Author: James Holland
Publisher: Grove Press
ISBN: 0802161057
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 584
Book Description
Acclaimed WWII historian James Holland both narrates and reframes the controversial first months of the Italian Campaign and sets a new standard in the chronicling of war Following victory in Sicily, while the central command planned the spring 1944 invasion of France, Allied troops crossed into southern Italy in September 1943, expecting to drive Axis forces north and liberate Rome by Christmas. Italy quickly surrendered but German divisions fiercely resisted, and the hoped-for quick victory descended into one of the most challenging and protracted battles of the entire war. James Holland’s The Savage Storm, chronicling the dramatic opening months of the Italian Campaign in unflinching and insightful detail, is unlike any campaign history yet written. Holland has always narrated war at ground level, but here goes further by chronicling events almost entirely through the contemporary eyes of those who were there on all sides and at all levels—Allied, Axis, civilians alike. Weaving together a wealth of letters, diaries, and other documents—from the likes of American General Mark Clark, German battalion commander Georg Zellner, New Zealand lance-corporal Roger Smith, legendary war reporter Ernie Pyle, and Italian politician Filippo Caracciolo—Holland traces the battles as they were experienced across plains, over mountains, through shattered villages and cities, in intense heat and, towards the end of December 1943, frigid cold and relentless rain. Such close-up views persuade Holland to recast important aspects of the campaign, reappraising the reputation of Mark Clark himself and other senior commanders of the U.S. Fifth and British Eighth armies. Given the shortage of Allied shipping and materiel allocated to Italy because of the build-up for D-Day, more was expected of Allied troops in Italy than anywhere else, and, as accounts at the time attest, a huge price was paid by everyone for each bloodily contested mile. Putting readers vividly in the moment as events unfolded, with characters made unforgettable by their own words, The Savage Storm is a defining account of the pivotal months leading to Monte Cassino, and a landmark in the writing about war.
The Savage Storm
Author: James Holland
Publisher: Grove Press
ISBN: 0802161057
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 584
Book Description
Acclaimed WWII historian James Holland both narrates and reframes the controversial first months of the Italian Campaign and sets a new standard in the chronicling of war Following victory in Sicily, while the central command planned the spring 1944 invasion of France, Allied troops crossed into southern Italy in September 1943, expecting to drive Axis forces north and liberate Rome by Christmas. Italy quickly surrendered but German divisions fiercely resisted, and the hoped-for quick victory descended into one of the most challenging and protracted battles of the entire war. James Holland’s The Savage Storm, chronicling the dramatic opening months of the Italian Campaign in unflinching and insightful detail, is unlike any campaign history yet written. Holland has always narrated war at ground level, but here goes further by chronicling events almost entirely through the contemporary eyes of those who were there on all sides and at all levels—Allied, Axis, civilians alike. Weaving together a wealth of letters, diaries, and other documents—from the likes of American General Mark Clark, German battalion commander Georg Zellner, New Zealand lance-corporal Roger Smith, legendary war reporter Ernie Pyle, and Italian politician Filippo Caracciolo—Holland traces the battles as they were experienced across plains, over mountains, through shattered villages and cities, in intense heat and, towards the end of December 1943, frigid cold and relentless rain. Such close-up views persuade Holland to recast important aspects of the campaign, reappraising the reputation of Mark Clark himself and other senior commanders of the U.S. Fifth and British Eighth armies. Given the shortage of Allied shipping and materiel allocated to Italy because of the build-up for D-Day, more was expected of Allied troops in Italy than anywhere else, and, as accounts at the time attest, a huge price was paid by everyone for each bloodily contested mile. Putting readers vividly in the moment as events unfolded, with characters made unforgettable by their own words, The Savage Storm is a defining account of the pivotal months leading to Monte Cassino, and a landmark in the writing about war.
