Author: Tom Moulson
Publisher: Pen and Sword
ISBN: 1473838479
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 367
Book Description
Imagined by an aristocrat in White's Club, London in 1925, a part-time squadron of wealthy young men with their own private aircraft was incorporated into a newly-established combat-ready Auxiliary Air Force, first as bombers, then fighters. The pre-war years combined serious training with frivolity and mischief, but the outbreak of war in 1939 changed that. Despite their social rank the pilots were thrust into the heart of the action, with mortality proving to be the great social leveler. From privileged pre-war lifestyles to front line deployment the lives of those who survived underwent radical change. Through the battles of Britain, Malta, the African desert and Italy the squadron's composition was transformed, and by war's end only a minority were British and none were millionaires. Britain had changed too, and the re-formed squadron filled with a combination of veterans and young middle-class ex-service pilots. The pilots flew Hurricanes in the Battle of Britain, and Spitfires thereafter until the arrival of jets in the '50s; DH Vampires and Gloster Meteors. The one aircraft they could not master was the little-loved mid-engine P-39 Bell Airacobra in 1941. Disbandment in 1957 of the by-then 'Royal' Auxiliary Air Force was fiercely resisted, but inevitable.Originally published in 1964 to great acclaim, this second edition features a wealth of brand new content in the form of newly uncovered documentation and photo illustrations. It is set to bring the story of this eccentric and dynamic squadron to a whole new audience of aviation and military enthusiasts.As seen in the Western Morning News and Epping Forest Guardian.
The Millionaires' Squadron
Author: Tom Moulson
Publisher: Pen and Sword
ISBN: 1473838479
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 367
Book Description
Imagined by an aristocrat in White's Club, London in 1925, a part-time squadron of wealthy young men with their own private aircraft was incorporated into a newly-established combat-ready Auxiliary Air Force, first as bombers, then fighters. The pre-war years combined serious training with frivolity and mischief, but the outbreak of war in 1939 changed that. Despite their social rank the pilots were thrust into the heart of the action, with mortality proving to be the great social leveler. From privileged pre-war lifestyles to front line deployment the lives of those who survived underwent radical change. Through the battles of Britain, Malta, the African desert and Italy the squadron's composition was transformed, and by war's end only a minority were British and none were millionaires. Britain had changed too, and the re-formed squadron filled with a combination of veterans and young middle-class ex-service pilots. The pilots flew Hurricanes in the Battle of Britain, and Spitfires thereafter until the arrival of jets in the '50s; DH Vampires and Gloster Meteors. The one aircraft they could not master was the little-loved mid-engine P-39 Bell Airacobra in 1941. Disbandment in 1957 of the by-then 'Royal' Auxiliary Air Force was fiercely resisted, but inevitable.Originally published in 1964 to great acclaim, this second edition features a wealth of brand new content in the form of newly uncovered documentation and photo illustrations. It is set to bring the story of this eccentric and dynamic squadron to a whole new audience of aviation and military enthusiasts.As seen in the Western Morning News and Epping Forest Guardian.
Publisher: Pen and Sword
ISBN: 1473838479
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 367
Book Description
Imagined by an aristocrat in White's Club, London in 1925, a part-time squadron of wealthy young men with their own private aircraft was incorporated into a newly-established combat-ready Auxiliary Air Force, first as bombers, then fighters. The pre-war years combined serious training with frivolity and mischief, but the outbreak of war in 1939 changed that. Despite their social rank the pilots were thrust into the heart of the action, with mortality proving to be the great social leveler. From privileged pre-war lifestyles to front line deployment the lives of those who survived underwent radical change. Through the battles of Britain, Malta, the African desert and Italy the squadron's composition was transformed, and by war's end only a minority were British and none were millionaires. Britain had changed too, and the re-formed squadron filled with a combination of veterans and young middle-class ex-service pilots. The pilots flew Hurricanes in the Battle of Britain, and Spitfires thereafter until the arrival of jets in the '50s; DH Vampires and Gloster Meteors. The one aircraft they could not master was the little-loved mid-engine P-39 Bell Airacobra in 1941. Disbandment in 1957 of the by-then 'Royal' Auxiliary Air Force was fiercely resisted, but inevitable.Originally published in 1964 to great acclaim, this second edition features a wealth of brand new content in the form of newly uncovered documentation and photo illustrations. It is set to bring the story of this eccentric and dynamic squadron to a whole new audience of aviation and military enthusiasts.As seen in the Western Morning News and Epping Forest Guardian.
