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The Army of Ptolemaic Egypt 323–204 BC: An Institutional and Operational History
by Paul JohstonoA study reconstructed through a wide range of ancient sources, from histories to documentary papyri and inscriptions to archaeological finds.The Ptolemaic Dynasty ruled Egypt and much of the eastern Mediterranean basin for nearly 300 years. As a Macedonian dynasty, they derived much of their legitimacy from military activity. As an Egyptian dynasty, they derived much of their real wealth and power from maintaining a secure hold on their new homeland. As lords of a far-flung empire, they maintained much of their authority through garrisons and the threat of military action. To achieve this they devoted much of their activity to the development and maintenance of a large army and navy.This work focuses on the period of the first four Ptolemies, from the acquisition of Egypt after the death of Alexander the Great to the great battle of Raphia more than a century later. It offers a study of the Ptolemaic army as an institution, and of its military operations, both reconstructed through a wide range of ancient sources, from histories to documentary papyri and inscriptions to archaeological finds. It examines the reasons for Ptolemaic successes and failures, the causes and nature of military change and reform, and the particular details of the Ptolemaic army's soldier classes, unit organization, equipment, tactics, and the Ptolemaic state’s strategy to compile a military history of the golden age of one of the classical world's significant forces.
Army of Shadows: The WWII Collection
by Max HennessyGetting shot down is just the beginning in this epic story of survival and resistance in a country crawling with Nazi soldiers during the Second World War. They fought without glory—and without mercy. France, Winter 1944: The long-awaited liberation is at hand. The bombing missions had gone well, and the crew of the Lancaster bomber had begun to relax. Then the Messerschmitt came out of the darkness, its guns blazing. Of the nine-man crew only Neville and Urquhart survive, parachuting into the heart of occupied France. Joining forces with the men of the French Resistance, they must enter a deadly game of cat and mouse with a ruthless enemy . . . A nerve-shredding thriller of the Second World War, steeped in historical research, perfect for fans of Alistair MacLean, Jack Higgins, and Wilbur Smith.
Army of Shadows
by Joseph Kessel Haakon ChevalierTHIS IS THE TRUTH, THOUGH THE FORM IS FICTION…The terrible and inspiring truth about the French underground, the way it’s men and women operate, fight, die, a story full of nobility, heroism, and brutal violence.First published in its English translation in 1944, this is the fictionalized account of French writer Joseph Kessel’s own experiences as a member of the French Resistance in World War II.
An Army of Smiles
by Grace ThompsonThree girls go to war and find true friendship in this Second World War saga from the popular author of the Holidays at Home and Pendragon Island series. Ethel runs away from a violent father, a man so fierce he beat her fiancé senseless. Gorgeous Kate leaves her doting parents and their grocery store. Shy and sheltered Rosie, who has grown up with her grandmother, decides to escape her sleepy hometown. All three join the NAAFI, determined to do their bit against Hitler. Through the travails of war, they become each other&’s new family. Through desperate love affairs, charming pilots, unplanned pregnancies and postings around war-torn Europe, they resolve to stick together. But will the war tear them apart? And when the fighting draws to an end they realize the world—and their lives—can never be the same again . . .
Army of the Potomac: McClellan's First Campaign, March 1862–May 1862
by Russel H. BeatieThe third volume of this masterful Civil War history series covers the pivotal early months of General George McClellan&’s Peninsula Campaign. As he did in his first two volumes of this magisterial series, Russel Beatie tells the story largely through the eyes and from the perspective of high-ranking officers, staff officers, and politicians. This study is based upon extensive firsthand research (including many previously unused and unpublished sources) that rewrites the history of Little Mac&’s inaugural effort to push his way up the peninsula and capture Richmond in one bold campaign. In meticulous fashion, Beatie examines many heretofore unknown, ignored, or misunderstood facts and events and uses them to evaluate the campaign in the most balanced historical context to date. Every aspect of these critically important weeks is examined, from how McClellan&’s Urbanna plan unraveled and led to the birth of the expedition that debarked at Fort Monroe in March 1862, to the aftermath of Williamsburg. To capture the full flavor of their experiences, Beatie employs the &“fog of war&” technique, which puts the reader in the position of the men who led the Union army. The Confederate adversaries are always present but often only in shadowy forms that achieve firm reality only when we meet them face-to-face on the battlefield. Well written, judiciously reasoned, and extensively footnoted, McClellan&’s First Campaign will be heralded as the seminal work on this topic. Civil War readers may not always agree with Beatie&’s conclusions, but they will concur that his account offers an original examination of the Army of the Potomac&’s role on the Virginia peninsula. &“If you want to understand the war in the east, this series is essential.&” —Civil War Books and Authors
Army of the Potomac
by Michael Youens Philip KatcherFor General George B. McClellan, the dejected Union troops who poured into Washington fresh from defeat at Bull Run on Monday, July 22, 1861, were to provide the raw material which he would train, equip, organize and ultimately transform from a mere mob into an effective fighting force. In October 1861, the Army of the Potomac officially came into being. This entertaining volume from the same team of author Philip Katcher and artist Michael Youens who produced Men-at-Arms 37, The Army of Northern Virginia, explores how this transition came about, with a particular emphasis on weapons, uniforms and equipment.