Publisher: Grove Press
ISBN: 0802161057
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 584
Book Description
Acclaimed WWII historian James Holland both narrates and reframes the controversial first months of the Italian Campaign and sets a new standard in the chronicling of war Following victory in Sicily, while the central command planned the spring 1944 invasion of France, Allied troops crossed into southern Italy in September 1943, expecting to drive Axis forces north and liberate Rome by Christmas. Italy quickly surrendered but German divisions fiercely resisted, and the hoped-for quick victory descended into one of the most challenging and protracted battles of the entire war. James Holland’s The Savage Storm, chronicling the dramatic opening months of the Italian Campaign in unflinching and insightful detail, is unlike any campaign history yet written. Holland has always narrated war at ground level, but here goes further by chronicling events almost entirely through the contemporary eyes of those who were there on all sides and at all levels—Allied, Axis, civilians alike. Weaving together a wealth of letters, diaries, and other documents—from the likes of American General Mark Clark, German battalion commander Georg Zellner, New Zealand lance-corporal Roger Smith, legendary war reporter Ernie Pyle, and Italian politician Filippo Caracciolo—Holland traces the battles as they were experienced across plains, over mountains, through shattered villages and cities, in intense heat and, towards the end of December 1943, frigid cold and relentless rain. Such close-up views persuade Holland to recast important aspects of the campaign, reappraising the reputation of Mark Clark himself and other senior commanders of the U.S. Fifth and British Eighth armies. Given the shortage of Allied shipping and materiel allocated to Italy because of the build-up for D-Day, more was expected of Allied troops in Italy than anywhere else, and, as accounts at the time attest, a huge price was paid by everyone for each bloodily contested mile. Putting readers vividly in the moment as events unfolded, with characters made unforgettable by their own words, The Savage Storm is a defining account of the pivotal months leading to Monte Cassino, and a landmark in the writing about war.
For the Love of Family
Author: Rose Marie Ash
Publisher: Xlibris Corporation
ISBN: 1664110828
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 428
Book Description
Miriam Cordell would do anything to protect those closest to her, especially her family if put in a position to do so. Many years would pass before she would be put in such a position. Her thinking of protection would include doing things above the law. She had no qualms of doing what she had to do. Her marriage to Jack Cordell provided her and their children a very comfortable and happy life. This fairy tale existence would abruptly come to an end. After visiting her sister, she started that long drive down a dark road in the Hollywood hills home. Miriam picked up a hitchhiker starting the chain of events that would affect the lives of the Cordell family for the next thirty decades; of world wars, espionage, child ignored by a father, bribery, sibling rivalry, a mother’s mistrust and secrets kept and murder. Even when the Cordell sons grew into men, Jack continued his animosity toward the younger son Trace, while twins Jack Jr., and Al were doted by their father. Miriam knew of her husband’s treatment of their youngest son was because of that night she was attacked. Jack Jr. and Al had blond hair and blue eyes like their father while Trace had dark brown hair and brown eyes like his mother. It just added into Jack Sr.’s belief that Trace was not his son. Miriam would bide her time for the right time and place to make Jack believe differently. It took a murder for the truth of Trace’ conception to finally come out but many years later. After the murder of Miriam’s antagonist, Jack pleaded guilty to manslaughter thus protecting his family from the truth of the true murderer. Once out of prison, Jack kept his secret from Miriam and his sons. The whole sorted story would come out in a letter penned by Jack to his sons after he and Miriam had passed away. At the end, the Cordell sons vowed to help those who suffered in the hands of unscrupulous people, no matter what for love of family.
