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HAVOC-06: A Combat Controller on Operations
by Troy KnightI received a target indication from one of the rear team members and observed movement coming from the left of the area of engagement. I then saw them, two enemy fighters moving to a new position. I must have let rip about twenty rounds and not one of the rounds hit them. I had missed completely! &“You shit shot,&” swearing at myself under my breath. My teeth were clenched and I was pissed off at my own incapability with a rifle, however, I realised I had a primarily role to play and that was as the Platoon JTAC. Havoc-06 is the call sign of former Australian Combat Controller, Troy Knight. As a Royal Australian Air Force Airfield Defence Guard, Troy had not found the military adventure he sought; combat operations. His thirst for overseas deployment saw him privately contract his services in Iraq and South East Asia, but when he got whiff that the Australian Defence Force was raising a new defence capability, he couldn&’t help but want to be part of it. The new Defence capability, termed the &‘Special Tactics Project,&’ would see Troy undertaking the gruelling Commando Selection course and passing, making him one of Australia&’s first Combat Controllers attached to the Australian Army 2nd Commando Regiment. As a member of the Special Forces unit, Troy&’s lifelong dream of taking part in combat operations would come to fruition, but the reality of his dream would also play havoc on his life. Havoc-06 is the untold story of the Australian Combat Controller, but it is also Troy&’s personal story and one that will resonate with so many.
Hawk
by George GreenIn a time of ravenous rulers and clashing swords, one man dares to defy the might of Rome in this epic prequel to Hound. Rome, AD 34. While the Emperor Tiberius indulges himself in Capri, his cruel regent Sejanus rules in his place. It is a time of tyranny and terror. Serpicus, a beast-hunter for Rome&’s voracious Games, longs for a quiet life. But Sejanus&’ uncle has made him an offer he cannot refuse, ordering him to travel to Germania, a region racked by tribal insurrection, there to take possession of a rare, dangerous beast. To his companions, the mission is suicide. To make matters worse, there is a traitor in his hunting party. And when he reaches Germania, he will find something that turns his world upside down . . . Ringing with the cacophony of battle, of steel against steel and the cries of men, this enthralling adventure is perfect for fans of Robert Low, Robert Fabbri, and Ben Kane. Praise for Hound &“The ultimate warrior&’s tale.&” —Manda Scott, author of Boudica &“Tightly written, oddly touching and with a strong sense of history as well as myth . . . An impressive first novel.&” —The Guardian
Hawk (SEALs of Honor #2)
by Dale MayerFinding a dead man is a hell of a way to start a holiday. Growing up, Hawk was always a bit of a wild card. Once he became a SEAL, he found his niche in the world. But the wild man was still there, under wraps …and waiting for a match. Back home for a few days, he realizes a new, darker element has moved in. And it appears to involve the freckle-faced redhead he never forgot. Mia remembers her best friend’s brother. After all, what woman could forget him? He was like fireworks lighting up her life. Taking her breath away and making her heart beat faster. But the version that came home was harder, more dangerous ... and sexy as hell. Good thing he's on their side as the town explodes in violence with Mia caught in the middle.
The Hawk and the Dove: Paul Nitze, George Kennan, and the History of the Cold War
by Nicholas ThompsonOnly two Americans held positions of great influence throughout the Cold War. The two men embodied opposing strategies for winning the conflict. Yet they dined together, attended the weddings of each other's children, and remained lifelong friends. Paul Nitze was a consummate insider who believed the best way to avoid a nuclear clash was to prepare to win one. George Kennan was a diplomat turned academic whose famous "X article" persuasively argued that we should contain the Soviet Union while waiting for it to collapse from within. A masterly double biography,The Hawk and the Dove"does an inspired job of telling the story of the Cold War through the careers of two of its most interesting and important figures" (The Washington Monthly).
