-
Spitfire The History Of A Legend
THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN The Supermarine Spitfire was developed by R.J. Mitchell and his team for just one reason to intercept and shoot down enemy bombers from British skies. Lauded by the Chairman of Vickers as a real killer fighter , the Spitfire was so advanced that it proved a huge challenge to the British aviation industry. The project ran so late that it only began to arrive in significant numbers even as the Battle of Britain was beginning. It was during the Battle of Britain in 1940 that the Spitfire became an enduring legend and a symbol of the British fighting spirit, partnering with the Hawker Hurricane to defeat the might of Hitler s Luftwaffe and prevent invasion. From 1942-3 onwards, it would range and fight around the world, from Malta and North Africa to Soviet Russia and Burma, often taking on new roles like ground attack and bomber escort for which it had never been designed. Profusely illustrated with the pick of historic photographs, Spitfire The History of a Legend covers all the significant Marks developed during the Spitfire s operational service, explaining how the aircraft evolved to meet the challenges presented by the war s changing requirements and by the threat of new generations of Luftwaffe fighters. It also includes coverage of fascinating Spitfire variants including the Seafire, Seafang and Spiteful.Read more
£10.80£19.00Spitfire The History Of A Legend
£10.80£19.00 -
On a Knife Edge: How Germany Lost the First World War (Cambridge Military Histories)
Was the outcome of the First World War on a knife edge? In this major new account of German wartime politics and strategy Holger Afflerbach argues that the outcome of the war was actually in the balance until relatively late in the war. Using new evidence from diaries, letters and memoirs, he fundamentally revises our understanding of German strategy from the decision to go to war and the failure of the western offensive to the radicalisation of Germany’s war effort under Hindenburg and Ludendorff and the ultimate collapse of the Central Powers. He uncovers the struggles in wartime Germany between supporters of peace and hardliners who wanted to fight to the finish. He suggests that Germany was not nearly as committed to all-out conquest as previous accounts argue. Numerous German peace advances could have offered the opportunity to end the war before it dragged Europe into the abyss.Read more
£19.00£23.80 -
The Future of War: A History
For as long as there have been wars there have been fears about the next war. Where are the new dangers? What is the best defence? How might peace come about? This is the history of how over the last 150 years we have tried – rightly and wrongly – to predict war’s future.
‘Britain’s leading academic strategist … read this book’ Economist
‘Insightful and opinionated … expertly covers centuries of evolving mayhem’ Gary J. Bass, The New York Times
‘A bonfire of predictions … Freedman’s purpose in this wise book is to discern patterns in the way we have thought about war’s future’ Shashank Joshi, Financial Times
‘It reflects the author’s immense knowledge and wisdom. It should feed our humility, because it reminds us of mankind’s unlimited capacity for folly’ Max Hastings, The Times
Read more
£9.60£10.40The Future of War: A History
£9.60£10.40 -
War: The Definitive Visual History
Follow the epic 5,000-year story of warfare – from the earliest battles to the War on Terror – with this guided tour of every major conflict.
Combining a clear and compelling historical narrative with a wealth of fascinating eyewitness accounts and photography throughout, this is the ultimate guide to the history of military conflict, from the armies of ancient
Egypt to the rise of Isis in Syria and Iraq, and the ongoing Yemeni civil war.War explores the battles, the warriors, the tactics, and the weapons and technology that have shaped conflict worldwide. Lavishly illustrated with paintings, photographs, artefacts, and maps, this book offers a uniquely detailed and visually rich view of all major aspects of human conflict.
Whether on the bloody battlefields of the ancient world or in the modern era of drones and laser-guided missiles, this is the complete story of the wars that have shaped our world.
Read more
£23.80£28.50War: The Definitive Visual History
£23.80£28.50 -
The Complete Illustrated History of the First & Second World Wars: With More Than 1000 Evocative Photographs, Maps and Battle Plans
This comprehensive history begins by looking at the origins of WWI and then chronicles the war a year at a time. The second half of the book details the history of WWII, from the rise of Hitler and the persecution of the Jewish race to the attacks on Pearl Harbor and the dropping of the atom bombs. All aspects of war are covered including war illnesses, espionage, propaganda and the atrocities on all sides. There are special features dedicated to the weaponry and tactics that shaped the wars. Written by experts in their field and illustrated with over 1000 photographs, battle plans and maps, it is a fascinating guide for both specialist and general readers.Read more
£16.70£19.00 -
Kings Queens Bones & Bastards: Who’s Who in the English Monarchy from Egbert to Elizabeth II
Who invented the ‘House of Windsor’ as a royal name? Who founded Westminster Abbey? Which king had twenty-one illegitimate children? This book describes the most memorable features of the life and times of each king or queen – from Egbert, crowned in 802 and considered the first king of England, to Queen Elizabeth II.Read more
£11.70£14.20 -
The Factory that Became a Village: The History of the Royal Small Arms Factory at Enfield Lock (Lea Valley Series)
When Jim Lewis met the directors of the RSA Trust, the charity responsible for the concept and the running of Enfield Island Village, in January 2015, it was to discuss the commissioning of a book that would tell the story of the former government controlled Royal Small Arms Factory (RSAF) after privatisation and closure in 1987. However, during discussions it soon became clear, with the impending two-hundredth anniversary of the birth of the Enfield Lock armoury, that a unique opportunity existed to link the story of the RSAF site with the founding of the RSA Trust. And as one Trust director put it, this is the classic story of from swords into ploughshares. Surprising as it may seem, the story of the birth of the Enfield Lock armoury in 1816 and the methods of manufacture that then existed within the British small arms industry has never been completely told.
