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With Schwarzkopf
by Gus LeeWith Schwarzkopf is Gus Lee's remembrance of his mentor and friend H. Norman Schwarzkopf, and his firsthand account of how Schwarzkopf shaped his life. In 1966, Lee, a junior-year cadet at West Point, was bright, athletic, and popular. He was also on the verge of getting kicked out. Nearing the bottom of his class due to his penchant for playing poker and reading recreationally instead of studying engineering, he was assigned a new professor: then-Major Norman Schwarzkopf. Schwarzkopf's deeply principled nature and fierce personality took hold of the wayward cadet, and the two began meeting regularly and discussing what it meant to be a scholar, a soldier, and a man. Lee's vibrant, witty narrative brings his more than forty-year relationship with Schwarzkopf to life. Readers get an inside look at West Point culture; they see Schwarzkopf's bristling anger with his rebellious pupil as well as his tenacity, intellect, and moments of surprising emotional warmth; and they watch as Lee starts to absorb his teachings. As he left West Point and took on more professional and personal roles, Lee approached every crisis or difficult decision by channeling his mentor. Over the years, Schwarzkopf's instilled values, wise counsel, and warm conversations shaped Lee and brought the two together in an unlikely friendship. In With Schwarzkopf, Lee passes along the lessons he learned so future generations can hear Schwarzkopf's important teachings.
With Seven Generals in the Boer War: A Personal Narrative
by Arthur William Alsager PollockWith Seven Generals in the Boer War: A Personal Narrative by Arthur William Alsager Pollock is an engaging firsthand account of the Second Boer War (1899–1902), offering readers a unique perspective from someone who experienced the conflict up close. As a military observer accompanying multiple British generals, Pollock provides not only a detailed chronicle of key campaigns but also personal insights into the personalities, strategies, and challenges that shaped the course of the war.Pollock’s narrative captures the complexity of Britain’s struggle against the Boer forces in South Africa, describing the harsh landscapes, grueling battles, and shifting tactics employed by both sides. He served under seven prominent generals—including Lord Roberts and Lord Kitchener—and his observations illuminate the different leadership styles, strategies, and operational decisions that defined the conflict. From sieges and skirmishes to the difficulties of maintaining morale and logistics, Pollock’s detailed writing paints a vivid picture of the day-to-day realities of war.What makes this book particularly compelling is Pollock’s personal reflections on the human side of the conflict, offering stories of camaraderie, hardship, and perseverance among soldiers. His narrative also touches on the political complexities surrounding the war and the impact of military campaigns on both British troops and the Boer population.With Seven Generals in the Boer War is not only a war memoir but also an insightful commentary on leadership, strategy, and the nature of colonial warfare. Pollock’s balanced perspective and engaging prose make this an essential read for those interested in military history, the Boer War, or firsthand accounts of 19th-century conflict. Through his narrative, Pollock offers readers a rare glimpse into a pivotal war that shaped the political and cultural landscape of South Africa and the British Empire.
With SOE in Greece: The Wartime Experiences of Captain Pat Evans
by Tom EvansPat Evans parachuted into German-occupied Northern Greece in September 1943. His mission as a SOE operative was to support the Greek resistance movement, carry out sabotage and commando operations and gather military intelligence.By this time Greece was not only a country ravaged by a brutal occupation but being torn apart by fending political factions on the edge of civil war. Evans had to walk a tight-rope between the Germans, the Communist directed ELAS, Macedonia irredentists and his own SOE masters in Cairo and Allied High Command.After the Nazis withdrew in late 1944, he was sent to Northern Greece to try and restore some form of normality amid the chaos of civil war. His success can be measured by the warmth in which the locals still remember him, over 70 years on.This book draws on a wide range of sources, including SOE and War Cabinet papers but it is Pat Evans unpublished letters and reports that give the reader an insight into the challenge that he faced, both operationally and politically.The result is a thrilling and informative book.
