Dr Adrian Greaves' is widely acknowledged as a leading expert on the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 and his previous account of Rorke's Drift has become a standard work on that battle. However, by his own admission, it is hopelessly out of date as are other existing accounts. Rorke's Drift Revisited is not merely a revised edition of that earlier work but a completely new account with much new research that challenges many misconceptions and myths. Explaining how previous accounts have been distorted by false reporting, false memory syndrome, ignorance of the site and archaeological evidence, the author presents fascinating fresh evidence and analysis. Among the more sensational revelations is that Lieutenant John Chard did not write the famous Chard Report, which has been the main primary source for the battle. He also shows that neither Lieutenant Ardendorff nor the missionary Reverend Otto Witt was there. Nor were the famous mealie-bag-and-biscuit-box barricades hastily erected, as per the film; they were carefully planned and built over several preceding days. Drawing on previously neglected eyewitness accounts as well as the latest archaeological evidence, there is a wealth of other new information and fresh perspectives. The shift in perceptions of the battle and its hold on the national psyche is also discussed. Uniquely, over a quarter of a century of physically revisiting Rorke's Drift and associated sites as a tour leader allows him to give an accurate appraisal of the battlefield today.
The intelligence war between Germany and the Soviet Union, ignited by Operation Barbarossa on 22 June 1941, was fiercely contested over four years. Neither side was prepared for the scale of the conflict, and both quickly developed methods to assess and counter each other's military intentions. This book explores the intelligence strategies of Stalin's SMERSH and Hitler's Abwehr. SMERSH coordinated three independent counter-intelligence agencies within the Red Army, while the Abwehr was Germany's military-intelligence service. Focusing on key battles like Stalingrad and Kursk, the book examines how both sides competed for intelligence advantage. The Soviets excelled in strategic deception, manipulating German decision-making. Early in the war, they used counterintelligence to deceive the Germans, notably during their surprise counteroffensive at Moscow in December 1941 and their hidden tank formations in 1942. German intelligence chief Gehlen underestimated Soviet deception and overestimated German superiority, which hindered effective analysis. Meanwhile, the Soviets deployed agents behind German lines and employed terror tactics to destroy German operations. The pivotal battle of Stalingrad revealed the Germans' intelligence failures, and their subsequent losses marked a turning point. By the war's end, Soviet counterintelligence had become a critical weapon, reshaping the intelligence landscape and significantly impacting the outcome of the war.
The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is heralded as the ultimate fifth-generation fighter, merging advanced engineering with multinational collaboration. Developed during a time of military reorganization and technological mergers, it integrates the best features of previous generations into a versatile platform for varied operational roles across military branches. The F-35 is the first fifth-generation multi-service aircraft designed for continuous technological evolution. Despite funding delays and complexities, it remains the largest defense contract in history. Its three variants serve diverse roles: the F-35A for conventional take-off and landing (CTOL), the F-35B for short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL), and the F-35C for carrier operations with Catapult-Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (CATOBAR). Since its inaugural flight on December 15, 2006, the F-35 has demonstrated exceptional capabilities, becoming a cornerstone of air forces worldwide. Designed to maintain air superiority into the 2070s, it represents the pinnacle of stealth and multi-role combat.