At the time of writing this book the author wanted, in the two-hundredth anniversary year of the founding of the RSAF, to commemorate the contribution made to our armed forces by the former workforce which, by their skills and dedication, helped keep Britain safe during times of world instability. Also I wanted to acknowledge the contribution made to our community by the four founding fathers of the RSA Trust that has benefited so many worthwhile good causes.
In a world full of increasingly depressing news it is uplifting to have the opportunity to write about a group of four local businessmen who had the vision, courage and tenacity to take on the mammoth task of rescuing a Grade II listed building that no sane entrepreneur would have contemplated taking on and turn it into a vibrant sustainable business for the benefit of the local community. The model created pays a service charge into a limited liability company, RSA IV, which in turn transfers the surplus to the not-for-profit RSA Trust which is then able to fund many community good causes.
Read more
£11.80£17.10 -
Gunner Jack Dunkirk to Burma: The Untold Story of 130 Assault Field Regiment Royal Artillery
‘Churchill needed a victory and it was decided that we were just the lads to do it, and retake Burma without aircraft, just brute force and ignorance.’
– Alf Smith, D Troop, 316 Battery, 130th (Lowland) Field RegimentThe Lowlanders had a hell of a war. Despatched to the far side of the globe to face the merciless might of the Imperial Japanese Army, this steadfast band of volunteers and conscripts endured operations that are now all but forgotten, overlooked in even the most comprehensive published histories of the Second World War.
They were ordinary men facing extraordinary horrors, a gang of amateurs forged into a crack unit that took on some of the Royal Artillery’s toughest engagements in Burma. Drawing upon hundreds of archive documents, unpublished memoirs and declassified reports, their astonishing story of hardship, humour and heroism is told here for the first time. This painstakingly-researched book traces their journey from enlistment to demob, examining the battles they fought, the way they lived, and the triumphs and tragedies they experienced along the way. It weaves together the grand strategies of politicians and generals with first-hand accounts from those at the sharp end, from the gunners on the ground, to the infantry they supported, to the pilots battling for the skies above them.
‘Screaming shells were exploding everywhere. I threw myself hard against a fallen tree and could hardly believe it was our own guns… I could feel my body being violently compressed with every explosion. The pungent smell of cordite was everywhere while the shrapnel whined all around us.’
– Bill Bryden, F Troop, 494 Battery, 130th (Lowland) Field RegimentThe narrative follows Jack McLean, who as a reckless teenager joined his local Territorial Army unit (139th Field Regiment: the Lewisham Gunners) shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War. Sent to join the British Expeditionary Force in France, after gamely standing on the Escaut Line against experienced German troops he was evacuated through Dunkirk. As Britain braced for invasion, young Jack was ordered to join the untested 130th (Lowland) Field Regiment to offer it the benefit of his ‘battle experience’.
Despite a faltering start with antiquated equipment, the Lowlanders were soon sent over the ocean to take part in the first foray back into Burma after the Japanese invasion. They were hardened in the Somme-like slaughter of Donbaik and, as 1943’s ill-fated Cannibal expedition descended into catastrophe, fought for their lives on the palm-fringed shores of the Bay of Bengal, surrounded on the beach with their backs to the sea.
‘The gunners leaned out with their rifles at the ready. If ever men prayed hard, we who watched did then. Lurching and heaving, the good old ‘Quad’ waded through, and the gunners, yelling like mad, opened fire with their rifles as they passed the ill-fated copse.’
– Ronnie Nicholson, Regimental Headquarters, 130th (Lowland) Field RegimentLater, as an experimental ‘assault’ regiment in a unique Combined Operations formation, they held the line against the shock Japanese Arakan offensive of 1944. Ultimately assigned to a fractious multi-national task force headed by notorious American general ‘Vinegar Joe’ Stilwell, their war culminated in a ten-month, thousand-mile slog through monsoon rains and remote mountainous jungle to reach Mandalay, chasing a stubborn enemy rearguard through country that was eminently suited to the tactics of ambush and infiltration for which the Japanese soldier was rightly feared and admired.
Until now, surviving details of their staggering feat of human endurance have lain buried in archives, a neglected sideshow to an ill-remembered theatre of conflict; the forgotten of the Forgotten Army.
Read more
£16.10 -
Gold on Blue: A life in the Royal Marines Band Service
This is the story of a fourteen-year-old boy who joined the Royal Naval School of Music at its wartime camp at Burford in Oxfordshire in the late 1940s. He rose through the ranks to spend 6 ½ years as the professional head of the Royal Marines Band Service, retiring shortly before 11 colleagues were killed at Deal by IRA terrorists.It is the story of a life in music. Of voyages in HMS Sheffield, HMS Hermes, the QE2 and theRoyal Yacht Britannia. A life of duty, honour, ceremony and tradition that includes Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, the 1966 World Cup Final and the honeymoon cruise of Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales.
This is not a story of one triumph after another. It is the story of someone who, occasionally, was in the right place at the right time. Someone who saw opportunities and embraced them.
Someone who, if he was given the chance, would do it all again.