Publisher: Xlibris Corporation
ISBN: 1664110828
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 428
Book Description
Miriam Cordell would do anything to protect those closest to her, especially her family if put in a position to do so. Many years would pass before she would be put in such a position. Her thinking of protection would include doing things above the law. She had no qualms of doing what she had to do. Her marriage to Jack Cordell provided her and their children a very comfortable and happy life. This fairy tale existence would abruptly come to an end. After visiting her sister, she started that long drive down a dark road in the Hollywood hills home. Miriam picked up a hitchhiker starting the chain of events that would affect the lives of the Cordell family for the next thirty decades; of world wars, espionage, child ignored by a father, bribery, sibling rivalry, a mother’s mistrust and secrets kept and murder. Even when the Cordell sons grew into men, Jack continued his animosity toward the younger son Trace, while twins Jack Jr., and Al were doted by their father. Miriam knew of her husband’s treatment of their youngest son was because of that night she was attacked. Jack Jr. and Al had blond hair and blue eyes like their father while Trace had dark brown hair and brown eyes like his mother. It just added into Jack Sr.’s belief that Trace was not his son. Miriam would bide her time for the right time and place to make Jack believe differently. It took a murder for the truth of Trace’ conception to finally come out but many years later. After the murder of Miriam’s antagonist, Jack pleaded guilty to manslaughter thus protecting his family from the truth of the true murderer. Once out of prison, Jack kept his secret from Miriam and his sons. The whole sorted story would come out in a letter penned by Jack to his sons after he and Miriam had passed away. At the end, the Cordell sons vowed to help those who suffered in the hands of unscrupulous people, no matter what for love of family.
Where Do We Belong?
Author: Uma Eyyunni
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 1449087396
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 278
Book Description
Anna and Robert with their two sons Kevin and Andrew lived a peaceful and ideal suburban life in Virginia until Kevin,the older son met with an accident. Though it was not a physically disabling injury,during his hospitalization,Kevin was suspected as suffering from the beginnings of mental illness. Having a successful school and college life, being the artist and a musician ,it shattered his self esteem and the family's peace for ever. Andrew, the younger brother who adored Kevin, had to grow up fast to be the emotional support for his parents and brother too. In spite of his own growing pains,Andrew turns out to be an asset for his parents. Robert,a popular and brilliant Neurosurgeon and Anna, an efficient ,compassionate Intensive care unit nurse,face the anguish of dealing with the financial, emotional and social struggles with the diagnosis of Schizophrenia in Kevin, the apple of their eye. This book opens an avenue into the world of family ties, the unconditional and endless efforts of the parents to find a proper place for their first born who ,for eighteen years gave them every pleasure as a"golden boy". The lack of financial and social support system makes such a family wonder "Where do we belong"? in this highly functioning, achievement oriented society. A part of the proceeds from this book is donated towards the support system for the families of the mentally ill.
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 1449087396
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 278
Book Description
Anna and Robert with their two sons Kevin and Andrew lived a peaceful and ideal suburban life in Virginia until Kevin,the older son met with an accident. Though it was not a physically disabling injury,during his hospitalization,Kevin was suspected as suffering from the beginnings of mental illness. Having a successful school and college life, being the artist and a musician ,it shattered his self esteem and the family's peace for ever. Andrew, the younger brother who adored Kevin, had to grow up fast to be the emotional support for his parents and brother too. In spite of his own growing pains,Andrew turns out to be an asset for his parents. Robert,a popular and brilliant Neurosurgeon and Anna, an efficient ,compassionate Intensive care unit nurse,face the anguish of dealing with the financial, emotional and social struggles with the diagnosis of Schizophrenia in Kevin, the apple of their eye. This book opens an avenue into the world of family ties, the unconditional and endless efforts of the parents to find a proper place for their first born who ,for eighteen years gave them every pleasure as a"golden boy". The lack of financial and social support system makes such a family wonder "Where do we belong"? in this highly functioning, achievement oriented society. A part of the proceeds from this book is donated towards the support system for the families of the mentally ill.
