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Dr Stuart C Blank Presents Military Archive Research Member of the Orders & Medals Research Society
(OMRS)
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 South Africa 1870 medal |
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The following books have been reviewed by myself and they are recommended. Depending upon the matter to be researched the appropriate books will be extremely useful. If readers wish to acquire copies of these books they can do so via the link to Amazon.co.uk link on the left hand side of this page. Subject - Titles Reviewed Medals and Badges / Insignia
Genealogical Research
Miscellaneous / Background Reading
Medals
Review
of In September 1940 King George VI instituted the George Cross. It was to be awarded “For Gallantry” to both civilians and service personnel away from direct combat. Since then it has been awarded 160 times directly and 244 times indirectly. The latter category consists of personnel who were awarded the Empire Gallantry Medal, the Albert Medal or the Edward Medal and were eligible to exchange their award for the GC. In the book there is an Appendix stating the names of the indirect recipients whereas all the direct awards are featured. This interesting book details the actions in which all of the 160 direct GCs were awarded. It is organised on a chronological basis. The first chapter starts with those awarded for 1940 and the subsequent chapters cover the period up to 1947 on a yearly basis. The final four chapters cover 1950, 1960-70, 1971-77 and 1989 – 2009. The recipients of the GC are split roughly one third for civilians and two thirds to service personnel. Although the GC ranks alongside the Victoria Cross (VC) it is by far a lesser known decoration. It has been awarded on significantly less occasions than the VC so in real terms it is much scarcer than the VC. It is still “in issue” and the latest bestowal recorded in the book was in early 2008. The text starts with the initial awards of this exceptional medal earned during the Blitz. Members of Bomb Disposal Teams feature highly amongst those awarded as they undertake these specialised and highly dangerous assignments. Civilians too are featured – there are examples where rescuers during the Blitz tunnelled in the rubble of cities to rescue those buried underneath. There are other accounts of selfless courage from service personnel, Air Raid Precautions, Fire Service, Railway personnel, Home Guard, Police, Merchant Navy etc to name but a few. The book gives details of the “group” awards. The Island of Malta features amongst these as the award was given to the Islands’ population in recognition of their outstanding heroism and devotion. There was a similar award for supreme gallantry to the Special Operations Executive (SOE). Perhaps the most unusual bestowal of this medal was to George Anthony Taylor who was a Volcanologist. He exhibited extreme courage during the eruption of the Mount Lamington volcano in Papua during January 1951. Another fascinating and unusual award was to Barbara Jane Harrison a Stewardess on British Overseas Airways Corporation (April 1968) who died whilst saving others during an aircraft fire. Both of these courageous individuals’ acts are recorded in the book. For anyone interested in gallantry medals this is a “must have” book - it details all the acts of extreme courage that have earned this most prestigious medal. It will enthral the reader right from the first page up to the last page. Congratulations should go to the author for producing this exceptional text. Reviewed January 2010
Review of This book has been written by a well known author who has produced a number of books on military history and numismatics. His work is of a consistently high standard and this is reflected in this title. The book considers the evolution of British medals. It starts with a treatment of Elizabethan awards and progresses to present day awards. Campaign, gallantry and meritorious / long service medals are considered. The first chapter covers awards dated 1650 to 1800 and the second chapter details awards of the East India Company (1778-1839). Then it moves on to the more popular awards amongst collectors. The “origins” of the modern day campaign medals starting with the Waterloo medal is presented. Then the “Retrospective” medals of 1847 – 51 are discussed. These consist of the Military General Service, Naval General Service and the Army of India medals. These medals normally command high prices at auction and the author gives them a good treatment. Medals for major campaigns between 1850 and 1914 are then noted and there is an excellent section on General Service Medals. General Service Medals differ from normal campaign medals as the former tend to be awarded for service in minor engagements that are insufficient to warrant a campaign medal in its own right. This was often the case with small scale “colonial” campaigns and “punitive expeditions”. These medals include South Africa 1834-53, India General Service 1854 – 95, Canada General Service 1866 – 70, South Africa 1877 – 79, Cape of Good Hope 1880 – 97 etc After giving a very good treatment to pre-1914 campaign medals the author moves on to the very popular topic of researching medals and their recipients. He discusses the main archive facilities and gives special treatment to The National Archives and its holdings. Then the awards for the Great War and how to these awards is mentioned. The author gives details about the 20th century General Service Medals and the popular Second World War decorations. This is followed by medals for major campaigns after 1945 and how to research medals and their recipients (1920 – 2008). The final two sections cover long service / meritorious and gallantry awards. One remarkable issue throughout the book is the references to medal rolls and other sources of both primary and secondary information. These references are invaluable when researching medals. The author has listed the references within the entry for the medal in question so this easily facilitates research. This feature is exceptional and it aids research to a considerable degree. It saves time, as a quick glance at the book tells you whether there is an appropriate roll or reference book for the medal in question. This book is highly recommended and is an excellent choice. Reviewed February 2010