Read more
£9.50 -
Royals and Rebels: The Rise and Fall of the Sikh Empire
In late-eighteenth-century India, the glory of the Mughal emperors was fading, and ambitious newcomers seized power, changing the political map forever. Enter the legendary Maharajah Ranjit Singh, whose Sikh Empire stretched throughout northwestern India into Afghanistan and Tibet. Priya Atwal shines fresh light on this long-lost kingdom, looking beyond its founding father to restore the queens and princes to the story of this empire’s spectacular rise and fall. She brings to life a self-made ruling family, inventively fusing Sikh, Mughal and European ideas of power, but eventually succumbing to gendered family politics, as the Sikh Empire fell to its great rival in the new India: the British. Royals and Rebels is a fascinating tale of family, royalty and the fluidity of power, set in a dramatic global era when new stars rose and upstart empires clashed.Read more
£14.50£15.20 -
The Fourth Force: The Untold Story of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Since 1945
Set up in August 1905, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary was originally a logistic support organization, part of the Navy proper but run on civilian lines, comprising a miscellaneous and very unglamorous collection of colliers, store ships and harbour craft. Just over a century later it has evolved beyond recognition: its ships compare in size, cost and sophistication with all but the largest warships, and the RFA itself has developed into an essential arm of all three Services. It is truly the Fourth Force as it is known to its own personnel and without it, the current worldwide deployment of British service men and women would be simply impossible. This book charts the veritable revolution that has overtaken the RFA since the end of the Second World War. New technology and techniques reflect the rapid growth in the importance of logistics in modern warfare, while the broadening role of the RFA is to be seen in the history of its operations, many of them little known to the public. Woven together from a combination of technical ship data, official correspondence and personal recollections, it is predominantly about the men and women of the RFA and their stories an insight into the underreported history of a service whose initials unofficially translate as Ready For Anything.Read more
£28.30 -
The Band That Went to War: The Royal Marine Band in the Falklands War
The Royal Marines are renowned for their military skill and also for having one of the finest military bands in the world. These highly trained and talented musicians are equally at home parading at Buckingham Palace, playing at the Royal Albert Hall, or on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier in a foreign port. Why then when the Argentines invaded the Falklands in April 1982 did these superb musicians get involved in what became a serious and deadly military campaign? The answer is that, in addition to their musical expertise, the RM Band Service members are trained for military service and fully qualified in a multitude of military and medical skills, providing support to their comrades, the fighting commandos. The Band That Went to War is a graphic first-hand account of the Falklands War as it has never been told before. It describes the roles played by Royal Marine musicians in the conflict; unloading the wounded from helicopters, moving tons of stores and ammunition, burying their dead at sea and guarding and repatriating Argentine prisoners of war. These and other unseen tasks were achieved while still ready to provide morale boosting music to their commando brethren and other frontline troops. These men are not just musicians; they are Royal Marines.Read more
£18.00£23.80 -
The Pussers Cook Book: Traditional Royal Navy recipes
This is the revised and updated edition of The Pussers Cook Book- recipes
- Dits
- tidbits
- facts
- memoriesThe Pussers Cook Book contains many of the most popular and loved traditional dishes served in the Royal Navy’s Galleys from the mid-1960s to the early 1980s.
Some of these dishes are being served on the ships and shore bases of today’s modern navy, although some have been slightly altered and others given, let’s say, more politically correct names.
Woven between the recipes in this book are true facts and tidbits about the food, the cooks and general life aboard ship.
Along with the recipes, this book aims to preserve a segment of British history, Royal Navy social history, which is fading all too quickly and would otherwise be lost in the grey sea-mists of oblivion.
Read more
£14.00 -
The Royal Marines: 1664 to the present: History of the Royal Marines 1664-2000
A unique Corps, recruited as soldiers but trained to serve at sea, the Royal Marines are the recognized experts in amphibious warfare, possessors of an invaluable combination of military and naval skills. Despite their ability to survive the most hostile environments, however, the institutional survival of the Royal Marines has often been in doubt. Their curious existence, between land and sea services, has placed them in danger of disbandment by those anxious to cut defence costs. They have survived by their willingness to undertake almost any job – as the first garrison of Australia, ship’s butchers, immaculate naval bandsmen – and do it better than anyone else. Always at the forefront, they trained as fusiliers, with flintlock muskets when other infantry still carried matchlocks. Marines made the first heli-borne assault at Suez in 1956 and in the 1960s switched overnight from jungle warfare to duty in Arctic waters.
This absorbing book, revealing the story behind the Marines’ historical fortitude and gallantry, is published to tie in with the bi-centenary of the service receiving the distinction ‘Royal’, and with the twentieth anniversary of the Falklands War.
Read more
£5.30 -
Tank Craft 2: Sherman Tanks British Army and Royal Marines Normandy Campaign 1944
With production in excess of 55,000 the Sherman tank was eventually in service with most Allied armies of the Second World War and by the time of the Normandy landings was the mainstay of Britain’s armoured battalions. In his second book in the TankCraft series, Dennis Oliver uses wartime photos and extensively researched, exquisitely presented colour illustrations to cover the Sherman tanks used by the units of the Royal Armoured Corps and the Royal Marines during the fighting in northern France. As with all the books in the TankCraft series, a large part of this work showcases available model kits and aftermarket products, complemented by a gallery of beautifully constructed and painted models in various scales. Technical details as well as modifications introduced during production and in the field are also explained as is the complex system of markings employed by British armoured regiments. This book will give the modeller all the information and knowledge required to recreate an authentic miniature representation of the tanks that fought from the beaches of Normandy, through the battles for Caen and on to killing fields of Falaise.Read more
£12.60£14.20 -
The House of Jaipur
The Jaipurs were India’s mid-century golden couple; its answer to the Kennedys, or Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. Jai and Ayesha, as they were known to friends like Frank Sinatra, Truman Capote and ‘Dickie’ Mountbatten, entertained lavishly at their magnificent palaces and hunting lodges in Rajasthan—and in the nightclubs of London, Paris and New York. But as the Raj gave way to the new India, Jaipur—the most glamorous and romantic of the princely states—had to find its place.
