RFCM

This topic appears on other forums and I think is a goos way for recommendations etc.

On my list at the moment is the new Hugh Seabag Montifore book on the Somme (listening to it on audible) and also reading an old book on the Vietnam War, 'The 10,000 Day War' which is a detailed overview of the whole period post WW2 upto Saigon.

I'm going to take up Martins recommendations for a more tactical view of the Vietnam War and pick up 'Life and Death in the Central highlands'. After playtesting the new Men of Coy B I'm in a Vietnam kind of a mood  ;D

Thinking back to my war studies days, I recall-

Dispatches - Michael Herr
Chicken hawk - Robert mason
If I die in a combat zone - Tim OBrien

Being recommended reading.

On a related note during the half term break I read 'wings on my sleeves' by Eric Winkle which was an interesting, light read. I especially like the descriptions of the scramble to recover the German jets directly after the cessation of conflict. Those 13 Arado jet bombers are too cool for school  8)

As a curved ball I am going with the book I am reading, Twelve, set in Russia in 1812, in which the Russians employ 12 mysterious mercenaries from Wallachia who are capable of killing a large number of Frenchmen, but only at night.

Twelve , a bit like a retro version of fiends of the eastern front from 2000ad many moons ago :)

I am about to start "The last panther" about a German breakout in 1945.  The 1945 is of great intetest to me as it takes place in chaos with little chunks of order. In addition you have armies which know they have won and are changing their intent and purpose.   There is a good Max Hastings book called Armageddon?  Full of great anecdotes etc.



martin

As far as Vietnam, and those mentioned above, I would recommend

Tunnels of Cu Chi
Bloods

and if you're into a real good read, 13th Valley is a great story

I've got 13th Valley somewhere. I'll dig it out and give it a go.

As I'm currently laid up in bed with noting to do I've just started on Pagan Lord, book 6 (or maybe 7) of the Saxon chronicles. Formulaic but a ripping good read!!

I have dumped 'Twelve' as it is rubbish. Now reading John Keegan's 'The American Civil War.' This is a subject I have read about on a regular basis over the past 50 years as it was the first period I gamed. Despite this I am coming across stuff in this book of which I was previously unaware.

I am currently reading Bloody Victory - The Sacrifice on the Somme by William Philpott. A good overall account of the battle which includes the battles fought by the French. I tend to find painting inspiration around the books I read so this is helping me paint my LW French figures, is also why I probably have a scatter gun approach to my painting!

Me too Chris. Reading Pagan Lord is making me want to paint my skirmishers and mounted Vikings for Longships.....must focus on my Vietnam!

Just started "First Force Recon Company: Sunrise at Midnight". The first chapter (full of self-justification for starting a riot at college...) was a bit slow, but things are warming up now that the author has landed in Vietnam and volunteered for USMC Recon.

Does that help your resolve, Sean?

Picked up two more Max Hastings books, both from charity shops today for the grand outlay of £7.00 - Armageddon, the Battle for Germany 44-45 and Nemisis, the battle for Japan 44-45. Thats holiday reading sorted for the next two weeks  ;D

Sean both are a good read but beware they could result in having to buy more PBI armies (Armageddon resulted in my Russian PBI army). I recently purchased a secondhand copy of Rising Sun by John Toland, 900 pages on the Pacific War (focus will be the Americans of course) will I be able to resist 'just a few' Marines/Japanese? I've also got Fergal Keane's Road of Bones to read so perhaps a few 14th army figures, then i'll need some scenery.......

Chris

I like the idea of a 14th Army force, but there is an American
bias  to my collections....US Europe infantryEurope infantry for PBI, Vietnam, Washingtons  Army etc. So I may end up going the Pacific route myself. As I always collect matching armies that means the IJA  to go against them. But I have to say early North Africa with Italians  v 8th Army is also a possibility. I'm going to resist until the end of the year ( maybe a Xmas present to myself). A lot to be getting on with.

I already have an unbloodied  Russian PBI force....

Finished Pagan Lord by Bernard Cornwell whilst on holiday.

This is the 7th book in the Saxon Chronicles telling the story of Uhtred of Bebbanberg and his journeys through Dark Age Britain trying to reclaim his birthright of Bebbanberg.

Formulaic, yes. You can bet that in each book Uhtred will lose and then regain a ship. His men will desert him and then return. He will be betrayed or tricked into a situation you're sure will mean his doom. He will fight ato least one major battle and describe the horror of being at the forefront if a Shieldwall. He will appear to recieve  a mortal wound in combat only to survive.

But I love these books all the same. Yes, themes are getting a bit samey. Yes, I wish he would just get to Bebbanberg and settle down. But the storytelling is first rate and it does wonders for your desire to play a game of Longships!

I have restarted the Ballista series by Harry Sidebottom.

Anyou good? He is at Partisan signing copies of his books!

He does have a habit of using Latin terminology then putting the English in parenthesis after it. This works OK in prose, but is a little irritating within speech. However, the plot lines are terrific and absolutely reek of the intrigue of the mid-C3rd Roman Empire. The first book begins with our Angle hero being sent out to face the Sassanids, as Dux Ripae, on the banks of the Euphrates. It does make me think of the phrase, "the more things change the more they stay the same", especially as at this time the Sassanids were religious fanatics attempting to bring the worship of Mazda to the whole of the known world.

I have just finished reading "Down South: One Tour in Vietnam" by William H Hardwick.

The author was a US Marine 2nd Lieutenant artillery officer, serving a tour from September 1968.

He was cross-trained as both a Forward Observer for artillery and a Forward Air Controller, seeing service in both capacities in company-level operations and - rarely for an artillery officer, many of whom spent much of their tour on fire bases - received the Bronze Star for valour in the field.

This is the first Vietnam memoir I've read by an artillery officer and fond it both thoughtful and insightful.

Having finished Fire in the East, the ending of which clearly sets up book two in the series, King of Kings, I have moved on to The Ottoman Endgame, which is a history of the Ottoman Empire from 1876 to 1924. However the bulk of the book is WWI. Having had a quick tour of the Russo-Turkish War of 1877 and various Balkan Wars I have now arrived at WWI. There was some pretty sharp diplomatic manoeuvring by the Turks before their entry into the war, and there is an extremely lucid account of the voyage of the Goeben and Breslau and how they were adopted into the Turkish navy, then sent out into the Black Sea to annoy the Russians as Turkey's war got underway. It is all very promising. Winston Churchill is not coming out of this very well, and we haven't even got to Gallipoli yet!

I have to say that I tried Sidebottom but while applauding the background research and plot, I found I was mildy irritated with the Latin/English thing and his habit of insisting on saying the 'Sassinid' Persians all the time.  Surely 'Persians' would suffice...plus a few qualifying adjectives...
My six-pennorth....

Stormbird by Conn Iggulden.

this is the first in his Wars of the Roses series. I'm finding it pretty hard going so far at around the 130 page mark. Not sure I can continue but I hate not finishing a book. Hopefully it'll pick up soon...

"Vietnam Infantry Tactics" (Osprey). I'd been tempted before but, having seen it in the flesh at Colours I gave in...

Let me know about that one Col. I've eyed it up before now.

Sean,

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you on this: other things came along to interrupt my reading.

Anyway, I've now finished the book, and very much enjoyed it. Like most Ospreys, it can really only scratch the surface of the topic, but I found the insights very useful.

In terms of scope, this is very much a "regular free world forces" [US, ARVN and ANZAC] book, with the very occasional nod to the opposition.

Main areas covered are:
- brief background on the impact of the terrain and climate
- infantry unit organisation and weaponry
- movement on foot (following a short section on insertion by helicopter, vehicle and river)
- small unit tactics [20 pages]

The author served with US Special Forces - in Vietnam and subsequently as a trainer for many years - which lends the whole thing a good dollop of credibility.

The text was well complemented by black-and-white photos and particularly by Peter Dennis' full-page colour diagrams of patrolling formations (squad/section, platoon & company), contact drills, ambush & counter-ambush techniques and "remain overnight" positions.

Is that enough to tempt you...?

Oh - and I've now started "Vietnam Firebases 1965-73 - American and Australian Forces" - I'll post a summary of that too in due course.

Simon

Just started my ancient Pan Books copy (1969) of Battles of the Boer War. I bought this book brand new in Smiths as a schoolboy, and at one point I considered giving it to a charity shop. Glad I hung on to it now.

Bosworth-Psychology of a battle . Michael Jones

Very interesting, has great background as to why the Stanley's behaved as they did and is set in the new location of the battle. Recommended.

Col.

Yes I'm now tempted. I have given up on the Conn Iggulden book, which is most unlike me. I'm busy studying at the minute but will look to pick up the Vietnam book next week post my exam.

Funny that. I also gave up on the Conn Iggulden book. I think a WoR series based on a fictional character, rather than putting words into the mouths of historical characters, would work better in a similar fashion to Sharpe and Hornblower. I was also very disappointed with the military depictions in the recent White Queen.

You mean where the Battle of Bosworth took place in a wood? Yeah, me too.

Whilst wearing a few sketchy bits of chainmail. It looked totally crap, and, given the current knowledge and number of re-enactors about,  one canopy assume the BBC had a budget of thruppence.

Why would autocarrot change can only to canopy?  ???

Well, I wrote a review/summary of the new Rick Priestly/John Lambshead book on writing rules for Tabletop Wargames on the Pendraken site this morning. Perhaps I should say the first 72 pages of said book as it was at that point I hurled it at the wall. I don't recall ever having done that with a book before, but unless you are keen on Warhammer/Black Powder type games, to the exclusion of all else (including, amazingly, historical scenarios of actual battles) then this book is not for you.

So, I've now finished the Osprey "firebases" book.

I was a little disappointed initially by the apparent lack of detail / precision on bunkers and layouts within the base, but the photos and very good accompanying artwork do convey a lot of information.

Interesting to note the degree of prefabrication of firebase elements, so they could be helicoptered into place. Indeed there is a photo of a batch of watch tower bases, whose structure looks remarkably similar to:

(http://www.peterpig.co.uk/vietnam%20tower.jpg)

All in all, the books gets a thumbs-up from me.

Leman,

You raised a smile on my face at the image of you hurling your book at the wall. You've saved me a few quid there  ;D

I had a similar reaction to Neil Thomas' book on ancient wargaming. I just don't get the attraction to it. Many wargamers with more degrees and greater intellect than me really rate the book. It must be way over my head.

I might well donate it to the city of Bruges as it is full of waffle.  ;)

Cromwell's Masterstroke: Dunbar 1650
Peter Reese

This is an excellent account of the battle and campaign-has lots of detail about 17c warfare.

I now want a New Model Veteran(with a Captain Hook style false arm) to be a member of my New Model 2nd Brigade.

(http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k559/salagam19/51SCIisUDfL.jpg) (http://s1115.photobucket.com/user/salagam19/media/51SCIisUDfL.jpg.html)

Received this through the door today. It is a gorgeous book with some stunning 'then and now' photographs of key areas of the battle. I'm looking forward to diving in.

That looks like a very interesting read. I am due to return there next Autumn.

I have just finished the Osprey Campaign book "Cambrai 1917: The birth of armoured warfare".

I knew very little about the subject before (which is why I bought it!) and found it a very good and informative read from my level of ignorance.

There are notably 5 single-pages of maps / diagrams; 3 double-page spread "Osprey bird's eye view" diagrams; 3 double-page pieces of original artwork [of a combined arms attack on the Siegfried Stellung front line; a Mark IV tank being tackled by German infantry and German Stormtroopers re-taking a section of the Siegfried support trenches].

The artwork is all by Peter Dennis, and contains lots of handy detail for those of us painting troops for the period [including the complete absence of painted camouflage on Stormtroopers' helmets (which I believe came somewhat later) - just applied mud!].

There are also many contemporary photos which, while small, contain a lot of detail.

The author, Alexander Turner, was awarded the DSO as a Major in the Irish Guards in 2011 (some 4 years after the first edition of this book was published) and frequently (but never irritatingly) refers to the events of 2017 through an infantryman's eyes.

The book contains summaries of the opposing commanders and their forces; the plans from both sides; good detail on the battle and short sections on both the aftermath and practical tips for revisiting the battlefield.

I've not read many of these Campaign books, but would thoroughly recommend this one for those interested in the period / Martin's forthcoming Cambrai battle day at Nothe Fort.

Currentyly working my way through the Conn Iggulden Wars of the Roses series. It's a bit of a a curate's egg to be fair.
1. The pace and plotting is pretty good and you soon start to feel for the various characters. He has a very good way of making you sympathise with characters on both sides, apart from Edward IV, who comes across as a bit of a selfish oik.
2. He does not seem particularly au fait with the art of war in the second half of the C15th, e.g. he still has most troops carrying shields, in the first volume all troops are either armed with axe, pike or bow. As the story continues through volume 2 and 3 he begins to write as if he has thought it might be an idea to look at how warfare was carried out in this period, so, starting with Blore Heath, which is appallingly described, things pick up with 2nd St.Albans with the introduction of handgunners, as well as the defensive paraphernalia used by Warwick. Finally, arriving at Towton, at last billhooks and pollaxes enter the fray (although never described as bills wielded by billmen).
3. Still find his description of Edward IV rather perplexing. Yes, he is 6'4" but black haired and black bearded? I have seen numerous depictions of Edward IV, and he is always shown as clean shaven with blonde or light brown hair. In fact most of the male characters are described as bearded or moustachioed - not a late C15th fashion, in England at any rate.
Despite these quibbles Iggulden does spin a good yarn and it's worth a read if interested in this series of conflicts. He does get one thing absolutely spot-on: these characters really were 'bloody barons.'

