February 2023 MBR The Military Shelf

The Military Shelf

Armies of Anglo-Saxon England 410-1066
Gabriele Esposito
Pen & Sword Books
c/o Casemate (US distribution)
www.casematepublishers.com
https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk
9781399093972, $42.95, HC, 176pp

https://www.amazon.com/Armies-Anglo-Saxon-England-410-1066-Organization/dp/1399093975

Synopsis: In the early 5th century, Germanic Angles, Saxons and Jutes crossed the North Sea in increasing numbers and began settling among the ruins of the former Roman province of Britannia. This led to centuries of warfare as these 'Anglo-Saxons' carved new, independent kingdoms at the point of the sword, fighting the native Britons and each other. From the late eighth century they also had to face the threat of the Vikings, at first as opportunistic raiders but increasingly bent on conquest. The last Viking invasion was defeated by Harold Godwinson at Stamford Bridge but he was then defeated by the Normans in that same fatal year of 1066, ending the Anglo-Saxon Age.

With the publication of "Armies of Anglo-Saxon England 410-1066: History, Organization and Equipment", historian Gabriele Esposito gives an overview of Anglo-Saxon military history, narrating the great campaigns, such as those of Alfred the Great of Wessex and Harold Godwinson. He discusses in detail the composition of Anglo-Saxon forces, their tactics, weapons and equipment, detailing developments across the period. The informative, accessible text is supported by dozens of color images showing replica Saxon war gear in use.

Critique: Profusely illustrated throughout with magnificent full color photography, "Armies of Anglo-Saxon England 410-1066: History, Organization and Equipment" is informatively enhanced for the reader with the inclusion of n informative Introduction, a four page Bibliography, a six page listing of The Reenactor Contributors, and a one page Index. Impressive, informative, exceptional in organization and presentation, "Armies of Anglo-Saxon England 410-1066: History, Organization and Equipment" is unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, and academic library British Medieval Military History collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists.

Editorial Note: Gabriele Esposito (https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Gabriele-Esposito/a/3200) is an Italian researcher and a long-time student of military history, whose interests and expertise range widely over various periods. He is also the author of numerous books on armies and uniforms and is a regular contributor to many specialized magazines in Italy, France, Netherlands and UK. His many previous works include Armies of Early Colonial North America 1607-1713, published by Pen & Sword in 2018.

Blood, Dust and Snow
Friedrich Wilhelm Sander, author
Robin Schaffer, editor/translator
Greenhill Books
c/o Pen & Sword Books
www.casematepublishers.com
https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk
9781784388300, $37.95, HC, 448pp

https://www.amazon.com/Blood-Dust-Snow-Diaries-Commander/dp/1784388300

Synopsis: The war on the Eastern Front from 1941 to 1945 was the bloodiest combat theater in the bloodiest war in history. Oberleutnant Friedrich Wilhelm Sander experienced this bloodshed first-hand when serving with the 11th Panzer-Regiment. This regiment made up the core of the 6th Panzer-Division, one of Hitler's top armored formations, which was involved in most of the major campaigns on the Eastern Front; including campaigns such as Operation Barbarossa and Operation Winter Storm.

Sander recorded his experience of these campaigns in astounding detail in some recently discovered diaries covering the period from April 1938 to December 1943, translated into English for the first time by historian Robin Schafer. Written during the fighting, these diaries not only offer an honest assessment of the war on the Eastern Front, but also provide an insight into the mind of a young and highly politicized officer, and offer an intimate glimpse into the close-knit community of a German Panzer crew.

A brutally honest, immediate and unfiltered personal account, Sander's translated diaries make for some uniquely fascinating reading about some of the most important campaigns of the Second World War. Supported by more than 100 photographs and maps from the period, Blood, Dust & Snow will be of great interest not only to readers studying the war on the Eastern Front, but also to any historian researching the Second World War.

Critique: An invaluable contribution to the growing library of German World War II accounts, "Blood, Dust and Snow: Diaries of a Panzer Commander in Germany and on the Eastern Front" is a riveting read from beginning to end. Impressively candid, detailed, and informative, "Blood, Dust and Snow" will have a very special appeal to readers with an interest in the Eastern Front battlegrounds of World War II and has the highest possible recommended for personal, professional, community, and academic library World War II Military History and Biography/Memoir collections. It should be noted for students, academia, military history buffs, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "Blood, Dust and Snow: Diaries of a Panzer Commander in Germany and on the Eastern Front" is also currently available in a digital book format (Kindle, $0.99).

Editorial Note: Robin Schafer (https://robschaefer-historian.com) is a German military historian, writer and producer. He has worked as historical advisor for British and international television programmes, including the BBC's The Great War Interviews, Voices 16 - Somme, Last Heroes of the Somme and Channel 4's Battle of Britain: The Last of the Few. He is the creator and former historical editor of Iron Cross Magazine and co-author of "Fritz and Tommy: Across the Barbed Wire".