The Ordnungspolizei or Order Police was one of the main apparatus for the security of Nazi Germany. During the 1930s, Heinrich Himmler, Head of the SS, along with the Commander-in-Chief of the Order Police, Kurt Daluege, totally reconstructed the police force of the Weimar Republic into a number of strong militarized formations. Those that served in this new police force were more than ready to carry out any order that the Nazi's required of them including persecution of Jews and anyone deemed inferior to the regime. In fact, in 1938, police units participated in the annexation of Austria and the occupation of Czechoslovakia. A year later when Germany invaded Poland, the role of the police changed forever. Police units were deployed alongside the German military including the special murder squads of the Einsatzgruppen. In Poland, Order Police were transformed into militarized police battalions and participated in combat operations which included carrying out security duties behind enemy lines. These duties were often sinister and alongside some Wehrmacht, Waffen-SS and Einsatzgruppen, the police battalions engaged in the systematic murder and annihilation of Poles and Jews. Following the conquest of Poland the Nazi leadership created a massive recruitment drive conscripting more than 95,000 men in their thirties. Another 26,000 younger men were also recruited and indoctrinated into Nazi ideology and trained for combat. These new recruits would now take part not only in military operations but would be an integral part of the Holocaust, responsible for mass murders and guarding some of the Jewish ghettos. They would also assist in the destruction of the ghettos and helping in the transport of Jews to concentration camps. During the summer of 1941 these Police units were involved in mass killings of Babi Yar, Rumbula and Stanislaviv. Yet after the war, many of the Order Policemen claimed never to have been involved in Nazi crimes.
There are nearly 80 million visits to the Royal Parks every year, making them the most popular destinations in the capital. In 1956, author, poet and critic, Richard Thomas Church (1893-1972) wrote The Royal Parks of London, which was published by The Ministry of Public Building and Works as a guidebook at a cost of 3s 6d net. Many years has passed, and these parks continue to thrive, with new additions, events and celebrations. However, any visitor today will be overwhelmed by the beauty of these historic spaces that boast royal palaces, boathouses, bandstands, lodges, gatehouses, ornamental gardens, sculpture, public art, memorials, places for repose and refreshments. Today the Royal Parks as a charitable organisation is responsible for the care and maintenance of a large collection of historical built assets, comprising primarily of monuments, structures and buildings within the parks, and associated boundaries. This book will take you on a journey from Greenwich Park, the oldest of the Royal Parks, via Hyde Park, St James's Park, Green Park, Regent's Park, Bushy Park, Kensington Gardens to the largest of the royal parks - Richmond Park. It is hoped that the reader will gain a greater understanding of how these parks came about, but also to widen the visitor's knowledge of some of the more unusual aspects of London's Royal Parks, and to simply encourage the visitor to meander at will among them - the best way to discover the many pleasures within London's Royal Parks.
T. E. Lawrence, soldier and writer, the co-leader with King Faisal of Saudi Arabia of the Arab Campaign during the First World War, became a legend in his own lifetime. And yet to this day there is much about him which remains a mystery: two aspects of his character being of particular interest. This first is why, having become a famous figure with the world at his feet, did he choose, subsequently, to live a life of obscurity in the lower ranks of the armed services?The second concerns Lawrence's sexuality. Some of his biographers have been accused of bringing 'sex' into their volumes, for reasons of sensationalism and publicity. To be fair, however, it was Lawrence himself who first raised the subject, by including in his book Seven Pillars of Wisdom (an account of the Desert Campaign), details of how he was captured and raped by the Turks. Lawrence, who never married, is known to have engaged in masochistic rituals. So, what was the true nature of, and explanation for his sexuality?This is the challenge of The Real T. E. Lawrence.
With the era of British Railways' transition from steam to diesel and electric influencing the country-wide fleets of trains beyond the 1970's, the Southern proved no exception to such, integrated within its flotillas of commuter electric trains. Southern Region motive power was territorial, thanks to the requirement for electric trains to remain within the live third rail network. Remaining pockets of non-electrified routes provided the last bastions of diesel-electric units and locomotive hauled trains, not only in Dorset, Sussex and Hampshire but also especially along the South West mainline to Exeter. Although with a limited range of Class 33, 47, 50 and 73 locomotives serving the passenger sector in the 1980's, there remained interesting passenger workings to note such as that along Weymouth Quay or through the rural tranquillity of Devon's countryside to Barnstaple. Railfreight ensured a wider variety of locomotives within in the Region. Standard colours of B.R. blue and grey livery may have been monotonous but the bright and clean Network SouthEast colours were welcomed, along with the much needed emphasis on running clean and punctual services as part of the Network SouthEast ethos. Brand new fleets of trains in the Southern area continue to offer the railway enthusiast and photographer the chance to study the impact of privatisation in the modern railway. Fortunately we have several preserved lines in the Southern area which perfectly capture the character of the traditional Southern branch line in the days of heritage diesels.