For Vietnam the following have their merits, as well as those mentioned:

* The First Battle: Operation Starlite and the Beginning of the Blood Debt in Vietnam by Otto J. Lehrack - a history of the first Marine (and major US ground) battle.

* The novel Matterhorn by Karl Marinates (I'm reading this one at present). It does contain more reality than some may like though and does not hide the nastier side of infantry life - fear, mud, sweat, lack of sleep, uncertainty, pain and stupidity etc..

* With slightly more 'gun ho' attitude but smaller scale stuff which does relate to bigger engagements the 'six silent men' series about the history of 101st LRP's are an interesting read.

I am rereading a hardback version of Firepower by Chris Dempster and Dave Tomkins. This book documents the activities of the ill fated British mercenary force under Colonel Callan who fought in Angola bolstering the FNLA against the more powerful communist MPLA back in the 70s.

(http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q488/miketanner1963/firepower_zpscl1989wf.jpg)

Reading through the SCW osprey titles and looking at the Canadians on Vimy Ridge in "Victory At Vimy" by Ted Barris that I picked up in Vancouver.

Currently reading 'King Arthur's Wars' by Jim Storr. Now here's a man who has little truck with traditional archaeologists, and doesn't mind saying so, often commenting on their findings as '....... and they were wrong!'

The book's subtitle, 'the Anglo-Saxon conquest of England,' is actually the more appropriate, given that the existence of Arthur is impossible to prove, or otherwise. What is interesting is the way that Storr brings a military eye to archaeology (he is an ex-British Army Officer) identifying various defensive earthworks, and their facing, in the south-east of England. He concludes from this that the Anglo-Saxons took over 200 years to fully subdue England. It was not the walk over we are often presented with, and in fact many of the earthwork dykes were built by the Saxons to hold on to what they had and keep the British out. What is even more interesting is that most of these dykes from the 5th and 6th centuries show the influence of Roman engineers and that there was a great deal of intermarriage between, particularly, Saxon men and British women. Evidently some Britons worked quite happily alongside the Saxons. One of the earliest successful Saxons, Cerdic, had a British name, as did his son, Cynric.

Storr also believes that many mistakes have been made in the past by the misinterpretation of place names. He makes the case that this often happened because earlier archaeologists were trying to get the facts to fit their hypotheses. Again he states that they are usually unable to examine the lie of the land with a military eye. This is turning out to be a fascinating read, although he does do things that a regular academic writer would not, such as putting in little asides of a personal or family nature. A bit odd, but, given the rest of his work, is easily forgivable.

I'm not reading this yet but thought this review would be of interest to Square Bashers interested in the German revolution of 1918–19: Founding Weimar: Violence and the German Revolution of 1918-1919 by Mark Jones.

http://www.history.ac.uk/reviews/review/2070?utm_source=Reviews+in+History&utm_campaign=1a3b15bab0-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_02_23&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f24f670b90-1a3b15bab0-516729141

Ray

Almost a Miracle - John Firling

An excellent account of the AWI....if a little American centric. Loving it so far.

Chicken hawk

An account of a helicopter pilots experiences during the Vietnam war. Fascinating.

Both highly recommended.

Chickenhawk is an excellent book.

Now reading Guy Halsall's 'Worlds of Arthur.' Having destroyed any reliance on 5th and 6th century literary works he is about to embark on the archaeological evidence (if any). Looking forward to this bit.

Like the sound of that Leman. Let us know how it goes.
.

Am trying hard to finish "Cambrai 1917" by Bryn Hammond before next Saturday's mega-game at Nothe Fort.

It was a little bit slow in the initial chapters as it sets the scene relative to the earlier battles of the Somme and at Ypres, but rattles along very quickly when it starts to discuss Cambrai itself, using extensive quotes (from letters and diaries) of those present.

Very atmospheric and quite moving with its "first-hand account" style of narrative.

Just finished 'On four fronts with the Royal Naval Division 1914-1918' by Geoffrey Sparrow, who was once of the medical officers. some interesting insights about the activities of the naval land troops and the Royal Marines in Belgium, Turkey, Salonika and France.

Currently listening(almost reading, sorry) tommies radio 4. Today they did  easy Africa with the Germans ranging around. Detailed how askaris were usually press ganged.

I am currently reading "Historically Inevitable: Turning Points of the Russian Revolution" a collection of essays on "What ifs"  before, during and after the revolution. Lots of opportunities for WW1 alternative games.

Currently reading the latest Wargaming in History title, Koniggratz. Beautifully presented, although I am most unlikely to tackle any scenarios using their rules as the units are enormous, e.g. Saxon infantry unit of 12 bases.

Just finished Antony Beevor's "The Battle for Spain".

A long, detailed, very useful historically but ultimately quite depressing read. No fault of the book itself, but this period of history is very sad - particularly towards the end when Republican forces are thrown time and again in piecemeal fashion into doomed battles and mini-campaigns that have no hope of success, in a bid to support some equally doomed propaganda efforts.

Also to see how frequently no quarter was expected or given, with the mass execution of prisoners of war.

I probably shouldn't have been surprised by any of this, but it does bring home in some pretty gory detail quite what a tragic period of history this was.

I got stuck with the large length and amount of names!!

Part way through Quintin Barry's 2nd volume on the Franco-Prussian War, which covers the much longer republican phase (and consequently this volume is much thicker). Quite a detailed account, including some very small skirmishes as well as the bigger encounters. Prince Frederick Charles is not emerging with much credit in the carpe diem department, meanwhile de Paladines appears to be a much better general than I suspected, but beset by amateurish political interference. One minor quibble is that the maps appear to be contemporary C19th, with a terrible, tiny hand written style font. I am having to use a magnifying glass to read them. I have just interrupted it to re-read Square Bashing in conjunction with Walter Schnaffs for an upcoming game next Friday.

Busy reading Once a Warrior King, a biography about the small US units working at the jungle outposts close to the Cambodian border.

Will pass it on to Martin next.

That sounds interesting, Les.

Maybe post a quick synopsis here too, once you've finished it?

Once a Warrior King. David Donovan. 1985.

An autobiography written around the memories of an officer in Vietnam.  He was a captain in the army who was trained at the Special Warfare school.  He was posted to a Vietnamese village in the Mekong Delta near the Cambodian border in 1969.  The book recounts the exploits of the five man Mobile Advisory Team (MAT) that he is sent to command.  His rolls are many in the villages around their fort.  The MAT is at the bottom of the pecking order, so with in the army system it struggles to get any support, but the team is looked up to by the Vietnamese as being able to solve all problems.  A lot of the problems are not always with the Viet Cong.
A really good read, written in a very simple way that makes it easy to enjoy, although it is about a difficult war

Thanks Les - that sounds like a really interesting book.

And a good one to read while awaiting those new Montagnards....?

'The Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out The Window And Disappeared' - hilarious novel about the life of a very ordinary Swedish man who inadvertently became involved in major events and personalities of the the C20th.

I have just finished George Orwell's "Homage to Catalonia".

I found this a thoughtful and well-observed account of events from an albeit narrow personal experience on a quiet section of the front.

Orwell appears to have been quite brave personally (volunteering for a number of raids, for example) and was clearly fond of the Spanish people: he writes what appears to be a thoughtful and objective (based on the facts available to him) read. It is interesting that, in 1938 when he wrote it, he had already foreseen much of what would inevitably play out in the following year.

This is a pretty easy and very nicely written - quite gripping and hard to put down. Recommended!

The fabric of the Cosmos by Brian Greene.

For Whom the Bell Tolls - Hemingway
As I Walked Out One Midsummers Morning and A Moment of War - Laurie Lee

All good reads with the Laurie Lee ones being autobiographical.

I've just started 'The Spanish Civil War' by Hugh Thomas. A monumental account of the conflict which I've been meaning to read for ages.

Who remembers this classic title.

That old classic BATTLE! - Practical Wargaming is back in and in a hardback edition. Caliver books have just re-published it at £27.50.

I seem to remember it originally was £5.00 or so, but a good set of rules of their time.

Just finished "Gone Native - An NCO's Story". Covers the 7 years of the author's tours in Vietnam: as a LRRP, in Special Forces and as a montagnard advisor. Some of the LRRP anecdotes are already covered in the "Six Silent Men" series, as he served with their authors, but the most interesting bits are descriptions of the montagnard actions.

This particular montagnard company was certainly not "Raw", moving both faster and more quietly than the Americans with them [who were really just there as medics and to call in the heavy firepower when needed] and launching some very successful ambushes on both Main Force VC and NVA.

They notably had an "AK squad" that walked point, dressed in black pyjamas and carrying AK47s to confuse the enemy. So it seems that we can very legitimately add VC figures into the mix that we could use within a montagnard force.

Jackboot - a History of the German Soldier. So far I am up to the Napoleonic Wars and it is almost exclusively about Prussian officers and leaders rather than the actual squaddies.

Just started 'Crazy Horse and Custer' by Stephen Ambrose. Only a few pages in but already very interesting.

Did you know that one of the first dozen or so horses introduced to the Americas was a 'pinto' or 'piebald' and that this breed prospered and became a favourite of the Indian tribes. So much so that the Indians painted their horses white on brown or brown on white to resemble the colour of the pinto.

Interesting!

Jackboot was ditched as a poor read. I am now reading through the massive tome which is Tin Soldiers in Action. It is an interesting twist on the Square Bashing approach that covers the period approx 1670 - 1915.
I am looking at it mainly as a system for my 15mm early WWI stuff and some 6mm stuff I have acquired from a mate for mid C18th. I will have to use two approaches as the 6mm stuff (unsurprisingly) is unit based, whereas I intend to use the 15mm on bases similar to those recommended in The Piikeman's Lament, i.e. 3s, 2s and 1s on circular bases. Could be the answer to my quest for low level WWI.

Just finished Outlander by Diana Gabbledon. Quite enjoyable if you can get past the Evil English victimising the Noble Highlanders attitude.

I've heard good things about Outlander. Might give it a go.

That'll be the same evil English that Mel Gibson is fixated on - you know, the same man who extols the Australians and their beneficent attitude towards Aboriginals.

That's the ones (or their descendants) Leman  :D

I have just finished Bernard Cornwell's "The Flame Bearer" (which came out about a year ago, but I waited for the paperback version published this year...).

Another cracking good read with many twists and turns. And somehow he's still got more to tell in future Uhtred instalments (although his latest book - out in mid-October - is set in Elizabethan England).

I'm three books behind having just started the Empty Throne. I do enjoy them and Cornwell in general. Yes, its formulaic but thats the attraction. You know what you're getting! He's 73 now so not sure how many more he will do.

Still working my way through George RR Martins Game of Thrones series having started again, and picked up a prequel too.

Some reference books for ACW and WW2.

I'm on a historical fiction kick at the moment.

Reading Sharpes Eagle (I've never read a Sharpe book!)
Listening to Stormbird, the first Wars of the Roses book by Conn Iggulden.
Browsing 'Arras' by Peter Barton which is a fabulous coffee table book with then and now panoramic views of the battlefield.

Hadrian's Wall by Hodgson. A very detailed account of recent archaeological work on the Wall. It covers the method of building, its  purpose and its effect on the lives of those who lived either side of it. Latest thing I learned from it was that the western turf wall was built first, as this was the most threatened area in the early 120s. It was also built with every intention of replacing it with stone, which was done relatively soon afterwards.

Some books about the Ardennes and watching some bits on DVD.

Just finished "Fields of Fire", the first Vietnam novel I've read.

Written be ex-Marine (and US Senator) Jim Webb, who was himself highly decorated. It's interesting from the authentic detail woven in and an overall good read. However, having read many first-hand (true) accounts, I was conscious throughout that it was all fiction, so it lost some of its bite for me.

Santa was kind and brought Antony Beevor's book on the Ardennes. Just in time for me to read before Big Mike's gaming day at the end of January :)

Excellent book as one would expect from Beevor.

Haynes' guide to the 1914-18 British Tommy - a gift from my daughter and a fascinating read. I had no idea there was alternative leather equipment for the infantry as webbing was in short supply for a couple of years.

to lose a battle
about the 1940 French defeat and blitzkrieg.

having read blitzkrieg by Len Dayton I can see glaring contradictions, - how the French airforce was outnumbered when it had more aircraft than the Germans ?

Reading about the French military leaders is very frustrating. - how can people who their entire life/job is war , be so incompetent, - what do they do all day?

