Bøker utgitt av Helion & Company

A detailed exploration of Prussian fortifications under Frederick the Great, examining their construction, theory, and strategic significance.The King and His Fortresses describes Prussian fortifications during the reign of Frederick the Great - the historical background, the experience of attacking the fortresses captured by the Prussian king, and the theory of fortification. At the book's core are two extensive chapters describing the fortresses built and modernized by the Prussians in two periods - 1740-1756 and 1763-1786, separated by the Seven Years War.The King and His Fortresses provides a comprehensive overview of Prussian fortifications during the reign of Frederick the Great. The first three chapters briefly describe the Prussian state, European fortification in the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, and the state of Prussian fortifications when Frederick the Great took power. Chapter four details Frederick the Great's experience in fortress warfare, including his education in the field, the fortress exercises he conducted during peacetime, and the sieges he led or observed. Chapter five covers Prussian fortification theory during the Frederician period, including both the king's own ideas and the texts written by his engineers.The heart of the book lies in chapters six and seven, which describe the fortresses built and modernized by Frederick the Great. Chapter six covers the design and construction of fortresses between 1740 and 1756, including detailed information about fortresses in Silesia, Glogau, Neisse, Glatz, Cosel, Schurgast, Brieg, Schweidnitz, and Breslau. Additionally, the chapter describes the different types of fortress used in Prussian fortification during this time, including the use of advanced works and forts and the subject of caponiers. Chapter seven covers the years between 1763 and 1786, detailing the construction of fortresses on the Oder and in the mountains of Silesia and other provinces of the Prussian state. New solutions used in fortresses are discussed separately; artillery casemates are extensively described, including specific Prussian solutions in the form of casemates with arcaded walls open from behind and so-called Hangars - free-standing casemates serving as shelters for guns firing from open positions.The final chapter provides a collective overview of various aspects of the design and construction of Prussian fortresses during the Prussian period, including the most influential designers, the organisation of construction, workers, contractors, and issues related to financing the construction of fortresses and controlling expenditure.

Details Russia's 1812 defense against Napoleon, covering key figures, battles, and operational details, enhanced with maps and critiques.The Russian Patriotic War of 1812 is the only publicly available translation into English of Bogdanovich's official history of the Russian forces' involvement in the fight against Napoleon and his allies in Russia in 1812. This translation also includes extracts from Ivan Liprandi's critique of Bogdanovich's work.Volume 2 of The Russian Patriotic War of 1812 covers Kutuzov's appointment as Field Marshal, details of the opolchenie (militia) and donations made in 1812, the meeting in Abo between Tsar Alexander I and the Crown Prince of Sweden (Jean- Baptiste Jules Bernadotte), and the situation in enemy occupied territory. Highly detailed descriptions of operations are included, from before the Battle of Borodino to the camp at Tarutino, as well as operations on the flanks by Wittgenstein and Admiral Chichagov. Outstanding feats were performed not only by prominent personalities but also by others who participated in this war. The composition of the forces are shown as clearly as possible, as are force numbers, casualties on each side, and so on. The maps attached to this work were drafted in such a way that they might serve to explain entire phases of the war. The battle plans show the locations of dominant terrain according to detailed state surveys, while villages, forests and roads have been copied from previously published plans.

Publishing for the first time in English, this volume includes details of actions and exploits by Russian soldiers almost unknown outside of Russia.The Russian Patriotic War of 1812 is the only publicly available translation into English of Bogdanovich's official history of the Russian forces' involvement in the fight against Napoleon and his allies in Russia in 1812. This translation also includes extracts from Ivan Liprandi's critique of Bogdanovich's work.Volume 1 of The Russian Patriotic War of 1812 includes the causes of the war and an account of the operational planning by Russian forces for their retreat from the borders into the Empire, dispelling the myth of the non-existence of any premeditated plan. The logistics of the forces on both sides are examined, along with highly detailed descriptions of the operations from Russia's western borders to beyond Smolensk and operations on the northern and southern flanks. Outstanding feats were performed not only by prominent personalities but also by others who participated in this war. The composition of the forces are shown as clearly as possible, as are force numbers, casualties on each side, and so on. The maps attached to this work were drafted in such a way that they might serve to explain entire phases of the war. The battle plans show the locations of dominant terrain according to detailed state surveys, while villages, forests and roads have been copied from previously published plans.