The Rorke's Drift Commanders: Gonville Bromhead and John Chard
James W. Bancroft
Frontline Books
c/o Pen & Sword Books
www.casematepublishers.com
https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk
9781399009966, $39.95, HC, 248pp

https://www.amazon.com/Rorkes-Drift-Commanders-Gonville-Bromhead/dp/1399009966

Synopsis: Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead and Lieutenant John Chard had fame thrust upon them, as did the place known as Rorke's Drift, which before 1879 was an unknown homestead situated in the middle of the South African veld.

Although both men came from families whose various members were highly distinguished for their military service and for their service to the church, they became reluctant heroes after being awarded Britain's highest decoration for valor, the Victoria Cross.

During the Anglo-Zulu War in 1879, a British invasion force was massacred at Isandlwana, after which a wing of the Zulu army about 3,000 strong attacked the outpost at Rorke's Drift. Lieutenants Bromhead and Chard commanded the post, and after supervising the construction of barricades they led their men in defensive actions throughout the night until the Zulus lost heart and returned to their kraals. For their gallantry 'under most trying circumstances', both Bromhead and Chard, along with nine of their comrades, were subsequently awarded the Victoria Cross.

In 1964 the defense of Rorke's Drift was brought back to public attention with the producing of the epic motion picture Zulu! In this film, Chard was portrayed by Sir Stanley Baker, while Bromhead provided Sir Michael Caine with his first starring role.

Bromhead and Chard epitomized the way of life of Victorian officers, with the exception that fate put them at Rorke's Drift. They became major players in a battle which continues to excite interest and cause debate, and is unlikely ever to be forgotten.

Critique: Informative enhanced for the reader with the inclusion of an informative Introduction, three Appendices, black/white images, a nine page listing of Research Sources, a seven page Bibliography, and a three page Index, "The Rorke's Drift Commanders: Gonville Bromhead and John Chard" is an impressively researched work of meticulous scholarship. Effectively organized and presented, "The Rorke's Drift Commanders: Gonville Bromhead and John Chard " will prove to be a welcome addition to personal, professional, community, and academic library 19th Century British Military History collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. It should be noted for students, academia, military history buffs, and non-specialist general readers that "The Rorke's Drift Commanders: Gonville Bromhead and John Chard" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $25.05).

Editorial Note: James Bancroft (https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/James-W-Bancroft/a/3080) for over four decades has been writing he has produced more than 100 books and articles, the subjects of which reflect his varied interests. He has contributed a number of articles for The New Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, and his book Rorke's Drift: The Zulu War, 1879 has been re-printed seven times.

Sharpshooter in the Crimea
Michael Springman
Pen & Sword Books
c/o Casemate (US distribution)
www.casematepublishers.com
https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk
9781399074483, $29.95, PB, 240pp

https://www.amazon.com/Sharpshooter-Crimea-Letters-CaptainGerald-Goodlake/dp/1399074482

Synopsis: Compiled and edited by author and historian Michael Springman, "Sharpshooter in the Crimea: The Letters of the Captain Gerald Goodlake VC 1854-56" is a compendium of the letters home to his family that Gerald Goodlake wrote as a young officer in the Coldstream Guards. Remarkable reading, they vividly describe the ill-preparedness of the British Army and the dire conditions experienced by all ranks in the Crimea.

Goodlakes views on senior officers were frank to say the least! Most important, Goodlakes initiative and courage in organizing and leading what were the Special Forces of their day were rewarded by the award of one of the first Victoria Crosses -- with Goodlake serving in the Crimea from early 1854 to the end two years later.

Critique: Transcribed, edited and annotated by Michael Springman, "Sharpshooter in the Crimea: The Letters of the Captain Gerald Goodlake VC 1854-56" provides a unique, informative, and fascinating perspective on the British forces engaged in the Crimean conflict. While very highly recommended as a core addition to 19th Century British Military History collections in general, and the Crimean War in particular, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Sharpshooter in the Crimea: The Letters of the Captain Gerald Goodlake VC 1854-56" is also available in a paperback edition (9781399074483, $29.95), and in a digital book format (Kindle, $1.99). (https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Michael-Springman/a/488)

Combat Divers
Michael G. Welham
Osprey Publishing
4301 21st St, Suite 220B, Long Island City, NY 11101
www.ospreypublishing.com
9781472856005, $40.00, HC, 304pp

https://www.amazon.com/Combat-Divers-illustrated-history-Special/dp/1472856007

Synopsis: 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, with the publication of "Combat Divers: An illustrated history of Special Forces divers ", Michael G. Welham 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. "Combat Divers" 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.