Blitzkrieg in their own words, a collection of first hand accounts of Poland and France from the German perspective. Lots of inspiration for my 2018 project which will be EW Germans.

Now reading Cromwell's War Machine. Although it is mostly about the New Model Army, it does also cover the armies in the earlier part of the Civil War and troops and tactics in the Thirty Years War as well. Picked this up as a 99p sale item on my Kindle.

Beevor's Ardennes book is fascinating, and throws up some "anomalies" from normal received wisdom / what is normally provided for within rules

For example:

• raw Fallschirmjaeger - firstly attacking in a horde and getting badly shot up, then running away and having to be stopped and put back into the line by (an experienced) Volksgrenadier formation
• a Staghound running round a Tiger faster than the latter could traverse its turret, and knocking it out with shots to the rear engine compartment
• Panthers charging at top speed to stop bazooka teams getting a shot off at them
• units being exposed, rather than camouflaged by, snowfall in certain circumstances
• "first shot wins" in an armoured battle at night as the first tank to brew up silhouettes its comrades, which then get knocked out very rapidly afterwards

I feel sure Big Mike has factored all of the above into some cunning rules for the Ardennes Day...

Just finished Douglas Fermer's  France at Bay 1870-1871. This was a particularly good read and as a by-product it is possible to see how the First World War developed out of this conflict. I would recommend his two volume history of the FPW (volume 1 is Sedan) as the best since Michael Howard's.

Well I had better start reading A Bridge Too Far ???, also got a " Rapid Reader" book one of Amazon's books on the Kindle app. About the Panzers in Arnehem
Miles

Just started Stephen Turnbull's Art of War in the Renaissance. Thus far really enjoyed the sections on the Swiss defeat of the 'modern' Burgundian army, and the succinct, yet fascinating, description of the final part of the Spanish Reconquista.

I've recently finished "Quartered Safe Out Here" by George MacDonald Fraser (who went on to write the Flashman books).

Based on his experiences as a young NCO in the 14th Army, this is full of interesting detail on operations (within the wider strategic context) and tactics, kit and prevailing attitudes at the time.

Written in a very engaging manner, it brings out quite how good the 14th Army was ["expert", in the author's own words] against a tough enemy. I'd not previously read about the Forgotten Army, and this was a great introduction.

Yes GMF wrote of his experiences in the far east. Great read about the campaigns of the 14th army.

It will lead you into all sorts of histories in this part of the world and in particular to the history of modern china.

At the moment reading Quintin Barry's The Somme 1870-71. This is a very illuminating account of the Prussian army's confrontations with the French Army of the North, in some very familiar sounding territory (Amiens, Albert, Bapaume, Saint-Quentin, Cambrai etc). It is very detailed at the tactical level and well illustrated with post-war illustrations and even some colour photographs of the battlefields today. My one quibble is that the maps have some places named which do not appear in the text and equally some which appear frequently in the text (such as Mondidier) which do not appear on any of the maps, which makes following troop movements a little more difficult than needed.

Naval and Military Press are currently offering 'Lost Opportunity: The Battle for Ardennes 22nd August 1914.' Originally published at £25, it is being offered at £14.99, including the separate 60 page book of newly commissioned maps covering the battle.

I have just finished "Tank Action: An Armoured Troop Commander's War, 1944-45" by David Render.

The author was sent out with some Churchills just after D-Day and joined the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry as a Sherman troop commander during the campaigns in Normandy, Operation Market Garden, The Bulge and into Germany.

There is some really good detail about the practicalities of living in and fighting from a tank (specifically Shermans) as well as on their opponents. Key things for me included:

- all the German armour mentioned during the Normandy campaign is referred to as being painted in grey (I'd previously understood that much of it would have been in Dunkelgelb by 1944...)
- the standard Sherman gun had little hope of penetrating either Panthers or Tigers with AP unless from the rear, so they used HE from the whole troop instead, in the hope of blowing a track or their target's optics, and generally forcing a withdrawal (assuming they got in the first shot: if not a whole troop of Shermans could rapidly disappear - especially at night as the first one to brew up silhouetted the others...)
- Panzer IVs and StuGs would be easily taken on with AP from the 75mm gun
- bocage fighting involved 15 to 20 minutes of "reconnaissance by fire" (HE and machine guns) as each hedgerow was neutralised and taken (ideally - but often not - with close infantry support)
- the short ranges involved helped to neutralise the advantage of the Germans' longer-ranged guns and target acquisition
- the 17 pounder-armed Fireflies were initially held back as a mobile reserve within the HQ element in the Normandy campaign, but soon packaged out to each troop, where they typically operated in overwatch and took on anything that the 75mm-armed Shermans could not
- the Fireflies themselves were particularly vulnerable in close country as they lacked the hull machine (taken out to save space for more main gun ammo)
- the 75mm Sherman was preferred by many crews to the Firefly as it could also traverse more rapidly (and also faster than the German "big cats")
- the crews hated the petrol-engined Shermans: not only for their propensity to brew up even faster than the diesel versions, but also because the engine design meant it was liable to conk out at critical moments, as well as lacking the diesel oomph
- tank commanders were ordered (at least in this unit) to always (except when under artillery fire or air attack) have their head out of the turret for tactical awareness: the casualties they suffered were thus extremely high
- the standard-issue Webley revolver was deemed useless: crews liked Lugers, but Walter P38s even more so
- Sten guns were also not universally popular: the MP40 that the author procured saved his life, while his best friend's Sten killed him when it fell and discharged accidentally inside his turret
- Panzerfausts were very effective against British armour when used properly

All in all a fascinating book and written in a very modest yet honest style: highly recommended!

That is good information Simon. All contributes toward an understanding of what it was like at the trooper level

To the last man by Lyn MacDonald, the German spring offensive of 1918. I've had this book for many years and taken many attempts to read it cover to cover before being distracted just as I do with painting. However being the centenary  of this action I have retrieved it from the book case, dusted off and am digging in!

Just finished "Hunting the Nazi Bomb" by Damien Lewis.

Not really one for wargaming, but a fascinating account of various attempts to deprive the Nazis of the Norwegian heavy water needed to complete their nuclear bomb (to which they seemingly got very close).

(https://i.imgur.com/s9hMjoQ.jpg)

A golden oldie from 1987 covering Mike Hoare's adventures in the Congo, Colonel Callan's ill-fated operations in Angola, and more. Most here have probably read this book before but it still deserves a mention.

Quote from: Colonel Kilgore on April 20, 2017, 02:29:12 PM
Chickenhawk is an excellent book.

Chickenhawk is my favorite Vietnam book. I had a quick look and my version is ©1985 with yellowing pages. I think it is almost time for another reread.

Agreed - a great book in a number of ways (including the basics of how to fly a Huey!).

Mike Hoare, there's a name from the past, where is he now?

He would appear to still be alive at the ripe old age of 99.

Probably no longer orchestrating or preventing coups though.

I have several of his books, and thoroughly enjoyed them: particularly his dislike for "fancy dress" camo uniforms!

I recently finished "Charlie Rangers" about a specific group of Airborne Rangers in Vietnam.

I was a little disappointed overall. The 2 authors' experiences overlapped in a few instances, but generally there were two separate threads throughout the book, and I found myself losing track of who was who.

While the troops concerned were clearly highly trained, motivated, brave and capable, their missions were often very similar: helicopter in; hide up for a bit; ambush a small number of the enemy; call in massive firepower and extract via helicopter.

I have just finished "Arnhem", by Major-General Urquhart.

This seemed to give an open and honest - at times self-critical - account of the actions of the 1st British Airborne Division prior to and during the battle.

Key themes to be considered in the planned Market Garden extravaganza game next year could include:

- the huge communication problems between the various British forces
- the logistical problems, exacerbated by these poor communications, which led to many resupply drops being made - through heavy flak - to areas no longer in British control
- the extreme tenacity and courage of the British and Polish forces
- the lack of tactical air support to the ground troops
- the rapid German reaction (and with much heavier forces than anticipated) following their initial surprise
- the widespread use of captured German arms and ammunition by the British
- the difficulty in dealing with German armour head-on (although 6-pounders did knockout Tigers), but the success of gammon bombs and PIATs by tank-stalking groups
- the physical barrier (to both reinforcements and subsequent retreating forces) constituted by the river
- the apparent lack of urgency felt by the less senior ranks of much of XXX Corps to drive on hard towards Arnhem

Richard Van Emden - Teenage Tommy. An excellent and immensely readable account of the British cavalry in the opening days of WWI, and the subsequent career of the book's subject, Ben Clouter, who, at 16 years of age, took part in the cavalry charge at Audregnies, 24th August 1914.

(https://i.imgur.com/egsvfHJ.jpg)

This the story of a young lads journey from sprog to officer to small team operations with SADF special forces during the Bush War.

I don't think I could have handled working with ex-SWAPO pseudo units at 51 Commando if they were as ill-disciplined and untrustworthy as Mr. Sadler claims. However, Sadler had no choice other than to work with them for a year if he was to realize his ultimate dream of small-team operations with 5 Recce.

Thumbs up.

A new Uhtred book is due in September. Any guess as to what might happen in it? 😀

Also Max Hastings Vietnam book is due around then too. That will be a nice one for my Audible credit.

Quote from: Sean Clark on May 21, 2018, 12:03:02 PM
A new Uhtred book is due in September. Any guess as to what might happen in it? 😀

I suspect that a few lots of people may get killed horribly. And that it will be a rip-roaring adventure that's hard to put down....

Agreed Simon. I can't wait  ;D

Counter-Strike From The Sky is a brilliant book covering the Rhodesian Fireforce concept (The author has included footnotes but I have to admit I have not yet pursued any of them to the original works). Dr. Wood's writing style is very easy to follow. His descriptions of actions are well paced and detailed, but not so overwhelming that they become boring. The book has loads of photographs, diagrams, and maps of areas of operations. I have just finished reading about Operation Dingo. Wow, what brave guys those Rhodesians were. I have not yet finished the book but I am already giving it a thumbs up.

Additionally this book comes complete with a 90 minute documentary video on Fireforce operations featuring some of the guys who actually took part in them.

(https://i.imgur.com/h1EdY8c.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/5aOgyaa.jpg)

A Trailer of the Counter-Strike video on YouTube is below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qExzmagt5o (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qExzmagt5o)

Retreat and Rearguard 1914, by Jerry Murland. This is another very readable account of the early days of the BEF in Belgium and France. It includes a large number of extracts from first hand accounts and some good maps showing some of the smaller rearguard actions in the Great Retreat, which will prove very useful in constructing scenarios. I would highly recommend this to anyone interested in this very early period of the Great War.

I knew the crews of Bomber Command took heavy losses during the war but never truly understood how severe those losses were until reading this book. The crews had to complete 50 operations. After 30 they were given a rest period. Charlwood's crew were the first to complete 30 missions in their Squadron without being killed or forced to bail. So much pressure on young shoulders. 

It is heartening to read that many of those fellows did not agree with the main force bombing of innocent women and children. Unfortunately orders are orders. It is disgusting that those brave young men were denied a memorial by the British government until only a few years ago. Even then most of the money had to come from private benefactors judging from what was said in one of the speeches below.


(https://i.imgur.com/2z64wmx.jpg)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVnanoHzE3U (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVnanoHzE3U)

1914 - Fight the Good Fight by Alan Mallinson. This is a pretty weighty (over 500 pages) yet very readable history of Britain's involvement in the build up to war and the initial engagements in 1914. A good half of the book deals with the deteriorating political situation in Europe in 1914 and Britain's over-optimistic view of what was likely to happen, resulting in the first full cabinet meeting to discuss the possibility of war not taking place until July 28th, a month after Franz Ferdinand's assassination and only one  week before Britain's declaration of war. The scene then shifts to the BEF and its activities in the late summer and autumn of 1914, with particular attention to the fractious relationships between Sir John French, Smith-Dorrien, Wilson and Lanrezac. It does include a lot of detail about the activities of the soldiers themselves in the various battles between Mons and First Ypres.

I recently finished reading Fireforce by Chris Cocks. This is a warts and all (drug taking and shooting of wounded enemy prisoners) account of Cocks' time in 1st Battalion the Rhodesian Light Infantry. This is a very interesting book and a must read for anyone interested in the Rhodesian Bush War.


(https://i.imgur.com/moaPqk8.jpg)

Ratels on the Lomba by Leopld Schulz was one of those books I had great difficulty in putting down (only tired old eyes defeated my enthusiasm). It tells the story of Charlie Squadron of 61 Mech during Operation Modular in 1987. This is the story of how a vastly outnumbered SADF force destroyed the Angolan 47 Brigade.

Thumbs up!

(https://i.imgur.com/wltiWar.jpg)

Seem to be a lot of books there on how to repress native African peoples.  :-[

Quote from: Leman on August 12, 2018, 05:53:06 PM
Seem to be a lot of books there on how to repress native African peoples.  :-[

Please explain yourself.  ???

Six armies in Normandy by John Keegan and The Admirals' Game  by Davis Donachie.