"Another splendid work of scholarship, beautifully written and brilliantly researched. There are few, if any, who know more about this topic than Dr. Linden, and this book will define the field for years to come." -- Simon Shorvon, Professor of Neurology, University College LondonShell shock was the great leveller of post-war experience. Beyond the Great Silence: The Legacy of Shell Shock in Britain and Germany 1918-1924 traces the stories of shell-shocked soldiers and civilians. Medical authorities were reluctant to accept the link between illness and war and thus deprived shell shock victims not only of war pensions but also of a much-needed explanation for their suffering.The rise of shell shock exemplifies the traumatic experience of the Great War. It has transcended its original meaning as a medical concept in historical and cultural discourse. Throughout the war military medicine of all combatant nations faced similar challenges and had to ensure the fighting strength of their forces in the face of increasing numbers of traumatized soldiers. Following the Armistice, the former Allied and Central Powers were in very different situations. Whereas London returned to a period of relative stability, Berlin was transformed into the chaotic center of a failed state. For the traumatized soldiers treated at the Berlin Charité or the London National Hospital, this did not make much of a difference - hospitals continued to operate in both capitols with surprising efficiency, and the trauma of war only knows victims, no victors. Beyond the suffering caused by shell shock, many veterans suffered further humiliation war pension denials because they had been relabeled with a neurological diagnosis that was unrelated to war service or were branded as 'psychopaths' with inherited mental weakness. The medical system was thus quick to cut the link between the illness of veterans and war experience. Therefore, many ex-servicemen were cut-off not only from pensions but also from an explanation for their suffering.Beyond the Great Silence combines the personal experience of the traumatized military and civilian patients with contemporary medical literature and press reports to provide the cultural background for the varying presentations of shell shock and responses of medical professionals and wider society. Shell shock was a deeply political concept, and its history can only be understood against the backdrop of the revolutionary changes to European society in the immediate aftermath of war.

The Battles for the Wastelands is an operational account and analysis of the offensive Northern Devastated Zone, March 1917-September 1918 and defensive actions fought by British and German forces from spring of 1917 to late summer of 1918 in the areas between the eastern-most boundaries of the Somme campaign and the Hindenburg Line.The important offensive and defensive encounters by which the British and Dominion corps captured, lost, and recaptured villages such as Achiet-le-Petit, Gomiécourt, Ervillers, Mory, Croisilles, Frémicourt, Ytres, Lebucquière, Beaumetz, and Hermies are described and explained within the context of the BEF's learning process. Although generally not large-scale, set-piece battles, these engagements were heavily contested and incurred substantial casualties. In addition to lesser known actions, this volume also examines the British Third Army Army's epic fighting withdrawal in the face of Operation Michael.The area is one of undulating open fields, country roads, scattered copses, small villages and the Canal du Nord. There are few physical remains of fortifications but there are dozens of CWGC cemeteries, many of which appear to receive no visitors for months at a time. The land is ideal for exploring either by car, bike, or on foot, and is within very easy and short traveling distance from the towns where most British visitors to the Somme and Arras stay.The Battle for the Wastelands offers both a practical touring guide as well as a reference volume for these under-appreciated but important battles and actions. It will inform those visitors who drive through these areas as they pass to and from the coast of their importance and significance to the eventual Allied victory on the Western Front.

A significant new contribution to the underrepresented historiography of the British campaign in Italy during 1917-1918.A Brilliant Little Victory is a history of the 48th (South Midland) during the First World War, including its successful defense of a critical position on the Asiago Plateau in June 1918. It charts the history of the division from establishment in 1908 to its initial deployment on the Western Front in March 1915. What followed was an introduction to the trenches at Ploegsteert Wood; participation in the Battle of the Somme where it assisted with the capture of Pozières in July-August 1916 and the pursuit of the German army to the Hindenburg Line the following spring. The role of the South Midland Division during the Third Ypres offensive in late summer and autumn of 1917 is also chronicled. Following this, the division entrained for Italy where it was part of the Franco-British force dispatched to reinforce the Italian Army following the Caporetto disaster.It was 48th Division's successful defense of the tactically important Asiago Plateau high above the Lombardy Plain on 15 June 1918 that contributed to the defeat of Austro-Hungarian attackers attempting to break into the rear of the main Italian position on the Piave with potentially disastrous results. Despite fighting an effective defensive action, subsequently described by one officer as 'a brilliant little victory', the Divisional Commander, Major General Sir Robert Fanshawe, was sacked and sent home much to the dismay of officers and men. In seeking to understand what lay behind the shocking removal of an apparently successful commander, A Brilliant Little Victory provides a detailed analysis of the battle and factors that may have contributed to this sacking before offering a conclusion about whether or not it was, given the standards of the era, justified.

