The Douglas C-47 Skytrain and its near twin, the C-53 Skytrooper, formed the backbone of American airborne transport during WWII. In addition to hauling cargo, these aircraft also delivered paratroopers to the front, including the Normandy invasion. The aircraft also towed troop-laden gliders during these operations and incredibly could also snatch gliders from the ground while the C-47 was in flight. Derived from the Douglas DC-3, the C-47 saw service with US and Allied militaries in Korea and even Vietnam, including notably the heavily armed AC-47D gunship. This volume explores the development and use of the aircraft, as well as details of its construction. The Douglas C-47 Skytrain and its near twin, the C-53 Skytrooper, formed the backbone of American airborne transport during WWII. In addition to hauling cargo, these aircraft also delivered paratroopers to the front, including for the Normandy invasion. Derived from the Douglas DC-3, the C-47 saw service with US and Allied militaries in Korea and even Vietnam, including notably the heavily armed AC-47D gunship. This volume explores the development and use of the aircraft, as well as details of its construction. The Skytrain was indispensable to the American war effort; more than 10,000 were built and many are still flying today. The planes are also on display at museums on every continent aside from Antarctica, making the plan very relatable and accessible for readers all over the world. Readers will enjoy nearly 300 images of the C-47 and its variants, including the C-53 and AC-47D. Reader will enjoy nearly 300 images of the C-47 and its variants, including the C-53 and AC-47D Readers will enjoy nearly 300 images of the C-47 and its variants, including the C-53 and AC-47D More than 10,000 C-47s were built and many are still flying today This work provides an ideal reference for modelers

Bind: hardback

Pages: 144

Dimensions: 228 x 228 mm

Publication Date: 28-03-2024

Every four years the NZ Military History Committee runs a conference and publishes the best papers from it about New Zealand’s varied and fascinating military history. This book brings together the latest thinking on aspects of New Zealand’s Second World War from perspectives as wide as Germany, Canada, Britain and Australia and on subjects covering combat, forces, personalities, attitudes and after-effects. This book includes essays from some of the most renowned New Zealand and international historians, including Jonathan Fennell, Chris Pugsley, Peter Lieb, Robert Engen, Claire Cookson-Hills, and John Crawford. See following page for more details.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 486

Dimensions: 235 x 260 mm

Publication Date: 30-03-2024

On June 6, 1944, the largest land, sea, and air operation in history got way in northern France as more than 150,000 Allied troops began the invasion of German-occupied Western Europe. D-Day: The Story of the Greatest Military Operation in History provides bone-chilling details on how the Allies got to D-Day through months of meticulous planning for Operation Overlord, the fierce fighting that happened when they hit the beaches, and information about the Allied leaders who conceived, shaped, and executed the ambitious plan: General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Air Chief Marshal Arthur Tedder, Air Marshal Trafford Leigh-Mallory, General Bernard Law Montgomery, General Bertram Ramsay, General Walter Bedell Smith, General Omar Bradley, Group Captain James M. Stagg, General Miles Dempsey, and General Frederick E. Morgan. Learn why Normandy was chosen for the amphibious attack, how the Allied leaders deceived Hitler's army so the plan would work, why it took years of planning before they could put their plan into action, and the military operations that followed, including sobering accounts told by the soldiers who were there. Incredible in-the-field photos bring the war to life and place you smack dab in the middle of the fighting, among the men and the death and destruction that followed. You will also peek into the types of planes, ships, and tanks that were used in the fight, explore a chapter on an alternative history if the Allied forces had lost on D-Day, and learn where you can honor the military men who sacrificed their lives on that day. Contributor Marc DeSantis is the author of the Punic Wars naval history Rome Seizes the Trident and A Naval History of the Peloponnesian War. His articles have appeared in a wide range of international publications including MHQ, Military History, Ancient Warfare, Military History Monthly, History of War, and Ancient History Magazine. Contributor Mike Haskew is the editor of WWII History Magazine and the former editor of World War II Magazine. He is the author of several books, including The Sniper at War and Order of Battle. Haskew is also the editor of The World War II Desk Reference with the Eisenhower Center for American Studies. D-Day: The Greatest Military Operation in History is a must-have book for any military history or Word War II enthusiast!