Last year I watched a television documentary about the siege of Musa Qala in 2006. The documentary makers praised the soldiers involved but didn't seem very impressed with the MOD (hardly surprising given their track record). When I learned of this book I bought it immediately to learn more of what had really happened.

No Way Out is informative and confirms the documentary makers dim view of how the Afghan war was conducted in 2006. Major Jowett's reward for successfully defending Musa Qala was to be told several years later he was being made redundant under the Strategic Defence and Security Revue.

"...not a single one of the men I had written up for awards received official recognition for their heroism.

Not one."

(https://i.imgur.com/bWdjvY7.jpg)

I finished this book last week. It covers the fortunes of the 3 Para battle group in Afghan 2006 when the s**t really began hitting the fan. I have to admit I gagged a little at the beginning of the book as Mr. Bishop went over the top in his grovelling praise of paratroopers. [In truth I nearly stopped reading the book because of it.]

Thankfully Bishop sticks to the facts once the Paras get to Afghan and we get are given a good idea of what they were up against. Don't expect detailed reports of what was happening at specific locations. For that you will need to read books like No Way Out.   

Thumbs up.

(https://i.imgur.com/O8jGvp7.jpg)


I am currently reading Ground Truth. 3 Para are returning to Afghanistan with 16 Air Assault Brigade in 2008.

Thumbs up.

(https://i.imgur.com/iQHv6HS.jpg)

Lobositz to Leuthen - the experiences of Horace St. Paul on campaign with the Austrian army in the SYW. One of an extremely beautifully prepared pair of volumes (the other covers Olmutz to Torgau) at a knock down price from the Naval and Military Press. It has been translated into modern English idiom with additional material by the translator. Each book has over 200 plates of maps, battlefield sketches and tables. Very detailed with additional comments (usually at the bottom of the page) by the battlefield commanders. Exceptional bargain at £25 for the pair.

This book seems very promising. It is based on the activities of a Special Branch operative taken from the war diary of the Beitbridge TAOR during the Rhodesian Bush War. 


(https://i.imgur.com/ronujRJ.jpg)

Just picked up Max Hastings new book on Vietnam from Tesco.

Unfortunately on walking through the door Lisa swiped it and  told me I can have it for Christmas 🤣 

Oh well..got plenty of books in the reading pile anyway !

....so I've just bought it on Audible. She'll never find out 😍

I'm still chugging through Mr Hastings' "The Secret War: Spies, Codes and Guerrillas 1939-1945". It is a long read...

So far, there's been a lot about codes and code-breaking and maybe even more about a group of largely ineffectual spies. Apparently normal diplomatic channels provided more effective and reliable information than spies (much of whose information - particularly in the case of the Russians - was either not believed or never processed at all) and the Germans, while having very effective counter-espionage and -insurgency capabilities, failed to have a single successful spy in Britain during the war: they all got rounded up in very short order.

So far, there's very little at all on Guerrillas, which was the part I was most interested in from a gaming perspective.

In my role as the Devil's advocate I would suggest the "Guerrillas" Hastings talks of would better be described as terrorists.

France declared war on Germany and was eventually forced to surrender, after that time all hostilities should have stopped. I suggest Britain was the main instigator of illegal terrorist acts carried out against the French and German people in France prior to June 6th 1944.

I for one do not believe the rules of war should be ignored by belligerents merely for convenience.

;D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjERRm5_z80 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjERRm5_z80)

Crikey! Talk about lighting the touch paper. Hang on a minute whilst I grab my popcorn and sugary drink. This should be good...😁

One man's freedom fighter is another man's terrorist ....Discuss.

The fact that YouTube is now censoring a video covering a major historical event because some may find it offensive is very, very scary.


History censored:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjERRm5_z80 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjERRm5_z80)

Well they were quite happy to make a feature film about an Irish terrorist/freedom fighter not too long back. Oh yes - Hereward the Wake - Terrorist! May he rot in hell for taking up arms against the Norman invaders.
Napoleon Bonaparte - terrorist. The war was over in 1814. How dare he ignore the rules of war.

Quote from: Leman on September 23, 2018, 07:35:16 PM
Well they were quite happy to make a feature film about an Irish terrorist/freedom fighter not too long back. Oh yes - Hereward the Wake - Terrorist! May he rot in hell for taking up arms against the Norman invaders.
Napoleon Bonaparte - terrorist. The war was over in 1814. How dare he ignore the rules of war.

As far as I know none of the above were signatories to the Hague and Geneva conventions (those treaties inconveniently forbid terrorism/insurgency after a surrender). The above post could well be construed as an attempt of a supporter of terrorism to move the goal posts in order to defend illegal warfare.   ;)

Way beyond my comprehension or care. Anyone seen my hoplites?

You can get cream for them these days. Nurse!

I'd been holding off on Beevor's Arnhem until it came out in paperback on Amazon (some months off still, I think). But I found it at WH Smith in paperback, and fell for the "buy-one-get-the-second-for-half-price" deal and so got Hastings' Vietnam book too. I may not open the latter for sometime, though, until I've recovered from the marathon of reading his previous offering. Still, nice to know I have something in store for the next holidays.

I've now read most of Hastings work...Secret War and a couple of the earlier books I've yet to tackle. I enjoy his style. Have you tried Audible? It's a great way of powering through a book on a long commute/trip to a show/holiday drive. I'm teeing Arnhem up for my journey darn sarf on Friday. Close on 5 hours each way once you factor in traffic and a comfort stop 😣

With English traffic you'll have the time to listen twice!!!

Even with the reduction of general speed limits here from 90 to 80 journey times are still great!!

Sadly very true Les. Hopefully not going to test my record of 6 hours door  to door this week.

Last week I was pleased to pick up a HB copy of Max Hasting's Catastrophe: Europe Goes to War 1914 from WH Smiths at the 'silly' price of £6.00:https://www.whsmith.co.uk/products/catastrophe-europe-goes-to-war-1914-max-hastings/9780007974344


Good to get you in the mood for the next BAD Square Bashing Day at Daventry 2019.  Date TBA but back to an EW theme.

Bought myself a copy too Ray. I already have it on Kindle but I do love a nice hardback book for the shelf.

I've pre ordered the new Uhtred book from Bernard Cornwall. Formulaic, definately. Predictable, of course. Loose and fast with history, maybe. But I for one am really looking forward to it 😁

Just over halfway through King Arthur - the true story. An interesting but very convoluted read by two young authors in the early 90s who bear an uncanny resemblance to Sparks. The most recent books I have read on this subject are looking purely at historical evidence, but these two chaps also look at the myths and legends surrounding the emergence of the medieval romances as well. It does bear the hallmarks of getting the evidence to fit the story, with plenty of provisos along the way, but nevertheless is an entertaining read.

Just started 'Ring of Steel' by Alexander Watson. This is an account of the First World War but from the perspective of Germany and Austro Hungary. It's a weighty tome and I'm only just getting into it, but it's a perspective I've never read about before so should be Interesting!

Ring of Steel was great, if a bit of a slog.

Just picked up the hardback of Beevors Arnhem, Dad Reich by Max Hastings and The Killing Fields by Chris Hudson from local charity shops for the princely sum of £5.47.

Taking a break from military themes and reading Wainwright's Lake District Tour, Whitsuntide 1931. Apparently this was only his second trip to the Lakes. His intention was to spend a week walking right round the Lake District at high level, with three work colleagues, doing between 16 and 19 miles a day. Needless to say............

Geraint Thomas' acount of his Tour de France victory (Christmas present).

His earlier book was a light and entertaining look as the crazy world of competitive cycling.
It's rare for one inside the circus to appreciate its absurdity, and be able to communicate it without sounding all grumbly.
He accomplished this with a very accessible volume.

Hope this curent one is just as good.

Regarding the Geraint Thomas book.
  "The Tour according to G"

Still a good read, but doesn't top his first one as a standalone book.
Cycling fans will obviously treasure it for the accounts of the tour's many stages.
Not to mention the fact that G is the first winner who didn't start the race as a team leader for about a squazillion years.

Style is similar, but this one is cramped a little by sticking to a detailed narrative of the Tour.
Elements of it are superb, but others are a bit "Today was a flat stage that suited the sprinter's teams" followed by a couple of pages
on the non-events of a flat stage.

I am now reading my Post Christmas purchase:

Irregular Wars: Wargaming at the world's end.

A quirky set of rules set at the sharp end of the European age of discovery.
Games look similar in scale to DBA, but rather more events - particularly of the random kind.
Rather than the prescribed unit types of DBA, each unit in a list has a stat line - which permits a bit of flexibility when distinguishing Spaniards, Hawaiians and Japanese with similar looking long pointy sticks.

It looks like a lot of fun, and I'm wondering how easily I can sabot up some existing troops to try a quick game.
Certainly not a set for the type of gamer who hurls dice and figures if they lose, since all manner of misfortunes await the commander.
Disease, under-strength armies, units wandering off, rainstorms washing out your shot units, low supplies...
All most excellent beer and pretzel stuff.

Of possible interest to Peter Pig fans are the recommended basing (3cm squares).
The main barrier to entry is likely to be sourcing figures for some of the more obscure armies.

Currently reading Christopher Duffy - By Force of Arms. A large book on the activities of the Austrian army during the SYW, written in classic narrative style with plenty of maps. Some good boys' own stuff in there.

I have just finished Antony Beevor's "Arnhem: The Battle for the Bridges, 1944".

I found it a great read: he's very good at the human aspects of these tragic events.

2 things struck me:

• it would have been great to have had more, and more detailed, maps - as well as an order of battle for the forces involved
• despite the almost criminally poor planning and communications on the Allied side, once the Germans had decided not to blow the Arnhem bridge, it was actually quite a close-run thing in many ways and, due to the bravery of those involved, it might just have worked if XXX Corps had got more of a move-on and the British Paras had had more luck with such things as air support, resupply and reinforcements across the river...

I'm looking forward to the PBI mega-game later this year!

Just started reading "South Pacific Cauldron" by Alan Rems.

The book covers the fighting in the South Pacific 1942 to 1945 by the Australian Army, USMC and American Army. 

Steve
Any battle reports on those new rules ?

Not long finished Rising Sun, Falling Skies book on the Java Sea campaign of 1941/2. Highly recommended. Details the amazingly inept allied response to the Japanese invasion of Malaya, Indonesia and the Philippines.
Have now started Big Week which is about the breaking of the Luftwaffe over western Europe in the early months of 1944. Thoroughly enjoying this too.

On to my next book.  "D-Day New Guinea" by Phillip Bradley 2019.  From the blurb - The extraordinary story of the battle for Lae and the greatest combined airborne and amphibious operation of the Pacific War.

This book is particularly exciting for me to read because my grandfather was involved in the battle as an infantryman with the 2/28th Battalion.  This was the 9th Infantry Divisions first meeting with Japanese after being withdrawn from North Africa.

I've just finished (it helped being away on holiday...) "SAS: Rogue Heroes – the Authorized Wartime History" by Ben MacIntyre.

I learned a lot about the WW2 history of the Regiment, how it was not the same as the LRDG, how regiments of both French and Belgian SAS were formed (and later incorporated into their respective armies) etc. in an absolutely rivetting read.

There are a few (late war, European) larger actions that could well fit into the PBI "frame" of force size too.

Highly recommended!

I'm currently reading "The Road Past Manadalay" by John Masters. This follows his wartime career with the Gurkas, from Africa to Burma as part of the Chindits, where he led a brigade of 14th Army.

There's lots of useful detail (e.g. how many of us paint our figures' bayonets black, as his Gurkas' were, to prevent reflections on night raids?) as well as a good overview of Staff College and the role of the General Staff, as opposed to that of leaders of units up to regimental size.

It's written with humanity and wit - highly recommended!

My Family and other Animals. A change is as good as a rest.

Just picked this up as a second hander. Looks like some good inspiration for PBI scenarios, not read in any detail yet but some good descriptions of Company level actions in the final stages of the War.(http://a63.tinypic.com/2a5n5w.jpg)
(http://a65.tinypic.com/jimecw.jpg)

1945 is a rich resource of interesting scenarios. When all is chaos some units were carrying on.  . It is natural to believe that the fall of Berlin stopped the war instantly.

No Triumphant Procession is good source of scenarios, played a few many years ago using Rapid Fire rather than PBI. I'm sure you'll find plenty of inspiration.

Martin

Just got this book, and I will say the author is quite accessible as well. He has answered a few questions for me on email. But very expensive £73 including p&p, but I thought better than the £241 that Amazon had as a price tag.
Hopefully it will answer a few missing questions about "hells highway"
Miles

Congratulations on your continuing efforts to get us all playing Market Garden, Miles, and thank you!

Simon

I've just finished reading Pen & Sword's "Crete - the Airborne Invasion 1941" by Tim Saunders.

There's lots of useful detail, some interesting photos and a lot of maps, albeit of variable detail and quality (as is the proof-reading...).