The House of Jaipur charts a dynasty’s determination to remain relevant in a democracy set on crushing its privileges. Against the odds, they secured their place at the height of Indian society; but Ayesha would pay for her criticism of Indira Gandhi during the Emergency.
From the polo field and politics to imprisonment and personal tragedy, the Jaipurs’ extraordinary journey of transformation mirrors the story of a rapidly changing country.
Read more
£13.80The House of Jaipur
£13.80 -
Royal Bingo
This majestically illustrated bingo game features portraits of 64 royal icons from around the world. Spot famous faces like William and Kate, or meet some less familiar figures such as the playboy prince Wenzeslaus of Liechtenstein. Royal Bingo brings a fun twist to the traditional game, with all the European royal families represented, along with some more exotic courts such as Jordan, Brunei and Malaysia. Each royal is further brought to life in the accompanying booklet, which details their personalities, foibles, gaffes and romances. Who will reign supreme?Read more
£17.50£19.00Royal Bingo
£17.50£19.00 -
Mountain Commandos at War in the Falklands: The Royal Marines Mountain and Arctic Warfare Cadre in Action During the 1982 Conflict
Sunset, 8 June 1982, East Falkland. Eight specially trained Royal Marines infiltrate Goat Ridge, a long rocky hilltop between Mount Harriet and Two Sisters which are occupied by a battalion of 600 Argentine infantry. The next day, from their hiding place just metres away from the enemy, they note and sketch the Argentine positions, then withdraw as stealthily as they had come. Their daring patrol provides essential intelligence that guided the British assault which overwhelmed the Argentine defences two days later. This was just one example of the missions undertaken by the Royal Marines Mountain and Arctic Warfare Cadre during the Falklands War, all of which are described in graphic detail in Rod Boswell s eyewitness account. Using his own recollections and those of his comrades, he describes their operations in the Falklands the observation posts set up in the no man s land between San Carlos and Port Stanley, their role in the raid at Top Malo House, and the reconnaissance patrols they carried out close to the Argentine lines during the conflict. His first-hand account gives a fascinating insight into the operational skills of a small, specially trained unit and shows the important contribution it made to the success of the British advance. It also records the entire experience of the Falklands War from their point of view the long voyage south through the Atlantic, the landings, the advance and the liberation of Stanley.Read more
£20.00£23.80 -
Elizabeth II: Princess, Queen, Icon
With just under a thousand portraits of Queen Elizabeth II, the National Portrait Gallery boasts some of the most treasured and famous official portraits of the Queen captured at key historic moments, as well as day-to-day images of the monarch at home and with family, following her journey from childhood, to princess and Queen, mother and grandmother. This publication highlights the most important portraits of Elizabeth II from the Gallery’s Collection. Paintings and photographs from the birth of Elizabeth II to the present will take readers on a visual journey through the life of Britain’s foremost icon.The book will reflect on the Queen’s life, presenting family photographs alongside important formal portraits to explore how, as her reign became record-breaking, she became an iconic figure in modern British culture and history. The publication features works by key artists depicting the Queen from 1926 to the present day, including Baron, Cecil Beaton, Dorothy Wilding, Patrick Lichfield, Andy Warhol, Annie Leibovitz and David Bailey.
This book features an introductory essay by Alexandra Shulman, exploring how the collected portraits depict the Queen throughout her life and reign, and a timeline of key historical events and moments from Elizabeth II’s life.
Read more
£11.60£14.20Elizabeth II: Princess, Queen, Icon
£11.60£14.20 -
Royal Marines Commandos
The Royal Marines were originally formed under the auspices of the Royal Navy to guard its sailing ships from harm. They are proud of their history and origins but the Navy heritage is fading. John Parker charts how the units have moved away from their nautical beginnings to develop, over time, into the most versatile force in the British military, containing one of their most elite brigades.
The Royal Marines Commandos have, over the past few years, developed into the premier fighting organisation on land, sea and air. This history deals with events associated with the Royal Marines and subsequently in their commando role, starring in all major conflicts including Italy, Malaysia, the Borneo confrontation with Indonesia, and more recently Afghanistan.Read more
£9.20£10.40Royal Marines Commandos
£9.20£10.40 -
ROYAL NAVY HANDBOOK
The ‘Royal Navy Handbook’ provides the only official definitive guide to the structure of the Royal Navy of today and the future. From the Strategic defence forces of the Vanguard class of SSBNs, through the surface and submarine fleet, including the details of proposed new carriers, destroyers and submarines, to maritime airpower and the Rapid Deployment forces, the Royal Marines Commandos, to the vital Support forces of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, Marine services and shore naval bases, this is the complete work of reference for enthusiasts and professionals alike. Every class of ship, aircraft and vehicle is included with a brief background, complete specifications and a colour illustration. The guide also includes details of the future procurement plans of the Royal Navy, a section on the historic ships of the navy, including HMS Victory and Belfast and a complete list of RN and RFA pennant numbers.Read more
£0.30ROYAL NAVY HANDBOOK
£0.30 -
Royal Bloodline Wetiko & The Great Remembering
Royal Bloodline Wetiko & The Great Remembering delves into the history of the royal Annunaki bloodline, which arrived in Sumeria around 8,500 years ago. The Cree word wetico means “cannibal of the flesh and soul”. Henderson tracks this savage bloodline from Sumeria through Babylon, Egypt and Rome to their current power base in the City of London. More importantly, he deconstructs the methodology used by this Crown to keep humans enslaved and isolated during this relatively brief period of human history. Drawing upon ancient Lakota culture to remind us who we are, Henderson sees a great remembering unfolding which makes this royal bloodline very nervous.Read more
£11.30 -
Royal Marine Commando Funny Slang Notebook 100 Page 6×9 Matte Blank Lined
Royal Marine Commando Lined Notebook 100 page 6×9 featuring funny slang front cover and RM logo/cap badge on the internal pages.Printed on high quality white lined paper.