Whether you're just beginning your genealogical journey or have been tracing your family tree for years, Tracing your Staffordshire Ancestors provides a comprehensive roadmap to uncovering your family history in the heart of England. Delve into a variety of historical records, from the well-known census and parish registers to the less-explored realms of manorial court rolls, tithe apportionments, and records from the potteries. Each chapter focuses on a specific type of record, providing clear instructions on where to find it, how to interpret it, and the unique insights it can offer into your family's past. With vivid examples of real Staffordshire people brought to life through these records, you'll see how each piece of the puzzle can reveal more about your ancestors. Beyond the archives, learn how to enhance your research with visits to local museums, utilise social media and DNA testing, and understand the significance of Staffordshire's surnames and traditional occupations. Tracing Your Staffordshire Ancestors is an invaluable resource for anyone with ties to this historic county. With its practical advice, expert guidance, and real-life examples, it's the perfect companion for bringing your family's history to light.
A History of Women's Work explores the often overlooked contributions of women throughout history, particularly in a patriarchal society where men have dominated the historical record. While men were more likely to leave traces - through wills, leases, and civic duties - women laboured behind the scenes, performing crucial yet unpaid tasks for their families and communities. In many households, women supported their husbands' work, ran home-based industries, or sought paid employment despite societal restrictions. This book delves into three main areas of women's work: household tasks, home industries, and paid employment outside the home. Through case studies and practical research tips, it sheds light on the lives of these women, encouraging readers to uncover their own female ancestors' stories and contribute to a richer understanding of women's history.
The second volume of a series on a glossary of codebreaking, WW2 Codebreaking Events and Organisations, brings to the reader an easily understandable account and listing, of those organisations involved in collecting and analysing military intelligence principally during the second world war. A listing of key events or occurrences is provided which moulded the direction of codebreaking and gathering of enemy intelligence. Whilst Bletchley Park was the HQ of codebreaking activities in wartime, numerous organisations became involved in a support role, and this became critical when more advanced enemy encoding machines were introduced by the Nazis. The evolution of certain organisations over time, can be tracked to a degree, by reading the glossary in depth. The entries are cross-referenced to enable the reader to research as much or as little as they want, to dip-in to the glossary, to use it as a basis for further study, or just to learn a little more about the people and organisations that helped us win the war with our allied friends.
Prince Rupert of the Rhine was an intrinsic part of the civil wars that devastated the three kingdoms of Stuart Britain. A nephew of King Charles I, Rupert was both the archetypical royalist hero and parliamentarian villain. In his lifetime, he accumulated at least nine derogatory pseudonyms - from 'Duke of Plunderland' to 'The Diabolical Cavalier' - with one even coined in 2023. Such polarising viewpoints and propaganda, along with numerous historical myths, often make it challenging to understand the real Rupert. When approaching this biography, Mark Turnbull delved into numerous and varied archives to reconstruct a tapestry of the Civil War and Rupert's part in it. This highlighted historical errors, gave fresh perspectives, and revealed brand-new information. Key myths are examined, and the prince's flaws and fame are assessed to produce a balanced and definitive biography. The women in Rupert's life have never had the prominence they deserve, partly down to the sad fact that there is a lack of surviving records relating to them. That said, Mark's research has managed to unearth exciting new details about his lover, Lady Katherine Scott, together with mistresses Frances Bard and Margaret Hughes. Valuable studies of the Battles of Vlotho (1638) and Powick Bridge (1642) challenge previous historical narratives and help reshape Rupert's story. Deciphering 380-year-old coded letters provides extra insight into the prince's mindset prior to his surrender of Bristol in 1645. Additionally, the formal start of the English Civil War is re-examined in view of two much-overlooked Parliamentary declarations. It has been 17 years since the last biography of Prince Rupert. This ground-breaking book gets to the heart of the man and provides not only a new understanding of him but also of the Wars of the Three Kingdoms.