Army of the Republic of Vietnam 1955-75
by Ramiro Bujeiro Gordon RottmanRottman's latest title discusses the original reorganization of Vietnam forces, from the original colonial structure implemented by the French into the first national army of Vietnam. Complete with a detailed history of the command structure and orders of battle, Rottman sheds light on the little known divisional histories of the army through rare, original source material. Moreover, the author examines in detail the evolution of such key units as armoured forces, ranger commands as well as combat unit organization. This, together with a detailed analysis of the experiences of the typical rank and file soldier as well as officer corps, provides a concise and and in-depth history of an army that is too often neglected or quickly judged.
Army of the Roman Emperors: Archaeology And History
by Thomas FischerAn illustrated history exploring the Imperial Roman army&’s many facets, including uniforms, weapons, buildings, and their duties. Compared to modern standard, the Roman army of the Imperial era was surprisingly small. However, when assessed in terms of their various tasks, they by far outstrip modern armies—acting not only as an armed power of the state in external and internal conflicts, but also carrying out functions nowadays performed by police, local government, customs, and tax authorities, as well as constructing roads, ships, and buildings. With this volume, Thomas Fischer presents a comprehensive and unique exploration of the Roman military of the Imperial era. With over 600 illustrations, the costumes, weapons and equipment of the Roman army are explored in detail using archaeological finds dating from the late Republic to Late Antiquity, and from all over the Roman Empire. The army&’s buildings and fortifications are also featured. Finally, conflicts, border security, weaponry, and artifacts are all compared, offering a look at the development of the army through time. This work is intended for experts as well as to readers with a general interest in Roman history. It is also a treasure-trove for re-enactment groups, as it puts many common perceptions of the weaponry, equipment, and dress of the Roman army to the test.
The Army of the Roman Republic: From the Regal Period to the Army of Julius Caesar
by Michael SageFrom the moment its last king was expelled (traditionally in 753) the Roman republic had to fight for its very survival. Centuries of almost continuous warfare saw Romes armies evolve in response to a wide variety of threats which were met with mixed fortunes though always with ultimate success. As defence of the homeland turned to territorial expansion, Roman forces also had to adapt to sustained campaigns in varied terrain and climates, not to mention the changes in the Roman republic itself. Michael Sage traces the development of the republics army from its foundation (having first set the context of their regal antecedents), down to the time of its most famous leader, Julius Caesar. The transition from clan-based forces, through the Servian levy and the development of the manipular and cohortal legion is examined along with the associated weapons, tactics and operational capabilities. We see how the legions shaped up against the challenges of successive enemies from the Celts and Samnites, the Carthaginians and the hitherto-dominant Hellenistic armies based on the Macedonian-style pike phalanx.
Army Rangers (Special Forces: Protecting, Building, Te)
by C. F. EarlThe Rangers are some of the best-trained and most skilled soldiers in the Army. Their motto--Rangers lead the way!--is not just a slogan; in many of the modern conflicts in which the U.S. military has been involved, the Rangers have been among the first soldiers on the ground. In both Iraq and Afghanistan, Rangers carry out raid, ambush, and rescue missions, as well as many other kinds of operations. Army Rangers gives readers a view into the world of the highly skilled Seventy-Fifth Ranger Regiment, today's Rangers, as well as a look at the history of the unit. Since the Revolutionary War, Ranger tactics and standards have been some of the most effective in the entire military. The book also includes information about: * The tough training courses that all Rangers must endure. * What kinds of weapons the Rangers use today and throughout history. * How the modern Rangers were organized and put into action around the world.