Review of This interesting book reveals the gallantry exhibited by Canadian soldiers and the awards that they have received for these outstanding acts. The book starts by considering the actions of Lieutenant-Colonel Dollard Menard of the “Les Fusiliers de Mont-Royal” at Dieppe during the early morning hours of August 19th 1942. This officer describes and reflects upon his actions at these famous landings whilst trying to describe what constitutes courage in the battlefield. The opening chapter of the book discusses the components of courage and bravery. If you are the sort of medal collector who likes to know why gallantry medals were awarded then this is a book for you. After defining what constitutes gallantry the book considers the involvement of Canadian Forces in the South African War, the Great War, the Russian Expeditions, the Second World War, the Korean War and the “New Era”. This latter section considers post 1953 campaigns. The chapter on the South African War gives details of the build-up to this conflict and the role played by Canadian volunteers. It discusses the Weapons and Tactics used by both sides, the Campaigns and Battles, and Honours bestowed during the conflict. There is a table of awards based on regiment and medal (VC, DSO, DCM & MiD [Mentions in Dispatches]). The Great War receives a similar treatment. The Canadians received 62 VCs and numerous DSOs, MCs, DCM, MM and MiDs. Many of the acts behind these awards are described in detail and they give an excellent insight into the conditions that these men endured. There is a good treatment of the Russian Expeditions and the Siberian Expeditionary Force. This campaign is often overshadowed by the World War but it is a remarkable story. The Second World War receives an in-depth study and two main chapters are devoted to it. The Dieppe Landings, the Sicily Campaign, the Italian Campaign and Northern Europe all have individual sub-chapters devoted to them. Of interest are the pages on the defence of Hong Kong, Prisoners of War in Germany and Hong Kong, and awards to the Special Services and Clandestine Operations The penultimate chapter considers the Korean War and gives it a similar treatment to the South African and WW1. The last chapter discusses the introduction of “Canadian” Awards such as the Canadian Victoria Cross, the Star of Military Valour and the Medal of Military Valour which were instituted in 1993 and the Cross of Valour, the Star of Courage and the Medal of Bravery instituted in 1972. These awards have become the standard decorations for gallantry across all branches of the Canadian Military. If you collect or are interested in Canadian awards then this is an excellent book and is highly recommended.
Reviewed March 2010
Review of Often when researching photographic evidence regarding British military personnel one can identify a military badge. Usually for the British army these badges, especially cap badges, enable the researcher to identify the regiment to which the wearer belonged. This book, now in its seventh edition, is an invaluable guide to using these cap badges to this extent as well as presenting them as a specialised arena of collecting. Cap badges have been long used by the British army to identify regiments. Originally the army’s regiments were numbered. However, since 1881 they have often been referred to by name. Often, but not necessarily always, the regiment’s name is not on its regimental crest so this book significantly helps to marry the badge with the formation it represents. After a brief introduction to the hobby of collecting these badges the author presents information on different formations. These include (but not exclusively) the Cavalry and the Royal Armoured Corps, the Guards, Regular Infantry (pre and post 1958), Airborne Forces, Volunteer and Territorial units, Women’s Units, Kitchener’s Army, the Gurkhas and many others. There are 58 plates towards the rear of the book which present a myriad of badges. These plates significantly aid the identification of formations from their badges and they are presented in an easy to use manner. There are some exceptionally interesting and useful appendices. They cover the Order of [Regimental] Precedence (in 1971 and 1995) and the Formation of the Territorial Regiments in 1881 (this appendix links the numbered pre-1881 regiments with their “new” names in July 1881). Appendix D gives details of regimental badges produced in brass during the First World War. Before 1916 some badges were previously made in bi-metal (brass and nickel) but due to wartime economy measures their manufacturing became limited only to brass which also helped in the mass production of them. The follow on from this was in World War 2 when the 1941 Army Council Instruction announced that certain cap badges would be produced in plastic due to metal shortages (see Appendix E). Other appendices deal with the translation of mottoes, Plumes and Hackles, the badges of Volunteer Battalions and finally the Tartan backings for Scottish infantry regiments. The style of this publication lends itself to two primary functions. Firstly as a “badge identification” guide book and secondly an aid to the regimental badge collector. Although it was written with the latter in mind I consider that the primary use will be in identification of cap badges. This is an excellent text and complements the bookshelves of any researcher of the British army. The authors (Mr Gaylor died before the seventh edition was published and it was revised by two joint authors) have conducted an outstanding feat of research and I can only summarise by saying “Well done”. Reviewed April 2010
Review of Mr Brazier has done a great service to the recognition of holders of this supreme gallantry award. He has conducted extensive research and should be highly commended for his efforts. The Victoria Cross (VC) is Britain’s highest award for bravery in the face of the enemy. It has been awarded 1358 times since it was instituted during the Crimean War (1854-56). To date no women have received it. This outstanding book starts with the background to the introduction of the VC and the terms and conditions under which it can be bestowed. It should be noted that he also includes the Commonwealth VCs such as the Australian, Canadian and New Zealand versions of this honour. There is a complete chronological “Roll of Honour” of the awards. For each award of the VC this roll lists the name of the recipient, the date of the appropriate action, where the holder is buried (or cremated or known location of death) and the current location of the medal. If a replacement has been awarded then this is noted amongst the comments on each entry. Awards of bars to the VC are listed twice with a note indicating a pair. The bulk of the text is based upon the action(s) for which bestowals are made. They are based on the general chronological order of the battles / campaigns. There are chapters concerning the Crimean (1854 – 56) and Persian Wars (1856 – 59), the Indian Mutiny, the