Bind: paperback

Pages: 160

Dimensions: 216 x 276 mm

Publication Date: 28-05-2024

In a little-known episode of the Vietnam War, the CIA hired Norwegian skippers to command fast patrol boats to land South Vietnamese commandos and combat swimmers on the coasts of North Vietnam. This book will explain who the “Vikings” were, describe their missions, and detail their equipment (primarily Swift- and Nasty-class patrol boats). Author Alessandro Giorgi relied heavily on recently declassified source material to piece together the story. In a little-known episode of the early Vietnam War, the CIA hired Norwegian skippers to command fast patrol boats for classified operations. The boats transported South Vietnamese commandos and combat swimmers along the coasts and rivers of North Vietnam. This work will explain who the “Vikings” were, describe their missions, and detail their equipment (primarily Swift- and Nasty-class patrol boats). Author Alessandro Giorgi relied heavily on recently declassified source material and firsthand accounts to piece together the story. The book features more than 100 photos and maps, including photos of the original contracts that the boat captains signed with CIA shell corporations. A new and exciting story about the war in Vietnam A new and exciting story about the war in Vietnam Extensive insight into the operational use of the Swift- and Nasty-class patrol boats Readers will learn about dangerous, secret missions into North Vietnam

Bind: hardback

Pages: 144

Dimensions: 152 x 228 mm

Publication Date: 28-04-2024

The ČZ handgun models 50 and 70 are available to Western collectors today but were both developed and produced behind the Iron Curtain. In the years since the release of his Cold War Pistols of Czechoslovakia, author James D. Brown has continued his research and amassed significantly more information on this category of arms, especially the Models 50 and 70. These pistols were designed and produced for the Czech police by Česká zbrojovka, better known as "ČZ," one of the oldest and most important firearms manufacturers in the world. This new illustrated reference describes the production history, markings, operation, performance, maintenance, and accessories of the ČZ 50 and ČZ 70. The ČZ handgun models 50 and 70 are available to Western collectors today but were both developed and produced behind the Iron Curtain. These pistols were seldom seen and little understood for decades. Now they are widely available for purchase, and this book fills the information gap. In the years since the release of his Cold War Pistols of Czechoslovakia, author James D. Brown has continued his research and maintained contact with experts and collectors from all over the world. The result is the most complete database of information on Czech handguns from the Cold War period. The vz. 50 and vz. 70 were designed and produced for the Czech police by Česká zbrojovka, better known as "ČZ," one of the oldest and most important firearms manufacturers in the world. This new reference work describes the production history, markings, operation, performance, maintenance, and accessories of the "ČZ 50" and "ČZ 70." Along with detailed text and tables, readers will enjoy 290 photographs.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 160

Dimensions: 216 x 279 mm

Publication Date: 28-05-2024

This is an action-filled, illustrated history of 17 history-making aircraft, bringing to life the stories of their creation and of the men who flew and fought in them. Each chapter then goes beyond the story of the aircraft to relate the experiences of their pilots and aircrew—how the machine resonated in their hands and in their hearts. Colorful characters, iconic missions, and, above all, the diverse fighting machines themselves are detailed in fast-moving, captivating narratives. Illustrating each aircraft is an original painting by a superb aviation artist, along with photographs to help further capture the essential nature of these classic warbirds. Each chapter concludes with a section on “The Legacies,” placing the aircraft in further historical context, describing the impact of each, not only on naval history but also on subsequent "MPA," and revealing the sometimes surprising international “bloodlines” that tie them together over a century of aviation history.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 160