Explores the evolution of British infantry brigade command during WWI, highlighting organizational and tactical changes and the influence of higher command structures on brigade performance.The Best of All Appointments? examines the evolution of infantry brigade command in the British Army during the First World War. Through a series of case studies, the author demonstrates that the response of brigade staff to the challenges of the Western Front reflected the army's capacity for organizational and tactical change. This volume demonstrates how the influence of the corps or division under which a brigade served was fundamental to its battlefield performance and success.In constituting a key component in the chain of command, the infantry brigade's role was subject to a progressive but irregular transformation in responding to the challenges of static warfare. The author examines the identity, structure and principal roles of the brigadier general and his staff as they existed in 1914.Reflecting the varied interrelated dimensions and conceptual planes within which brigade command operated, on a macro level, brigade operations were shaped by political, economic, topographical and technological factors. On a micro level, the influence of the brigade staff was largely determined by the irregularities of brigade sectors and their configuration with the enemy lines opposite. In order to challenge the orthodox interpretation that the role of the brigadier general and his staff was unduly narrow, the scope of this volume addresses two fundamental questions. First, the author focuses on the extent to which brigade command responses to trench warfare reflected the British Army's capability for flexibility and innovation. Through in depth analysis of brigade operations conducted during 1915-1918, it is evident that the measures implemented by brigade staff substantiated their role as agents of organizational and tactical change. These measures were manifested through various spheres of activity, the benefits of which were manifold.Although brigade commanders had little control over the broad parameters in which they operated, given the establishment of the organizational and logistic pre-conditions for success, they were able and willing to respond to the challenges of static warfare and subsequent transition to mobile operations. This process reflected the ethos of the prewar British army officer caste and its capacity for learning and adaptation. These values were sustained and applied to effect through the creation of a new generation of brigade staff officers who possessed the intellectual capacity to control large-scale operations. The Best of All Appointments? is a lasting testament to their professionalism and courage.

Examines the development of Soviet legacy MBTs by Ukraine in the post-Soviet era into models including the Bulat and Oplot, and the refurbishment and modernization of T-64, T-72 and T-80 models.The two largest heirs to the massive Soviet tank force that faced NATO during the Cold War - Russia and Ukraine - have been fighting one another since 2014 in what has now become the largest war in Europe since 1945.Volume 5 of the War in Ukraine series examines the development of Soviet legacy MBTs by Ukraine in the post- Soviet era into models including the Bulat and Oplot, and the refurbishment and modernization of T-64, T-72 and T-80 models to meet the need to respond to the war ongoing since 2014. Furthermore, this volume examines the organization and training of the opposed Russian and Ukrainian MBT forces and presents a number of case studies of their employment since 2014. The volume is completed with appendices on Explosive Reactive Armor as used in its various forms in this conflict, and the various types of 125mm gun ammunition and gun-launched anti-tank guided missiles used by both sides.This volume, extensively illustrated with full color images, is essential reading for the reader interested in post-Soviet Ukrainian MBT design, and the forces employed by both sides in the current war in Ukraine. The full history of the Russo-Ukrainian War remains to be written, but this book aims to at least give a background and a glimpse into one particular aspect of the war, as well as the role the MBT has played in the largest war of the twenty-first century so far.