mid-Victorian era (1860 – 78), the late Victorian period (1878 – 89), Queen Victoria’s Final Wars (1899 – 1901), the Edwardian era (1902 – 04), the First World War, the Inter war years, the Second World War and finally, the post war period (1950 – date). There are extensive details about the acts that the awardees performed and these descriptions are extremely exciting and emotive. Often they resulted in the medal being (rather sadly) posthumous. Towards the rear of the publication is a list of all the known burial locations of VC holders. They are listed by country and then by cemetery in alphabetical order. Anyone wishing to visit a VC holder’s grave can instantly identify how many VC holders are buried in the same cemetery. Those buried at sea or who have no known grave are not included. The final chapter is an alphabetical list of recipients giving their order of bestowal and a cross-reference to the appropriate act of gallantry. For those who are interested in this supreme honour Mr Brazier has produced a first class reference text. Few of us will ever be able to afford a VC but this book brings to life the heroic actions that the awardees undertook often costing them their own lives. It is highly recommended and it details these exciting exploits. Reviewed April 2010
Review of In short, this exciting and interesting book does what its sub-title says. It details the heroic actions of Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) and airmen who were awarded this highly regarded medal – the flying version of the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (CGM). To date there has only been 112 awardees since its inception in 1942 and the most recent bestowal was during the Vietnam War. The CGM was originally instituted during Queen Victoria’s reign (1855) and it was to recognise bravery by the NCOs of the Royal Navy (RN) and the Royal Marines (RM). The army had the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the newly introduced CGM was the RN’s & RM’s equivalent to the DCM. After WW1 significant numbers of personnel from the newly formed Royal Air Force (RAF) were attached to the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm. Thus, at the outbreak of WW2 an anomaly existed in the gallantry award system. By 1942 acts of heroism within the NCO ranks of the RAF generated a need for an identifiable token of recognition for their gallantry. Hence the CGM (Flying) was introduced. The Royal Warrant (10th November 1942) made it available to “army and RAF personnel whilst flying in active operations against the enemy”. The initial awards of the CGM (Flying) are covered in Chapter 2 of the book. The first award to Flight Sergeant Leslie Wallace (actually a New Zealander) is covered in detail and so too are the other initial awards. There are particulars of VC Recommendations which were reduced to the CGM and all these men’s heroic deeds are fascinating to read. There are chapters devoted to awardees from Bomber Command and Coastal Command. Like a number of other decorations the CGM could be awarded for a number of actions or for a period of continued gallantry of a high order as well a being for the (immediate) specific feats of bravery. There were 10 men of Bomber Command who were thus honoured with non-immediate CGMs. There are details of the awards for the Middle Eastern and Italian campaigns as well as many other theatres of operations. At the rear of the book there are a number of useful appendices containing the roll call of recipients of the CGM (it details awardees’ names, ranks, squadron, type of aircraft flown and the date of the award), a breakdown of awards by crew category and Force (e.g. RAF, Australian, Canadian Air Force etc), other gallantry awards to CGM holders, awards to aircraft types used and a squadron breakdown. To summarise this book notes the actions of these gallant men and it does justice to their memory. The author has done an outstanding piece of research and he brings these gallant deeds to life. It is the sort of book that once you start reading it you will find that it is impossible to put it down until you have reached the last page. Reviewed April 2010
Review of This publication is an extremely useful reference book. It aids the identification of the period in which the numerous and various uniforms of the (British) army, the Royal Navy (RN), the Royal Air Force (RAF) and its predecessors (the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS)) were worn. Photography was invented in the 1800’s so this book covers the period 1865 to the end of World War 2. Most families in the UK have some connection to the military. The “mass volunteer / conscript” wars, namely the South African war (c. 1900), the First and Second World Wars, have affected virtually every British family so most families have some military photos of their ancestors. This publication will help with genealogical research and give the era in which that uniform was worn. It may even narrow the period down to a very short span say of two years or less. The chapters are based on the rough chronology of the forces. The first chapter considers Victorian soldiers and sailors (1865 – 1900). Then it progresses via the Edwardian Era, the First World War, the Inter War period and finally to the Second World War. It introduces the RFC, RNAS, RAF and the Women’s forces based on when they were established. There are many excellent photos clearly showing the distinctive RFC tunic as well as the more familiar ones of the army, RN & RAF. It has numerous outstanding images of the uniforms worn by all branches of the Forces, the Home Guard and Women’s Services etc. The selected photos clearly illustrate the variety of uniforms and they are of a high quality. Often there are magnifications of insignia. The book is essentially a photographic record of how the uniforms have changed over time and it notes what various illustrated insignia represent. It gives tips on how to conduct research into military photographs and comments how information on the “plain” reverse of many ‘photo postcards’ can yield data that could identify battalions and their location at specific dates. The book concludes with two appendices giving the 99 British Line Infantry Regiments of 1865 and the County Designations of the (Second World War) Home Guard – both of these are handy in their own right. If you often encounter old military photographs and want to know more about them then this is an ideal book and well worth the cost. It has helped me significantly and I have been able to date some of those photos in my collection using the book. In summary, this book does what the cover states – it dates military photographs – but this in my opinion is a massive understatement. It is an excellent addition to the researchers’ library and vital if you are dating the uniforms worn in military photos. Reviewed August 2010