Army Science And Technology For Homeland Security: Report 2
by Committee on Army Science Technology for Homeland Defense--C4ISRShortly after the events of September 11, 2001, the U.S. Army asked the National Research Council (NRC) for a series of reports on how science and technology could assist the Army meet its Homeland defense obligations. The first report, Science and Technology for Army Homeland Security—Report 1, presented a survey of a road range of technologies and recommended applying Future Force technologies to homeland security wherever possible. In particular, the report noted that the Army should play a major role in providing emergency command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities and that the technology and architecture needed for homeland security C4ISR was compatible with that of the Army’s Future Force. This second report focuses on C4ISR and how it can facilitate the Army’s efforts to assist the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and emergency responders meet a catastrophic event.
Army Special Forces Training For The Global War On Terror
by Major Daniel C. MollWith USSOCOM assuming the role as supported command in the Global War on Terror, Army Special Forces will no doubt to play a primary role in that effort. The unspoken assumption seems to be that America's new, unconventional foe will best be combated with America's own unconventional warriors. It is unclear, however, if a force raised to conduct behind-the-lines operations against a large conventional enemy will remain the force of choice against al-Qaida and similar threats. This thesis' central research question is: Is US Army Special Forces adequately prepared, and trained to fight the Global War on Terror? This thesis examines the contemporary operating environment, the threat represented by al-Qaida, and whether it represents a traditional terrorist threat or a new, transnational insurgency. A review of both types of organization over the last century indicates that al-Qaida is, at this stage, merely a terrorist organization, and not an insurgency. However, al-Qaida sprang from a region that is ripe for insurgency should the terrorists choose to become more than what they currently are. Combating the threat posed by al-Qaida, then, seems to require both an aggressive counter-terrorist campaign and a simultaneous pre-emptive counter-insurgency. A review of current training indicates that Special Forces appears well prepared for both efforts with one glaring deficiency: foreign language proficiency.
The Army that Never Was: George S. Patton and the Deception of Operation Fortitude
by Taylor DowningThe full, dramatic story behind Operation Fortitude—the biggest subterfuge of World War II—and the plan to mislead the Germans into thinking that the invasion of Europe would come at Pas-de-Calais.On May 29th, 1944, General George S. Patton gave a speech in the southeast of England to the men of the U.S. Army where he spoke of the American desire to win and of how losing was hateful to Americans. As he rose to his crescendo, he said how much he "pitied those sons of bitches we are going up against—by God, I do.&” On that same day, General Omar Bradley gave a calmer speech in Somerset, England, to the men under his command about how much rested on the upcoming invasion of northern France and how vital their role was in achieving victory. Apart from the very different tones of the speeches reflecting the opposite character of the two army commanders, there was another big difference. Bradley was speaking to men who in a little over a week would be splashing ashore on the beaches of Normandy. Patton was addressing an army that didn't exist. The Army That Never Was tells the story of the biggest deception operation of World War II: the plan to mislead the Germans into thinking that the invasion of Europe would come at Pas-de-Calais instead of Normandy—by inventing an entirely fake army unit during Operation Fortitude. Full of fascinating characters from the American, British, and German forces, this compelling and propulsive narrative explores one of the most remarkable stories of World War II.
The Army under Fire: The Politics of Antimilitarism in the Civil War Era (Conflicting Worlds: New Dimensions of the American Civil War)
by Dr. Cecily N. ZanderCecily N. Zander’s The Army under Fire is a pathbreaking study focusing on the fierce political debates over the size and use of military forces in the United States during the Civil War era. It examines how prominent political figures interacted with the professional army and how those same leaders misunderstood the value of regular soldiers fighting to reunify the fractured nation.
Army Wife: A Story of Love and Family in the Heart of the Army
by Vicki CodyFrom the last days of the Vietnam War to the present-day war on terrorism, this story is a moving and poignant tribute to love, marriage, family, and the men and women who serve this nation. In describing her thirty-three-year journey as an Army wife, Cody gives an in-depth look at what it takes to keep a marriage strong, raise a family—oftentimes as a single parent—create a home, and face separations and loneliness amid the uncertainty and stresses that are so much a part of Army life. Over the years, Cody learns to embrace the uniqueness of her circumstances, and she finds joy, self-fulfillment, and pride in her role. But when both her sons follow in their dad&’s footsteps, becoming Army Aviators and flying Apache helicopters in combat zones in Afghanistan and Iraq, Cody faces her greatest challenges as a mother and again, must balance the needs of her family with her husband&’s position. Full of humor and honesty, Army Wife brings the reader into Cody&’s private life in a very personal way, and in doing so opens the lens for a broader view of world events.