Read more
£6.20 -
Living the Dream, Serving the Queen: A Collection of Royal Navy Memories
For over 400 years the Royal Navy has been the pride of the British Isles, but it wouldn’t be the organisation it is today without the people who make up the crews of these ships and establishments. Here is a collection of over a dozen stories from people who have served their time in the Royal Navy and now recollect their experiences serving their country in the senior service. From the 1950s boy sailor to the sailors who currently serve, we read about the runs ashore, the lifelong friendships, the funny stories, near incidents and the ships they served on. – What happened in New York harbour when a boat was taking crew to shore? – Who caused a huge tailback of traffic outside Faslane naval base? – What did Prince Philip whisper to a Chief Petty Officer during an inspection? – Which submariner saved a man from certain death from electrocution only to be snubbed later? These stories plus much more will help the reader understand why matelots, when asked how they are, reply with, “I’m living the dream, serving the Queen!”Read more
£13.30 -
Rocket Propellants at the Royal Gunpowder Mills
South Site was a later addition to the Royal Gunpowder Factory purchased in 1887 for the production of nitrocellulose, nitroglycerine and cordite. After the Second World War, it became a research establishment to develop propellants and explosives.
This book, discusses the research undertaken in P1 Branch where Bryan Howard worked from 1964 to until the site closure in 1989. However, it also mentions other activities within P1 and the other branches that Bryan was not personally involved in, giving a hint of the breadth of work carried out.
It has been compiled from Bryan’s notes made in the years following his retirement.Read more
£5.70 -
The Silent Deep: The Royal Navy Submarine Service Since 1945
‘The Ministry of Defence does not comment upon submarine operations’ is the standard response of officialdom to enquiries about the most secretive and mysterious of Britain’s armed forces, the Royal Navy Submarine Service. Written with unprecedented co-operation from the Service itself and privileged access to documents and personnel, The Silent Deep is the first authoritative history of the Submarine Service from the end of the Second World War to the present. It gives the most complete account yet published of the development of Britain’s submarine fleet, its capabilities, its weapons, its infrastructure, its operations and above all – from the testimony of many submariners and the first-hand witness of the authors – what life is like on board for the denizens of the silent deep.
Dramatic episodes are revealed for the first time: how HMS Warspite gathered intelligence against the Soviet Navy’s latest ballistic-missile-carrying submarine in the late 1960s; how HMS Sovereign made what is probably the longest-ever trail of a Soviet (or Russian) submarine in 1978; how HMS Trafalgar followed an exceptionally quiet Soviet ‘Victor III’, probably commanded by a Captain known as ‘the Prince of Darkness’, in 1986. It also includes the first full account of submarine activities during the Falklands War. But it was not all victories: confrontations with Soviet submarines led to collisions, and the extent of losses to UK and NATO submarine technology from Cold War spy scandals are also made more plain here than ever before.
In 1990 the Cold War ended – but not for the Submarine Service. Since June 1969, it has been the last line of national defence, with the awesome responsibility of carrying Britain’s nuclear deterrent. The story from Polaris to Trident – and now ‘Successor’ – is a central theme of the book. In the year that it is published, Russian submarines have once again been detected off the UK’s shores. As Britain comes to decide whether to renew its submarine-carried nuclear deterrent, The Silent Deep provides an essential historical perspective.
Read more
£17.10£19.00 -
Royal Naval Submarines 1901 to 2008
This is a must-buy for the Royal Navy and Submarine enthusiast, being a complete directory of RN submarines from the outset to the present day. There is a wealth of detail on each class. Every entry contains the specification, launch dates of individual boats, details of evolving construction and armament and other salient information in a compact form. The high quality of the drawings of the majority of classes adds to the value of this work which includes the very latest Astute submarines currently coming into service. This book is a complete directory of submarines and will be widely welcomed by all with an interest, professional or lay, in the subject.Read more
£11.60£14.20Royal Naval Submarines 1901 to 2008
£11.60£14.20 -
The Elite Few: A History of the UK Royal Marines
“The Elite Few: A History of the UK Royal Marines” is a book that traces the history of the Royal Marines from their origins in the 17th century to the present day. Written by Marc Ferrari, the book covers the Royal Marines’ role in major conflicts, such as the Battle of Trafalgar, the Falklands War, and the Gulf War, as well as their involvement in peacekeeping and humanitarian missions around the world.
The book also explores the Royal Marines’ unique training and selection process, including the grueling Commando Course and the Special Boat Service selection. It delves into the various roles and units within the Royal Marines, from the Commandos to the Band Service, and examines their traditions, mottos, and insignia.
“The Elite Few” provides a fascinating insight into one of the world’s most elite military forces. It highlights the courage, determination, and unselfishness that are the core values of the Royal Marines, and how they have earned their reputation as one of the toughest fighting forces in the world.
Read more
£4.80 -
Empire of the Deep: The Rise and Fall of the British Navy
The bestselling complete history of the British Navy – our national story through a different prism.
The story of our navy is nothing less than the story of Britain, our culture and our empire. Much more than a parade of admirals and their battles, this is the story of how an insignificant island nation conquered the world’s oceans to become its greatest trading empire. Yet, as Ben Wilson shows, there was nothing inevitable about this rise to maritime domination, nor was it ever an easy path.
EMPIRE OF THE DEEP: THE RISE AND FALL OF THE BRITISH NAVY also reveals how our naval history has shaped us in more subtle and surprising ways – our language, culture, politics and national character all owe a great debt to this conquest of the seas. This is a gripping, fresh take on our national story.