I paid the full price of £16.99, which felt a little steep. However, it's now available for just £4.99, which has to be excellent value:

https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Crete-ePub/p/5457

Should have gone to Dave Lanchester Military Books.

Quote from: John Watson on October 15, 2019, 10:47:23 PM
Should have gone to Dave Lanchester Military Books.

Yup - life's full of regrets...  :(

Some time ago I bought a book from Oxfam titled The World's Battles 1800-1900. There is a handwritten date 1929 on the inner cover. How things have changed over the last 90 years! There is what you would expect - Waterloo, Auerstadt, Gettysburg, Sedan. There are some which I don't think would make it now - the Eureka stockade, Brody, Guad El Ras, the Chitral Campaign, Slivnitza, Kirkee, the Canadian Red River Expedition of 1870. AND some exceptional absentees - Antietam, Magenta, Solferino, Koniggratz, the Alma, anything from the Boer War or the Spanish American War, and no mention of any days at all in Peking (unless that was 1901). Interesting to see what was considered important then compared to now

That sounds fascinating, Andy.

I have a 2-volume history of The Great War, written prior to WW2, that I must sit down and read properly one day.

I just thought it really odd that some of the C19th's largest battles, with some significant effects on world affairs, were left out, while a canoe trip up a Canadian river is included. At first I thought it was just a British Empire centric approach, but four battles from the Franco-Prussian War are in there, as well as a French battle in Algeria and the 1848 battle of Novara. Maybe the author just wanted scale and location variety, but how Villersexel gets included and Koniggratz doesn't is very peculiar.

Maybe the author only had access to a narrower range of information in that pre-internet age...?

I have just finished reading Philip A Haigh's "From Wakefield to Towton - Battleground Britain 1460-1461".

This is both a history of the battles of Wakefield, Ferrybridge and Towton and a battleground guide.

I enjoyed the book - it was easy to read and contains some interesting detail, enhanced by the tour guide section.

As with the Crete book in the same series, it could have done with some more editing and proof-reading: there are quite a few typos, sections apparently out of sequence / repeats as well as - at times - a rather heavy and stilted use of English. The guide is no doubt a little outdated, and the provision of telephone numbers rather than web addresses for the various museums felt rather quaint.

But on balance, worth the money and time to read. I'm now rather more informed about these three battles and the dirty deeds that took place during the campaign.

I must admit I do like the Battleground WoR books.

Currently 'Battles and Leaders of the [American] Civil War Volume 2'.  A book to dip in and out of for bedtime reading. 

Volume 1 took me two years to complete.  Mid way now through Vol 2.

Good project Kev. Hope no one does a plot spoiler. The Confederacy doing quite well so far?

To read Battles and Leaders cover to cover is a monumental task! Well done for persevering😀

Currently reading Crete by Beevor, and Robert Harris' Munich. Both very good.

I am reading Shelby Foote's three volume history of the American Civil War. It must have been a real labour of love as the shortest volume is over 800 pages. There is no additional fluff in the form of illustrations, although there are many relatively small maps, plus each volume has two double page spread maps as the end papers showing the major campaigns of the relevant period covered by that volume. Another nice touch is that each page has the year it is dealing with at the top, so in volume one at one point 1861 moves to 1862. This is a truly comprehensive work dealing with the political machinations as well as the strategic and tactical aspects of both the army and naval campaigns (the taking of New Orleans is particularly well handled). Shelby Foote is also a novelist and and as such he is very good at handling the personalities of the characters involved and shows how, for example, Lincoln's concern over the safety of Washington in 1862 affected McClellan's confidence in the Peninsula, itself also affected by faulty intelligence, which could have brought the war to a rapid conclusion. This is so well written that I am now more than 400 pages in in less than a fortnight and still wanting more.

Finished the trilogy myself last year and concur with everything you said. 

Yep, my favourite 3 books on the Civil War. They are a precious part of my collection as my mum biuvj then for me before she died.

Modern views discredit Foote as being leaning towards the South with not enough discussion on the slavery issue.

I also love listening to him talk during the Ken Burns documentary.

Wonderful folksy charm.

Actually a couple of nights ago I started John J. Hennessy's "Return to Bull Run: The Campaign and Battle of Second Manassas".  Which is rather good.

I'm a big fan of all the works of Stephen Sears, Gordon Rhea, Peter Cozzens & Wiley Sword and Hennessy is of a similar vein.

Napier's-    Need I say more?  I wish there was a RFCM peninsula war!   Just the peninsula war please.  Keep it simple....😍. Oh pleeeeeeeze

Would be fairly self contained by even the the variety of troop types, uniforms and nationalities makes it a serious undertaking.

Of course, if this ever happened, I'd be there in a shot. Spanish and Portuguese for me please!

Always been my favourite part of the Nap Wars. I have great respect for Wellington.

I have just finished Antony Beevor's Crete, which was a good and informative read.

I'm now reading Bruce Quarrie's German Paratrooper 1939-45 in Osprey's Warrior series. It's quite a slim volume but has a lot of detail that I had not found elsewhere and which I am finding useful in planning how to paint my figures for Crete.

Martin's recent posting about Longships (very much an underplayed game, I feel) reminded me that I had not yet started Bernard Cornwell's "War of the Wolf", so I  am now remedying that deficiency.

I'm still only halfway through Flamerbearer so falling behind on Uhtred and his exploits.

I had two wonderful books for Christmas. Operation Chastise by Max Hastings and Appeasing Hitler by Tim Bouverie.

I've started Appeasing Hitler which goes from Hitler taking power through to the 'Phony War'. Very much enjoying it at the moment.

Received for Christmas a 600 page history of one branch of my family "The Watsons of Kilconnor". Already started on it.

Are there dastardly deeds in your family's murky past, John?

Sean I was alarmed.  I read "I have started appeasing Hitler...."  Then thought blimey Sean!
It is probably a book? :)

Maybe Chamberlain had the right idea Martin 😉

Well, he had a "guarantee" in his hand.
So all would have been well I am sure (?)

I'm currently reading The Breaking Point: Sedan and the Fall of France, not much time to read but I'm enjoying it.

I've just finished reading The Fall of Eben Emael, in the Osprey Raid series.

It gives a good overview of the raid on the fort and on the various river crossings that were part of the wider airborne attack in May 1940.

Having previously just read Bruce Quarry's Fallschirmjaeger book, also by Osprey, much of the introduction felt very familiar. There were also some errors in the French used, which made me wonder about the rest. Bizarrely the pages were cut with a significant vertical offset, so the page numbers were almost lost and a white strip appears at the top of each page. Quotes from secondary sources are also used quite heavily, although in at least one case the source publication is not listed in the Bibliography.

These niggles apart, there are some nice illustrations and the book gave me a rapid "way in" to this action.

Next up is the more in-depth Tim Saunders book in the Battleground Europe series.

Ladybird books on Cromwell and Napoleon.

Large pinches of salt may be required I fear

Quote from: Colonel Kilgore on December 30, 2019, 01:14:35 PM
I've just finished reading The Fall of Eben Emael, in the Osprey Raid series.

It gives a good overview of the raid on the fort and on the various river crossings that were part of the wider airborne attack in May 1940.

Having previously just read Bruce Quarry's Fallschirmjaeger book, also by Osprey, much of the introduction felt very familiar. There were also some errors in the French used, which made me wonder about the rest. Bizarrely the pages were cut with a significant vertical offset, so the page numbers were almost lost and a white strip appears at the top of each page. Quotes from secondary sources are also used quite heavily, although in at least one case the source publication is not listed in the Bibliography.

These niggles apart, there are some nice illustrations and the book gave me a rapid "way in" to this action.

Next up is the more in-depth Tim Saunders book in the Battleground Europe series.

Have you read "Silent Attack: The Taking of the Bridges at Veldwezelt, Vroenhoven and Kanne in Belgium by German Paratroops, 10 May 1940". As the title indicates, it deals with other part of the same Airborne operation.

Ivan,
I have not (yet!), but thank you for pointing me in that direction! Maybe another one to add to the reading list...
Simon

I have finished Tim Saunders' Fort Eben Emael 1940 (Battleground Europe). This was a great read, going in to rather more detail than the Osprey book, with loads of photos and some useful plans too, if not quite as polished as Osprey's much shorter title.

The possibility of a Belgian counter-attack while the German paras were severely depleted and their reinforcements delayed, is an intriguing "what if" - I wonder if there's a game in there somewhere...

I'm currently reading through a number of books on the Indian Mutiny (Battles of by Edwardes, Great Mutiny by Hibbert, The Indian Mutiny by Saul David).  The period has never appealed to me previously but the it has more potential than I had thought.  The mutineer armies are largely inert in battles but that could make it suitable for solo  or coperative play.  Possibly the most important factor in the battles was fatigue due to the heat so that troops were only capable of limited effort and something I'm giving thought to representing without a lot of record keeping.  Quite nice from the command point of view as leaders often place themselves at the head of a unit and lead it forward.  If only those nice people at PP produced a range...  I have a certain amount of scenery from dabbling with 'Clive in india' years ago so it might be 6mm.

If you fancy something a little bigger than 6mm Pendraken produce a pretty comprehensive 10mm range. I find 6mm buildings work well with 10mm figures (see my latest Walter Schnaffs post - 10mm figures and 6mm buildings).

Leman I think you're posting in the wrong place, about figures etc. this is what I am reading post.

Leslie, Brian posted about reading books on the Indian Mutiny which had fired his enthusiasm, but as he had invested in 6mm buildings felt that he might look at 6mm figures. I merely pointed out an alternative to him. Personally I have no interest in gaming Britain's foot stamping around the world prior to the 1990s, especially given the flag waving and flag burning antics recently in the news.

I've just finished "Crete: The Battle for Heraklion 1941 (The Campaign Revealed Through Allied and Axis Accounts)", published by Helion.

This is a labour of love by its author, serving Greek Navy officer Yannis Prekatsounakis, who was born in Heraklion and has made the battle the subject of extensive study over many years, including interviews with a good number of the Cretan combatants. There are the usual editing blips from such a "small scale" publisher (but mostly around the illustrations e.g. several photos are included more than once), but overall the English itself is excellent: drawing on sources in 3 languages has provided a deep and rich perspective. Since the Germans were buried where they fell, identifying the original location of temporary graves allows one to map the ebb and flow of battle: even in some cases down to who shot whom.

This is a fascinating book packed full of photos - both contemporary and modern. I haven't included any Heraklion scenarios in the Crete Playtest Day (much of it was street fighting, which probably wouldn't work too well on the tabletop), but the battle for the town was clearly another case of "a close-run thing", and the book includes useful general information for the Crete campaign.

Simon

After several months as my evening read. I've just finished Max Hastings' "Vietnam: An Epic Tragedy, 1945-1975". As per its title, this really is a tale of Vietnamese tragedy, over 3 decades and even beyond. It's a sobering read with lots of interesting detail, describing a series of wars in which no-one really can be said to have won.

Simon

The Mexican Revolution Osprey book.

Simon, Doing street fighting with PBI is very bloody, when we play "the factory game" next year or maybe later this year ?  you will find out....
This is where flame throwers can rule the day or at least help ? Especially in Assault, that extra 3 points can make the difference.
It's a good old slog, square by bloody square. Martin, Stewart, Colin, Dave and Ben will tell you.
Miles

I've just finished 'Commando,' Durnford Slater's wartime memoirs. A great read, no particularly new info but interesting perspective. Before that, 'Daylight Robbery,' off topic but a brilliant read. I'm now halfway through 'A Dorset rifleman,' basically rifleman Harris with edits and additions from other sources. I hadn't realised just how awful the retreat to Corunna was, particularly for the camp followers. Next up, 'The Sword and Scimitar,' a history of the Islamic conquests of Christian lands around the Mediterranean.

Started reading Martin Hackett's book on Dark Age Britain. Written by a wargamer, with some rules at the back, but for me the strength of the book is the discussion of armies, weapons, tactics etc, and the description and maps of a number off Dark Age battles, from the time of Arthur to 1066.

I'd be interested in your thoughts on that ("As Told in the Great Hall"?) book, Andy, once you've finished it.

I remember being tempted in the past, but then recall having read a scathing review or three (not, I see, borne out by the scores on Amazon though).

Did you buy it recently, as it seems to be hard to get hold of at the moment?

Simon

I bought it about two years ago, although it was actually published in 2013. Only glanced at the rules section, but they seem a bit old school to me. The main interest for me is the battles and their accompanying maps, which could be used as scenarios for the PP rules. I would think any books on the Dark Ages are going to attract some bad reviews, as there are so many different interpretations of what went on during those 600 years after the collapse of Rome. For example, I really like his idea that the Battle of Brunanburgh was fought around the river Dibbin in Bromborough on the Wirral because this is where I lived as a boy, on Dibbinsdale Road, with the Dibbin marking the back boundary of our garden. (It was a 12 acre garden, as my mum and dad ran a children's home). It's nice to think that Dark Age warriors may have clashed where I used to play as a boy. However, there are at least four other suspected sites for the battle, all with academic backing, eg Michael Wood puts it elsewhere.