Bloodline
Author: Iain Gordon
Publisher: Casemate Publishers
ISBN: 1844684806
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 190
Book Description
A guide to the history of each of the British Army’s regular formations, from their origins to their development over time. Using easy-to-follow, family-tree type tables, Bloodline shows the origins and development of every regular formation in the British Army including the latest amalgamations and changes brought about within the “Future Army Structure.” The charts illustrate clearly how, in some cases, up to twenty-five original regiments of the line have, over the centuries, by successive disbandments and amalgamations, been reduced to a single regiment in today’s superb but shamefully overstretched army. The Battle Honours of each post-Cardwell constituent are recorded separately so the progress of each of the original regiments, and the theatres in which it was involved, may be examined individually. The pedigrees and Honours of disbanded units are also recorded so their contribution will not be lost to posterity. A chronological summary of Battle honours provides an overview of the British Army’s campaigns over the past 300 years and notes on the origins of each formation place its original purpose within the political and historical perspective of the time. A robust editorial platform throughout applauds the Army as “the Nation’s most dependable and trustworthy institution” and castigates government neglect and public indifference for the unnecessary “blood and sacrifices” which successive generations of soldiers have had to make as a result of inadequate investment and preparation. Bloodline is a splendid record of achievement and will provide an invaluable work of reference for anyone who has dealings with, or simply an interest in or affection for, the British Army. Praise for Bloodlines “I know of no other resource that contains such a wealth of information about the History of the Regiments of the British Army. This will be a very useful addition to my shelf of military reference books.” —Daly History Blog “If you conduct research into the main elements of the British Army then this is an invaluable guide as to their lineage, hereditary and modern counterparts. The author has produced an outstanding reference text in one easy to follow volume. He has done great service to aiding researchers with this publication. In one excellent volume he has listed the principal elements of the Army and their histories. This concise volume deserves space on any serious researcher’s shelf.” —Military Archive Research
Publisher: Casemate Publishers
ISBN: 1844684806
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 190
Book Description
A guide to the history of each of the British Army’s regular formations, from their origins to their development over time. Using easy-to-follow, family-tree type tables, Bloodline shows the origins and development of every regular formation in the British Army including the latest amalgamations and changes brought about within the “Future Army Structure.” The charts illustrate clearly how, in some cases, up to twenty-five original regiments of the line have, over the centuries, by successive disbandments and amalgamations, been reduced to a single regiment in today’s superb but shamefully overstretched army. The Battle Honours of each post-Cardwell constituent are recorded separately so the progress of each of the original regiments, and the theatres in which it was involved, may be examined individually. The pedigrees and Honours of disbanded units are also recorded so their contribution will not be lost to posterity. A chronological summary of Battle honours provides an overview of the British Army’s campaigns over the past 300 years and notes on the origins of each formation place its original purpose within the political and historical perspective of the time. A robust editorial platform throughout applauds the Army as “the Nation’s most dependable and trustworthy institution” and castigates government neglect and public indifference for the unnecessary “blood and sacrifices” which successive generations of soldiers have had to make as a result of inadequate investment and preparation. Bloodline is a splendid record of achievement and will provide an invaluable work of reference for anyone who has dealings with, or simply an interest in or affection for, the British Army. Praise for Bloodlines “I know of no other resource that contains such a wealth of information about the History of the Regiments of the British Army. This will be a very useful addition to my shelf of military reference books.” —Daly History Blog “If you conduct research into the main elements of the British Army then this is an invaluable guide as to their lineage, hereditary and modern counterparts. The author has produced an outstanding reference text in one easy to follow volume. He has done great service to aiding researchers with this publication. In one excellent volume he has listed the principal elements of the Army and their histories. This concise volume deserves space on any serious researcher’s shelf.” —Military Archive Research
The Last Squadron
Author: Dan Jayson
Publisher: Troubador Publishing Ltd
ISBN: 1788030729
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 200
Book Description
Just fifteen years from now, the world has become polarized along ethnic and religious lines. Regional low-intensity wars have now been raging for thirty-five years. In the midst of the conflict, an Allied forces team from the 9th Mountain Squadron are shot down over the Nordic wilderness.