Point of You
Author: Todd Shingleton
Publisher: Tate Publishing
ISBN: 1616636947
Category : Juvenile Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 31
Book Description
Mommy birds take care of their baby birds just like our mommies do. Mommy birds give their babies worms to eat; our mommies give us milk to drink. Mommy birds protect their babies from mean cats. Our mommies protect us too. And one day, all mommies let their babies go and fly away. See how mommies love and care for their babies in Point of You: From the Empty Nest. Todd Shingleton lives in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania. This is his second book in the Point of You series, which is meant to encourage dialogue between adults and children.
Publisher: Tate Publishing
ISBN: 1616636947
Category : Juvenile Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 31
Book Description
Mommy birds take care of their baby birds just like our mommies do. Mommy birds give their babies worms to eat; our mommies give us milk to drink. Mommy birds protect their babies from mean cats. Our mommies protect us too. And one day, all mommies let their babies go and fly away. See how mommies love and care for their babies in Point of You: From the Empty Nest. Todd Shingleton lives in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania. This is his second book in the Point of You series, which is meant to encourage dialogue between adults and children.
Husband Hunting
Author: Alinka Zyrmont
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 142081205X
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 268
Book Description
Alicia had no reason for marriage, she was having a great time being single, but when her step-father suggested she might turn into an "old-maid," he made her an offer she found hard to resist. He would pay her ticket around the world, all expenses paid, providing she returns with a husband. She immediately accepted his challenge and embarked upon a husband-hunting adventure, and in the process discovered her own weaknesses. The story unfolds of how she was constantly falling in love with the wrong men: Attilio, the singing psychiatrist whose love produced disastrous emotional consequences, pushing her into the arms of Luis, her Latin lover from Argentina; Arno, the Italian count, who hid behind her beauty; Ted, the American industrialist, who lied to her in Tokyo. When she set her sites on Jack, a California pilot, he was in no mood for marriage, ever accompanied by a bevy of suntanned beauties. Running out of time, she puts her devious plan into action. Husband Hunting, a woman's search for a husband is indeed cosmopolitan and delightful reading. Each chapter describes the nation Alicia is hunting in at the time: the land of the tango, Argentina; romantic Italy, haughty Germany, and frigid yet passionate Russia. Husband Hunting, the story of one woman's search for marriage, is a blueprint for husband hunting.
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 142081205X
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 268
Book Description
Alicia had no reason for marriage, she was having a great time being single, but when her step-father suggested she might turn into an "old-maid," he made her an offer she found hard to resist. He would pay her ticket around the world, all expenses paid, providing she returns with a husband. She immediately accepted his challenge and embarked upon a husband-hunting adventure, and in the process discovered her own weaknesses. The story unfolds of how she was constantly falling in love with the wrong men: Attilio, the singing psychiatrist whose love produced disastrous emotional consequences, pushing her into the arms of Luis, her Latin lover from Argentina; Arno, the Italian count, who hid behind her beauty; Ted, the American industrialist, who lied to her in Tokyo. When she set her sites on Jack, a California pilot, he was in no mood for marriage, ever accompanied by a bevy of suntanned beauties. Running out of time, she puts her devious plan into action. Husband Hunting, a woman's search for a husband is indeed cosmopolitan and delightful reading. Each chapter describes the nation Alicia is hunting in at the time: the land of the tango, Argentina; romantic Italy, haughty Germany, and frigid yet passionate Russia. Husband Hunting, the story of one woman's search for marriage, is a blueprint for husband hunting.