Andy

Thanks Andy - that is a helpful perspective.

Simon

I'll provide more information as I read through it.

I've just finished reading The Cretan Runner, by George Psychoundakis.

While mostly covering the post-invasion occupation, it's a fascinating and fast-paced account, translated from Cretan Greek by none other than Patrick "I kidnapped a German General" Leigh Fermor himself, who worked with Mr P in "The Service".

Highly recommended for some period flavour.

Simon

I have now read (with thanks to Paul / pbeccas for pointing this one out to me) the Australian Army Campaigns series book on the Battle of Crete.

I found it a very accessible and interesting read. With lots of pictures (maps, photos of leaders, drawings of equipment; organisation charts).

Simon

Several new projects very much at the "reading/research" phase...

The War of a Hundred Days (Brown): Somalia & Abyssinia 1940 (PP 15mm)
Armies of the Mexican Revolution (Blake): MexRev (PP 15mm - of course!)
The Fight for the Malvinas (Middlebrook): Falklands 1982 (20mm? - blame my son for this one!)
Soldiers, Scouts & Spies (Simons): New Zealand 1840's (Empress 28mm)

Waiting on Armies of the Mexican Revolution (Blake ) to arrive from Caliver Books.


Currently reading Another Hill by Milton Wolff and Early Riser by Jasper Fforde.

Not actually reading, but I'm listening to the Audiobook version of Metro 2035, the first one was great, the second one was not so good, but this third volume is amazing. I find listening to audiobooks or podcasts keeps me in my working table for longer and I'm able to stick to projects before getting bored.

I've just finished "Sword of Kings" - the 12th Uhtred novel.

I really like these books, and if I wasn't painting German paras, I'd be tempted to start on the Dark Ages...

Simon

Just finished Italy's Sorrow by James Holland. Terrific!
Now started Erebus by Michael Palin.
John

Just reading Crete by Beevor - lions led by donkeys comes to mind (if what he has written is true?). The phrase that the allied leaders 'were brave but not bold' sums it up.

Good book worth reading.

Dave

Also maybe something about fighting the last war, Dave?

A recurring theme for me is that many of the Allied leaders had done well in the WW1 trenches, but massively underestimated the threats from the air.

Conversely, several of the German leaders had been WW1 fighter aces...

Simon

Simon
I agree, from the books I have read on the early war, they never expected it to go the way it did. With Crete they had the intelligence but failed to act thinking the real threat came from a landing from the sea. Even though the RN had it covered.

I visited Singapore a few year back, looking around it really was unbelievable that the heavy guns just pointed out to sea, as it was not believed  that an army could attack through the jungle. If you look at that campaign there are some striking similarities to Crete. The Japanese could have possibly been beaten if the allies had counter attacked early in the battle, the Japanese general thought he would have to retreat.

But it is easy being an armchair general fighting with models that don't die. The old saying 'no plan survives contact with the enemy' is very true.

Dave

By the way, a couple of bits of trivia from Italy's Sorrow.
1. The only allied general/field marshall to receive two unconditional surrenders of the enemy in WW2?
Alexander. 1st the Germans in Tunis and then the Germans in northern Italy.
2. Who did Alex call "Wayne"?
General Mark Clark.

John

Currently reading :-

Kemp: Riders of Fury (Arrows of Albion Book 4)

By Jonathan Lunn

Really enjoyed first 3 books in series.  no typos--brill

Would suggest any one who enjoys HYW period should read the series. A real boy`s own story.

Terry

Mike Blake book on the Mexican Revolution has arrived and so this is now top bill reading.

Cheers,

Helen

I hope you enjoy the book Helen.

I've just finished "In Vietnam", #3 in the Australian Army Campaigns series.

Other than having watched "The Odd Angry Shot" a couple of times, and having seen Big Mike's Long Tan game last year, I knew next to nothing about the Aussie / ANZAC involvement in Vietnam.

This book was excellent - lots of photos, maps and coloured drawings with clear explanations of all the key elements of the campaign and the way it was waged from the Australian perspective.

The difference in strategic approach (a conventional war vs. counter-insurgency) and the principal tactics (noisy heliborne operations accompanied by massive firepower vs. low-tech slow and silent patrolling) of the Americans vs. the Australians is drawn out well too.

Highly recommended!

Simon

My last book has been Chastise - Max Hastings' retelling and analysis of the Dambusters Raid.

I found the storytelling element quite gripping, and the critique (both moral and military) interesting and well argued.

Simon

Currently on William Shirer's "Rise and Fall of the Third Reich" - written back in the sixties. It's very readable even though it is very long (over 1000 pages). I'm enjoying it a lot.

Nick

Just starting Stalingrad by Beevor.

Dave

I always enjoy Beevor books. Especially for the little stories within the larger one.


martin

Better own up I suppose. Just finished Osprey's Balaclava and just started their British army on campaign - the Crimean War. Looking at 6mm here to enable a one base = one unit game -Irregular's blocks with a few individual pieces for battlefield fluff.

Somewhere, in one of my many unpacked boxes of books I have The Charge and also Selby's Thin Red Line that my sister bought for me fifty years ago.

I've just finished working through the Osprey Elite book on the Mexican Revolution.

I found this to be really good, combining history, pictures and descriptions of weapons and other kit. As someone said here previously, it's a great way in to the period. I have Mike Blake's book to read soon, but will first read the final Uhtred instalment, which has been sitting on my desk waiting to be read for a couple of seeks now.

Simon

I have just finished the final Uhtred book - War Lord, having savoured a few pages each evening.

I found it a cracking read (as ever), with a very satisfying conclusion to the series.

Simon

Uthred was excellent I agree Simon


martin :)

Just started on 'Fighting for Liberty' (Carter) on the Argyll and Monmouth campaigns against James II in 1685. A fascinating time in history and cries out for a 'what if' campaign.

If only an enterprising 15mm manufacturer did a comprehensive range for the period that matched the 28mm ones made by Front Rank and others....

Quote from: Nick on October 19, 2020, 02:45:01 PM
Currently on William Shirer's "Rise and Fall of the Third Reich" - written back in the sixties. It's very readable even though it is very long (over 1000 pages). I'm enjoying it a lot.

Nick

Just finished this weekend. That was an engrossing read. Full of contemporary accounts of what the key Nazi party members got up to. More political, and less military, than I would normally read.

Nick

Struggling a bit on the last Uhtred, Possibly as I have been too busy on my figures to do much else. But I think the whole series have been stunning reads.

Terry

Ironically I started reading the latest John le Carré just last night. Not wargames as such, but a colder conflict.

Simon

The last Panzer battles in Hungary Spring 1945 by Norbert Szamveber as part of my "Spring Awakening" research

Adventures in Oz novels by Ruth Plumly Thompson. Just finish reading "The Yellow Knight of Oz".

Cheers,
Helen

While remaining focused on painting figures for the Crete games, I am enjoying reading Roman Toeppel's "Kursk 1943: The Greatest Battle of the Second World War (Modern Military History)" in preparation for Miles' Kursk extravaganza. Should be about ready for a big anniversary by the time we can play again in 2023.

Simon

Currently reading Peter Hart's "The Last Battle Endgame on the Western Front 1918". All about the battles of September and October 1918. Quite an eye opener for me, not knowing a lot about the detail of WW! land battles.
John

This lockdown will make us all better read.

martin :)

I finally finished the Last Uthred, Laboured a bit with it but end was brill, Usually read a Cornwell in 1.5 days but this one seemed to drift a bit.
Still damn good though.

They are marvellous books. I cannot help but imagine Sean Bean as Uthred


martin :)

Or anyone but the pretty boy that played him in the TV series!

Quote from: Spartacus on January 15, 2021, 08:09:25 AM
Or anyone but the pretty boy that played him in the TV series!

To whom this last book was dedicated though!

Simon

Old Airfix magazine downloads.

"Mine were of trouble" by Peter Kemp - memoirs of an English member of the Carlists during the SCW. Been after a copy of this for years only to discover it reprinted as a cheap paperback.
Interesting, but best read with caution as his sympathies are right wing / conservative.
Neil

Angus Donald, Really good author, His Outlaw chronicles is one of best series I ever read. I have read evrything he has written, Brilliant.

Not actually reading this because I have only just ordered it, but a couple of days ago I came across a new Men at Arms Osprey, Renaissance Armies in Italy 1450-1550 by Gabrielle Esposito. Just a heads up as I know some members are interested in the Great Italian Wars.

Currently re reading 'Apache Dawn' by Damien Lewis recounting the close air support helo operations in Afghanistan. Hats off to the Army Air Corps and all the guys involved. The amusing 'Health and Safety' regulations they encountered at Camp Bastion are unbelievable.

"Journey's End" is a detailed history of Bomber Command's final air offensive from 1944-45. The book argues very well that the RAF's much improved bombing techniques, that wrought such havoc on German oil, industry and transportation, made a major contribution to winning the war.
It doesn't dodge Harris 's controversial targeting of towns for morale purposes.

It contrasts the aircrew losses with the civilian casualties and sets out without bias the issues around the destruction of Dresden. It has certainly made me re-think my views on this event, given contemporary political hypocrisy, the propaganda effect of Goebels' inflated casualty figures and the threat of mass destruction from the V2s.

Above all it highlights the sacrifice and bravery of the aircrew many of whom were from Canada, NewZealand and Australia.

Mike.

I'm currently reading quite a bit about the Spanish Civil War. It's a conflict that has always fascinated me.

The Paul Preston books are excellent. He writes well and clearly knows his subject. As well general history, he delves deeper into the conflict.

I'm currently reading The Spanish Holocaust. Discussing the impact on the civilians and the clergy. Hundreds of thousands were kulled/executed during the conflict, and it is a subject that is largely ignored in modern day Spain.

A great read for anyone interested.

I also find the Spanish Civil War a fascinating period, having quite a few books on the subject. The Defence of Madrid, Frontline Madrid and The Battle for Madrid are three that offer a good oversight of that particular part of the conflict which I have planned to game with Ben at some stage. I enjoyed George Orwell's a Homage to Catalonia, though a tad slow to read.

Dave

For Whom the Bell Tolls and the Laurie Lee books, As I Walked Out One Summer Morning and A Moment of War are worth looking at too.

Is Battle for Spain the Antony Beevor book? I really enjoyed that, though really struggled with the Hugh Thomas one.

Beevor is writing a book on the Russian Civil War which will in all probability lead to more figures 😁

I have read only one book on the SCW. It went on about all the different factions in the War, giving them their full names and the initials they were known by. There must have been dozens of them on each side, some of which seemed to hate their own side as much as the enemy. By the end I was thoroughly confused and felt I learned little more than I knew at the start. It was more political than military. So if anyone can recommend a military history of the SCW I would be grateful.
Currently reading The Battle Of Jutland 1916 by George Bonney published by the National Museum Royal Navy. An easy read.
John

John,

Yes it is quite a confusing conflict, not helped by Spanish names which are difficult to pronounce and working out your POUM's from your CNT.

I have the Beevor book on Audible, and have lsitend to it twice, now on the 3rd listen. It really helps if you like this sort of thing.

Audible is free for a month and you can download a book for free. If you cancel at the end of the month you get to keep the book.

Quote from: John Watson on May 10, 2021, 12:21:13 PM
I have read only one book on the SCW. It went on about all the different factions in the War, giving them their full names and the initials they were known by. There must have been dozens of them on each side, some of which seemed to hate their own side as much as the enemy. By the end I was thoroughly confused and felt I learned little more than I knew at the start. It was more political than military. So if anyone can recommend a military history of the SCW I would be grateful.
Currently reading The Battle Of Jutland 1916 by George Bonney published by the National Museum Royal Navy. An easy read.
John

Charles Esdaile has what is purported to be a military history, but I haven't got around to buying or reading it yet.
High Thomas still has the definitive work; Bevor is a good second and is a lot fairer to the Anarchists than most.
Bob Cordey's guide helps sort out the alphabet soup if you are struggling.
For memoirs, if you want a view of the other side from a  British university graduate so didn't join the IBs, try "Mind were of trouble"  by Peter Kemp, recently reprinted.

It's worth noting that most writers have a political bias when it comes to the war; some obvious, others less so. This tends to shape the story.
One exception is Paul Preston's biography of Franco. As a leftist I expected a hatchet job but it's surprisingly fair to the man and it's clear he did his best to understand him, whatever he thought of him.

If you want to be serious, I'd suggest looking at what has been published in Spain. You will need to puzzle out the text with the aid of a dictionary or translator, but many of the purely military have pretty pictures. Some like a volume on Jarama have dual English / Spanish text.
There's a new book out soon on the armour of the SCW in English....
Neil

I have just started Monty's, "Normandy to the Baltic". The set of over 40 maps are quite something on their own. The book starts with an exchange of very chummy letters between Month and Ike - they were buddies after all!
My rather old copy appears to be a First Edition, courtesy of the village fete book stall a few years back.
Mike

Mike,

Are you a fan of the We Have Ways podcast?