Genealogical Research
Reviews of
Tracing Your Army Ancestors by Simon Fowler
Tracing Your Air Force Ancestors by Phil Tomaselli And
Tracing Your Royal Marine Ancestors by Richard Brooks and
Matthew Little Overview
Tracing
Your Army Ancestors This well known author has produced yet another excellent guide for researching ancestors who have served in the Army. The book is an ideal text for reference when investigating army personnel and it is highly recommended. Not only is this a useful guide it also contains many examples of research within the text. These examples illustrate how research projects can be undertaken. The author begins the book with a brief introduction to “Getting Started”. This chapter sets the initial ground for investigations into army based genealogy and the following chapters build upon this introduction. He discusses the structure of the Army before 1660 and during the 18th / 19th centuries. Before 1660 there was no standing army and the author gives some useful advice for researching this period. Of interest are his comments on militia records and the English Civil War. During the 18th /19th centuries the army started to take the shape that we currently have. This starts with a formal distinction between officers and other ranks. To be an officer in the 18th / 19th centuries above all else “it was most essential that you were a gentleman”. This sharply contrasts with the meritocracy of today’s army. Commissions were purchased and the records for officers are significantly different to those for other ranks. The author develops this issue and discusses it in some detail. The following chapter concerns “Other Ranks” and their records. The enlistment and conditions of service are noted. Recruits received a bounty for enlisting which in 1871 could be as high as £2 – this was often drunk away or vanished through mysterious expenses imposed by the recruiting sergeant (who received a bounty for each man he enlisted). There are interesting notes on service records, muster & pay records, pension papers, description books etc. Medals, honours and awards are also considered. The names of men awarded campaign medals for campaigns after Waterloo (1815) and before about 1914 are recorded in medal rolls. The author then gives superb advice on how to research these decorations and lists various Rolls that are available. Gallantry and long service awards are also covered. Other interesting chapters cover casualty returns, discipline and desertion, pension records and the Militia 1757-1914. Each of these is described thoroughly and various useful sources are noted. Attention is given to Women in the Army and it discusses the effects of “Women on the Strength of the Regiment”, nursing and service in Auxiliary units. This is followed by chapters considering British India and Dominion / Colonial forces prior to discussing the Boer, the First and Second World Wars. The final chapter is about the army in the period 1919-1969 and there are five very useful appendices. In summary, if you are researching army ancestors then this interesting book will prove to be an invaluable addition to your personal library. It is highly commended and it covers most, if not all, of the avenues that can be pursued when researching individuals. Well done Mr Fowler!! Reviewed February 2010
Tracing
Your Air Force Ancestors This is another interesting title in the “Tracing Your xxx Ancestors” series. The Royal Air Force (RAF) is the youngest of the three branches of the Armed Forces and the author has written an outstanding text covering its evolution. He begins with how the RAF started and enlightens the reader on some little known issues. The fathers of modern military flying were in actual fact the Royal Engineers (RE). The RE used balloons during the Victorian era and made expeditions to Bechuanaland (1884/5) and Egypt (1885). The book describes the records for this era. Then the formation of the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) is noted. The RFC started with a naval and military wing. This affects any research into the subject and the distinction sets the background for subsequent chapters in the book. There are two very extensive chapters on the RFC and the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) during the First World War (WW1). The records for these two elements are noted in extensive detail. Issues such as service records, medical records, unit histories, balloon operations, combat reports and prisoners of war are considered in the chapter on the RFC. There are a number of pages devoted to the Battle of the Somme and examples of research into individual servicemen. The chapter on the RNAS (in WW1) also has information on service record and ships’ logs. The latter are especially important when researching seaplanes and / or aircraft carriers. One particular point is that not all of the RNAS transferred to the RAF on its formation. According to the book about 2,000 RNAS personnel had their transfers annulled. This is not a well known fact and what is even less well known is that the RNAS operated Armoured Car Units! The book enlightens the reader on these unusual issues. The author then considers the creation of the RAF and the Women’s Royal Air Force (WRAF). The RAF was created on the 1st April 1918 via the merger of the RFC and the RNAS. Similarly the WRAF was created by amalgamating the air units of the Women’s Royal Naval Air Service, the Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps, the Voluntary Aid Detachment and the Women’s Legion. The author points out that there are no surviving service records for WRAF officers but those for many of the WRAF other ranks have survived. There is information on RAF operations shortly after WW1 in North Russia (1918-19), South Russia and Somaliland and Mesopotamia. Useful references are given for researching these operations. Then the text moves on to the RAF in the inter-war years. It describes the formation of the RAF Reserve, the standardisation of unit records via Operational Record Books (ORBs), the RAF List, operations such as Iraq (1920s) and units based in India. Some very extensive and substantial chapters then follow on the main RAF commands. Details about Fighter Command (especially during the Battle of Britain), Bomber Command (e.g. the 1,000 bomber raid on Cologne 30/31 May 1942) and Coastal Command are given. Other records for WW2 are noted and the book gives particular reference to the RAF Confidential List which details the postings of officers. This list was published on a very