Read more
£4.30£16.10 -
The Palace Papers: The Sunday Times bestseller
WITH AN EXCLUSIVE NEW CHAPTER FOR THE PAPERBACK EDITION
The Amazon No.1 Bestseller
The Sunday Times BestsellerTHE ROYAL BOOK OF THE YEAR
_________________________________‘Eye-poppingly revealing. . . impeccable sources, historical heft and canny insights served up with a zingy wit. There are many royal biographers, but few as good as this. She turns gossip into the first draft of history.’ TELEGRAPH
From the Queen’s stoic resolve to the crisis of Meghan and Harry. From the ascendance of Camilla and Kate to the downfall of Andrew. Full of remarkable inside access, The Palace Papers by Sunday Times bestselling author Tina Brown will change how you understand the Royal Family.
‘Clever, well-informed and disgustingly entertaining’ THE TIMES
‘There are royal books, and there are royal books. But The Palace Papers is in a genre of its own’ RADIO TIMES
‘Jaw dropping! What a book . . . if you ever want to feel like a fly on the wall of any of the palaces, this is it.’
LORRAINE KELLY‘Brown’s prose has the swoosh of an enjoyably OTT ballgown’ FINANCIAL TIMES
‘The world’s sharpish and best-informed royal expert’ PIERS MORGAN
‘Riveting and rigorous’ PANDORA SYKES
‘A witty, rip-roaring read . . . full off perceptive and witty observations’ i Newspaper
‘A rollicking ride through recent royal family history . . . Tina Brown’s sparkling prose and eye for detail enliven an entertaining exposé’ OBSERVER
‘The most explosive royal book of the year’ THE SUN
‘Gloriously irreverent, racily written and often very funny. The early chapters on the long affair between Prince Charles and Camilla read like a non-fiction version of Jilly Cooper’s Rutshire Chronicles’ NEW STATESMAN
‘A motherlode of delectable gossip . . . Brown has produced a work both scholarly and scandalous that makes us think about what the post-Elizabethan world may bring, alternately amusing and horrifying us along the way . . . vivid and richly-embroidered’ INDEPENDENT
‘The devil is in the delicious detail . . . Brown tackles her subjects with the same brio she brought to her years as a highly regarded magazine editor . . . Her access to those who flit around the royals gives her writing an edgy authenticity’ DAILY MAIL
‘Brown thrashes her way through absolutely everything that has happened to the family since the end of the last book in 1997 . . . Charles and Camilla are vividly brought to life in a series of well-researched stories and anecdotes’ SUNDAY TIMES
‘The Palace Papers is a sharp-nibbed observation of a generation of tumult for the House of Windsor, bookended by the deaths of Princess Diana and Prince Philip. It’s a story about media as much as monarchy, and it draws from almost every chapter in Brown’s career in journalism’ FINANCIAL TIMES
‘It’s hard to look away as Tina Brown delves into decades’ worth of royal scandals’ GUARDIAN
‘Utter brilliance . . . a rip-roaring read’ SCOTSMAN
‘A brilliant book. Tina Brown has inside knowledge and writes so well’ LADY ANNE GLENCONNER (author of Lady in Waiting)
_________________________________
‘Never again’, became Queen Elizabeth II’s mantra shortly after Diana’s death. More specifically, there could never be ‘another Diana’ – a member of the family whose global popularity upstaged, outshone, and posed an existential threat to the British monarchy. Picking up where The Diana Chronicles left off, The Palace Papers reveals how the royal family reinvented itself after the traumatic years when Diana’s blazing celebrity ripped through the House of Windsor like a comet.
Tina Brown takes readers on a tour de force journey that shows the Queen’s stoic resolve as she coped with the passing of Princess Margaret, the Queen Mother and her partner for seven decades, Prince Philip, and triumphed in her Jubilee years even as the family dramas raged around her. She explores Prince Charles’s determination to make Camilla his queen, the tension between William and Harry who are on ‘different paths’, the ascendance Kate Middleton, the disturbing allegations surrounding Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein, and Harry and Meghan’s stunning decision to ‘step back’ as senior royals. Despite the fragile monarchy’s best efforts, ‘never again’ seems fast approaching.
Read more
£5.70£10.40The Palace Papers: The Sunday Times bestseller
£5.70£10.40 -
London’s Royal Parks: 793 (Shire Library)
London’s royal parks are among its most beautiful and beloved spaces: just as much as the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace or St Pancras Station, the mere mention of Hyde or Regent’s Park is enough to evoke the capital in all its glory for residents and tourists alike. They have a grand history – some were royally owned as far back as the Norman conquest, others were acquired by Henry VIII during the Reformation – and since being opened to the public during the eighteenth century, they have hosted some of London’s great events, including the Great Exhibition and innumerable jubilees and celebrations. This book tells the story of all eight of the parks from the point when they were acquired by the monarchy until the present day, including the major historic moments and events with which they are associated.Read more
£9.20£9.50London’s Royal Parks: 793 (Shire Library)
£9.20£9.50 -
Royal Mysteries of the Stuart and Georgian Periods
Both interesting and disturbing, learn all about the alleged attempt to murder James I and VI before the became King of England, the plots at court involving ‘poisoned tarts’, to the marriage court scandal of George III.‘There is nothing new under the sun’, a phrase ascribed originally to King Solomon, applies to the present book, with echoes of ‘modern’ themes exposing royal scandal, sex, corruption, political absolutism – attempted – religious controversy, danger of mass-terrorism, murder and ‘suspicious’ deaths, ‘fake news’ and international threat from superpowers. And all focusing on inside stories which today would be ‘investigative journalism’ with huge popular media interest. This is history for both specialists and, especially, for general readers, given media interest, including TV and film coverage in ‘exciting’ popular history, as set out by the author.