Reassesses the reputation and effectiveness of four Royal Fusiliers battalions composed of university students and public school boys.Soldiers and Gentlemen: A History of the University and Public Schools Brigade of the Royal Fusiliers 1914-1918 recounts the Great War history of four unusual infantry units: 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st (Service) Battalions of the Royal Fusiliers. Recruited from former university students and public school boys who chose to serve as 'gentleman rankers' rather than officers, these units were dismissed as 'Chocolate Soldiers' or 'rotten men'. This volume sets out to re-examine their reputation and effectiveness.Recruiting and training of the four 'Service' battalions of the University and Public Schools Brigade commenced in September 1914. Special permission was sought from Lord Kitchener; his brief reply was, 'Go ahead, and if you can raise 10,000 men I shall be all the better pleased.' Training commenced at Epsom and Leatherhead before the volunteers were moved to Clipstone (Nottinghamshire) and Tidworth (Wiltshire) for collective and pre-deployment training. Many left to pursue commissions elsewhere in Kitchener's Army during this time. Following many delays, the battalions deployed overseas for trench warfare introduction in 'quiet' sectors at Givenchy and Cambrin over the winter of 1915-1916. In early 1916, three battalions were disbanded with large numbers of personnel dispatched home for officer training. Only the 20th Royal Fusiliers, recruited largely in Manchester, remained at the front. The battalion went on to participate in the Somme offensive during which it was decimated at High Wood. It then saw action at Arras, Nieuport and Ypres before disbandment in early 1918.All of the UPS battalions (especially the 20th Battalion) have a poor reputation based on postwar criticism by literary combat veterans such as Robert Graves, Dr James Dunn, and Frank Richards. Nevertheless, although not an elite by any means, the UPS men were able to 'stick it' under pressure and fought hard on a number of occasions, contrary to this criticism.Soldiers and Gentlemen reassesses the experience and reputation of the UPS battalions by examination of a considerable number of primary and secondary sources including over thirty first-hand accounts, both published and unpublished. The latter provide a unique insight into the lives and deaths of those who served, training particulars, active service routine, and combat experience. The motivations and perspectives of the so-called 'gentleman rankers' and their transition into commissioned officers are also thoroughly explored.

How a reluctant soldier and ranger, excelling in reconnaissance, intelligence, and covert operations, details his journey post-Cold War training to the War on Terror.I am a soldier and a ranger - a specialist in reconnaissance, intelligence, and covert operations. I never wanted to be a soldier, but I found that I excelled at it. I have fired my weapons in anger, infiltrated terrorist groups, and made and burnt sources. Number 788 is my story.Being good at doing bad things is not always a blessing. You can't be the judge, only the executioner. The concept of 'for the greater good' always has a flip side. You are moving and living in the shadows. The ones in control grant you the ultimate power of life, but a life lived in the shadows is never your own.My development was slow and meticulous; it was improvised and innovative. Now, I write about what it was like to be pushed past the brink of what I thought was humanly possible. I aim to share my flawed path, lessons learned, relationships forged, revelations of self and the workings of others, with the very small hope of inspiring a few new generation warriors.I was trained at a unique time, as I joined the forces after the Cold War but just before the attacks of 9-11. During my formation, the lack of controls and regulation came with tremendous risks but also significant opportunities - I seized them. I am the product of brave officers who took action with great personal risk to save a regiment without permission and by asking for forgiveness later. Officers who believed in the saying, 'Who Dares Wins'. I share my small place as a silent mediator between the light and shadows in the long and flawed history of Western and Nordic fighters.The end of the Cold War and subsequent peacekeeping missions caught the Swedish military flatfooted when the War on Terror came around. The need for special operations forces was in high demand, but for the most part, Sweden lacked this niche capability. While still in its conceptual form, the International Ranger Platoon, an elite force that became a Special Purpose Unit within the Ranger Battalion, was used to fill the gap. Newly recruited, I was drawn to the challenge and adventure of it all; I took on the tough selection course - the reward was to be part of something new - the Special Purpose Units.

There can be few military stories which have been written about in such great detail. The story of Dunkirk has found its way into the British consciousness, to such a degree it has come to epitomize the very essence of Britishness at times of national hardship.The phrase 'Dunkirk Spirit' has been used to define the British character. Cartoons of the day re-defined the abbreviation of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) to mean Bravery, Endurance, and Fortitude! This has been the prevailing national narrative of May 1940. A story of small boats that came to the rescue of a stranded Army on the beaches of Dunkirk: brave soldiers who would have died, or been captured had it not been for the flotilla that came to their rescue. This is supported by strong images of stoic British soldiers waiting patiently on the beaches for deliverance.Historians have subsequently identified other factors which contributed to the success of Operation DYNAMO. These include the mild weather and calm sea, as well as the use of the East Mole for the large ships. The smoke which hung in the air as a result of the German shelling and bombardments helped mask the BEF's activities, and Hitler's earlier somewhat unexpected Halt Befehl gave the BEF time to consolidate its bridgehead at Dunkirk. However, if Gort's statement as quoted by Shand is true, that 'without the Twelfth Lancers only a small part of the Army would have reached Dunkirk, ' then it would appear there is another element of the story which is still to be told. It was to account for the five Battle Honors the Regiment would win in just 21 days.