Quote from: Panzer21 on May 10, 2021, 03:53:36 PM

Quote from: John Watson on May 10, 2021, 12:21:13 PM
I have read only one book on the SCW. It went on about all the different factions in the War, giving them their full names and the initials they were known by. There must have been dozens of them on each side, some of which seemed to hate their own side as much as the enemy. By the end I was thoroughly confused and felt I learned little more than I knew at the start. It was more political than military. So if anyone can recommend a military history of the SCW I would be grateful.
Currently reading The Battle Of Jutland 1916 by George Bonney published by the National Museum Royal Navy. An easy read.
John

Charles Esdaile has what is purported to be a military history, but I haven't got around to buying or reading it yet.
High Thomas still has the definitive work; Bevor is a good second and is a lot fairer to the Anarchists than most.
Bob Cordey's guide helps sort out the alphabet soup if you are struggling.
For memoirs, if you want a view of the other side from a  British university graduate so didn't join the IBs, try "Mind were of trouble"  by Peter Kemp, recently reprinted.

It's worth noting that most writers have a political bias when it comes to the war; some obvious, others less so. This tends to shape the story.
One exception is Paul Preston's biography of Franco. As a leftist I expected a hatchet job but it's surprisingly fair to the man and it's clear he did his best to understand him, whatever he thought of him.

If you want to be serious, I'd suggest looking at what has been published in Spain. You will need to puzzle out the text with the aid of a dictionary or translator, but many of the purely military have pretty pictures. Some like a volume on Jarama have dual English / Spanish text.
There's a new book out soon on the armour of the SCW in English....
Neil

The traditional view is that most sources originating from Spain are a bit 'rightist', even tinged with fascist leanings, so I guess you pay your money and make your choice. Regarding being serious, I am at best an amateur student of the era.

Quote from: Sean Clark on May 10, 2021, 08:32:53 PM
Mike,

Are you a fan of the We Have Ways podcast?

Just found it! I am a fan of James Holland and Al Murray. I will check it out.
At a recent Chalke Valley History Festival they both ran an excellent session on Monty in which Al Murray produced an Action Man a la Monty.
Thanks for the pointer, Sean.
Mike

I asked the question due to your 'Bring up the PIAT' quote beneath Anthony Hopkins. It's an oft quoted line from A Bridge Too Far on the podcast.

I really enjoy the podcast, really informative.

The PIAT was a triumph of British engineering. The US and German AT weapons were more deadly but the PIAT was understated and didn't give away your position as easily.
In the film this is Major Frost's genuine and considered response to deal with the arrival of Dietrich's Panzers. Richard Attenborough's film gives the British Military Establishment a hard time and rightly so. If the PIAT line is intended as irony or not it works for me. One of my favourite films.
Mike

The line is referred to in the podcast with great affection and film is Al Murray's favourite!

There was a British major who used a PIAT very effectively.
There was a a TV program about his stand.
Was that at Arnhem?

A PIAT is great; if that is all you have.
The bravery of PIAT crews is most impressive.


martin :)

Wasn't this Major Robert Henry Cain, who won a VC at Arnhem for his tank hunting?

I'm not sure whether he was the same chap who used his PIAT as a mortar to land on the top of tanks (firing over the top of Dutch houses).

Simon

When I've had my second jab (on D Day of all days) I must take a trip down to Arnhem and have a good nosey around. Lots of WWII stuff to look at in this neck of the woods. Some interesting German bunkers about 4K from here.

Quote from: Sean Clark on May 11, 2021, 09:38:52 AM
The line is referred to in the podcast with great affection and film is Al Murray's favourite!

That is music to my ears. James Holland once told me he didn't rate A Bridge Too Far as they used German Leopard tanks instead of Panzers on the Arnhem bridge. He puts The Cruel Sea top of his list of best war films because they used a real WW2 ship. Fair comment.
Mike

Yes, that was the only downside of what is a marvelous film. I'm not sure why film makers find it so hard to represent real tanks. They can build space ships and death stars and blow things up, but real tanks, even building the shell of one and putting it onto something else seems beyond them.

That is really strange because most of the allied tanks in A Bridge Too Far were mock ups. So why didn't they do that for the German tanks on the bridge at Arnhem? Answers on a postcard.
John

Quote from: Leman (Andy) on May 11, 2021, 01:42:07 PM
When I've had my second jab (on D Day of all days) I must take a trip down to Arnhem and have a good nosey around. Lots of WWII stuff to look at in this neck of the woods. Some interesting German bunkers about 4K from here.

Recommend the museum in the Hartenstein as well as a good walk on the LZ areas

 I've done the Hartenstien musuem but would love to return to the area to explore more.

Sean go and find the Flashmans books and the Alexander Kent books.  Keep you going for weeks.

Quote from: John Watson on May 11, 2021, 11:06:58 PM
That is really strange because most of the allied tanks in A Bridge Too Far were mock ups. So why didn't they do that for the German tanks on the bridge at Arnhem? Answers on a postcard.
John

It is strange what gets mocked up and what doesn't. It probably all depends on relative cost to produce and availability, really... The bridge sequence was shot at Deventer in the Netherlands, with lots of army surplus vehicles etc. from the Allied side. However, actual German equipment proved far harder to source. Post War Europe was largely re-equipped with US designs until new designs like the Leopard became available. The glut of US equipment was a result of all that much vaunted US war-production...
Strange what there actually was available during the big film era. Just a few years earlier for The Battle of Britain, German a/c or those derived from German designs like the Buchon were purchased from Franco's air force which peversely used RR Merlins in all their airframes.
If the ancients could mock up a dummy elephant on a camel to fool enemy scouts, you'd think it would be possible for a 70's film production company to put plywood on a lorry to mimic a tank...!
After all most of those 'vintage delivery vehicles' seen on London's streets are mock shells on Mini or Ford chassis...  ::)

Currently reading Belgium in the Great War by Jean-Michel Veranneman, published by Pen and Sword. Very well written account of the experience of Belgium before during and after the Great War. Recent studies have revealed that some of the atrocities committed by the German army, and considered as Allied propaganda, actually did happen. This makes for pretty harrowing reading. Given the respective sizes of the two armies, the Belgians put up a tremendous fight. I also learnt a couple of new things re. the Allies involvement in the initial invasion, including the presence of Winston Churchill in Antwerp with the Naval Brigade, and that most of the naval and marine infantry sent to Antwerp were insufficiently trained recruits. I also didn't realise that the French Fusiliers Marins were still marching to Antwerp when they met the Belgian army retreating to Oostend. As well as Belgium itself, the book also deals with Belgium's colonial activity in Africa during the war. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the activities of Belgium in WWI.

Nicholas Carter-Shadow of the Crown series.

ECW romp. Have read first 3 books and really enjoyed them.

Bit of a nostalga trip for me as I am from the west country.

Bosworth by Chris Skidmore. I'm fancying his Richard III biography next.

Derrick VC in his own words, the wartime writings of Australia's most famous fighting soldier of WWII.

I am now re-reading Regiment of Foote 2nd Edition.

Reading "Fromelles and Pozieres" by Peter Fitzsimons.  Just hit an interesting paragraph.  When the Australians arrived on the Western Front groups of men were trained in night trench raiding by Native American Canadians, who were the best in the business.  I found that really interesting.

Now reading up on the 1866 scenarios in Neil Thomas' Wargaming C19th Europe, in order to see if I have enough troops prepared to be able to do at least Nachod (definitely need to paint up Bavarians for Kissingen). A good way to do the big C19th European battles on a 4x3 cloth.

I've just finished reading "Mine Were of Trouble", by Peter Kemp. This is the autobiography of a Brit who joined the Spanish Civil War on the Nationalist side. The author then went on to do a bunch of interesting things in the SOE during WW2 in both Europe and the Far East (each of which feature in subsequent books).

Mr Kemp first joined the Requetés and then, looking for more action, the Spanish Foreign Legion. He comes across not at all as a fascist, but as an anti-communist (in the same way that memoirs of foreign volunteers who fought on the other side seem to portray them as anti-fascist, rather than pro-communist).

It's well observed, well written and surprisingly balanced in its views, with lots of military detail - recommended for anyone interested in this conflict.

Simon

Currently reading Short Stories in Dutch for Beginners, for rather obvious reasons. Naturalisation depends on being able to pass an exam.

Just reading 'A breed of heroes' by Alan Judd. About a four month tour of Armagh and Belfast the end of the 1970's - a good read.

David & Ben

I've just finished reading "Treasure Island" with the children (original version).

The language is a bit archaic, but that adds to the charm. It's a cracking good story, of course, and has me itching to paint my Pirates (which only made it onto my 2022 task list as one of many possible foreseen distractions, and which I naturally should try to resist for a little while, at least...).

Simon

Reading Eagles of Empire FPW skirmish level rules. One of the interesting concepts is that the better you do in the game the more points you get to spend on reinforcements, ammunition and victory points. A scenario will end when one side or other accrues a certain amount of victory points. At the moment only one scenario (from rule book one - there are two covering the three different arms), but I have lots of generic scenarios which I can use or adapt.  I am also looking at some randomisation to help make it playable solo.

I've just finished reading "A General History of the Pyrates - from Their first Rise and Settlement in the island of Providence to the present Time" by Daniel Defoe (published 1724).

It is quite archaic in much of its language (not all of passages of which I understood), but covers pretty much all the usual suspects - Avery, Teach, Bonnet, England, Vane, Rackham, Roberts, Low etc, as well as a lot of detail on Mary Read and Anne Bonny.

I was struck by how often pirates simply let ships go - sometimes even with some payment - once they'd taken what they wanted. But equally how completely and needlessly bloodthirsty others were. It was also interesting how often the pirates beached their ships to clean their hulls before setting off again, and how infrequently anyone resisted them (other than English Men of War).

This 180-page book is full of little anecdotes, and a great source of ships' names (both pirates and victims).

Simon

Nearly finished reading Normandy 44. Another entertaining and informative work by James Holland.
Next read will be the first of the West Wall series by Charles Whiting. He was an amazing man. From 1976 until his death in 2007 he wrote 6 books a year. So many that his publisher was overwhelmed. They ended up using a number of nom de plume for him, including Leo Kessler.
John

You seem to have a very good pedigree for Pieces of Eight, Julian!

Simon

The Long War for Britannia by Edwin Pace (Pen and Sword). I have long had an interest in Post-Roman Britain, but there is no definitive history of events, but rather one postulation after another in various books based on the scant surviving primary and secondary sources. Edwin Pace takes a somewhat different approach based on the notion that different Dark Age historians are recording the same events but using different time lines and names for these same events. Pace believes that the dates can be adjusted to a single timeline and that various names can be attributed to the same character, eg. Riothamus, Vortigern and the Proud Tyrant are all in similar titles given by different historians of the day to Arthur and that the Battle of Badon was fought in 446 against Arthur's main enemies the Picts and the Irish. The Saxons were actually Arthur's federates. Further Vortimer  and Ambrosius are the same person. He fought against Arthur and his Saxons, losing but killing Arthur in the process. He continued to operate against the Saxons in the later C5th. Some of these deductions are quite difficult to follow, particularly the maths relating to the different dating systems and how he is able to reconstitute them into one timeline. I am only up to 500 at the moment and he continues the story well into the C7th, but it does make for compelling reading. At the moment I am still at the stage of thinking that one interprets history depending on one's standpoint at a particular time.

I've just finished reading Osprey's "The Viking Siege of Paris - Longships raid the Seine, AD 885-86".

I knew very little about the Carolingian empire, but the dynastic struggles and infighting are a thread running throughout this book, and arguably the reason for the settlement of what is now Normandy by the Vikings.

Two other things I didn't know:

• Viking longships were sometimes covered in pitch (so we can just paint them black!)
• in Charlemagne's reign, each horseman was expected to be equipped with a bow and several quivers of arrows in addition to a shield, lance, sword and sax, while foot soliders were told to muster with a bow and twelve arrows in addition to their shield and spear.

The book also includes two maps, three modern double-page battle paintings and a double-page 3D battlemap in addition to many photos of artefacts and near-contemporary artwork.

Both enjoyable and informative.

Simon

Marvellous Simon.  Ready for the Carolingian range  you are (bit of star wars speech problem there :))



martin :)

For WotR fans, The Sonne in Splendour by Sharon Kay Penman. This is a massive 600+ page tome and the main focus is Richard of Gloucester. It begins with him at 8 years old, just prior to Ludford Bridge, and continues on until beyond Bosworth. It is fiction and was written in 1983 (picked mine up 2nd hand in Groningen, but it is in the original American - so expect colors and not colours) so predates the recent findings related to Richard's physical disability and location of Bosworth. However hints are there such as the number of tumbles Richard takes in his early life that seem to cause damage to one of his shoulders. The author has taken a lot of trouble over research although having to make a considerable amount of speculation about leading characters' personalities and how their conversations would have played out. The battles are there, but not in any great detail. This is the story of the interactions and intrigues that led to battles and beheadings, but it does make for a very entertaining look at the world of the WotR.