The Hawke Papers: A Selection 1743–1771 (Navy Records Society Publications)
by Ruddock F. MackayEdward Hawke (1705-1781) had a long and distinguished career in the Royal Navy, serving for over half a century and finally becoming First Lord of the Admiralty. This book is a selection of his papers chosen from between 1743 and 1771, providing information on every significant stage in Hawke's career combined with a connected sequence of documents for the outstanding campaign of 1759-60 during the Seven Years War. His peacetime command at Portsmouth between 1748 and 1754 is also documented together with his post of First Lord from which he retired in 1771. Hawke has been the greatest naval commander of his generation, of whom Horace Walpole wrote ’Lord Hawke is dead and does not seem to have bequeathed his mantle to anybody’. This volume brings together papers to and from Hawke; the sources are the Public Record Office, the National Maritime Museum and the British Library.
Hawken's Heart
by Suzanne BrockmannNew York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Suzanne Brockmann has thrilled audiences with her Tall, Dark and Dangerous series. Experience it here with a hero who must face the most daring adventure of all--falling in love. They're on the run from the law, but they can't escape each other... Navy SEAL Crash Hawken awakens in a Washington, DC, hospital to learn that he is the prime suspect in the assassination attempt on a commanding officer. Charged with treason, conspiracy and murder, he is alone--except for Nell Burns. Nell and Crash have a history, both as friends and as lovers. And she knows he could not have committed these crimes. Soon they are on the run, determined to uncover what really happened the night of the attempted assassination&--but first they have to survive another day.
The Hawker Hunter: Rare Photographs from Wartime Archives (Images of War)
by Martin W. BowmanA “well-done” pictorial history of the legendary fighter plane “that both enthusiasts and modelers alike will enjoy”(ModelingMadness).If ever there was a real pilot’s airplane it was the Hunter: an outstanding multipurpose aircraft which excelled in the roles of interceptor fighter, ground attack, reconnaissance, research vehicle, and two-seater trainer, not forgetting its dramatic formation aerobatic performances.For decades, pilots have enthused about the Hunter, extolling the virtues of its smooth, aerodynamic lines, 4 x 30mm cannon, the Rolls-Royce Avon engine, and its outstandingly honest handling characteristics combined with a lively performance. It saw operational deployment in Europe with Fighter Command and 2nd TAF, in Cyprus, the Middle East, and the Far East, operating in the ground-attack role against rebels in Aden and Malaysia respectively. The Hunter was a classic thoroughbred of its time, from the stables of one of the finest fighter manufacturers in the world and, for fifty years, its adaptability was rarely challenged.Although the last example was retired in July 2001, the Hunter legend undoubtedly lives on, with 114 potentially air-worthy airframes located in fourteen countries around the world. Here, the legendary tale of the Hunter is told in words and images.
Hawker Hunter in British Service (FlightCraft)
by Martin Derry Neil Robinson&“For any enthusiast and/or modeler of the Hawker Hunter this book will be like catnip . . . outstanding images of this classic post war aircraft.&” —Vintage Airfix Initially introduced in 1954 as a swept-wing, transonic, single-seat day interceptor, the Hawker Hunter rapidly succeeded the first-generation jet fighters in RAF service such as the Gloster Meteor and the de Havilland Venom. Powered by the then newly developed Rolls-Royce Avon turbojet, the Hunter&’s performance transformed the RAF&’s day fighter squadrons from the mid-1950s until the advent of the English Electric Lightning from the early 1960s. Even then, as successively improved variants of the type were produced with increasingly more capable engines and expanded fuel capacity, the Hunter successfully transitioned into a strike/ground attack fighter-bomber and fighter reconnaissance platform. Two-seat variants were developed for training and other secondary roles with the RAF and the Royal Navy and a few remained in use until 2001, albeit with specialized MoD Test and Evaluation units—well over forty years after the type&’s initial introduction. This addition to the Flight Craft series follows our well-established format in that it is split into three primary sections. The first covers the Hawker Hunter using numerous photographs, informative captions and tables. The second is a 16-page full-color illustration section featuring detailed profiles and 2-views of many of the color schemes and markings carried by Hunters. The final section lists as many injection-molded plastic model kits of the Hunter, in all the major scales, that the authors could obtain, plus a photo gallery of models made by some of the world&’s best modelers. &“A delight for anyone modeling a Hunter as it is so comprehensive.&” —British Military History
Hawker Hurricane and Sea Hurricane: And Sea Hurricane (FlightCraft #3)
by Tony O'Toole Martin Derry Neil RobinsonThis fully illustrated volume examines the legendary RAF fighter with full details on its WWII service and design modifications. The Hawker Hurricane was aeronautical engineer Sidney Camm's masterpiece. The fighter entered Royal Air Force service in 1937 and quickly became one of the most important aircraft in Britain's military arsenal—especially in the first three years of the Second World War. It served in every wartime theatre, from Norway and France, to the Battle of Britain, the defense of Malta, the campaigns in the Western Desert, the Russian Front, and in the Far East where it saw service until the end of hostilities. Martin Derry offers a concise yet informative history of the Hurricane's development, operational career and design improvements, including many contemporary photographs with detailed captions; a 16-page color illustration section offering profiles and 2-views of 48 separate aircraft; and finally a section prepared by master maker Tony O'Toole, listing and illustrating the plastic model kits of the Hurricane available in all scales.