controlled manner and is often overlooked by researchers. Various comments are made about researching units, prisoners of war, log books, RAF nurses, the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force, the RAF Regiment, the Fleet Air Arm, Army Pilots (air observation), the Glider Pilot Regiment and the Air Transport Auxiliary. Chapter 8 considers the RAF after 1945 and the post-war records of the RAF are examined. It discusses how the 460 squadrons and one million personnel were demobilised at the end of World War 2. There are sections detailing post-war army aviation and Fleet Air Arm records, and issues relating to National Servicemen. Information concerning post-WW2 operations in Palestine, the Berlin Airlift, Korea, Malaya, Kenya and Suez are all given in detail. The main text of the book then finishes with medals, casualties and court martial. The former is covered in detail whilst the latter two are given a less comprehensive treatment. There are 12 useful appendices and they cover the Order of Battle of the RAF and its predecessors, the ranking system and other useful sources. This text is a commendable effort and extremely well written. Its structure is easy to follow whilst giving references which can be used. The topics covered include personnel issues and operations - the two main elements of researching the air based services. For Air Force historians or genealogists covering the Air Forces then this book is a “must have” for their reference library. Reviewed February 2010
Tracing Your Royal Marine
Ancestors This book has been published in association with the Royal Marines Museum. Similarly to those for Army and Air Force ancestors this text is an excellent guide to researching military personnel. The book is well organised and covers many facets of the RM. It starts by identifying the origins of the RMs - the marine regiments, the Blue & Red Marines and the coveted Green “beret” etc. It discusses the regimental and divisional structure of the RM. Then it mentions the “female” RM, the Musical branch and RM units in the Royal Naval Division (in WW1) such as the RM Engineers. There are sub-chapters on the MARENS (the RM’s answer to the WRENS), the RM Band Service and the Royal Naval School of Music etc. There is a detailed account of the world famous RM band and its history. Issues covered include the Corps of Drums, Divisional Bands, the RN’s School of Music and the integrated band service. The following chapter considers “Ad hoc Formations and Detachments”. It deals with the huge breadth of the activities the RM has been involved with since their formation. It enlightens the reader to the activities of the Royal Naval Division (RND), RM Submariner Miners (RMSM), RM Labour Corps (RMLC), RM Engineers, RM Police and associated regiments / corps. Of particular note is the RND given its importance in the First World War. The RND was formed in September 1914 without any of the “support” units such as engineers, transport and field ambulances that infantry units require to operate as a combat formation. There are entries on the little known components of the Royal Marines in the Royal Naval Division such as the “Divisional Engineers”, the “Divisional Train”, RM Medical Units and the RM Motor Transport Company. The second chapter covers the Administrative aspects of an RM’s life from recruitment, terms of service, rewards and discipline, uniforms and equipment through to their everyday life. There is a detailed treatment for both commissioned officers and marines and there are notes on pay, prize money, rations, leave, rewards and discipline (such as medals, promotion and punishment). Operations both on land and sea-borne, are discussed. Sea-borne operations are split into naval actions, landing parties and naval brigades, and routine / ceremonial issues. Shore based operations gives notes on RM Battalions, the RND (see above), the RM Artillery Brigades, Combined Operations and the “Flying Marines”. There is treatment of both casualties and termination of service in this chapter. The fourth chapter introduces the avenues that can be used to trace and research individual officers or marines. Items discussed are archive collections, officer Lists, unit and general histories, periodicals and newspapers etc. There are some interesting sections on register and service numbers before concluding with memorials to the fallen. For tracing RM ancestors this book is superb and will come in extremely handy. It is well worth the cover price as it describes in detail the avenues that can be utilised to research RM ancestors and their operations. One can only thank the RM Museum and the authors for producing such an exceptionally useful guide. Reviewed February 2010
Miscellaneous / Background Reading
Review
of This book has a most unusual title and topic. Covering a subject that has had very little treatment, if any, since World War 2 (WW2) the author has produced a superb account. He has broken into an area that has been massively overlooked and it has surprising results for WW2 historians and followers. Given the high standard of research it is a welcomed addition to the literature available in English – it has just been translated into English. No air force in WW2 made as much use of captured (enemy) planes as the Luftwaffe. The author has conducted intricate research in tracing hundreds of aircraft utilised by the Germans. Detailed consideration is given to the full history of foreign planes such as their uses, careers and eventual fates. The research is primarily photographic and there are outstanding photos that support the text. These photographs give an excellent opportunity to see rare images of British and American planes repainted in German colours and symbols. The book shatters myths about how well the Luftwaffe was prepared for the start of World War 2. It shows how the Germans used captured planes as an important source of equipment and indicates how dependent they were on such unreliable sources of material. The first chapter sets the scene before the war. The origins of the Luftwaffe using foreign planes can be traced to the Austrian Air Force’s usage of Italian (Fiat) machines. The Austrian forces were integrated with the Germans after the ‘Austrian Anschluss’. Before the war Czech planes were also used and there are some excellent photos of Bloch 200s. The capture of French and Scandinavian planes early on in the war is discussed and the merits of these “acquisitions” for the Germans are evaluated. The campaign against the British Expeditionary Force and the great deal of plunder obtained by the Wehrmacht during the Battle of France is noted. The important capture of the Fokker and Aviolanda factories is also commented