Publisher: Troubador Publishing Ltd
ISBN: 1788030729
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 200
Book Description
Just fifteen years from now, the world has become polarized along ethnic and religious lines. Regional low-intensity wars have now been raging for thirty-five years. In the midst of the conflict, an Allied forces team from the 9th Mountain Squadron are shot down over the Nordic wilderness.
Air Force Manual
Author: United States. Department of the Air Force
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 414
Book Description
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 414
Book Description
The Royal Corps of Signals
Author: Cliff Lord
Publisher: Helion & Company Limited
ISBN: 9781874622925
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 414
Book Description
The ability to communicate is a prerequisite for success both in military and civil life. Surprisingly, everyone expects access to communications, but rarely wonders how it is achieved. The purpose of this book is to bring into focus one of the cornerstones of the success of the British Army, and to provide an insight into the complexity and diversity of the Royal Corps of Signals. This is done, not by narrative, but by delving into unit history rather than campaign history, thus offering a different perspective for the historian. Royal Signals is one of the largest Corps in the British Army, and consists of a body of very highly trained and dedicated personnel to manage, operate, and repair the advanced technology that is theirs to administer. Signals are the Invisible Elite, without them there is no victory. Before the independent Corps of Signals was formed in 1920, Royal Engineers provided communications for much of the Army. Details of their signal units are included. Reflecting the new technologies as they occur, the reader will see the new signal units being raised to facilitate the exigencies of the time. For example, during the Second World War the Golden Arrow Detachments were created as independent, mobile, high-speed transmitting and receiving stations to provide links to Britain, and thus provide High Command with the information from Commanders in the Field that was desperately needed. These units also passed intercepted enemy signals back to England for the code breakers at Bletchley Park. Other specialist Signal units were created for Air Support, Para Signals, Commandos, Interception, Fixed Communications, Peacekeeping and a multitude of other reasons. In today's changing world signals continue to get their message through - Swift and Sure. This book is a must for historians, genealogists, and those that served. It contains: - Overviews of the Signals Order of Battle at specific times in history- Detailed précis of specialist signal units including Commando, and Para units.- History of 35 Commonwealth and related Signal Corps- Photographs of many rare signal badges- Scores and scores of unit histories both Regular and Territorial from the past to the present
Publisher: Helion & Company Limited
ISBN: 9781874622925
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 414
Book Description
The ability to communicate is a prerequisite for success both in military and civil life. Surprisingly, everyone expects access to communications, but rarely wonders how it is achieved. The purpose of this book is to bring into focus one of the cornerstones of the success of the British Army, and to provide an insight into the complexity and diversity of the Royal Corps of Signals. This is done, not by narrative, but by delving into unit history rather than campaign history, thus offering a different perspective for the historian. Royal Signals is one of the largest Corps in the British Army, and consists of a body of very highly trained and dedicated personnel to manage, operate, and repair the advanced technology that is theirs to administer. Signals are the Invisible Elite, without them there is no victory. Before the independent Corps of Signals was formed in 1920, Royal Engineers provided communications for much of the Army. Details of their signal units are included. Reflecting the new technologies as they occur, the reader will see the new signal units being raised to facilitate the exigencies of the time. For example, during the Second World War the Golden Arrow Detachments were created as independent, mobile, high-speed transmitting and receiving stations to provide links to Britain, and thus provide High Command with the information from Commanders in the Field that was desperately needed. These units also passed intercepted enemy signals back to England for the code breakers at Bletchley Park. Other specialist Signal units were created for Air Support, Para Signals, Commandos, Interception, Fixed Communications, Peacekeeping and a multitude of other reasons. In today's changing world signals continue to get their message through - Swift and Sure. This book is a must for historians, genealogists, and those that served. It contains: - Overviews of the Signals Order of Battle at specific times in history- Detailed précis of specialist signal units including Commando, and Para units.- History of 35 Commonwealth and related Signal Corps- Photographs of many rare signal badges- Scores and scores of unit histories both Regular and Territorial from the past to the present
Combat Divers
Author: Michael G. Welham
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1472856023
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 306
Book Description
The full visual history of the special forces combat diver from World War II to the present day. Combat divers are an elite within an elite. Every special forces combat diver is required to pass selection twice – first into the elite military unit and then a combat diving qualification. The combat dive units themselves are tiny and the operations highly classified. The role of a military diver is inevitably a lonely and a dangerous one, whether clearing mines or striking from the sea against enemy-held targets. Fully illustrated with rare and unusual images, Combat Divers reveals their little-known yet fascinating operations, from Dutch Special Forces combat divers covertly operating against Somali pirates to the actions of Soviet Spetsnaz divers in Swedish territorial waters during the Cold War. It also examines how the most famous units, such as the US Navy SEALs and the Royal Navy's SBS, are currently operating and adapting to threats in a multitude of theatres. Combat Divers gives an insight into specialist kit and vehicles presently used and equipment that is being developed and trialed throughout the world. Covering a variety of kit, from dry deck shelters to mini-submarines and swimmer delivery vehicles, former Royal Marines Commando Michael G. Welham draws on his own extensive diving experience to reveal exactly how this equipment is used by special forces dive teams. As their kit and equipment constantly evolve, so does the nature of their work and even the team element. Combat Divers also details the first female combat divers and includes their own first-hand accounts about their groundbreaking roles within their respective units to create a fascinating history of these elite special forces operatives.