Hawker Hurricane Mk I-V
by Adam Tooby Martyn ChorltonAt the outbreak of World War II, only 111 Squadron and a handful of others were equipped with the Hurricane. Thanks to sudden massive orders and a well-organized Hawker sub-contracting production to Gloster and General Aircraft, more squadrons rapidly became operational. Cutting their teeth during the Battle of France, it was during the Battle of Britain that the type excelled and came to form the backbone of Fighter Command. While the Hurricane was steadily overtaken by the Spitfire in the fighter defence role, it remained the fighter of choice in North Africa and the Far East. Despite a large number being shot down in these far-flung conflicts, many received hasty repairs and returned to the fray while more fragile designs were permanently grounded. The Hurricane may not have been the prettiest or, the best-performing aircraft but, as Francis Mason stated: 'The Royal Air Force was glad to get the Spitfire...it had to have the Hurricane!'
Hawker Hurricane Survivors: A Complete Catalogue of Every Existing Hurricane Worldwide
by Gordon RileyA comprehensive catalog of the remaining World War II fighter planes, including anecdotes and photos. With 2015 being the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain—arguably the Hawker Hurricane&’s &“finest hour&”—it is appropriate to tell the story of the surviving Hurricanes from around the world. Building on research originally started thirty years ago, Gordon Riley has delved into the archives to amass new information—and in the process managed to identify positively one Hurricane that had proved elusive for more than forty years. Today a number of Hurricanes are being privately restored globally. However, the oldest in existence, a veteran of both the British Expeditionary Force to France in 1939 and the Battle of Britain, is displayed in the Science Museum in London, and the youngest—the very last Hurricane ever built—is still flying with the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. This book documents each aircraft by country of origin and mark by mark from the day it left the factory up to the present day. Some have incredible histories whereas others served in very mundane, but still essential, second-line roles until they were disposed of. Where possible each aircraft is illustrated with a present-day photograph along with others taken throughout its life. From the serious enthusiast to the casual museum or air show visitor, if you have an interest in the Hurricane, this is the book for you.&“Heavily illustrated and well produced and will serve as an excellent guide not only for historians but also warbird enthusiasts.&” —Air Classics
Hawker VC RFC ACE: The Life of Major Lanoe Hawker VC DSO, 1890–1916
by Tyrrel M. HawkerBy the age of 25 Lanoe Hawker of the Royal Flying Corps had won the VC and DSO. He was the first pilot to record five 'kills' before being shot down and killed by Baron von Richthofen (The Red Baron).Lanoe's biography was written by his brother Tyrrel as a tribute. The Hawkers came from a distinguished sporting family with strong military and naval records and Lanoe from the outset set his sights on flying for the RFC. After attending the Central Flying School, he crossed to France in October 1914 with 6 Squadron equipped with BE2s and Henri Farmans.As the war in the air progressed, Hawker shone as both a combat pilot and commander. He was rapidly promoted and given command of 24 Squadron. He, like other pilots, flew numerous early fighter aircraft such as the Bristol Scout, BE2c, FE2b and the famous DH2. Casualty/death rates were appalling but this special band of brothers flew on regardless until their turn came.This book contains many combat reports by pilots of their actions in the air which make the most graphic reading. Of particular interest is von Richthofen's account of their fatal encounter. The relative merits, qualities and characteristics of the aircraft, both British, French and German, are discussed with pilots' opinions.As an insight into Great War combat air operations Hawker VC RFC Ace is unlikely to be surpassed.