With the 364th Infantry in America, France and Belgium
by Bryant Wilson Lamar ToozeThe 364th Infantry regiment formed part of the 91st Infantry Division which fought in the Allied cause on the Western Front in 1918. The 91st Infantry Division was constituted on 5 August 1917 at Camp Lewis, Washington, near Tacoma, the division, commanded by Major General Henry Alexander Greene, soon thereafter departed for England in the summer of 1918. In September 1918, the division's first operation was in the St. Mihiel Offensive in France. Serving under the U.S. Army's V Corps, the division, now commanded by Major General William Johnston Jr., fought in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive and successfully helped to destroy the German First Guard Division and continued to smash through three successive enemy lines.Twelve days before the end of World War I, the division, as part of the VII Corps of the French Sixth Army, helped drive the Germans east across the Escaut River in the Battle of the Lys and the Escaut. The division was awarded separate campaign streamers for its active role in the Lorraine, Meuse-Argonne and Ypres-Lys campaigns.“THE scope of this book is threefold. First, it records historically the activities of a typical Infantry Regiment in the Great War, basing its account of military operations on official reports, as well as upon eyewitness recitals. Second, it depicts the average American soldier’s life in barracks, billets, and on the field, as seen through the eyes of the soldiers themselves. Third, it preserves in print something of the inner feelings and spirit of the men who were privileged to play a part in the “Greatest Crusade in History.””-Introduction.
With the Argylls: A Soldier's Memoir
by Ray WardAn unforgettable memoir of fighting with the renowned Scottish infantry regiment during World War II. &“The real stuff of history . . . a classic.&” —Trevor Royle, author of Facing the Bear When Ray Ward died in 1999, his sons discovered an old and dusty manuscript in an Afrika Korps ammunition box in the cellar of the family home in Glasgow. These papers contained a collection of their father&’s memoirs, which detailed his experiences as an infantry officer during the Second World War, when he served in the 1st Battalion of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. His memoirs give vivid accounts of Ray Ward&’s time in Eritrea, Abyssinia, Egypt, the Western Desert, Sicily and mainland Italy, and bring to life individual episodes of bravery, adventure and danger that characterized the North African and Italian Campaign.
With the British Army in The Holy Land (The World At War)
by H. O. LockThe Holy Land has been the scene of war since the dawn of History. Long before Belgium became the cock-pit of Europe, Palestine was the cock-pit of the known world. Here, on the high road between Asia and Africa, were fought the great wars of Egyptians and Assyrians, Israelites and Canaanites, Greeks and Romans, Saracens and Crusaders. With these few square miles are associated the names of the world's greatest soldiers no less than that of the Prince of Peace. None can fail to be interested in the latest campaign in this Land of Armageddon. (Goodreads)
With the East Surrey's in Tunisia, Sicily and Italy, 1942–1945: Fighting for Every River and Mountain
by Bryn EvansThe East Surreys were in near continuous action from November 1942, when they landed in North Africa (Operation TORCH) through to May 1945 Armistice. By that time they had cleared the Germans from Tunisia, taken part in Operation HUSKY, (the Sicily invasion TORCH) and fought up through Italy as far as River Po.Trained as mountain troops, the East Surreys saw bitter action in the Atlas Mountains, on the slopes of Mount Etna and Monte Cassino, and in the unforgiving hills and valleys of the Apennines. They were called upon to cross many rivers, often opposed by a determined enemy, culminating in the River Po and its huge exposed and waterlogged valley.Veterans stories illustrate the horrendous nature of the East Surreys task, whether in set piece formation battles or patrol actions.Especially interesting is the part played by Lieutenant John Woodhouse who commanded the Surreys Battle Patrol. His experiences enable this fine officer to revolutionize SAS training and tactics in the 1950s and 1960s in Malaya and Africa and he is credited with revitalizing the SAS when in grave danger of being disbanded.This story of the East Surreys shows how a single battalion can make a huge difference. It also gives the reader a better understanding of the campaigns involved.
With the German Guns: Four Years on the Western Front (Pen And Sword Military Classics Ser.)
by Herbert Sulzbach&“An invaluable eye-witness account of life at the lower levels of the German Army during the First World War.&”—HistoryOfWar.org At once harrowing and lighthearted, Herbert Sulzbach&’s exceptional diary has been highly praised since its original publication in Germany in 1935. With the reprint of this classic account of trench warfare, it records the pride and exhilaration of what to him was the fight for a just cause. It is one of the very few available records of an ordinary German soldier during the First World War. &“One of the most notable books on the Great War. It is a book which finely expressed the true soldierly spirit on its highest level; the combination of a high sense of duty, courage, fairness and chivalry.&”—Sir Basil Liddell Hart &“Herbert Sulzbach&’s first person diary focuses on four years of trench warfare and is a valuable contribution to the overall individual story of the First World War, more so than many other such accounts perhaps, as the author was German.&”—OCAD Militaria Collectors Resources &“A first-class personal account of Herbert Sulzbach&’s war seen through his diaries. There is much insight into both his and the German soldier&’s attitude to war and events . . . a very readable narrative and adds to the library of sources that are invaluable to counter the legions of postmodern re-evaluations of the German soldier.&”—Battlefield Guide
With the Guards We Shall Go: A Guardsman’s Letters in the Crimea, 1854-1855
by Countess Mabell of AirlieOriginally published in 1953, With the Guards We Shall Go (1933) details the experiences of Countess of Airlie’s great-uncle, John Jocelyn, 5th Earl of Roden, throughout the Crimean War.The book draws on numerous letters written and received by the Guardsman between 1854-1855, which the Countess began to compile in 1917.