Army Wings: A History of Army Air Observation Flying, 1914–1960
by Robert JacksonThis is the fascinating story of army fixed-wing cooperation units who were made up of specially trained volunteer army personnel. These men were trained to fly, to reconnoiter across the front line in search of enemy forces and then guide artillery gunners onto the target.From its earliest days in World War I, small low-flying aircraft have flown unarmed into combat and relayed vital information to aid accurate fall of shot and to advise front-line ground troops of enemy strength and position. They were frequently attacked by fighter aircraft and had to avoid ground-fire, often flying below treetop height. They relied purely on flying skill to outwit the enemy and yet little is known of these unsung heroes of many wars. This book redresses the balance.
Army Wives: The Unwritten Code Of Military Marriage
by Tanya BiankArmy Wives goes beyond the sound bites and photo ops of military life to bring readers into the hearts and homes of today's military wives. Biank tells the story of four typical Army wives who, in a flash, find themselves in extraordinary circumstances that ultimately force them to redefine who they are as women and wives. This is a true story about what happened when real life collided with army convention.Army Wives is a groundbreaking narrative that takes the reader beyond the Army's gates, taking a close look at the other woman—the Army itself—and how its traditions, rules and war-time realities deeply impact marriage and home life.
Arnhem: Ten Days in the Cauldron
by Iain BallantyneThe account of the fateful bridge too far…‘It was a bridge too far and perhaps the whole plan was doomed to failure from the start, but we had to try, didn’t we?’17 September 1944: 30,000 airborne soldiers prepare to drop 64 miles behind enemy lines into Nazi-occupied Holland; tens of thousands of ground troops race down Hell’s Highway in tanks and armoured cars, trucks and half-tracks to link up with them. The goal – to secure eight bridges across the Rhine and end the war by Christmas. Ten days later, over 15,000 of these soldiers have died, 6,000 have been taken prisoner.Operation Market Garden was the daring plan to stage a coup de main in occupied territory, gain control of those bridges, and obtain a direct route into Hitler’s Germany. But the operation failed and the allied forces suffered a brutal military defeat.In the 75 years since, tactics have been analysed and blame has been placed, but the heart of Arnhem’s story lies in the selflessness and bravery of those troops that fought, the courage and resilience of the civilians caught up in confrontation, and the pure determination to fight for their lives and their freedom. This is the story of ordinary people caught up in extraordinary events.In Ballantyne’s Arnhem, we go into battle with not only the famous commanders in the thick of the action, but also with all those whose fates were determined by their decisions. Based on first-hand interviews, military records, and diaries, we witness the confusion and mayhem of war – from the horrific and devastating to the surreal and mundane. But most of all, we witness the self-sacrifice and valour of the men who gave their lives to liberate strangers in a foreign country.Praise for Arnhem: Ten Days in the Cauldron‘Reminiscent of Stephen Ambrose at his best… some remarkable stories, which Ballantyne neatly dovetails into a rolling epic’ Dr Harry Bennett, University of Plymouth‘Breath-taking… I thoroughly enjoyed reading this account of Arnhem, adding, if you like, a trench-level perspective to those other accounts written from more senior, and sometimes more detached, points of view. Thoroughly recommended’ British Journal for Military History
Arnhem (GREAT BATTLES)
by Christopher HibbertThe vivid account of how a brilliant plan turned into an epic tragedy - made into the BAFTA award-winning film A BRIDGE TOO FAR'Alive with the detail that evokes the smoking background' DAILY TELEGRAPH'Finely recorded...truly the battle of Arnhem has been fortunate in its historian' SUNDAY TIMESThis book tells the true story of the Battle of Arnhem which was fought in September 1944. Nine thousand men of the First British Airborne Division were parachuted into the peaceful countryside that surrounded Arnhem. Their objective was to capture and hold the bridge over the Rhine ahead of the advancing British Second Army. Nine days later, after some of the fiercest street-fighting of the war, 2000 paratroopers managed to escape to safety.Made famous by the film A BRIDGE TOO FAR
Arnhem (GREAT BATTLES)