upon. The Battle of Britain and the Blitz is given a full chapter. There are photos of Spitfires, Hurricanes and Wellingtons to name but a few. Some of these aircraft were integrated into the Luftwaffe and the author has discovered photographic evidence to prove this. Operations Marita and Barbarossa are commented upon. Marita was the invasion of Yugoslavia & Greece but not a single enemy plane could be saved for the Luftwaffe during this campaign. At the start of Barbarossa the Germans overwhelmed many Soviet airfields and captured numerous planes of differing value. Modern MiGs were found alongside obsolete Polikarpovs. Although hundreds of planes were captured only a few of them entered service with the Luftwaffe – many were sold to the Finnish Air Force. The author progresses through the war years and covers the invasion of Vichy France and Operation Torch (the Allied landing in North Africa). He details how many planes were captured but large numbers of them were not airworthy. Then he moves onto the Allied bombing campaign of the Reich and the aircraft captured during these raids. The effects of the Italian Surrender in September 1943 saw the Germans obtaining many Italian planes – estimated at 1,300 but about half of them were not fit to fly. Then there is a discussion about the post D-Day situation as more and more USAAF planes were captured or crashing behind the German lines. Finally, the tide of the war changed and it was the Luftwaffe’s planes that were being captured by the Allies. The book then discusses their surrender and the victory for the Allies. This is an interesting account of how the Germans obtained plunder and how they utilised it to their advantage. No other nation in the war used their plunder to the same extent and the book is an exceptional account of this. There is significant photographic evidence to support the text - it is a gripping read and very enjoyable. Reviewed February 2010
Review
of This book contains the interesting and exciting “Diaries and Letters of Lieutenant General Sir Francis Lloyd GCVO, KCB, DSO”. He was perhaps the most well known military leader in the capital during the Great War. Only Guardsmen can hold the supreme position of the Commander of the London District and he attained this pinnacle in 1913. His responsibilities were enhanced by the outbreak of World War 1 and for the following five years he had massive sweeping powers in the city. This position was the climax of a successful career in the Grenadier Guards. The General’s personal papers were bequeathed to his old regiment and they can be found in the regimental museum. The first twenty years of his diaries are in Lloyd’s handwriting and thereafter the manuscripts were typed and bound together in annual volumes. During the Sudan campaigns of 1885 and 1898, and for part of the Boer War he wrote many letters home to his wife, Mary. These letters contain extensive comments about life in the campaign. Although his letters home have survived the same has not happened to her letters. About 300 letters from Sir Francis were donated by his nephew to the National Army Museum where they may be studied. Lloyd was commissioned into the Grenadier Guards and his “Baptism of Fire” was at Suakin. He was awarded a DSO at Omdurman and was severely wounded at Biddulphsberg during the Boer War. As a serious career soldier he had ambition and was undoubtedly the right man for the post of GOC London District. These great powers earned him nicknames from the press such as “The man who ran London” and “the military governor of London”. Although he would have preferred a field commission during the Great War he still made an outstanding contribution to the war effort. As Lloyd left so much correspondence and his diaries we are fortunate that the distinguished author, Richard Morris, has been able to access them and other material in order to produce this fascinating story about a most famous Guardsman and General. The book illustrates and informs us about soldiering, the society life and the background of the General. Most generals of the British Army have made their reputations on the battlefield but Sir Francis will always be remembered as the GOC London District. He had a fascinating life and career which is amply illustrated by the author’s treatment of the subject. Mr Morris OBE has produced an outstanding and exciting book which is to be commended. The book illustrates Sir Francis’ life and the author has done sterling work. Reviewed February 2010
Review of This is the extraordinary and interesting memoir of Tom Firth. His childhood was in Japan and he survived the Yokohama earthquake of 1923. His family decided to relocate to his mother’s native Poland but unfortunately Poland was invaded by the Nazis and the Russians in 1939. His father and elder brother were in England at the time but Tom was trapped in the Russian zone. He managed to get to Warsaw where his mother had survived the bombing of the city. His memoirs vividly illustrate the game he and his mother had to play to avoid capture and internment by both regimes. He managed to shelter escaped British Prisoners of War and this lead to his dramatic arrest by the Gestapo. They were most horrid to him during his interrogation and imprisonment. After eighteen months he was miraculously released only to be re-imprisoned by the Russian Red Army. After being held by the Gestapo his Russian captors were equally awful. They held him in similarly primitive and degrading conditions. Eventually he was passed to the British Military Mission in Moscow and they arranged his transfer to Britain. He arrived in the UK with a supply column in 1944 and then he commenced the search for locating his close family. The family managed against all odds to re-unite but tragedy occurred when his mother was arrested by Polish Communists. They sentenced her to death but she was freed under a Government amnesty. She arrived in the UK during 1956. The text details the exploits of an exceptional family and their tale is told in a fluid and vivid way. His style entraps the reader and he has produced a first class autobiography. The characters are brought to life and the reader is transported into the action just as if he was there in the first hand. It is a remarkable story and Mr Firth and his family were extremely lucky and fortunate to have survived all this and to be able to compose the book. This is a fascinating
book which details all his wartime life threatening situations and he has had
most unique experiences. It is well worth reading and most enjoyable. It is a
miracle that he managed to survive all these incidents and that he was able to
put pen to paper. This in itself is quite an achievement.