Hawker's Secret Cold War Airfield: Dunsfold: Home of the Hunter and Harrier
by Christopher BudgenA military aviation expert chronicles the decades of breathtaking innovation that took place at Britain’s secret airbase.In 1951, Hawker Aircraft started using Dunsfold Aerodrome to test its new jet projects. The Sea Hawk was followed by the superlative Hunter. Then came a radical new engine design for an aircraft capable of vertical take-off and landing. While nay-sayers claimed it would never work, the Harrier proved them wrong, becoming a vital asset during the Falklands War.Then came the Hawk, which—after completion of the RAF requirement—was sold into air arms across the world, including the US Navy. It was an incredible achievement for a UK design. British Aerospace then brought forth its upgraded Harrier, the Harrier GR.5.One might expect that this prolific output was the result of some massive industrial plant in the Midlands rather than an isolated aerodrome tucked in the rural hinterland of south Surrey. Shrouded in secrecy for most of its life, Dunsfold has largely escaped the notice of the general public. This volume shines a light on the remarkable work carried out there.
Hawkeye: The Enthralling Autobiography of the Top-Scoring Israel Air Force Ace of Aces
by Brig. Gen. Giora Even-EpsteinFor more than thirty years, Giora Even-Epstein flew fighters for the Israel Air Force, achieving recognition as a highly skilled military aviator and the highest-scoring jet-mounted ace with the most number of confirmed victories in the French Mirage. Having overcome numerous hurdles just to learn how to fly, he went on to compile a record of Arab MiGs and Sukhoi kills that bettered any other combat aviators’ tally in the entire world. This fast-moving autobiography details his experiences particularly in the intense conflicts of 1967, the Six Day War, and 1973, the Yom Kippur War. The reader shares the cockpit with him as he describes every action he undertook with 101 and 105 Squadron, including the greatest jet-versus-jet air battle in history with four MiG-21 kills in one engagement. His final score was seventeen. After his last battle he became commander of the First Jet Squadron, 117, began civilian flying, retrained to command 254 MMR Squadron in the 1982 Lebanon War, and flew the F-16 at the age of fifty before retirement. Along the way he met numerous fighter pilot legends such as Douglas Bader, Al Deere, Pierre Clostermann and Randy Cunningham. Affable and enthusiastic, Giora gained the nickname ‘Hawkeye’ because of his amazing vision of more than 20/15, enabling him to pick out enemy aircraft long before his squadron mates. His story is of one man’s unfaltering dedication to his dreams and his country. As the leading jet ace it is one well worth telling and, critically, it can be told in his own words.