The Military History of Late Rome 425-457 analyses in great detail how the Romans coped with the challenge posed by masses of Huns in a situation in which the Germanic tribes had gained a permanent foothold in the territories of West Rome. This analysis reassesses the strategy and tactics of the period . The book shows how cooperation between the West Roman Master of Soldiers, Aetius, and East Roman Emperor Marcian saved Western civilization from the barbarian nightmare posed by the Huns of Attila. A fresh appraisal of the great clash at the Catalaunian Fields in 451 offers new insights into the mechanics of the fighting and shows that it was a true battle of nations which decided nothing less than the fate of human civilization. Had Aetius and his allies lost the battle and had Marcian not cooperated with Aetius in 451 and 452, we would not have seen the rise of the West and the rise of the scientific thinking.
Stalag Luft lll was where Germany sent all its habitual Allied escapers, and the first British and Commonwealth POWs arrived there on 11 April 1942. The following year, on 29 October, what became known as The Wooden Horse Escape took place - the name deriving from the use of a gymnastic vaulting horse to cover the fact that a tunnel was being dug underneath. The escape was devised by Flight Lieutenant Eric Williams and Lieutenant Richard Michael Codner. Joined by Pilot Officer Oliver Philpot, all three men escaped and made it safely back to England. The escape inspired others and, five months later, on the evening of 24/25 March 1944, what became known as the Great Escape took place. The intention was to break out more than 200 British and Allied POWs, but a combination of tunnel collapses, a nearby Allied air raid and the discovery of the tunnel exit meant only 76 escapees made it out. Only 3 made it back to the UK, with 73 being recaptured and 50 of those being murdered by the Gestapo on Hitler's orders. Both escapes were made famous first by books and then even more famous by their respective films, and although not entirely accurate, each ensured that the stories told would reach a worldwide audience.
Czechoslovakia, a vital European economy, was dismantled by Nazi Germany. The Sudetenland was annexed, and the rest of the nation became the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia. Hitler replaced Reichsprotektor Konstantin von Neurath with Reinhard Heydrich in September 1941 due to unmet production quotas. Known as the "Butcher of Prague," Heydrich imposed martial law, leading to widespread arrests and executions. In response, the Czechoslovak government-in-exile, led by Edvard Bene, devised Operation Anthropoid to assassinate Heydrich. Josef Gabcík and Jan Kubi, members of the exiled Czech Army trained by the British Special Operations Executive, parachuted into Czechoslovakia on 29 December 1941. Despite Heydrich's suppression of the Czech resistance, local supporters assisted them. On 27 May 1942, Gabcík and Kubi attacked Heydrich as his car slowed at a bend. Gabcík's Sten gun jammed, but Kubi's grenade wounded Heydrich. Though they escaped, Heydrich died eight days later.