With the Guns, 1914–1918: An Subaltern's Story
by John Jones Stanley FoxallAcquired at a local Cheshire auction house, several personal albums of WWI photographs taken by their previous gentleman owner, an officer in the Royal Field Artillery (RFA) called Harold Cooper Bebington. He was also a member of one of the early amateur photographic societies at his home town, hence explaining their excellent quality and his interest in taking them, although possibly against Kings Regulations! They relate to his training as an officer cadet initially from 1916 in England, working with horses and field gun limbers, his commissioning, and subsequent hospitalisation in England after wounding on the Western Front. Afterwards he was posted to the then new anti-aircraft artillery and returned in 1918 to the Front.Additionally, there are period photographs of family and friends in uniform as they too went off to War, showing different regiments which make a superb uniform study to complement his story.They show the Home Front aspects of army life covering officer training and medical care and recreation. The photographer himself is a classic example of the WWI British officer who saw service and is atypical of those who answered the call and as such is worthy of remembering by having his story told.
With the Guns in the Peninsula: The Peninsular War Journal of Captain William Webber, Royal Artillery (The Napoleonic Library #No. 18)
by William WebberThis British artillery officer&’s journal vividly depicts life on the frontlines in the war against Napoleon in Spain and Portugal. In August 1812, Second Captain Webber of the Royal Artillery joined Captain Maxwell&’s 9-pounder Brigade at Zafra, Spain. His journal offers a detailed chronicle of the period up June 16th 1813, just before the Battle of Vitoria. Webber records events as they unfold, as well as his impressions of the countryside and its people and customs. Webber describes his experiences during the advance up to and along the Tagus to Aranjuez, the reversal of fortunes during the autumn of 1812, the difficult retreat into winter quarters in Portugal, and finally his brigade&’s part in the brilliant campaign of 1813 which saw the French pushed back across the Ebro. Webber gives vivid accounts of engagements with the enemy along the way; notably around Alba de Tormes during the retreat, and on the heights outside Burgos. The preface by Lieutenant Colonel Laws sets the journal within the context of the Peninsular War. It also outlines Webber&’s military career, which culminated with his wounding at Waterloo.
With the Jocks: A Soldier's Struggle for Europe 1944-45
by Peter White'The book is remarkable .... one of the most striking personal records of the period.' - Max HastingsAs a 24-year-old lieutenant in the King's Own Scottish Borderers, Peter kept an unauthorised journal of his regiment's advance through the Low Countries and into Germany in the closing months of the war in Europe. Forbidden by his commanding officer from doing so for security reasons, Peter's boyhood habit of diary keeping had become an obsession too strong to shake off. In this graphic evocation of a soldier at war, the images he records are not for the faint hearted.There are heroes aplenty within its pages, but there are also disturbing insights into the darker sides of humanity - the men who broke under the strain and who ran away; the binge drinking which occasionally rendered the whole platoon unable to fight; the looting, the rape, and the callous disregard for human life that happens when death is a daily companion. Hidden away for more than 50 years, this is a rare opportunity to read an authentic account of the horrors of war experienced by a British soldier in the greatest conflict of the 20th century.
With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa
by E. B. SledgeA reprint of the classic World War II memoir chronicling 20-year-old Sledge's experiences as a rifleman. The non-fiction account of the Peleliu and Okinawa battles has been compared to All Quiet on the Western Front. It certainly captures the confusion and fear of war, particularly for a young man torn between ideals of duty and the horrific devastation of combat. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR.