Hawkwood's Sword: The Brand New Adventure from the Master of Historical Fiction
by Christian Cameron'One of the finest writers of historical fiction in the world' BEN KANETHE BRAND NEW MEDIEVAL ADVENTURE FROM THE MASTER OF HISTORICAL FICTION1368. France, Spain and England prepare for war. In Italy, the Pope and the Visconti princes are battling for bloody supremacy.The worst years of Sir William Gold's life are about to begin. Leaving the side of his commander, Sir John Hawkwood, William embarks on a new journey that will bring him fame and favour - until a heart-breaking personal tragedy leads him to put down his sword. But men of war can't stay out of battle for long. Gold yearns to return to Italy and rejoin Hawkwood. Only now the game of the Italian Princes is changing and, as chaos descends, Gold must finally decide who he stands for...* * * * * * *Praise for Christian Cameron:'The master of historical fiction' SUNDAY TIMES'A storyteller at the height of his powers' HISTORICAL NOVEL SOCIETY'Superb' THE TIMES'A sword-slash above the rest' IRISH EXAMINER
Hawkwood's Sword: The Brand New Adventure from the Master of Historical Fiction
by Christian Cameron'One of THE finest writers of historical fiction in the world' BEN KANETHE BRAND NEW MEDIEVAL ADVENTURE FROM THE MASTER OF HISTORICAL FICTION1368. France, Spain and England prepare for war. In Italy, the Pope and the Visconti princes are battling for bloody supremacy.The worst years of Sir William Gold's life are about to begin. Leaving the side of his commander, Sir John Hawkwood, William embarks on a new journey that will bring him fame and favour - until a heart-breaking personal tragedy leads him to put down his sword. But men of war can't stay out of battle for long. Gold yearns to return to Italy and rejoin Hawkwood. Only now the game of the Italian Princes is changing and, as chaos descends, Gold must finally decide who he stands for...* * * * * * *Praise for Christian Cameron:'The master of historical fiction' SUNDAY TIMES'A storyteller at the height of his powers' HISTORICAL NOVEL SOCIETY'Superb' THE TIMES'A sword-slash above the rest' IRISH EXAMINER
Hawkwood's Sword: The Brand New Adventure from the Master of Historical Fiction
by Christian Cameron'One of the finest writers of historical fiction in the world' BEN KANETHE BRAND NEW MEDIEVAL ADVENTURE FROM THE MASTER OF HISTORICAL FICTION1368. France, Spain and England prepare for war. In Italy, the Pope and the Visconti princes are battling for bloody supremacy.The worst years of Sir William Gold's life are about to begin.Leaving the side of his commander, Sir John Hawkwood, William embarks on a new journey that will bring him fame and favour - until a heart-breaking personal tragedy leads him to put down his sword.But men of war can't stay out of battle for long. Gold yearns to return to Italy and rejoin Hawkwood. Only now the game of the Italian Princes is changing and, as chaos descends, Gold must finally decide who he stands for...* * * * * * *Praise for Christian Cameron:'The master of historical fiction' SUNDAY TIMES'A storyteller at the height of his powers' HISTORICAL NOVEL SOCIETY'Superb' THE TIMES'A sword-slash above the rest' IRISH EXAMINER
The Hawthorne Heritage
by Teresa Crane“A finely crafted romantic novel” Yorkshire Evening PostJessica Hawthorne grows up a strange, isolated child in the sumptuous beauty of her family home, Melburn New Hall, in the 19th-century Suffolk. She is surrounded by all the grandeur and respectability money can buy – but without the furnishings of affection.Robert Fitzbolton, a young aristocrat, is the companion of her lonely childhood, her comfort through family tragedy and the heartache of young love. But is the support of Robert’s friendship enough?Together they flee to Florence searching for freedom and fulfilment. Robert finds what he is seeking, but Jessica is a true Hawthorne and is drawn – inevitably – back to Melbury, to her destiny…. The Hawthorne Heritage is a compelling historical romance of betrayal, love, and friendship perfect for fans of Lily Graham and Natalie Meg Evans.
Haydée Santamaría
by Betsy MacleanHaydée first achieved notoriety by being one of the two women who participated in the armed attack that sparked the Cuban Revolution. Later, as director of the world renowned literary institution, Casa de las Americas, she embraced culture as a tool for social change and provided refuge for exiled Latin American artists and intellectuals. Included are reflections by Alicia Alonso, Mario Benedetti, Ariel Dorfman, Melba Hernandez, Roberto Fernandez Retamar and Silvio Rodriguez.