In the weeks after the end of the War in May 1945, 156 U-boats surrendered to the Allies. Some of these either surrendered at sea or directly in a variety of ports, whilst the majority were taken over whilst moored in German bases in Norway, Denmark and France. Nine gave themselves up in the USA, Canada and Argentina. This book provides a comprehensive record of the surrender of all these vessels, and it also includes the story of the 200 or so U-boats which were scuttled, rather than surrendered, in the final days of the War. And it includes details of others which have been raised since and then either been used or scrapped. The author begins by describing the development of Allied policy in 1943, 1944 and early 1945 for the surrender and disposal of the German Navy and its surviving U-boats. It then explains the surrender arrangements, as well as the discussions concerning U-boats at the Potsdam Conference in July 1945 and by the Tripartite Naval Commission (TNC) in Berlin between August and December 1945. The uses and fates of all the surrendered U-boats are then described, particularly those which were formally allocated to the UK, the USA and the USSR. It includes the story of the capture of U-505, before concluding with a schedule showing the final disposal details of each of the U-boats which surrendered. The level of detail, and the exhaustive research incorporated in this work, makes it both an important new reference book and a fascinating analysis of one of the most significant events of the War's end; it also leads the reader into the world of postwar submarine development and the tussle between the US and Soviet navies to best exploit the technical advances that originated with the wartime U-boat. 'It is, with no doubt, the most complete account on this topic ... The time is more than ripe for this.' Dr Axel Niestle, German Naval Historian'Thank you so much for your precious work bringing light into the end of the German U-Boats at the end of WW II. My congratulations for a wonderful piece of research'. Horst Bredow - Director of the Cuxhaven U-Boat Archive and Museum'A remarkably well researched work.' Glenn Helm, US Naval History and Heritage Command
Dennis Oliver uses contemporary photographs and meticulously researched, superbly presented colour and monochrome illustrations to tell the story of these self-propelled anti-tank weapons and the units which operated them in the German defence of the Eastern Front
The rise of Oasis in the 1990s was stratospheric, yet they remained the people's band. This is the story about how lives were changed forever, told by those who lived through it. All around the world, millions felt a connection to these working-class lads from Manchester. With anthemic songs crafted and sung by the greatest songwriter and singer of their generation, from their first interview they proclaimed themselves the best band in the world, and for a shining moment in the mid-1990s they were. 'Live Forever'. Definitely Maybe. (What's The Story) Morning Glory?. 'Wonderwall'. Knebworth. A level of success not seen by a British band for 30 years, ushering in a new cultural zeitgeist: Britpop, Cool Britannia, New Labour, and at the centre of it all, the soap opera antics of the warring Gallagher brothers and their bandmates. Departed members were replaced by fresh faces as the 2000s ushered in their next career phase with Oasis inspiring younger generations. Yet the music and drama continued up to one night in Paris when everything fell apart... until the world stood still in August 2024. Expanded and revised to include over 25 exclusive new interviews from The Oasis Podcast, including contributions from those involved (Alan McGee, Tony McCarroll, Andy Bell, Steve White, Owen Morris), writers with first-hand coverage (Paolo Hewitt, John Robb), celebrity fans (Ricky Hatton) and many more, this book spans their entire career from 1991 to the present day, making it the ultimate story of Oasis.
Soldier, journalist and centenarian: a triple badge of honour, especially for a woman. Introducing Rena Stewart (1923-2023), a remarkable, 100-year-old Bletchley Park Girl who translated Hitler's will and blazed a trail for women at the BBC. The Story of Rena Stewart narrates Rena's fascinating tale, in her own words, and is a testament to a life that was seriously well lived. On graduating from St Andrews University in 1943, Scottish linguist Rena and her friend Agnes decided to 'do something about the war'. They signed up for the Auxiliary Territorial Service and were posted to Bletchley Park, where Rena processed secret German messages. At the end of the war, Rena and her Bletchley chums were sent to Germany, to translate the statements of captured Nazi officers. There, she and another friend, Margery, were also given a top-secret task: to translate Hitler's personal will. Career woman Rena had, however, always wanted to work in the media. On her return to England, she managed to secure a position as a lowly clerk at the BBC World Service. She worked her way up from there, including spending ten years listening in to Russian Cold War broadcasts. Finally, she became the first female Senior Duty Editor in the World Service newsroom. 'My greatest achievement,' she declared with pride, 'has been getting people to recognise that a woman can be as good a journalist as a man'. Alongside Rena's story, this book delves into the lives of her closest Bletchley friends and uncovers intriguing historical mysteries from her remarkable century of life.