The Japanese ruled parts of China prior to World War II by means of Chinese "puppet" governments who ruled their own population on behalf of the Japanese. This first of two volumes tells the story of the Chinese who fought for the Japanese over a 14 year period, specifically in China and Manchukuo.

The Soviet Red Army command attached great importance to military camouflage. Following the Civil War of 1918-1920, camouflage issues were the subject of careful study. This led to a number of measures that involved the armed forces. Thus military aviation was not overlooked. Along with the camouflaging of airfields and installations, attempts were made to make aircraft as invisible as possible both on the ground and in the sky. This was done by applying painted schemes, the requirements for which were regularly updated. However, despite the theoretical research, camouflage was not widely employed until 1941. It was only after the outbreak of the Great Patriotic War that standard black and green camouflage and a scheme for applying color spots received official approval. Meantime, in various Air Force formations and units, as well as aircraft production factories, camouflage was often applied without observing the prescribed scheme and approved colors.The red five-pointed star insignia were applied on the Soviet airplanes during 1920s and 30s, but the shape, dimensions and locations of the insignia changed several times during 1941. Furthermore, tactical markings applied in accordance with officially sanctioned application of identification marks and ciphers were not adhered to either and principles of tactical markings often differed.A landmark reference work of aviation history, Camouflage, Insignia and Tactical Markings of the Aircraft of Red Army Air Force in 1941, Volumes 1 and 2 contain more than 880 unique photos from Soviet and German archives and private collections and 470 color plates featuring camouflage, insignias and tactical markings of the period.Volume 2 covers: - Identification Marking and Designation System of the VVS RKKA in 1941- Additional Tactical Markings of the VVS RKKA Aircraft in 1941- Changes in the Aircraft Camouflage and Tactical Marking System of the Leningrad Military District Air Force (Northern Front Air Force) in 1941- Changes in the Camouflage and Tactical Marking System of the Aircraft of the Transcaucasian Military District Air Force in 1941

Although the events of the Peninsular War have been retold many times, there is scope for different perspectives. The complexities of war mean that the broad-brush approach must of necessity concentrate on the overall direction of the action.

In the 17th century, Italy was the third-largest country by population in Europe, after France and Germany, passing into second position for a century after 1650. Northern as well as southern Italy constituted a key place in the strategic duel between Spain and France, and the Peninsula lied on the front line in the struggle against the Ottoman Empire. Moreover, Italian states constituted good examples of fairly efficient governance machines, which developed many matters, included the 'Military'. Some of these states experienced long periods of wars, to the point that the claim regarding social elites progressively demilitarized to an unequaled extent anywhere else in Europe should be considered no longer valid.This second volume looks at the armies of the lesser Italian States. The armies of Genoa, the Papal States, Tuscany, Parma, Modena, Mantua, Lucca, and many others are all examined in detail never before seen in the English language. This volume also covers the nature and execution of military affairs and war in Italy. The book is lavishly illustrated and comes with 16 especially commissioned color plates drawn by the author himself.

'Undaunted' is the second volume of the 'British Commonwealth's War in the Air 1939-45'. It combines detailed studies into the tactics, techniques and technology that made British air power so effective, together with the personal accounts of the aircrew themselves 'Undaunted' includes chapters on air intelligence, photographic-reconnaissance and

Through Adversity is probably the most comprehensive account of Britain and the Commonwealth's war in the air during the Second World War. It combines detailed studies into the tactics, techniques and technology that made British air power so effective, together with the personal accounts of the aircrew themselves as they executed some of the most

In contrast to the existing biographies which treat Kitchener as British, the author of Kitchener: The Man, considers him an outsider within the British establishment. Of his 64 years, a mere 11, and those not consecutive, were spent in England. He learned from those around him, ways that were not always understood and appreciated by those educated

This book is the latest volume of Spencer Jones's award-winning series which examines the British Army on the Western Front year-by-year.

Based heavily on inaccessible Soviet records, this book presents a lively account of a pivotal battle on the Eastern Front, heavily illustrated with rare photographs.

An account of the Red Army's advance along the southwest strategic direction during the offensive that followed the Battle of Kursk in July-August 1943.