Hazard Spectrum: Life in The Danger Zone by the Fleet Air Arm’s Top Gun
by Nathan Gray'Nerve-shattering, enlightening and deeply moving' - JOHN NICHOL'A powerful and compelling read' - ROWLAND WHITEOn 5 December 2002, trainee pilot Nathan Gray walked away from an 'unsurvivable' crash at RAF Wittering in Cambridgeshire. His instructor, seated behind him, was killed instantly. Despite the physical pain and mental scars, he found the strength and resilience to continue his flying career. Today Commander Nathan Gray is one of the UK's elite test pilots - the best of the best. Hazard Spectrum allows us to share Nathan's dizzying journey to the top of the Fleet Air Arm. With over 140 combat missions to his name, he is among the most decorated pilots in the British armed forces - our very own Maverick. In an exhilarating first-person narrative, Nathan takes us inside the cockpit as he holds Taliban fighters at bay in Afghanistan, and leads a top-secret mission to seek out Osama Bin Laden in the mountains of the Hindu Kush.In 2018, Nathan was chosen to complete the first take-off and landing of the world's most advanced fighter aircraft - the F35 stealth jet - on the flight deck of the flagship HMS Queen Elizabeth. A television audience of millions held its collective breath as he geared up for the task. This is the inspiring and unforgettable story of a man with a supreme ability to fly the most sophisticated and deadly planes ever created, who overcomes his personal demons to push the hazard spectrum to the limit - and beyond.
Hazard Spectrum: Life in The Danger Zone by the Fleet Air Arm’s Top Gun
by Nathan Gray'Nerve-shattering, enlightening and deeply moving' - JOHN NICHOL'A powerful and compelling read' - ROWLAND WHITEOn 5 December 2002, trainee pilot Nathan Gray walked away from an 'unsurvivable' crash at RAF Wittering in Cambridgeshire. His instructor, seated behind him, was killed instantly. Despite the physical pain and mental scars, he found the strength and resilience to continue his flying career. Today Commander Nathan Gray is one of the UK's elite test pilots - the best of the best. Hazard Spectrum allows us to share Nathan's dizzying journey to the top of the Fleet Air Arm. With over 140 combat missions to his name, he is among the most decorated pilots in the British armed forces - our very own Maverick. In an exhilarating first-person narrative, Nathan takes us inside the cockpit as he holds Taliban fighters at bay in Afghanistan, and leads a top-secret mission to seek out Osama Bin Laden in the mountains of the Hindu Kush.In 2018, Nathan was chosen to complete the first take-off and landing of the world's most advanced fighter aircraft - the F35 stealth jet - on the flight deck of the flagship HMS Queen Elizabeth. A television audience of millions held its collective breath as he geared up for the task. This is the inspiring and unforgettable story of a man with a supreme ability to fly the most sophisticated and deadly planes ever created, who overcomes his personal demons to push the hazard spectrum to the limit - and beyond.
Hazard Spectrum: Life in The Danger Zone by the Fleet Air Arm’s Top Gun
by Nathan GrayOn 5 December 2002, trainee pilot Nathan Gray walked away from an 'unsurvivable' crash at RAF Wittering in Cambridgeshire. His instructor, seated behind him, was killed instantly. Despite the physical pain and mental scars, he found the strength and resilience to continue his flying career. Today Commander Nathan Gray is one of the UK's elite test pilots - the best of the best. Hazard Spectrum allows us to share Nathan's dizzying journey to the top of the Fleet Air Arm. With over 140 combat missions to his name, he is among the most decorated pilots in the British armed forces - our very own Maverick. In an exhilarating first-person narrative, Nathan takes us inside the cockpit as he holds Taliban fighters at bay in Afghanistan, and leads a top-secret mission to seek out Osama Bin Laden in the mountains of the Hindu Kush.In 2018, Nathan was chosen to complete the first take-off and landing of the world's most advanced fighter aircraft - the F35 stealth jet - on the flight deck of the flagship HMS Queen Elizabeth. A television audience of millions held its collective breath as he geared up for the task. This is the inspiring and unforgettable story of a man with a supreme ability to fly the most sophisticated and deadly planes ever created, who overcomes his personal demons to push the hazard spectrum to the limit - and beyond.'Nerve-shattering, enlightening and deeply moving' - JOHN NICHOL'A powerful and compelling read' - ROWLAND WHITE
Hazardous Duty (Presidential Agent #7)
by William E. Butterworth W.E.B. GriffinThe Presidential Agent adventures return in the most harrowing novel yet in the #1 New York Times-bestselling series. Mexican drug cartels are shooting up the streets of Laredo and El Paso. Somali pirates are holding three U.S. tankers for ransom. The President is fed up and has what he thinks is a pretty bright idea--to get hold of Colonel Charley Castillo and his merry band and put them on the case. Unfortunately, that will be difficult. Everybody knows that the President hates Castillo's guts, has just had him forcibly retired from the military, and now Castillo's men are scattered far and wide, many of them in hiding. There are also whispers that the President himself is unstable--the word "nutcake" has been mentioned. How will it all play out? No one knows for sure, but for Castillo and company, only one thing is definite: It will be hazardous duty.