by Christopher HibbertThe vivid account of how a brilliant plan turned into an epic tragedy - made into the BAFTA award-winning film A BRIDGE TOO FAR'Alive with the detail that evokes the smoking background' DAILY TELEGRAPH'Finely recorded...truly the battle of Arnhem has been fortunate in its historian' SUNDAY TIMESThis book tells the true story of the Battle of Arnhem which was fought in September 1944. Nine thousand men of the First British Airborne Division were parachuted into the peaceful countryside that surrounded Arnhem. Their objective was to capture and hold the bridge over the Rhine ahead of the advancing British Second Army. Nine days later, after some of the fiercest street-fighting of the war, 2000 paratroopers managed to escape to safety.Made famous by the film A BRIDGE TOO FAR
Arnhem (GREAT BATTLES)
by Christopher HibbertThe vivid account of how a brilliant plan turned into an epic tragedy - made into the BAFTA award-winning film A BRIDGE TOO FAR'Alive with the detail that evokes the smoking background' DAILY TELEGRAPH'Finely recorded...truly the battle of Arnhem has been fortunate in its historian' SUNDAY TIMESThis book tells the true story of the Battle of Arnhem which was fought in September 1944. Nine thousand men of the First British Airborne Division were parachuted into the peaceful countryside that surrounded Arnhem. Their objective was to capture and hold the bridge over the Rhine ahead of the advancing British Second Army. Nine days later, after some of the fiercest street-fighting of the war, 2000 paratroopers managed to escape to safety.Made famous by the film A BRIDGE TOO FAR
Arnhem: Landing Grounds And Oosterbeek (Battleground Europe)
by Frank SteerThis is the latest in the well-respected Battleground series of books, and covers a number of aspects of the battle of Arnhem. It concentrates on the landings and the desperate and legendary battle fought by the remnants of 1st Airborne Division in the town of Oosterbeek. The book relies on both historical knowledge and anecdotes from veterans to bring to life the events of those fateful days of late September 1944.Having set the strategic scene in the opening chapter, the guide suggests four separate tours around the area, one on foot and the others requiring a car. They can all be completed in a full day, but are structured in such a way that visitors can make their own choice of how and where to visit. For a clear, concise and accurate account of the Arnhem-Oosterbeek battlefield this excellent addition to our Battleground series is unlikely to be beaten.
Arnhem
by R. E. UrquhartAn on-the-ground account of the 1st Airborne Division during Operation Market Garden from the British commander who led the &“Bridge Too Far&” battle. Major-General Urquhart commanded the 1st British Airborne Division in Operation Market Garden, the greatest airborne assault of World War II, the struggle to capture Arnhem and win control of the bridge across the lower Rhine. The story of the 1st Airborne Division at Arnhem involved not only an Airborne Corps of three Divisions but also the bulk of the British 2nd Army in Europe. Gen. Urquhart has told the story of those fateful nine days clearly, frankly and, despite the terrible circumstances, not without humor. It ranks as an important work, describing an operation which opened with such high hopes and left its name forever as a feat of the highest endurance and valor.
Arnhem 1944
by Chris BrownThe Battle of Arnhem is one of the most iconic Western front battles of the Second World War. When we think of Arnhem, we think of a bridge too far and a sky full of parachutes dropping the Allies into the Netherlands. It was one of the most complex and strategically important operations of the war. Operation Market Garden was devised to give the Allies the opportunity to bypass the German Siegfried Line and attack the Ruhr. Paratroopers were dropped into the Netherlands to secure all the bridgeheads and major routes along the proposed Allied axis advance. Simultaneously, the 1st Airborne Division, supported by the Glider Pilot Regiment and Polish 1st Independent Parachute Brigade, landed at Arnhem. The British expected to sweep through and connect with the Arnhem force within a matter of days. However, things on the ground proved very different. The troops met resistance from pockets of SS soldiers and soon were overwhelmed. The Arnhem contingent was cut off from reinforcement and eventually forced to withdraw. The 1st Airborne Division lost three-quarters of its strength in the operation and did not see battle again. Through quotes and maps, the text explores the unfolding action of the battle and puts the reader on the frontline. If you truly want to understand what happened and why — read the Battle Story.