Army MI.1 to form the Government Code and Cypher School (GC&CS). The GC&CS was initially based in London, but from August 1939 onwards, it was largely relocated to Bletchley Park, where Alastair Denniston served as director of operations. In 1942, Denniston was transferred from the military to the civilian intelligence service in Berkeley Street, London. Initially small, the decryption of diplomatic and commercial messages became increasingly important with the decline of Enigma traffic towards the end of the Second World War and became an important part of British signals intelligence. In June 1946, the GC&CS was renamed Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) and moved to the suburbs of Cheltenham. It remains the UK's signals intelligence organisation. With the support and assistance of the Denniston family and GCHQ, Joel Greenberg has written this story about Commander Alexander Alastair Guthrie Denniston, a man whose death in 1961 was ignored by the major newspapers and the British intelligence service that was his legacy.

Walter, Brian E.: The Thin Khaki Line 38,95 €

Fri, 01 May 2026 07:45:09 +0200

The British Army emerged from the First World War as the world's leading military force. The same army entered the Second World War after two decades of neglect by the government, pitifully small compared to its main rivals and completely unprepared for the tasks ahead. Despite its deplorable condition, the army dutifully marched forward to face the enemies of the British Empire, as it had done so many times before. Soon after, it was embroiled in a global conflict against three powerful adversaries the armed forces of Germany, Italy and Japan. During the war, the British Army, together with its imperial and Commonwealth counterparts, grew from a force of just a few hundred thousand men to a total strength of over eight million men and 110 field divisions, 70 of which saw action during the conflict. After a series of early defeats including in France, Greece, Malaya and Tobruk this combined force slowly managed to turn the tide against the Axis attackers. In battles spanning a vast area, including Europe, Africa, Southeast Asia and the Southwest Pacific, the British Army and the armies of the Commonwealth eventually achieved a series of impressive victories, avenging their earlier defeats and contributing to the downfall of the Axis powers. The scale of this achievement is reflected in the fact that British and Commonwealth forces inflicted an incredible four million casualties on the Axis powers during the war, while their own losses amounted to less than a quarter of that number. In this book, Brian E. Walter provides a complete, balanced and detailed account of the contributions of British and Commonwealth forces during the Second World War. The book is the result of over 30 years of meticulous research and analysis and is considered the definitive single-volume source on the subject. It provides a comprehensive account of all major actions by British and Commonwealth armies in all theatres of war, both well-known and lesser-known, and offers a unique analysis of the effectiveness and relevance of the army's achievements.

Rickard, John N.: Monty's Normandy Hammer 31,95 €

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:35:16 +0200

The first of two volumes, Montys Normandy Hammer, traces the major operations carried out by the II Canadian Corps under Lieutenant-General Guy Simonds in July 1944. The II Canadian Corps, which was at the epicentre of the fighting on the eastern flank, planned and executed two major operations to increase the 2nd British Army's room for manoeuvre in the bridgehead while keeping the tank divisions of the I SS Panzer Corps near Caen at bay. Operation Atlantic, linked to Operation Goodwood, completed the liberation of Caen and established bridgeheads across the Orne. Operation Spring was a large-scale attack in support of Montgomery's main effort throughout the campaign, the breakthrough launched by the Americans under the code name Cobra. Rickard goes into extraordinary detail, painting a new picture of Simonds as a corps commander and his role in implementing Montgomery's army group strategy. Monty's Normandy Hammer is an insightful study of command at various levels. The follow-up volume will trace the fortunes of II Canadian Corps in the decisive battles of August.