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1472856023
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 306
Book Description
The full visual history of the special forces combat diver from World War II to the present day. Combat divers are an elite within an elite. Every special forces combat diver is required to pass selection twice – first into the elite military unit and then a combat diving qualification. The combat dive units themselves are tiny and the operations highly classified. The role of a military diver is inevitably a lonely and a dangerous one, whether clearing mines or striking from the sea against enemy-held targets. Fully illustrated with rare and unusual images, Combat Divers reveals their little-known yet fascinating operations, from Dutch Special Forces combat divers covertly operating against Somali pirates to the actions of Soviet Spetsnaz divers in Swedish territorial waters during the Cold War. It also examines how the most famous units, such as the US Navy SEALs and the Royal Navy's SBS, are currently operating and adapting to threats in a multitude of theatres. Combat Divers gives an insight into specialist kit and vehicles presently used and equipment that is being developed and trialed throughout the world. Covering a variety of kit, from dry deck shelters to mini-submarines and swimmer delivery vehicles, former Royal Marines Commando Michael G. Welham draws on his own extensive diving experience to reveal exactly how this equipment is used by special forces dive teams. As their kit and equipment constantly evolve, so does the nature of their work and even the team element. Combat Divers also details the first female combat divers and includes their own first-hand accounts about their groundbreaking roles within their respective units to create a fascinating history of these elite special forces operatives.
Unsung Eagles
Author: Jay Stout
Publisher: Casemate
ISBN: 1612002099
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 320
Book Description
The nearly half-million American aircrewmen who served during World War II have almost disappeared. And so have their stories. Award-winning writer and former fighter pilot Jay A. Stout uses Unsung Eagles to save an exciting collection of those accounts from oblivion. These are not rehashed tales from the hoary icons of the war. Rather, they are stories from the masses of largely unrecognized men whoÑin the aggregateÑactually won it. They are the recollections of your Uncle Frank who shared them only after having enjoyed a beer or nine, and of your old girlfriendÕs grandfather who passed away about the same time she dumped you. And of the craggy guy who ran the townÕs salvage yard; a dusty, fly-specked B-24 model hung over the counter. These are ÒeverymanÓ accounts that are important but fast disappearing. Ray Crandall describes how he was nearly knocked into the Pacific by a heavy cruiserÕs main battery during the Second Battle of the Philippine Sea. Jesse BarkerÑa displaced dive-bomber pilotÑtells of dodging naval bombardments in the stinking mud of Guadalcanal. Bob Popeney relates how his friend and fellow A-20 pilot was blown out of formation by German antiaircraft fire: ÒI could see the inside of the airplaneÑand I could see Nordstrom's eyes. He looked confusedÉand then immediately he flipped up and went tumbling down.Ó The combat careers of 22 different pilots from all the services are captured in this crisply written book which captivates the reader not only as an engaging oral history, but also puts personal context into the great air battles of World War II. Lt. Colonel (Ret.) Jay Stout is a former Marine Corps fighter pilot who flew F-4 Phantoms and F/A-18 Hornets during a military career from 1981 to 2001. A graduate of Purdue University, he has also written FORTRESS PLOESTI, FIGHTER GROUP and THE MEN WHO KILLED THE LUFTWAFFE .