Dimensions: 305 x 228 mm

Publication Date: 28-04-2024

The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor entered service in 2005, and production ended in late 2011. Despite the appearance of many new designs in the interim, an argument can still be made for the Raptor as the most advanced fighter aircraft on active duty today. Primarily due to its stealth capabilities, the F-22 program remains somewhat secretive, and the aircraft cannot be exported from the US. This work provides a concise pictorial history of the aircraft, from its design and development to its adoption, combat duty, and even use as a exhibition aircraft with the Raptor demo team.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 112

Dimensions: 228 x 228 mm

Publication Date: 28-04-2024

The Fight for Life: The Medical Services in the Gallipoli Campaign 1915–16 examines the development of the medical services immediately prior to the First World War and its involvement in the failed Gallipoli Campaign. Although crucial to the entire operation, the planning for their involvement was both late and insufficient. In consequence, the services received considerable criticism both during and after the campaign. The Fight for Life explores the actual steps taken in the planning and the work carried out by the medical services at each stage of the campaign. Casualties sustained at the start of the Gallipoli operations were mainly combat-related but, as operations developed, there were a large number of sick caused by diseases such as dysentery and enteric fever. Much of this was related to poor sanitation, absence of water and the ever-present plague of flies. The causes of the diseases are examined and considered in light of the overall lack of success of the initial landings which prevented the routine development of sanitation, rest camps and base hospitals. The development of base hospitals is considered in respect to the increasing casualties arriving from the battlefield and the development of institutions in Egypt and later in Malta is considered in some detail. Early planning for such hospitals underestimated casualty figures and this was also a direct result of the lack of success during the first phase of the campaign. Further to this, the employment of hospital ships is explored together with the oft- criticised use of transports or ‘Black Ships’ for the same purpose. These vessels were a vital link in the treatment of the wounded and sick of the peninsula and in many cases they were forced to act as floating casualty clearing stations as their staff treated thousands, moving some to hospitals at both Lemnos and Imbros before sailing to base hospitals in Alexandria, Cairo or indeed Malta. The importance of nursing care aboard these ships is also considered, as nurses struggled to cope under adverse conditions. The harrowing winter 1915–16 storms are considered from the medical standpoint which added stress to a system working to cope with day-to-day casualties. The role played by the medical services in the evacuation of the peninsula is considered and the organization required for removal of casualties during the preparations cannot be overstated. Finally, a short analysis of the findings of the Dardanelles Commission as it applies to the medical services is provided.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 342

Dimensions: 170 x 245 mm

Publication Date: 24-01-2024

The M42 Duster was a tracked antiaircraft vehicle developed by Cadillac for the US Army in the early 1950s. The vehicle adapted the Bofors 40 mm AA gun to a modified M41/T41 tank chassis. Although never particularly prolific in the intended air defense role, the Duster did find a niche during the Vietnam War. The M42 was relatively small and agile, and the high rate of fire and loud report from its guns were quite intimidating. These traits, along with simple availability, resulted in the type being pressed into ground combat against infantry and light vehicles, for which it received moderate acclaim. This volume includes over 300 photos of this quirky vehicle. Every nook and cranny of the interior and exterior is shown, along with many fascinating combat photos.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 144

Dimensions: 228 x 228 mm

Publication Date: 28-01-2024

The M48 Patton entered production in 1952 and remains in service with several major militaries today, a great testament to the design and how it has evolved. The "Patton" is a fast tank with strong armor and a deadly 90 mm gun, and it is an all-rounder, generally accepted as America's first modern "main battle tank" or MBT. The tank was phased out of frontline service by the US military after the Vietnam War, resulting in large numbers of M48s being sold as surplus to foreign militaries, some of which still deploy the vehicle today. This is a pictorial guide to the type, featuring a balance of combat and detail photos. The book begins with the T48 prototype and then features chapters on the A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5 versions, respectively, along with a chapter on flamethrower variants.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 144

Dimensions: 228 x 228 mm

Publication Date: 28-01-2024