Sicily '43
Author: James Holland
Publisher: Atlantic Monthly Press
ISBN: 0802157203
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 582
Book Description
A history of World War II’s Operation Husky, the first Allied attack on European soil, by the acclaimed author of Normandy ’44. On July 10, 1943, the largest amphibious invasion ever mounted took place, larger even than the Normandy invasion eleven months later: 160,000 American, British, and Canadian troops came ashore or were parachuted onto Sicily, signaling the start of the campaign to defeat Nazi Germany on European soil. Operation Husky, as it was known, was enormously complex, involving dramatic battles on land, in the air, and at sea. Yet, despite its paramount importance to ultimate Allied victory, and its drama, very little has been written about the thirty-eight-day Battle for Sicily. Based on his own battlefield studies in Sicily and on much new research, James Holland’s Sicily ’43 offers a vital new perspective on a major turning point in World War II and a chronicle of a multi-pronged campaign in a uniquely diverse and contained geographical location. The characters involved—Generals George Patton and Bernard Montgomery among many—were as colorful as the air and naval battles and the fighting on the ground across the scorching plains and mountaintop of Sicily were brutal. But among Holland’s great skills is incorporating the experience of on-the-ground participants on all sides—from American privates Tom and Dee Bowles and Tuskegee fighter pilot Charlie Dryden to British major Hedley Verity and Canadian lieutenant Farley Mowat (later a celebrated author), to German and Italian participants such as Wilhelm Schmalz, brigade commander in the Hermann Göring Division, or Luftwaffe fighter pilot major Johannes “Macky” Steinhoff and to Italian combatants, civilians and mafiosi alike—which gives readers an intimate sense of what occurred in July and August 1943. Emphasizing the significance of Allied air superiority, Holland overturns conventional narratives that have criticized the Sicily campaign for the vacillations over the plan, the slowness of the Allied advance and that so many German and Italian soldiers escaped to the mainland; rather, he shows that clearing the island in 38 days against geographical challenges and fierce resistance was an impressive achievement. A powerful and dramatic account by a master military historian, Sicily ’43 fills a major gap in the narrative history of World War II. Praise for Sicily ’43 A New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice Named a Best History Book of the Year by the Wall Street Journal “Academic histories are all very well, but at times it is a pleasure to sit back and wallow in an old-school military tale of flinty-eyed men doing battle. That is what James Holland, a seasoned craftsman, offers in Sicily ’43.” —New York Times Book Review “Crisp, detailed, and entertaining. Holland refuses to let the legends overshadow the flesh-and-blood soldiers who fought, bled, and died. Sicily ‘43 is an outstanding look at a stepping-stone to victory.” —Wall Street Journal
Publisher: Atlantic Monthly Press
ISBN: 0802157203
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 582
Book Description
A history of World War II’s Operation Husky, the first Allied attack on European soil, by the acclaimed author of Normandy ’44. On July 10, 1943, the largest amphibious invasion ever mounted took place, larger even than the Normandy invasion eleven months later: 160,000 American, British, and Canadian troops came ashore or were parachuted onto Sicily, signaling the start of the campaign to defeat Nazi Germany on European soil. Operation Husky, as it was known, was enormously complex, involving dramatic battles on land, in the air, and at sea. Yet, despite its paramount importance to ultimate Allied victory, and its drama, very little has been written about the thirty-eight-day Battle for Sicily. Based on his own battlefield studies in Sicily and on much new research, James Holland’s Sicily ’43 offers a vital new perspective on a major turning point in World War II and a chronicle of a multi-pronged campaign in a uniquely diverse and contained geographical location. The characters involved—Generals George Patton and Bernard Montgomery among many—were as colorful as the air and naval battles and the fighting on the ground across the scorching plains and mountaintop of Sicily were brutal. But among Holland’s great skills is incorporating the experience of on-the-ground participants on all sides—from American privates Tom and Dee Bowles and Tuskegee fighter pilot Charlie Dryden to British major Hedley Verity and Canadian lieutenant Farley Mowat (later a celebrated author), to German and Italian participants such as Wilhelm Schmalz, brigade commander in the Hermann Göring Division, or Luftwaffe fighter pilot major Johannes “Macky” Steinhoff and to Italian combatants, civilians and mafiosi alike—which gives readers an intimate sense of what occurred in July and August 1943. Emphasizing the significance of Allied air superiority, Holland overturns conventional narratives that have criticized the Sicily campaign for the vacillations over the plan, the slowness of the Allied advance and that so many German and Italian soldiers escaped to the mainland; rather, he shows that clearing the island in 38 days against geographical challenges and fierce resistance was an impressive achievement. A powerful and dramatic account by a master military historian, Sicily ’43 fills a major gap in the narrative history of World War II. Praise for Sicily ’43 A New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice Named a Best History Book of the Year by the Wall Street Journal “Academic histories are all very well, but at times it is a pleasure to sit back and wallow in an old-school military tale of flinty-eyed men doing battle. That is what James Holland, a seasoned craftsman, offers in Sicily ’43.” —New York Times Book Review “Crisp, detailed, and entertaining. Holland refuses to let the legends overshadow the flesh-and-blood soldiers who fought, bled, and died. Sicily ‘43 is an outstanding look at a stepping-stone to victory.” —Wall Street Journal
Tainted Money
Author: Rose Marie Ash
Publisher: Xlibris Corporation
ISBN: 1796018236
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 293
Book Description
This information is not available at this time. Author will provide once available.