The earlier ‘Royal Mysteries’ in the series were full of tragedy, suffering, pathos, heroism and romance, but the present set are equally interesting and disturbing and revisionist. These include the alleged attempt to murder James I and VI before the became King of England; the scandal at court involving ‘poisoned tarts’, James’ ‘toy-boy’, and a subsequent murder trial. And the following questions and mysteries: did Charles II really promise to convert to Catholicism to please Louis XIV; did Charles marry his mistress Lucy Walter, mother of rebel Duke of Monmouth; was James II and VII an enlightened religious reformer or trying to convert England to Catholicism – the religion of European superpowers; did George I ‘disappear’ (a ‘hit’ in modern terms) his divorced wife’s lover before ascending the English throne; did the unpopular Duke of Cumberland murder his gay lover; did the hugely admired ‘respectable’ George III, devoted husband and father, marry a middle-class Quaker woman?
Read more
£9.50 -
The Royal Navy and Fishery Protection: From the Fourteenth Century to the Present
From the first recorded mention of British ships protecting of fishing vessels in the late fourteenth century through to recent controversies over the change in emphasis to border patrols and overseas deployments, the story of the Royal Navy’s ‘Cinderella Fleet’ involves many dramatic incidents; until now, however, there has never been a book dedicated to the subject. Naval historian Jon Wise’s new work will rectify this omission. Historically there have been two main reasons why protecting fishing vessels was so important: first, fish have always constituted an essential part of the nation’s diet while, secondly, fishermen have been an important source of skilled personnel for the Royal Navy itself. It is claimed that the Fishery Protection Squadron (FPS) is the oldest in the fleet, pre-dating the formal creation of the Navy itself in the early part of the sixteenth century, yet it still remains comparatively little-known. The Squadron’s most famous operations were the ‘Cod Wars’ of 1958–76, but for six centuries it has been engaged in the many important tasks of protection and policing of fishing fleets, though more recently it has turned its attention to patrolling oil and gas fields, overseeing quotas and sustainability, and policing the ongoing disagreements over who can fish where and when. The author covers subjects as diverse as the battles with the Dutch for dominance in the North Sea, the protection of fishing on the eastern seaboard of America, and the role of the Squadron in the two World Wars. Containing many first-hand accounts, this thought-provoking narrative will be of particular interest to all those RN personnel who have served in the Squadron, and is set to become the definitive account of this vital but often unsung component of Britain’s naval forces, and its impact on national life.Read more
£20.00£23.80 -
The Complete Royal Air Force DAA (Defence Aptitude Assessment) Study Guide: With 140+ Official Style Practice Questions & Answers – Pass the RAF or Royal Navy DAA & Get Your…
What the successful DAA students who score highly first-time know, that maybe you don’t?
Are you keen to get into your desired Royal Air Force (RAF) or Royal Navy (RN) branch as soon as possible?
In order to land your dream job, serve the country, earn & save money, and begin the adventure of a lifetime?
We want to make that dream come true for you…
Yet sadly, you are directly competing against your fellow recruits in the exam – and you should aim to get into the top percentile of test takers, to ensure you get into the job role of your choice.
It’s not an easy assessment, but we’ve learned that low DAA scores are mostly down to a lack of preparation and a lack of understanding of the examined content.
We’ve provided all the up-to-date information you must know, as well as 140+ comprehensive practice questions and answers – to ensure you go into your Defence Aptitude Assessment feeling confident. Students who use our book increase their chances of passing first-time will by more than 80 percent.
Here’s exactly what you’ll be getting inside this study guide:
- Up-to-date content written by former military recruiters, for future RAF/RN personnel.
- Detailed chapters on all 6 aspects (Work Rate, Numerical Reasoning, Spatial Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Electrical & Mechanical Comprehension) and more!
- Over 140 hand-curated & never-seen-before practice questions that mirror the difficulty of the official assessment.
- Answers are given at the back of the book, so there’s no chance of you (or your child) cheating.
- Key information on how and where to take your DAA.
- Valuable tips for mastering each individual section
- Details on scoring, results & retakes…
- And so much more!
So, no matter whether you need practice and guidance with Work Rate or Numerical Reasoning – our highly-anticipated study guide will help you pass the Defense Aptitude Assessment faster and with real confidence – on your next attempt. So, if you want to pass your exam first time…
Scroll up and click “Add to Basket” now!