Critique: Profusely illustrated throughout with both color and black/white photos, "Combat Divers: An illustrated history of Special Forces divers" is an impressively informative, comprehensive, organized and presented study and one that is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, and academic library Military History collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. It should be noted for students, academia, and military buffs that "Combat Divers: An illustrated history of Special Forces divers" is also readily available from Osprey Publishing in a digital book format (Kindle, $21.49).

Editorial Note: Michael G. Welham is a former Royal Marines Commando (specialist skills: diving, canoeing and parachuting), and subsequently a member of 21 SAS and Naval Gunfire Support 95 Commando RAR. He has some 40 years of diving experience, both military and civilian. He is also the author of Combat Frogmen (with Lord Paddy Ashdown), Naval Elite Units, Exploring the Deep, and Frogmen Spy.

Neville Chamberlain's War
Frederic Seager
Independently Published
9798548548795, $22.00, PB, 286pp

https://www.amazon.com/Neville-Chamberlains-War-Britain-1939-1940/dp/B09BLBP3P8

Synopsis: The Phoney War got its name on September 18, 1939, when Senator William E. Borah, Republican of Idaho, told a group of reporters, "There is something phoney about this war." Shortly thereafter, the following limerick made the rounds on both sides of the Atlantic: "An elderly statesman with gout,/ When asked what the war was about,/ Replied with a sigh,/ My colleagues and I,/ Are doing our best to find out."

The elderly statesman was Neville Chamberlain, the arch-appeaser of 1938; and the Phoney War was his war, a war he neither wanted nor understood. On declaring war, he intoned: "I trust I may see the day when Hitlerism has been destroyed and a liberated Europe has been re-established." Instead, he lived to see Hitler triumphant and most of Western, democratic Europe under Nazi domination.

Having assumed that the Maginot Line would hold (it was in fact taken from the rear) and that the French army was invincible in defense, Chamberlain wrote to his sister on May 17, 1940: "All my world has tumbled to bits in a moment."

It was left to Winston Churchill to pick up the pieces.

Critique: An impressively detailed history of the first two years of what would become known as World War II, "Neville Chamberlain's War: How Great Britain Opposed Hitler, 1939-1940" by historian and retired academician Frederic Seager is an extraordinarily informative and exceptionally well presented study. While also available for the personal reading lists of students, academia, and military history buffs in a digital book format (Kindle, $8.99), "Neville Chamberlain's War: How Great Britain Opposed Hitler, 1939-1940" is especially and unreservedly recommended for community, college, and university library World War II history collections.

From the Frying Pan to Mittersill
Jos Groen
Flying Pencil USA
https://www.flyingpencil.us
9789083241388, $39.50, HC, 336pp

https://www.amazon.com/Mittersill-Parachute-Infantry-Regiment-1942-1945/dp/9083241386

Synopsis: Fox Company, 502nd PIR, 101st Airborne Division was popularly known as "Screaming Eagles".

During WW2, the paratroopers of Fox Company took part in three of the main campaigns in Western-Europe: D-Day, Market Garden and the Battle of the Bulge. Their efforts and sacrifices ultimately helped crush the armed forces of Nazi Germany.

With the publication of "From the Frying Pan to Mittersill, Fox Co. 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment 1942-1945", Jos Groen provides astonishing insights into the characters of these highly trained WW2 paratroopers who fought so gallantly during this war.

The historical narrative of Fox Company is based on numerous resources that have never been published before, which makes these stories and the company's combat record unique. These are the untold stories of the men who saw the war up close and personal. Their accounts show the whole gamut of emotions a combat soldier experiences: from his fears, suffering and the anxiety of engaging with the enemy, to the humor, comradeship in despair and mutual bonds.

The unique pictures that accompany the written words are centertain to leave a lasting impression on the reader.

Critique: Exceptionally well researched, written, organized and presented, "From the Frying Pan to Mittersill, Fox Co. 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment 1942-1945" is an impressively informative, inherently fascinating, and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, community, and academic library World War II histories and supplemental curriculum studies lists.

Editorial Note: Lieutenant Colonel Jos Groen MSc began his military career in March 1985 as a conscript in the Dutch Marine Corps but currently services as an officer in the Royal Dutch Army as he transferred from the Marine Corps to the Army in 1989. He was deployed to Uruzgan (Afghanistan) in 2010, where he worked as the Staff Officer Information Operations within the TFU VIII staff. This was his third mission abroad after earlier missions with Dutchbat III (1995) in Bosnia and Task Force Fox (2002) in Macedonia. Of special note is that "Three of the Last WWII Screaming Eagles" is his fourth book but his first one written in the English language by him. (https://screamingeaglesbook.com/about-jos-groen)

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