With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa
by E. B. SledgeIn The Wall Street Journal, Victor Davis Hanson named With the Old Breed one of the top five books on epic twentieth-century battles. Studs Terkel interviewed the author for his definitive oral history, The Good War. Now E. B. Sledge's acclaimed first-person account of fighting at Peleliu and Okinawa returns to thrill, edify, and inspire a new generation.An Alabama boy steeped in American history and enamored of such heroes as George Washington and Daniel Boone, Eugene B. Sledge became part of the war's famous 1st Marine Division-3d Battalion, 5th Marines. Even after intense training, he was shocked to be thrown into the battle of Peleliu, where "the world was a nightmare of flashes, explosions, and snapping bullets." By the time Sledge hit the hell of Okinawa, he was a combat vet, still filled with fear but no longer with panic.Based on notes Sledge secretly kept in a copy of the New Testament, With the Old Breed captures with utter simplicity and searing honesty the experience of a soldier in the fierce Pacific Theater. Here is what saved, threatened, and changed his life. Here, too, is the story of how he learned to hate and kill-and came to love-his fellow man.From the Trade Paperback edition.
With the Tanks, 1916–1918: Memoirs of a British Tank Commander in the Great War (Eyewitnesses from The Great War)
by W.H.L. WatsonWilliam Watson was a young Oxford post-graduate at the outbreak of the First World War in 1914. Along with several friends from Oxford he enlisted in the army expecting the war to last six weeks. Watson began his service in the Great War as a British Army motorcycle despatch rider. He saw active service during the key battles of 1914 and early 1915. Watson was then commissioned and became a tank commander and saw active service with the tanks most notably at Cambrai in 1917. This well written and evocative memoir was originally published under the tile 'A Company Of Tanks' it constitutes a wonderful primary source and is an invaluable addition to the library of anyone with an interest in the evolution of the tank as a decisive weapon on the battlefield. Highly detailed, but nonetheless accessible this superb new illustrated edition, edited by Emmy AwardTM winning historian Bob Carruthers is greatly recommended for serious enthusiasts and casual readers alike.
With Their Backs To The World: Portraits from Serbia - from the bestselling author of the Bookseller of Kabul
by Asne SeierstadFrom the bestselling author of THE BOOKSELLER OF KABUL comes a remarkable exploration of the lives of ordinary Serbs under the regime of Slobodan Milosevic-during the dramatic events leading up to his fall, and finally in the troubled years that have followed. Asne Seierstad traveled extensively through Serbia between 1999 and 2004, following the lives of people from across the political spectrum. Her moving and perceptive account follows nationalists, Titoists, Yugonostalgics, rock stars, fugitives and poets. Seierstad brings her acclaimed attention to detail to bear on the lives of those whom she encounters in With Their Backs to the World, as she creates a kaleidoscopic portrait of a nation made up of so many different-and often conflicting-hopes, dreams, and points of view.
With Their Backs To The World: Portraits from Serbia - from the bestselling author of the Bookseller of Kabul
by x Asne SeierstadFrom the bestselling author of THE BOOKSELLER OF KABUL comes a remarkable exploration of the lives of ordinary Serbs under the regime of Slobodan Milosevic-during the dramatic events leading up to his fall, and finally in the troubled years that have followed. Asne Seierstad traveled extensively through Serbia between 1999 and 2004, following the lives of people from across the political spectrum. Her moving and perceptive account follows nationalists, Titoists, Yugonostalgics, rock stars, fugitives and poets. Seierstad brings her acclaimed attention to detail to bear on the lives of those whom she encounters in With Their Backs to the World, as she creates a kaleidoscopic portrait of a nation made up of so many different-and often conflicting-hopes, dreams, and points of view.