Publisher: Xlibris Corporation
ISBN: 1796018236
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 293
Book Description
This information is not available at this time. Author will provide once available.
Blood and Silver
Author: James Hilton
Publisher: Ukiyoto Publishing
ISBN: 9357873708
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 579
Book Description
As an ex-soldier and freelance fixer, Danny Gunn is no stranger to violence. Together with his older brother Clay, the pair return to Miami after Danny’s new girlfriend, Chrissie Haims, is found brutally murdered. Her house is torn asunder, but the house invasion gone wrong explanation doesn’t sit well with Danny. In clearing his name, Danny Gunn puts himself on the radar of two Miami detectives, Anderson and Brockovich. The stakes have never been higher for the Gunn brothers as they face mortal danger, from not one but two deadly gangs. On one side; the Southern Unification, an ultra-right brotherhood sworn to violent retribution. On the other side; a wild band of thrillseeking treasure hunters who care nothing for the law. The Gunn brothers have faced death many times before as combat soldiers, but this threat is much closer to home. From the back streets of Miami to the wild and untamed Everglades, the brothers tangle with their deadliest opponents yet.
Publisher: Ukiyoto Publishing
ISBN: 9357873708
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 579
Book Description
As an ex-soldier and freelance fixer, Danny Gunn is no stranger to violence. Together with his older brother Clay, the pair return to Miami after Danny’s new girlfriend, Chrissie Haims, is found brutally murdered. Her house is torn asunder, but the house invasion gone wrong explanation doesn’t sit well with Danny. In clearing his name, Danny Gunn puts himself on the radar of two Miami detectives, Anderson and Brockovich. The stakes have never been higher for the Gunn brothers as they face mortal danger, from not one but two deadly gangs. On one side; the Southern Unification, an ultra-right brotherhood sworn to violent retribution. On the other side; a wild band of thrillseeking treasure hunters who care nothing for the law. The Gunn brothers have faced death many times before as combat soldiers, but this threat is much closer to home. From the back streets of Miami to the wild and untamed Everglades, the brothers tangle with their deadliest opponents yet.
The Jagged Edge of Duty
Author: Robert L. Richardson
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
ISBN: 0811765725
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 409
Book Description
The World War II fighter-pilot story On the very first day of the invasion of Sicily, three months into his combat career, Allan Knepper flew his P-38 Lightning fighter in a squadron sent out to sweep the island and interdict German ground targets. Retreating German infantry unexpectedly pounded the American flyers. Knepper was one of two shot down; he was never found. Knepper’s story is the story-in-microcosm of thousands of American fighter pilots in World War II. Richardson recounts Knepper’s experiences from training through combat and uses them to discuss the aircraft, tactics and doctrine, training, base life, and aerial combat of the war. This is the intimate account of one pilot at war, but also the anatomy of the fighter-pilot experience in World War II.