Review of This autobiography takes a light hearted look at the era between the World Wars and the author’s experiences in the Second World War. Mulgan was a New Zealander who emigrated to the UK prior to World War 2 and he reflects upon the difference in cultures between the two nations. A number of pages are devoted to comments on the then current issues of the day. He studied at Oxford and recounts some of his experiences there. He compares the academic theorists with the more practical elements of the then society. Oxford at the time was a hot bed of political (student) societies and he gives an eloquent discussion about their various politics. Eventually, like most men of the time, he was called to arms in the mid stages of the war. He served in the Africa campaign with the 8th Army and had an interesting time in the desert. He recounts his experiences as a Lieutenant Colonel and as second in command of a battalion. He served under various Colonels and he gives a review of their abilities from his position. He considered one of these Colonels so incompetent he demonstrated against him and almost “mutinied” by demanding that the Commanding Officer be removed! After spending time in the desert with all its deprivations and heat he was sent to Greece. He recounts how Greece was occupied by both the Italians and the Germans and he compares their differing modes of occupation. During the latter part of World War 2 he assisted the Greek Partisans and he comments upon their various political leanings. The British supported the Partisans and Mulgan comments on such support like the parachute drops that he attended. He also comments on how such drops were massive boosts to morale as well as to their fighting strength. During his stay in Greece he undertook various small actions and he comments upon how the occupying forces responded. The responses to his guerrilla actions normally consisted of burning of villages and the execution of hostages. He contemplates the success of his operations against the lives lost of hostages and tries to balance the cost in lives against the (limited) military successes. After the war he was employed by the Army to dispense funds to Greeks who had participated with the Allies. He had to document such claims and he dispensed funds accordingly. He recounts a very interesting story from one claimant who had a very fascinating life as a Partisan and these anecdotes constitute the final chapters of the book. Overall the book gives an interesting reflection of what life was like for a young man just before the Second World War and it comments on how such men participated and survived the War. It is a most enjoyable book is very easy to read as it takes a light-hearted view of the evilness of War. Reviewed July 2010
Review of
Authored by This excellent text considers the lineage of the Regular Army formations of the British Army. It has been a major research project and the author has produced an outstanding guide of the “hereditary” of Regular Army units. However, it does not consider the extensive legions of the Yeomanry, Volunteers and Militia, or the splendid Territorial Army which would be massive undertakings in their own right. Given the scope of the project (as outlined above) Mr Gordon has produced a wonderful volume that significantly aids research into the principal regiments and formations. It confines itself to the significant changes in each Regiment’s development and does not attempt to record all of the frequent changes in titles. In the early days of the British Army regiments were called after their Colonel’s name. This meant that the regiments changed their names so frequently it was hard, and it still is difficult, to list all these changes. As the Army developed this trend ceased and regiments no longer bore their Colonel’s name. The author has placed great diligence in producing this book. It starts with an introduction to the background of the formation of regiments and he has included a “Precedence and Evolution” table listing the 1751, 1861 and 1881 (Post-Childers’ Reforms) of the regiments. This data is presented in a way that is easy to follow and aids research. Often it is necessary when researching regiments to know the current and previous names of the regiments. Without a table like this would you know that the “10th Regiment of Foot” in 1751 became the “Lincolnshire Regiment” in 1881 and eventually became part of the “Royal Anglian Regiment” in 2008? Not only does the outstanding usefulness of this publication rest there but there are superb notes on the history of individual battalions (within regiments), their lineage, any appropriate marches, the regimental museum, battle honours, their Home Headquarters and any affiliated formations. To name but a few features. The
“write-ups” on the formations are categorised by their modern day “parents”. The
Royal Horse Artillery, the Cavalry (Household, Heavy and Light), the Guards
Division, Infantry of the Line (Scottish, Queen’s, King’s, Irish and the Prince
of Wales Divisions), Gurkhas, Special Forces and the supporting units
(Logistics, Medical, Engineers, Personnel etc) form the structure for listing
the regimental details. Some formations do not have modern day counterparts and
these discontinued units are also listed. Reviewed July 2010