With "The Thirty-Second" In The Peninsular And Other Campaigns
by Prof. John Henry Wardell Major Harry Ross-LewinThis ebook is purpose built and is proof-read and re-type set from the original to provide an outstanding experience of reflowing text for an ebook reader. Although the 32nd Regiment was primarily recruited in and around Cornwall, leading to many scraps with the Navy for manpower, in its ranks during the Napoleonic wars the two Irish brothers of the Ross-Lewin family fought, the elder brother Harry left an exciting and vibrant account of his campaigning. His adventures took him from the West Indies, engagements with rebel Irishmen, Copenhagen, even before his arrival in the Peninsular to start his campaigns under Wellington in 1808. His first major trial under fire begins at Rolica and Vimiero, before he and his brave men are sent off to the pestilent climes of Walcheren. Returning to the Spain once again he is heavily engaged during the battle of Salamanca, during which he is wounded, once mended his service takes him onward to France via a number of battles at Bayonne, Orthez and Toulouse. During his campaigning he suffers the loss of his brother Edward and writes touchingly of his bravery before he fell. His account of the Waterloo campaign is amongst the best that survive, accurate and vividly written, he was lucky to survive the culminating battle as his regiment was one of the most severely depleted. Major Ross-Lewin originally wrote three volumes of his memoirs of his time in the British army under the title of "The Life of a Soldier, by a Field Officer" in three volumes; this edition has been expertly trimmed the then reader of Modern History at Trinity College, Dublin. This work shares the tone of his countryman William Grattan's memoirs, with a wry view of the antics of his soldiers, an eye for the details of what passed before him, interspersed with battle vignettes that convey the fire and confusion of battle. Text taken, whole and complete from the 1904 edition, Hidges and Figgis & Co, Dublin. Original -368 pages Author - Major Harry Ross-Lewin (1781-1872) Editor - Prof. John Henry Wardell (1898- Aug 1957) Linked TOC
With The Trench Mortars In France [Illustrated Edition]
by Captain William Esmonde Lennox NapierIllustrated with a portrait of the author and multiple illustrations of the mortar weapons"The following account of the work of the Light Trench Mortars in France is given in order that the usefulness in the Great War of this wonderful invention of Stokes may be more widely known in New Zealand than at present is the case. The information given in the following pages is all of more or less value because it has been gained from personal experience in the field in France and with the help of official war diaries of different batteries engaged both in trench warfare and in attack, and these batteries are considered to have taken part in more offensive actions than any other batteries in the whole British Army, commencing from Armentières in February, 1916, right up to the end of the War.Very little has been said in any other book written during or since the War, not even in the History of the N.Z.E.F., nor in the history of any of its regiments, of the Trench Mortars or their work, and, therefore, without making this little brochure an effort for people to read by supplying a lot of technical detail, I think it preferable to narrate in simple language some of the principal achievements of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force with this wonderful invention of Sir Wilfred Stokes, after its introduction to the Army."--Introduction
With The Twenty-Ninth Division In Gallipoli, A Chaplain's Experiences. [Illustrated Edition]
by Rev Creighton Oswin"The padre of the 86th Brigade, 29th Division, gives an account of his experiences at Gallipoli where he landed on 25th April 1915 to his evacuation on medical grounds on 12th August....it covers the period 27th January 1915, when he reported to the HQ of the newly formed 29th Division in Leamington, to 12th August 1915 when he arrived in Alexandria having been evacuated sick (diphtheria) from the Peninsula. The 86th Brigade was a Fusilier Brigade with 2nd Royal Fusiliers, 1st Lancashire Fusiliers, 1st Royal Munster Fusiliers and 1st Royal Dublin Fusiliers, and it was the first to land on 25th April 1915. It was with the first two mentioned that Creighton had most contact and they feature prominently in this account. The other two battalions, being recruited mainly from the south of Ireland, were predominantly RC.Creighton had come straight from civvy street and took a little while to find his feet among regular troops....This account is based on his diary and he took pains to write only what he got firsthand and from personal observation and he has tried to be as accurate as possible.The interesting photos were borrowed from the CO of 2nd RF and his narrative does give a feel for the conditions and fighting on the Peninsula. At one stage he gives vent to his feelings after a fruitless attack by a brigade of the newly arrived 52nd (Lowland) Division which cost over fifty percent casualties: "These things seem to happen every battle. The amount of unnecessary lives simply thrown away is appalling."...The book closes with a chapter by the BM, Major H.M. Farmar, on the landing of the 86th Brigade and the subsequent operations till 3rd May."N&M print versionAuthor -- Rev. Creighton Oswin, 1883-1918Text taken, whole and complete, from the edition published in London, Longmans, Green and co., 1916.Original Page Count - xiv and 191 pages.Illustrations -- 26 maps and Illustrations.