Read more
£9.50 -
Ships of the Royal Navy: The Complete Record of all Fighting Ships of the Royal Navy from the 15th Century to the Present FULLY UPDATED AND EXPANDED
This is the fifth fully revised edition of a book first published in 1970. This longevity is testimony to its enduring value as a reference work indeed, Colledge (as it is universally known) is still the first stop for anyone wanting more information on any British warship from the fifteenth century to the present day when only the name is known. Each entry gives concise details of dimensions, armament and service dates, and its alphabetical and chronological arrangement makes it easy to track down the right ship (otherwise the Royal Navy s tradition of re-using the same names can be misleading). This new 5th edition contains some 200 new entries and revisions to many older entries. These reflect the demise of the post-Cold War ships as the Royal Navy was shrunk down as part of the peace dividend, and successive defence reviews saw the loss of significant ships classes such as the Type 42 destroyers, Type 22 frigates and the Illustrious class carriers. It is now being re-equipped in the face of new global challenges and has seen the introduction of the Queen Elizabeth class carriers, the largest ships ever built for the RN; the Type 45 destroyers; and Type 26 frigates and new patrol ships which will take on more global policing roles. Submarines should not be forgotten and the Cold War S class and T class are being replaced by the Astute class submarines, and the deterrent role, presently undertaken by the Vanguard class, is to be carried forward by the Dreadnought class submarines. Also included are the new RFAs which are increasingly taking on frontline operations to release the small number of escorts to more combative roles. In addition, there are updates to the Royal Australian, Canadian and New Zealand navies which have programmes to introduce new destroyers, Arctic patrol vessels, submarines and support ships. Since the death of Jim Colledge, who was widely respected for his pioneering research on the technical details of warships, his magnum opus has been updated, corrected and expanded with similar enthusiasm and attention to detail by Ben Warlow, a retired naval officer and author of a number of books in the field. Some press comments: A unique reference book which is the automatic starting point of research on Royal Navy ships. Lloyd s List This quite invaluable reference tool The Mariner s Mirror The book is absolutely essential in every naval historian s library. Warship WorldRead more
£20.00£23.80 -
The Royal Navy in the Cold War Years, 1966-1990: Retreat and Revival
The Royal Navy in the Cold War Years, 1966-1990: Retreat and Revival is the first book to cover this subject in depth for more than thirty years. With unique access to primary, archival sources, Edward Hampshire offers important and fascinating insights into the naval dimension of the Cold War.During the period covered by this new book the Royal Navy faced some of its greatest challenges, both at sea confronting the increasingly capable and impressive Soviet Navy, and on shore when it faced policy crises that threatened the survival of much of the fleet. During this remarkable period, the Navy had rarely been so focused on a single theater of war-the Eastern Atlantic-but also rarely so politically vulnerable.
The author sets out to analyze shadowing operations and confrontations at sea with Soviet ships and submarines; the Navy’s role in the enormous NATO and Warsaw Pact naval exercises that acted out potential war scenarios; individual operations from the Falklands and the 1990-91 Gulf War to the Beira and Armilla patrols; the development of advanced naval technologies to counter Soviet capabilities; policy-making controversies as the three services fought for resources-including the controversial 1981 Nott defense review; and what life was like in the Cold War navy for ratings and officers. The book, the first to cover this subject in depth for more than thirty years, will make use of the full range of archival sources that have been publicly available over the last two decades, but of which little use has been made by historians.
This work is destined to become a definitive naval history of the period. It also provides a fascinating and gripping narrative of a navy under threat from many directions but which survived and eventually prospered, winning a remarkable victory in the far South Atlantic more than seven thousand from its expected battleground in the North Atlantic. Written for a wide audience, this book will appeal to professional and enthusiast alike.
Read more
£53.00 -
Elizabeth’s Navy: Seventy Years of the Postwar Royal Navy
With over 260 images, this is a highly illustrated history of the ships and operations of the Royal Navy during the reign of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
During the 70 years spanned by the reign of the late Queen Elizabeth II, the Royal Navy changed out of all recognition. Its status as a superpower navy with worldwide bases and operations has been eclipsed, but it remains a powerful force because of its potency if not its size. Maritime history author Paul Brown takes us through each decade in turn, outlining the key events and developments, and charting the changes to the size, structure and capabilities of the Navy.
Fully illustrated with over 260 colour and black and white images, this book also provides a stunning visual record of the ships and operations that featured most prominently in each decade.
Read more
£34.10£42.80 -
Royal Marine 6×9 High Quality Notebook Gift Commando Matte 100 Page Lined Terram
High Quality Royal Marine Notebook, 100 pages of lined white paper each bearing the RM logo.Perfect gift for any serving or ex marine. Ideal gift for him, her or them.
Read more
£6.20 -
The Royal Navy Officer’s Pocket-Book
“”The art of command is.to be the complete master, and yet the complete friend of every man on board; the temporal lord and yet the spiritual brother of every rating; to be detached and yet not dissociated.’
A Seaman’s Pocket-Book, 1943′, has found huge appeal with the British public. Presented in the same format, the Officer’s Handbook gathers together useful advice and instruction for those naval officers fighting the Second World War on all aspects of their job, expressed in the benevolent language of the day, when authority was respected.
The Handbook has been compiled and edited by Brian Lavery, who provides commentary and an introduction. Sections include: the Officer’s Aid Memoire containing notes of the training course at one of the officer training schools; Notes for medical officers and treatment of battle casualties afloat; Notes for captains on taking command of their first ship; Notes for commanding officers; Notes on the handling and safety of ships and notes on dealing with disobedience and mutiny.
While suffused with nostalgia and charm, the various contents of this book are an authentic presentation of matters of training, authority and deportment in the wartime navy. The book is sure to appeal not only to those who served in the war or had a relative who was in the officer class, but also to anyone who wants to gain a greater understanding of the day-to-day administration of the wartime navy.Read more
£7.60£9.50The Royal Navy Officer’s Pocket-Book
£7.60£9.50 -
Royal Trivia: Your Guide to the Modern British Royal Family
From Queen Elizabeth II to Prince George, there’s a lot of news to keep up with regarding the royal family. This fantastic compendium of fascinating facts and stories about the British monarchy will keep you in the know about your favourite modern royals. From iconic weddings, fashion moments, philanthropic events, and the birth of new royals, this book has the latest and most interesting tidbits perfect for any enthusiast. Inside you’ll find the royal scoop, including: The official line of succession to the throne, the royal family’s favourite designers and artists, amazing details about coronations, weddings, and other ceremonies, jaw-dropping facts about the Crown Jewels, and much more!Read more
£11.60£14.20