Publisher: Casemate
ISBN: 1612002099
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 320
Book Description
The nearly half-million American aircrewmen who served during World War II have almost disappeared. And so have their stories. Award-winning writer and former fighter pilot Jay A. Stout uses Unsung Eagles to save an exciting collection of those accounts from oblivion. These are not rehashed tales from the hoary icons of the war. Rather, they are stories from the masses of largely unrecognized men whoÑin the aggregateÑactually won it. They are the recollections of your Uncle Frank who shared them only after having enjoyed a beer or nine, and of your old girlfriendÕs grandfather who passed away about the same time she dumped you. And of the craggy guy who ran the townÕs salvage yard; a dusty, fly-specked B-24 model hung over the counter. These are ÒeverymanÓ accounts that are important but fast disappearing. Ray Crandall describes how he was nearly knocked into the Pacific by a heavy cruiserÕs main battery during the Second Battle of the Philippine Sea. Jesse BarkerÑa displaced dive-bomber pilotÑtells of dodging naval bombardments in the stinking mud of Guadalcanal. Bob Popeney relates how his friend and fellow A-20 pilot was blown out of formation by German antiaircraft fire: ÒI could see the inside of the airplaneÑand I could see Nordstrom's eyes. He looked confusedÉand then immediately he flipped up and went tumbling down.Ó The combat careers of 22 different pilots from all the services are captured in this crisply written book which captivates the reader not only as an engaging oral history, but also puts personal context into the great air battles of World War II. Lt. Colonel (Ret.) Jay Stout is a former Marine Corps fighter pilot who flew F-4 Phantoms and F/A-18 Hornets during a military career from 1981 to 2001. A graduate of Purdue University, he has also written FORTRESS PLOESTI, FIGHTER GROUP and THE MEN WHO KILLED THE LUFTWAFFE .
British Army Aviation in Action
Author: Tim Ripley
Publisher: Casemate Publishers
ISBN: 178346139X
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 261
Book Description
The British Army is the UK's second largest operator of military aircraft, fielding more than 300 armed helicopters, fixed wing surveillance aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles. Its aviation units have been in the forefront of UK combat air operations in Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan between 1999 and 2010. HRH Prince Harry was recently awarded his 'wings' to allow him to begin training as an Apache attack helicopter pilot, further raising the profile of British Army aviation. This book will look at the current units and equipment used by British Army aviation elements of the Army Air Corps (which operates helicopters and fixed wing aircraft) and Royal Artillery (which operates unmanned aerial vehicles or drones). It will provide a detailed account of British Army aviation operations, drawing on first hand accounts of army personnel and commanders, official records and the author's observations from war zones.
Publisher: Casemate Publishers
ISBN: 178346139X
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 261
Book Description
The British Army is the UK's second largest operator of military aircraft, fielding more than 300 armed helicopters, fixed wing surveillance aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles. Its aviation units have been in the forefront of UK combat air operations in Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan between 1999 and 2010. HRH Prince Harry was recently awarded his 'wings' to allow him to begin training as an Apache attack helicopter pilot, further raising the profile of British Army aviation. This book will look at the current units and equipment used by British Army aviation elements of the Army Air Corps (which operates helicopters and fixed wing aircraft) and Royal Artillery (which operates unmanned aerial vehicles or drones). It will provide a detailed account of British Army aviation operations, drawing on first hand accounts of army personnel and commanders, official records and the author's observations from war zones.
Spitfire Squadron
Author: David Guthrie
Publisher: Corgi
ISBN: 9780552103268
Category : Spitfire (Fighter plane)
Languages : en
Pages : 142
Book Description
Publisher: Corgi
ISBN: 9780552103268
Category : Spitfire (Fighter plane)
Languages : en
Pages : 142
Book Description
Tally-Ho
Author: Patrick G. Eriksson
Publisher: Amberley Publishing Limited
ISBN: 1398111635
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 511
Book Description
Have the squadron leaders over southern England in that long autumn of 1940, and their supporting flight commanders who led the squadrons into battle, had been neglected in the history books? Patrick Eriksson thinks so.
Publisher: Amberley Publishing Limited
ISBN: 1398111635
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 511
Book Description
Have the squadron leaders over southern England in that long autumn of 1940, and their supporting flight commanders who led the squadrons into battle, had been neglected in the history books? Patrick Eriksson thinks so.