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
ISBN: 0811765725
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 409
Book Description
The World War II fighter-pilot story On the very first day of the invasion of Sicily, three months into his combat career, Allan Knepper flew his P-38 Lightning fighter in a squadron sent out to sweep the island and interdict German ground targets. Retreating German infantry unexpectedly pounded the American flyers. Knepper was one of two shot down; he was never found. Knepper’s story is the story-in-microcosm of thousands of American fighter pilots in World War II. Richardson recounts Knepper’s experiences from training through combat and uses them to discuss the aircraft, tactics and doctrine, training, base life, and aerial combat of the war. This is the intimate account of one pilot at war, but also the anatomy of the fighter-pilot experience in World War II.
Flying against Fate
Author: S. P. MacKenzie
Publisher: University Press of Kansas
ISBN: 0700624694
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 264
Book Description
During World War II, Allied casualty rates in the air were high. Of the roughly 125,000 who served as aircrew with Bomber Command, 59,423 were killed or missing and presumed killed—a fatality rate of 45.5%. With odds like that, it would be no surprise if there were as few atheists in cockpits as there were in foxholes; and indeed, many airmen faced their dangerous missions with beliefs and rituals ranging from the traditional to the outlandish. Military historian S. P. MacKenzie considers this phenomenon in Flying against Fate, a pioneering study of the important role that superstition played in combat flier morale among the Allies in World War II. Mining a wealth of documents as well as a trove of published and unpublished memoirs and diaries, MacKenzie examines the myriad forms combat fliers' superstitions assumed, from jinxes to premonitions. Most commonly, airmen carried amulets or talismans—lucky boots or a stuffed toy; a coin whose year numbers added up to thirteen; counterintuitively, a boomerang. Some performed rituals or avoided other acts, e.g., having a photo taken before a flight. Whatever seemed to work was worth sticking with, and a heightened risk often meant an upsurge in superstitious thought and behavior. MacKenzie delves into behavior analysis studies to help explain the psychology behind much of the behavior he documents—not slighting the large cohort of crew members and commanders who demurred. He also looks into the ways in which superstitious behavior was tolerated or even encouraged by those in command who saw it as a means of buttressing morale. The first in-depth exploration of just how varied and deeply felt superstitious beliefs were to tens of thousands of combat fliers, Flying against Fate expands our understanding of a major aspect of the psychology of war in the air and of World War II.
Publisher: University Press of Kansas
ISBN: 0700624694
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 264
Book Description
During World War II, Allied casualty rates in the air were high. Of the roughly 125,000 who served as aircrew with Bomber Command, 59,423 were killed or missing and presumed killed—a fatality rate of 45.5%. With odds like that, it would be no surprise if there were as few atheists in cockpits as there were in foxholes; and indeed, many airmen faced their dangerous missions with beliefs and rituals ranging from the traditional to the outlandish. Military historian S. P. MacKenzie considers this phenomenon in Flying against Fate, a pioneering study of the important role that superstition played in combat flier morale among the Allies in World War II. Mining a wealth of documents as well as a trove of published and unpublished memoirs and diaries, MacKenzie examines the myriad forms combat fliers' superstitions assumed, from jinxes to premonitions. Most commonly, airmen carried amulets or talismans—lucky boots or a stuffed toy; a coin whose year numbers added up to thirteen; counterintuitively, a boomerang. Some performed rituals or avoided other acts, e.g., having a photo taken before a flight. Whatever seemed to work was worth sticking with, and a heightened risk often meant an upsurge in superstitious thought and behavior. MacKenzie delves into behavior analysis studies to help explain the psychology behind much of the behavior he documents—not slighting the large cohort of crew members and commanders who demurred. He also looks into the ways in which superstitious behavior was tolerated or even encouraged by those in command who saw it as a means of buttressing morale. The first in-depth exploration of just how varied and deeply felt superstitious beliefs were to tens of thousands of combat fliers, Flying against Fate expands our understanding of a major aspect of the psychology of war in the air and of World War II.