This photographic volume depicts Himmler's favorite unit in the Waffen-SS: the III 'Germanic' SS Panzerkorps, for it fulfilled Himmler's longtime political plans of recruiting 'Germanic' volunteers for the creation of a greater Germanic Reich in the future.

Volume 3 carries the story of the XIV Reserve Corps through the momentous Battle of the Somme and into 1917 - a period of transition for the German Army. The old tactics and strategy of trench warfare would undergo great changes, as the German Army was transformed from a military force rooted in the 19th century into a modern 20th century fighting

Examines the early Cold War development of the USAF's jet fighters and fighter-bombers, detailing political, industrial, and technological challenges and innovations.In the immediate aftermath of the Second World War, the air forces of the United States faced unprecedented challenges. Demobilization had stripped the armed forces of millions of personnel, while the rapid transition from a wartime economy strained the aviation industry at the same time as the US Army Air Forces (USAAF) was re-established as the independent US Air Force (USAF). US Air Power 1945-1990 Volume 1: US Fighters and Fighter-Bombers 1945-1949 examines this pivotal period, analyzing the first steps the USAF took to re-establish its dominance in the skies during the early Cold War era. This volume meticulously documents the political, industrial, and technical decisions that shaped the development of the USAF's early jet fighters and fighter-bombers. It covers the transition from propeller-driven aircraft to first-generation jet designs, showcasing the radical innovations and experimental prototypes that laid the foundation for future air power. Readers will find detailed descriptions of key aircraft such as the P-80 Shooting Star, the F-86 Sabre, and the F-84 Thunderjet, which became operational despite the severe budget constraints and strategic uncertainties of the time. Author David Baker brings to light the untold stories behind these aircraft. He provides an integrated narrative that goes beyond mere type histories, weaving together the political backdrop, industrial struggles, and technological advancements that influenced the design and deployment of these pioneering jets. This approach offers a comprehensive view of how the USAF navigated the post-war landscape to emerge as a formidable force by 1949. The book also includes an appendix detailing speculative projects that never reached production, such as the McDonnell XF-85 Goblin 'parasite fighter', Convair XF-92 delta-wing interceptor and many others, alongside tables listing the performance characteristics of both operational and experimental aircraft from this era. These sections offer invaluable insights into the 'what ifs' of aviation history, showing how alternative designs might have shaped air combat strategies differently. The first in an extensive series of volumes, each exploring different facets of US air power during the Cold War, subsequent titles will cover bombers, naval aviation, and the evolving roles of fighters and bombers through conflicts such as the Korean and Vietnam wars. Each volume will maintain a focus on the technical and engineering aspects that defined these aircraft, rather than operational histories alone. Extensively illustrated, including rare photographs and specially-commissioned color artwork, this book provides a thorough and engaging exploration of a transformative period in US air power history.

Details the development, political maneuvering, and operational history of US bomber aircraft from 1945-1949, with rich illustrations and technical details.In the immediate aftermath of the Second World War, the air forces of the United States faced unprecedented challenges. Demobilization had stripped the armed forces of millions of personnel, while the rapid transition from a wartime economy strained the aviation industry at the same time as the US Army Air Forces (USAAF) was re-established as the independent US Air Force (USAF). US Air Power 1945-1990 Volume 2: Bombers 1945-1949 Part 1: Policy, War Plans, Strategic Air Command and Manufacturers examines this pivotal period, analysing the first steps the USAF took to re-establish its dominance in the skies during the early Cold War era.This first part of Volume 2 provides a detailed examination of the development of the US bomber force in the years immediately following the Second World War. A new era of weapon and aircraft technologies demanded new aircraft capable of delivering atomic weapons deep into the heart of the USSR. This work examines the evolving concept of war as the USAAF evolved into the USAF and Strategic Air Command was established.In addition, Volume 2 Part 1 looks at the role played by the major manufacturers of bomber aircraft as they transitioned from producing huge numbers of war-time bombers to smaller numbers of post-war designs incorporating new technologies for still-evolving concepts for atomic warfare.This volume is richly illustrated throughout with original photographs from the period, along with specially commissioned colour artworks.