Julian Zuromski was on the verge of becoming a fighter pilot when Hitler invaded Poland in 1939. He witnessed the Luftwaffe's bombings and the joint German-Soviet invasion of Poland, eventually escaping to Romania. After being imprisoned, he fled to France, where he fought in the Battle of France before escaping to Great Britain after France's surrender. There, he joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Zuromski served as an instructor at RAF Dumfries and later flew operational patrols, claiming his first aerial victory in 1942 while flying a Spitfire with 308 Squadron. He went on to achieve two more victories, including the destruction of a Focke-Wulf Fw 190 with 66 Squadron in 1943. On that same day, Zuromski was shot down, captured, and sent to Dulag Luft, where he wrote anti-Bolshevik propaganda, later being moved to a special camp in Berlin. Zuromski escaped captivity during an Allied bombing raid, eventually making his way to Poland and reuniting with his fiancée. Although suspected of collaboration due to his wartime activities, he was exonerated and later served in the Royal Pakistan Air Force. This book also explores the fate of Zuromski's father, a victim of the Katyn massacre, and the contributions of other Polish pilots in WWII.
This is a true story. About survival. A Breton soldier who fought at Hastings returns to his family's ancient Celtic roots in the West County. Nicholas St Aubyn follows his family's tenuous path over the next one thousand years, describing those they loved, the many wars they fought, and their role in Cornish rebellions. His story also features a host of remarkable women, from the Countess of Oxford in the 14th century to Honor Basset at the 16th century Tudor court and Vita Sackville-West, a member of the 20th century Bloomsbury Group. He shows how the St Aubyns acquired St Michaels' Mount during the Civil War, the Jacobite conspiracy plotted by Sir John St Aubyn, and the love between his grandson Sir John and local farmer's daughter, Juliana, who inspired Winston Graham's Poldark novels. The story moves from medieval battles, and shipwrecked treasure in Mount's Bay, to love at the Court of Henry VIII, and the political fortunes of fourteen family MPs since 1283. The diary of one illegitimate son reveals the life of a Regency rake, as another builds a property empire in Devonport, while a third shocks his parishioners. In the First World War, St Aubyns were found on the Western Front, and during the Second, they served on the PQ17 Arctic Convoy and at the Battle of Arnhem. The gift of the family castle to the National Trust seventy years ago is one of many events that give this history its unique and increasingly personal perspective as the family identity evolves.
This book explores the Brontë siblings growing up with maternal deprivation and loss, and how this affected their development both as children and as adults. It examines how their sibling rivalry led to disharmony and separation, where each of the surviving children became isolated and separated into their own personalities and beliefs. Research into sibling rivalry is referenced from modern studies and the structure of the family. The importance of each person's position in the 'pecking order' is shown to reflect on their behaviour and interaction within the family and the outside world. There is particular focus on the eldest and the youngest in the family hierarchy. The author examines the relationships between the four younger Brontë siblings and how Charlotte's role and behaviour changed when she suddenly became the eldest child. There is a detailed look at the position and expectations of Anne Brontë, as the youngest sibling and least expected to excel. There is an examination of her novels, hymns and poetry and reference to possible autobiography and also to her crises of faith. Anne's last illness and death are particularly highlighted to try and explain her final separation, physically and metaphorically, from her home and family. The irony of her burial in a place known as 'Paradise' and her longing to gain a heaven with her family, is especially discussed as a consequence of her overbearing eldest sister's character, beliefs and behaviour. This book is not a criticism or discussion of the Brontë's works but an examination of how these four exceptional siblings related to each other and how their relationships affected all of their lives with unforeseen and unexpected consequences.