He 111 Kampfgeschwader on the Russian Front
by John WealThe twin-engined He 111 was the mainstay of the Luftwaffe's bomber arm at the start of World War 2. This second volume aims to chronicle its history facing a new enemy - the Soviet Union. The Ju 87 Stuka dive-bomber combined with it to provide the aerial striking power for all the early Blitzkrieg campaigns. In fact, the two aircraft enjoyed remarkably similar careers. Both swept all before them during the first 12 months of hostilities, both were found wanting when faced by the RAF during the Battle of Britain, but then both went on to gain fresh laurels and be given a new lease of life on the Eastern Front. The He 111's war against the Western Allies has recently been covered by Osprey. The He 111 bomber was in action against the Russians from the first day of the war in the east until the last. It played a part in all the major battles and was employed in a wide variety of roles - operating as a strategic bomber, torpedo-bomber (over both the Arctic Ocean and the Black Sea), train-buster, interim nightfighter and, latterly, as an auxiliary transport. Its bombing targets included the cities of Moscow, Leningrad and Stalingrad, as well as bridges, dams and the Red Army in the field. But arguably its most successful single raid of the campaign was the attack on Poltava airfield in the Ukraine, which resulted in the destruction of 44 American B-17 Flying Fortresses (and the damaging of many more) engaged in a USAAF shuttle mission. But the turning point of the war in the east had been Stalingrad, a fact neatly encapsulated by the Luftwaffe's He 111s. In the autumn of 1942 they had bombed the city flat, but before the year was out they were dropping supplies to the German army trapped in its ruins! And it would be the transport role that latterly came to dominate their activities, culminating in supply flights to beleaguered Breslau and Berlin in the spring of 1945.
He Was My Chief: The Memoirs of Adolf Hitler's Secretary
by Christa Schroeder"A rare and fascinating insight into Hitlers inner circle Roger Moorhouse, author of Killing HitlerThe last unpublished work by a Nazi of any significance The Sunday Telegraph As secretary to the Fhrer throughout the time of the Third Reich, Christa Schroeder was perfectly placed to observe the actions and behavior of Hitler, along with the most important figures surrounding him. Schroeders memoir does not fail to deliver fascinating insights: she notes his bourgeois manners, his vehement abstemiousness and his mood swings. Indeed, she was ostracized by Hitler for a number of months after she made the mistake of publicly contradicting him once too often. In addition to her portrayal of Hitler, there are illuminating anecdotes about Hitlers closest colleagues. She recalls, for instance, that the relationship between Martin Bormann and his brother Albert (who was on Hitlers personal staff) was so bad that the two would only communicate with one another via their respective adjutants even if they were in the same room. There is also light shed on the peculiar personal life and insanity of Reichsminister Walther Darr. Schroeder claims to have known nothing of the horrors of the Nazi regime. There is nothing of the sense of perspective or the mea culpa that one finds in the memoirs of Hitlers other secretary, Traudl Junge who concluded we should have known. Rather the tone that pervades Schroeders memoir is one of bitterness. This is, without any doubt, one of the most important primary sources from the pre-war and wartime period. Christa Schroeder was Hitlers personal secretary for twelve years in total. She worked as his secretary until his suicide in April 1945, living at the Wolfsschanze near Rastenburg. Her memoir Er War Mein Chef was first published in 1985, a year after her death in Munich, aged 76. "