With Wellington in the Peninsula: The Adventures of a Highland Soldier, 1808–1814
by Paul CowanFew men from the 71st Highland Light Infantry who sailed from Cork with Wellington to Portugal in 1808 returned to the Irish port six years later. The author of Vicissitudes in the Life of a Scottish Soldier was one of the survivors and claims only four other men from his company came through the entire six years with him. As one of Wellington's elite Light Infantry units the 71st were in the fore of the fighting in some of the hardest fought battles of the Peninsular War. The book was controversial on its release in 1827 for its unvarnished and unsentimental account of the grim war against the French in Spain, the Netherlands, Portugal and France itself. A cynic with a highly developed sense of humour, the author was not afraid to criticise his superiors, be they thieving sergeants or officers who were far from gentlemen. Editor Paul Cowan draws on little known diaries and other accounts written by the author's contemporaries to corroborate and expand on this frank but all too long neglected first-hand picture of the war in the Peninsula as it was really fought.
With Wellington's Hussars in the Peninsula and Waterloo: The Journal of Lieutenant George Woodberry, 18th Hussars
by Gareth GloverGeorge Woodberry was commissioned into the 18th Light Dragoons (Hussars) as a cornet on 16 Jan 1812, and joined Wellingtons army as a lieutenant, seeing action in the key battles of 1813 and 14 Moralles, Vittoria, Nivelle, Nive, Orthes, Croix dOrade and the final battle of the war at Toulouse. He was wounded at Mendionde in a clash with French cavalry as Wellington advanced into France. He also served in the 1815 campaign, being at Waterloo and the march to Paris.What is most remarkable is that Woodberry found time to record events at length in his journal almost every single day. This enables the reader to trace accurately the movements of the 18th Hussars and Wellingtons army in general with precision. It also provides an insight into life on campaign in Spain, France and Belgium with the British Army of the early nineteenth centuryHis lively, detailed and entertaining account of his time in Wellingtons army is matched by the unusual story of the history of his journal. It was published once before, in 1898, but in French by a Paris-based publisher. The original journal, in two leather-bound volumes, has since been lost, but the French edition has now been translated back into English by renowned Napoleonic historian Gareth Glover and is published in the UK for the first time.
With Wings As Eagles: The Eighth Air Force in World War II
by Philip KaplanBeginning in 1942, the Eighth Air Force began a precision bombing raid offensive deep into Nazi Germany, embarking from bases in rural England. Nearly 350,000 Americans were transplanted to English soil, joining their British colleagues for this joint Allied offensive. For many it was a period of great risk, and arguably the greatest adventure of their lives.With Wings As Eagles celebrates the heroics of these pilots and their missions. A lavishly illustrated, full-color, hardcover original, the narrative is the result of the author’s exclusive interviews with many of the pilots and crew, as well as research from contemporary diaries, journals, and scrapbooks. Readers relive the nostalgia and vivid reminiscences - of days of seemingly endless boredom and fatigue, the loneliness of soaring in an aluminum cocoon four miles over an intended target, and a surprising account of parachuting onto German soil and being captured by women and children.With Wings As Eagles relives the drama and history of an heroic era.
With Wings Like Eagles
by Michael KordaIn the summer of 1940, fewer than three thousand young fighter pilots of the Royal Air Force stood between Hitler and the victory that seemed almost within his grasp.In this superb history of three epic months that saved the world, Michael Korda brilliantly re-creates the intensity of combat in "the long, delirious, burning blue" of the sky above southern England--while tracing, perhaps for the first time, the entire complex web of political, diplomatic, scientific, industrial, and human decisions during the 1930s that inexorably led to the world's first, greatest, and most decisive air battle. With Wings Like Eagles brings to vivid life the extraordinary men and women on both sides of the conflict--from Winston Churchill, Neville Chamberlain, and Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring to the ground crews, the German pilots, the American volunteers, and the courageous airmen and airwomen of the RAF.
With Wings Like Eagles: A History of the Battle of Britain
by Michael KordaIn the summer of 1940, fewer than three thousand young fighter pilots of the Royal Air Force stood between Hitler and the victory that seemed almost within his grasp. In this superb history of three epic months that saved the world, Michael Korda brilliantly re-creates the intensity of combat in "the long, delirious, burning blue" of the sky above southern England--while tracing, perhaps for the first time, the entire complex web of political, diplomatic, scientific, industrial, and human decisions during the 1930s that inexorably led to the world's first, greatest, and most decisive air battle. With Wings Like Eagles brings to vivid life the extraordinary men and women on both sides of the conflict--from Winston Churchill, Neville Chamberlain, and Reichsmarschall Hermann GÖring to the ground crews, the German pilots, the American volunteers, and the courageous airmen and airwomen of the RAF.