The best things are worth waiting for. SAS veteran Colin Maclachlan's much anticipated book is arresting, revelatory, inspirational and explosive. An elite operator's gripping true story. It blows the door off!' - **Damien Lewis**'Colin has made a fascinating start to his life already, but the adventure is just beginning!' - **Andy McNab**"An incredible story of courage and commitment under fire" **- Bear Grylls**"A rollercoaster of an account of a young boy through to SAS Commander on some of the biggest missions in modern times" **- Chris Ryan**The Pilgrim is the book the MOD tried to ban. It is a rollercoaster of an autobiography of Colin Maclachlan, known for his appearances on shows like Channel 4's SAS: Who Dares Wins and Channel 5's Secrets of the SAS. His autobiography starts with his troubled childhood and escape to the military where, as a fifteen-year-old boy, he grows up and matures into the SAS soldier we now recognise. Early chapters describe physical, mental and sexual abuse and Colin could easily have ended up in a home but despite the odds and with the help of both the Children's Panels, NSPCC and some diligent schoolteachers, Colin escaped to the army. Colin had to get special permission to join the army at only fifteen years of age and goes from being a young vulnerable and damaged boy to a capable soldier through preparation for the first Gulf War and joining the oldest and most senior infantry regiment in the British Army, The Royal Scots. From operations in Northern Ireland to being the Queen's Butcher to Colin's first TV cameos on Soldier Soldier and Gladiators, Colin's stories and anecdotes are both exhilarating and hilarious. Colin then describes the arduous SAS selection process, the hardest and most gruelling military selection process in the world. Colin describes in some detail what most have never even heard in this secretive world where Colin goes from a course of 196 down to just 12 in six months! The reader is then taken on a never seen before description of life as an SAS operator. Daily life in an operational squadron and the operations, missions and training involved all described in detail. Colin was part of Mountain Troop, D Squadron who were to be involved in some of the most high-profile and dangerous missions in SAS history. Missions like Operation Barras, described as Operation Certain Death in the best seller of the same name by Damien Lewis, rescuing hostages at Stansted Airport in the longest running hijacking in UK history make for incredible reading. Task Force Black/Knight was the name given to UK/US special forces operations in Iraq and Colin was part of the teams hunting down the famous 'playing cards', a set of cards with the top 52 high ranking Iraqi officials including Saddam Hussein. Colin then joins Delta Force and later Seal Team 6 and is one of probably only a handful of people on the planet whom have worked with the SAS, SBS, Seal Team 6, Delta Force and the CIA. Colin is head of a station protecting MI6 and breaking down terrorist cells in Iraq when he is captured and just before he is beheaded is rescued by his own guys. Colin becomes probably the only person in the world to have been a hostage negotiator, hostage rescuer and been a hostage himself. Colin leaves the military shortly afterwards and that isn't the end of his story. Colin first heads up a bodyguard team looking after CNN and NBC news and is in the centre of the biggest triple car bombing in the Middle East. He meets his first wife who it is his job to protect and does several other high profile security jobs ranging from A list celebrities to the Saudi Royal Family. Colin is part of a security team for the Big Brother TV series when Fathers for Justice assault the house and it's left to Colin and his friend from the SAS to defend the house during live television! Surveillance jobs follow on and Colin does anti-surveillance and counter surveillance in some quite high-profile court cases. This leads on to training jobs where Colin is in charge of security, bodyguard and surveillance courses throughout the UK. Penetration testing is another field which Colin gets involved in and this involves trying to overtly break into businesses, airports, headquarters and government buildings which test all of Colin's training. Colin has been involved in Motion Capture for the Video games industry since 2008 and has played characters from Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto series as well as games like Red Dead Redemption and LA Noire. Colin also plays characters in Sumo's Hood: Outlaw and Thieves. An insight into how the video game industry has evolved since 2008 is both fascinating and mind-blowing and Colin has been involved in stunts as a stunt performer for both video games, television and film. The next few chapters describe a world in television and film where Colin has been involved. Before being involved in Channel 4's SAS: Who Dares Wins as the only SAS presenter, Colin was already involved in television as a military advisor and had filmed scenes on Taggart and River City as well some short films. He had already been involved in commercials and as an extra when Channel 4 came calling. Colin was then involved in Channel 5's Secrets of the SAS which highlighted his capture and escape and took part in documentaries for the BBC's Panorama series and ITV's This Morning programme. Colin was the main author for the highly successful SAS: Leadership Secrets book which came out shortly afterwards. The MOD tried to ban The Pilgrim in 2017 but Colin fought the system, the MOD and huge legal army that they possess. In 2024, Colin won and this is his story.