This volume chronicles the conflict over the unification of Germany, which actually occurred on German soil. The campaign in southern and western Germany ensured that political control of German affairs would be firmly in Prussian hands, controlled by Bismarck, in much the same way that the great battles between Prussia and Austria in the east woul

Covers the origins of the disputes and border clashes between Chile and Argentina from independence until early 1978.The Beagle conflict was a territorial dispute between Argentina and Chile over the determination of the layout of the eastern mouth of the Beagle Channel, which affected the sovereignty of the islands located south of the channel, and east of Cape Horn and its adjacent maritime spaces.The first antecedents of the conflict date back to 1888, seven years after the signing of the Treaty of Limits. In 1901, the first Argentine map appeared in which some of the islands in question were drawn as within Argentina's control. Despite the small size of the islands, their strategic value between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans caused a long conflict between the two South American states that went on for much of the 20th century, causing a number of 'minor' incidents, and almost culminating in a major war.The conflict focused on the dispute over the sovereignty of the islands and the oceanic rights generated by them to Chile, but it was not limited exclusively to these islands.Volume 1 of The Beagle Conflict mini-series covers the origins of the dispute and border clashes between the two countries from the time of the independence of Chile and Argentina from the Spanish Crown, until early 1978, and is illustrated with original photographs, custom-drawn artworks and maps.

When it was founded in 1949, the People's Republic of China was an agricultural state with no industrial base to speak of and no armaments industry of its own. From the very beginning, Mao Tse Dng, the founder of the state, endeavored to develop his own modern defense industry in order to gain weight on the international stage. Part of this effort was the development of a domestic aerospace industry with massive support from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (colloquially the 'Soviet Union').Until the two countries broke up in 1961 due to ideological differences, more than 100 aviation companies were established with Soviet help and the licensed production of numerous aircraft types from trainers to heavy bombers was started. The last of these was the MiG-21, which is reproduced in China as the J-7.It took more than 10 years before the country, weakened by the 'Great Leap Forward' and the Cultural Revolution, succeeded at all in producing this comparatively complex aircraft. Only the comprehensive reforms after the death of state founder Mao created the basis for a return to orderly production of a technology that was already two decades old and outdated.The rapprochement with the West in the early 1980s made it possible, in part, to overcome the technological backlog. The integration of Western avionics into the Soviet airframe did not make the J/F-7 a modern combat aircraft like the F-16 and MiG-29 developed at the same time, but it increased its combat value to such an extent that it became an export success for the Third World. However, even more important was the access to Western technologies, later also for air-to-air missiles, which were initially, simply copied and later formed the basis for in-house developments of modern equipment and weapons systems.When cooperation with the West ended abruptly after the Tiananmen massacre of 1989, Chinese engineers and scientists had accumulated enough know-how to provide their own impetus in the further development of the J/F-7 family. Due to the combination of new aerodynamics and modern avionics, true multi-role combat aircraft were finally created which today, still spearhead their air forces in numerous countries in Asia and Africa.When the production of the J/F-7 finally ended in 2016, two generations of modern fighters based on this design were coming off the production line in China, and the prototypes of the fifth generation were already flying. The experience gained by China's aerospace industry in developing the J/F-7 from a day fighter to a multi-role fighter has made this success possible.The book deals with both the technical development of the J/F-7 family and its actual or potential use in more than a dozen countries on five continents.

The days of 11-13 June, 1982, proved that Arik Sharon's plan was over-ambitious and adventuristic. Dragging the IDF into the fight with Syrians appeared to be more complicated despite IDF superiority in technology and training. The armored units were moving too slowly and were stuck in numerous engagements all over the place.In the Western zone, after several failed attempts to take higher ground and open the road to Beirut, IDF finally made its gain and secured Kfar Sil after a very tough fight that lasted not less than 18 hours.In the Central zone, after getting the upper hand over the Syrian forces in Ein Zhalta and Jezzine, Israelis continued to crawl towards Beirut-Damascus Highway but the tempo had been lost and it was obvious that the Sharon expectation could not be matched.In Bekaa Valley, Eastern zone, IDF moved 399 Brigade to the north in order to reach Beirut Damascus Highway in the quickest possible way. That move turned out to be a disaster and one of the worst fights in IDF history. It took tremendous effort of two Israeli divisions to recover the troubled Brigade while suffering losses in men and machines.Besides the major battles, Israeli forces continued to clear the area while having tough opposition hotspots like Ein-Hilweh and finally, the controversial engagement between IDF anti-tank units and Syrian T-72s.