Review of The British airborne forces played a significant and very important role during the Second World War. The main principle of airborne forces was developed during the 1930s by Germany and the USSR. The importance and significance of airborne forces was initially very desultory in the UK and the senior echelons of the British Armed Forces considered them unnecessary and wasteful of strategic resources. It was the Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, who really conceived the development of British Airborne Forces. His suggestions and directives on this were carefully sidestepped by the armed forces and his initial demands were subject to major dilution. He demanded 5,000 airborne soldiers and the commands suggested that they could develop a unit of no more than 500. Not only were Churchill’s plans subjected to resistance but there was major infighting between the Army and the Royal Air Force. These detailed and complex political manoeuvrings are well documented in the book. Dr Greenacre has done an excellent task of discussing the various points of view and how the various government offices kept “passing the buck” amongst themselves. Given the careful consideration of the political machinery by Dr Greenacre it is amazing that Britain ever established the elite and successful airborne units that it eventually had. After considering the politics of airborne forces the book moves on to consider the equipment and technology needed to support such warfare. Topics considered include the development of parachutes and the personal equipment required by the soldiers as well as the capital equipment such as appropriate aircraft, vehicles etc. The early trials found that most of the RAF’s aircraft and the army’s equipment were not well suited for airborne troops. The initial method of dispatching paratroopers was via holes in the floor of bomber aircraft. Clearly these modes of operation were unsuited to large scale operations. Dr Greenacre gives a splendid treatment of these difficulties and how they were overcome. The training and selection of men was a vital component to the establishment of large scale airborne formations. The careful selection and training methods of the paratroops and glider forces is given a superb and detailed treatment. The doctrine of this branch developed over a very short period of time. The initial view of the high command was such that ‘we don’t need airborne forces’ and this changed to the realisation that ‘airborne forces are a critical and vital component’. The doctrine of these elite forces therefore was developed over a very condensed period and it is vital to their attitudes, esprit de corps and tactics. The book discusses this very carefully and documents the evolution of the airborne concept and doctrine. The final chapter is devoted to summarising the role that airborne forces played in World War 2 as they had become a vital component of Britain’s fighting forces. They also showed that Combined Operations could be mounted and be strategically successful and that the various components of the military can work in harmony. This is an excellent text and if you are interested in the paratroops or glider forces then this book is highly commended. Reviewed August 2010
Review of Vassili Zaitsev is probably the most famous soldier of the Soviet Red Army in World War 2. He was highly decorated and gained great fame in Russia during the Battle for Stalingrad. More recently his fame has been given a massive boost as the recent film “Enemy at the Gates” was predominantly based on his actions. The film and the autobiography do differ and there are many scenes in the film that do not feature in the book and vice versa. The book, in my opinion, is more enjoyable than the film. The book starts with Vassili discussing his childhood and how his Grandfather taught him how to trap and hunt animals in the forests. He became very skilled at these activities and as a reward his Grandfather presented him with a rifle. Vassili was a short man and the rifle, when slung over his shoulder, touched the ground. He was an educated person and attended technical schools as well as working as an accountant. He joined the Soviet Navy before the war and was very proud to wear their distinctive blue and white striped shirt – the trademark of a Russian Sailor. He attained the rank of Chief Petty Officer and volunteered with a draft of fellow sailors to be posted to the Battle of Stalingrad. On arrival at Stalingrad they were transferred to the Army. Their new officers could not get them to yield their sailors shirts and so they went into battle wearing their distinctive sailors’ shirts under their army uniforms. He recounts many of his exciting exploits and “duels” with enemy snipers. Vassili had many duels and his officers requested that as he was extremely successful as a sniper that he train and develop a sniper unit within his regiment. He states how he recruited “trainee” snipers to his unit and how he trained them. Vassili was doing his job so effectively he managed to kill over 225 enemy soldiers. He always targeted the officers first and then worked down the chain of command. In one exploit he killed a number of enemy officers and this made the Nazis very furious so they unleashed a huge barrage of bombs, artillery and machine gun fire at his position. As in the film the German Whermacht eventually sent their top sniper from the German Sniper School, a highly decorated Major Konings, to locate and kill Vassili. Major Konings tried very hard to eliminate Vassili but he lost their duel. At the time of arrival on the Stalingrad front the average life expectancy of a soldier was 24 hours. Vassili significantly exceeded this but eventually his luck did run out. Towards the end of the Battle he was wounded by shrapnel, primarily in the face, and was blinded. He was shipped back through the lines and eventually had to see eye specialists near Moscow. They operated on him and eventually he regained most of his sight. Whilst he was injured the Battle for Stalingrad finished and on recovery he was presented with the (gold) Hero of the Soviet Union and the Order of Lenin by the Mikhail Ivanovich Kalinin [who was the first Chairman of the Central Executive Committee of the USSR or titular head of state (1919-46)]. The Hero of the Soviet Union was the highest decoration that the USSR could bestow on a serviceman – rather like the British Victoria Cross. This autobiography is exciting and you will not want to put it down until you have read the last page – it is highly recommended and exceedingly enjoyable. Reviewed August 2010 |
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