The Birth of British Airpower describes how Hugh Trenchard, a man with few leadership skills, became a much-loved and inspirational commander who laid the foundation for British airpower on the Western Front in World War I and created the preconditions for the establishment of the world's first independent air service, the Royal Air Force. Author Peter Dye explores how friendship can overcome significant personal and character deficiencies and how, by assembling the right senior leadership team, Trenchard achieved greatness. The book also examines how the development of airpower doctrine in the First World War owed as much to chance as to careful planning and how air superiority was achieved only through sustained effort, underpinned by an effective and responsive logistic system. Finally, it explains how the ethos of the postwar air force was built around these experiences and the collective effort of all those involved in the air war.
This is the only book ever published which concentrates on Titanic people from one particular region - Greater Manchester. The RMS Titanic disaster, which occurred on the night of 14/15 April 1912, is one of history's most catastrophic human tragedies, which resulted in a terrible sacrifice of life. The people on board were proud to be part of the ship's maiden voyage, but what they didn't know was that it was destined to be its only voyage. The county of Greater Manchester in the north-west of England is made up of the Metropolitan boroughs of Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan. More than 30 people from the region had connections with RMS Titanic - they being a mixture of passengers and crew, and the majority of them lost their lives. This is the story of who they were, what happened to them during the disaster, and what the future held for those who survived. Some of them left detailed accounts of the horrific incident.
Fighting for Hitler intricately weaves together the personal stories of German historical witnesses across thematic chapters, covering diverse facets of the wartime experience. From the frontlines of battle to the harrowing conditions in POW camps, these narratives are enriched with personal documents and photographs, vividly providing the human face of history. This book is more than just a chronicle of events; it is a profound exploration of human suffering and memory. Each testimony contributes to a larger mosaic, unveiling the emotional and psychological landscapes of those who endured one of history's darkest periods. Included are stories from the Eastern Front, from the invasion of Poland to Operation Barbarossa and the fierce fighting at Stalingrad. The book also contains accounts from those who served in the Kriegsmarine, depicting life on a battleship and gripping U-Boat battles. The book goes on to cover D-Day, the fall of the Reich, and stories of survival in POW camps across the globe. The author's dedication to impartial presentation allows these stories to resonate on their own, providing a rare and invaluable perspective on the past. Years of painstaking research, translation, and editing have transformed this book into a treasure trove for scholars and general readers alike. It serves as a vital preservation of a generation's voices, fostering a deeper understanding of how the Third Reich's profoundly impacted ordinary lives. By presenting these accounts in their unaltered and honest form, the author ensures that the true essence of these experiences is captured and conveyed.
The campaign for Iwo Jima (Operation Detachment) from 19 February-26 March 1945 pitted the USMC Fifth Amphibious Corps (VAC) and the USN's Fifth Fleet against the IJA 109th Division and assorted IJN ground troops under the command of Lieutenant General Tadamichi Kuribayashi. After neutralizing Japanese air assets on Iwo Jima, the objective was to seize Iwo Jima's two completed airfields in the southern and central sectors and make them operational after the heavy pre- and post-invasion aerial, naval and Marine artillery bombardment. USAAF 7th Fighter Command would then have this Volcano Island as a base from which to escort the four-engine B-29 heavy bombers on their Japanese Home Islands' raids from their Mariana Islands bases and to provide emergency airfields for battle-damaged or low-on-fuel Superfortresses on their return flight that otherwise would have crashed in the sea. The combined American force numbered over 100,000 troops against 20,933 Japanese soldiers and sailors. Kuribayashi's defences were so well fortified with caves, tunnels and daunting terrain that the VAC lost 6,821 KIA and 19,217 wounded compared to approximately 18,000 Japanese troops KIA or MIA with only 216 prisoners taken. In a 'mopping up' phase to clear the remaining Japanese hidden in the island's caves, the Army's 147th IR, 37th Division captured an additional 867 prisoners. This epic USMC campaign resulted in an unprecedented ratio of three American casualties for every two Japanese soldiers. In all, 2,251 emergency B-29 landings were made saving the lives of almost 25,000 aircrew members. The flagraisings atop Mount Suribachi on 23 February 1945 galvanized American morale at home.
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