Quote from: martin goddard on April 28, 2022, 09:07:41 AM
Marvellous Simon.  Ready for the Carolingian range  you are (bit of star wars speech problem there :))



martin :)

Why I bought the book in the first place, it was, Martin  ;)

Simon

Although ironically I've just got an email from Amazon saying that they are out of stock of the "Viking Warrior vs. Frankish Warrior" book (published today, but which I'd pre-ordered), and are unable to provide an updated delivery estimate...
I hope you have more luck with yours, Martin!
Simon

I think they are sending me yours Simon.
They asked "do you want to steal someones else's book?"
Of coures I said yes :-[


martin :)

I may have to come a-viking down Weymouth way, then, Martin ;)

Simon

Just started "First Casualty" by Tom Harnden, about the first CIA teams into Afghanistan in 2001.  Fascinating.

Just finished "Greece 1941" by Jeffrey Plowman £2 from Naval & Military Press.  Lots of small action scenarios.

I've just finished "Viking Warrior vs. Frankish Warrior, Francia 799-911" from Osprey's Combat series.

There are some nice illustrations, but not a huge variety between them in terms of the dress of the combatants (e.g. one could be led to believe that all Frankish shields were red and yellow swirls).

From a historical perspective, this book provides more context to the Viking Siege of Paris book that I'd read recently and the broader infighting of the Carolingian dynasty.

However, I'd been hoping for less of the wider history and rather more on the clothing, equipment and fighting styles of the combatants.

What did you think of yours, Martin?

Simon

Heres a great book you should be reading,  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CV6ptlI93A

Hello Les

That is WW2 TV. Always interesting.

Hello Simon
The book  is good enough for my sculpting needs so that is good.
Doing some other bits first. SCW bombers at the moment.


martin :)

Quote from: martin goddard on May 31, 2022, 08:17:42 AM
The book  is good enough for my sculpting needs so that is good.
Doing some other bits first. SCW bombers at the moment.


martin :)

Good news Martin, and no rush!

Simon

I'm currently reading The First Battle Of St Albans 1455 by Andrew Boardman, to gain an insight into the armies, tactics and terrain. Although it has been described as 'a scuffle in the street,' it did involve five or six thousand men and played a crucial role in turning the disagreements between the houses of York and Lancaster into a 30 year bloody family feud.

That sounds interesting, Andy. Would you recommend that  First St Albans book for others here?

Simon

I've just finished 'The Norman Conquest' by Marc Morris.

I knew a bit about the various battles in 1066, but little about the conquest and deep linguistic, cultural and political changes that followed (I dropped History at school in favour of Computer Science, I think - not sure that was a good trade-off).

Not only is the subject matter fascinating (and I now know the original meaning of the word "forest", as well as how Newcastle came to be), but the style is very measured, conversational and engaging at the same time.

Highly recommended if this period is your thing!

Simon

I would recommend the Andrew Boardman Book as an in-depth study of an oft overlooked battle of the WotR. It is also the only town in England that experienced street fighting (twice) in the WotR, but it is usually the 2nd battle that gets the gaming refights with all of Warick's (ultimately useless) fancy weapons and gadgets. The Battleground book on the two battles of St Albans is also recommended, particularly if one wants to trace the development of the two battles. 

Thanks for this, Andy - I know that you are rather well read on this subject!

I do have the Battleground book, and it's nice to know that you also recommend Andrew Boardman's offering.

Simon

Khartoum by Michael Asher. Its a very readable account of Gordon's downfall.

Having read that one Sean, another useful source document is 'Go Strong into the Desert' by Lt Col Mike Snook.

D&B

Thumbs up from me as well.
Both those books were really useful when I put together my Sudan forces.
Osprey's campaign book on Khartoum also has some interesting things in it (I seem to remember it was written by Donald Featherstone but could be wrong).

Quote from: Wardy64 on July 27, 2022, 01:40:20 PM
Having read that one Sean, another useful source document is 'Go Strong into the Desert' by Lt Col Mike Snook.

D&B

I thought that was a wonderful book too, Dave!

I did start some Fuzzy Wuzzies, but must get around to the rest of my PITS figures one day...

Simon

There was a very good article in Miniature Wargames a few years back on the uniforms of the 1885 campaign. Unfortunately I have lost my copy, but someone on the forum may know which copy it was.

I think that is still available on the Perry's website Andy.


martin :)

Thanks, I will check that out.

Yes, there it is, so good to know for the future.

To get into the spirit of Martin's upcoming return to the Dark Ages, I've just read the Carolingian Cavalryman and Viking Hersir books in Osprey's Warrior series.

I really enjoyed both, which achieve a good balance between a brief historical overview, weapons, dress and tactics. I found them more complete than the recent Osprey Combat series' Viking Warrior vs. Frankish Warrior, which nominally covers very similar subject matter.

Simon

'Their infantry and guns will astonish you' Helion No. 73.

Marathas 1780-1803.

I've been reading Max Hastings' Operation Pedestal (the Ohio convoy to Malta). It would make a good combined arms wargame for those into naval battles, and probably a great film.

Simon

I think thats the only Hastings book I've  not read yet. I'll  add it to my Christmas list.

It's a cracker, Sean!

Simon

Currently reading Mike Ingram's Richard III and the Battle of Bosworth (Helion). This is a very easy, but also highly informative, read. There is a particularly good chapter on weapons and warfare during this period, which also covers western Europe as there were many mercenaries in Henry Tudor's army. The author has used the latest findings on the actual battlefield at Bosworth, plus the information gleaned from Richard's car park remains. I only really have two minor niggles with the book. The first is the insistence on calling a pike a long spear. Apparently this is what pikes were called at the time in English (although in French they were called piques) and it's constant use throughout the book is a little jarring. It does confirm though that Welsh and Scots spears can be fielded as pikemen under the BB rules. Indeed the book states that spears were more common amongst the infantry than bills. There is also the contention that halberds and glaives were preferred to bills, based on the inventories of weapon stores at the time. The other niggle is the colour plates. Only two show figures from the time - a Burgundian handgunner and a French longspear, both being very useful for the wargamer. There is a page of colour photos of Richard's skeleton, but all the rest show standards and banners, most of which are heavily illustrated in many other publications. This is offset, however by some good line drawings and other b/w illustrations and photographs throughout the book. The battlefield maps are also very good. If you have an interest in the battle of Bosworth I would recommend this book.

Just about to finish Robert Harris' new book, 'Act of Oblivion'.

It tells the story of the hunting down of the Regicides - those men who signed the death warrant for King Charles I, and especially Colonels Whalley and Goffe who fled to America. the history is great and all but one character are real.

Highly recommended. Available on Audible too for those who prefer to listen. The narrator will be instantly recognisable to fans of Black Adder, Tim McInnerey.

Andy and Sean.  Thanks for those recommendations.

martin :)

Just read an article in a copy of Medieval Warfare from 2013 on the Battle of Northampton 1460. This interpretation is by Mike Ingram (who wrote the book I have just read on Bosworth) and is different to any other that I have come across, as most are based on writings from the early C20th. He believes that despite the weather both sides had an initial exchange of artillery fire and also that the Lancastrian defences did not back onto the River Nene, but onto one of its smaller tributaries. Further, the Lancastrians delivered one of their flanking cavalry attacks (another use for the sparkly new retinue cavalry) but it was unsuccessful. Finally he has both Grey and Edward on the opposite end of their respective lines to what I have previously see. Seems odd, but apart from being an historian he is also chair of the Northampton battlefield association, so I guess he should know. It is also the first time I have come across mention of Edward's preference for blackened armour.

Mike died earlier this year. I know Graham Evans aka Trebian of the Wargames for Grown ups blog has worked a lot on the new interpretation of Northampton qmd worked alongside Mike. Might be worth checking out.

That is sad news, as I am only now discovering his work. Thanks for the additional information Sean.

(https://i.postimg.cc/TynDKxcr/20221023-145635.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/TynDKxcr)

Just had this arrive from Mr Bezos.

Very interesting. Although I'm  disappointed that in the history section detailing development of grid based gaming theres no mention of Martin.

Without checking, Squarebashing came out around 1997, followed by Conquerors and Kings and Lincolns War using similar mechanics, and of course PBI.

Now, every rule set since Regiment of Foote v2 jas been gridded.

I feel this is quite an ommission on what is otherwise a very interesting take on grid games.

Storm of Steel by Ernst Junger (Penguin Classic edition). This is a really interesting read from the German point of view on the Western Front. Junger was a Hanoverian and his regiment's motto was Gibraltar - the fickleness of war eh? He volunteered right at the start and after initial training was posted to France towards the end of 1914. After time spent in France and Belgium, on active duty and continuing training, which resulted in him becoming a junior officer by the age of 20, he has now been posted to the Somme (June 1916) initially to a sideshow area of the battle - still resulting in many deaths and casualties in his regiment. In August 1916 his regiment is now being posted to the more active sector of Guillemont. Two things occured here which I had not been aware of before reading this book, at least fom his point of view. He felt very strongly that the nature of the war changed quite dramatically at this point. It is also the first issue of steel helmets to his unit. I had not realised that some German units went 2/3 of the the way through 1916 still wearing the pickelhaub. This has been something of an eye-opener for me, even after all these years, and I am actually going to finish reading this one. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the historical German perspective of the Western Front.

As a follow up I received a surprise birthday gift from one of my nieces in the form of the previously mentioned 'Act of Oblivion'.

Now reading the Osprey, British Cavalryman versus German Cavalryman 1914, by Alan Steele (Combat 66). This is turning out to be an excellent find. It is well researched and gives a great deal of background information on the organisation, recruitment, training, doctrine, arms, equipment and tactics of both the German and British cavalry (with a nod to the French and Belgians) at the start of WWI. An overview of the first few weeks of the BEF's involvement in Belgium and France, up unto the Battle of the Marne, is followed by a more detailed look at three cavalry engagements during that period: Casteau, Cerizy-Moy and Le Montcel. At first I thought the battle maps gave no indication of height variations on the battlefields, but in better light I was able to make out the faint grey contour lines which are indeed there. It reads well and provides all the information needed to develop three cavalry scenarios to put alongside the likes of Nery and Haelen, which are often the combats chosen to illustrate cavalry actions at this phase of the war. I would recommend this to anyone interested in these early war cavalry battles of the BEF.

Good observation there Sean.
The TSA  book takes a  similar  approach I believe.

martin : ???

Dipping into 'Apache Dawn' by Damien Lewis. If you ever want to know what it was like to be air support for the troops in 'Afghan' in 2007, this is an eye opener. I particularly like the Health & Safety madness at Camp. It has a MASH-esque quality about it. Cooking off lunches on the airframe while at the ready beggars belief... better that than the missiles though...

Neil

Just finished 'Snow and Steel. Battle of the Bulge 1944-45' by Peter Caddick-Adams.
Plenty of in-depth analysis of the command and intelligence work, no surprise given the authors Army career. He has spent plenty of time on the battle site and his research is first class. He has unearthed fascinating period interviews of the German commanders such as Pieper by Allied officers.
The a story of a blond US nurse who so captivated a German officer that she kept him away from his men and delayed the advance, is ripe for a Hollywood film!     
It reveals plenty of surprises and well worth a read even if you already have one of the many books written about the Ardennes.
Mike     

"Instrument of War" by the recently deceased Christopher Duffy the first volume of his two volume work on the Austrian army of the SYW.
A little dry in places, but interesting none the less.
Neil

I recently read Ospreys "The Conquest of Saxony AD 782-785 - Charlemagne's defeat of Widukind of Westphalia".

It was nicely laid out with some good-quality pictures of artefacts (some in the older Ospreys are less good), nice 2D and 3D maps as well as a couple of battle scenes.

If Carolingians are your thing (and with Martin's new range, why wouldn't they be?), this book is recommended.

Simon

I recently finished Michael Livingston's "Never Greater Slaughter: Brunanburh and the Birth of England", published by Osprey.

I really enjoyed this book. It tells what's known of this pivotal battle in British history, its context and aftermath.

But a lot of the book is taken up with an analysis of sources, linguistics and campaigning logistics to try to place the long-lost battlefield itself. This is the part I found the most satisfying - it read more like a detective story than typical history. I'm not qualified to comment on the arguments put forward for the proposed location (on the Wirral), but it all sounded well-balanced to me. An added bonus was some nice coloured photos of re-enactors in period warriors' kit.

I'd be interested in hearing whether others (Andy?) have read it and what they thought of the evidence put forward for the proposed battle site.

Simon

The Korean War by Max Hastings.

It is the only book of his I hadn't read. Really very interesting account of the Forgotten War as its known. I've just bought the Pendraken book, the Forgotten War designed for snother set of rules  but also very interesting. I wonder why this conflict isn't gamed much?

Quote from: Sean Clark on June 01, 2023, 12:36:08 AM
The Korean War by Max Hastings.

It is the only book of his I hadn't read. Really very interesting account of the Forgotten War as its known. I've just bought the Pendraken book, the Forgotten War designed for snother set of rules  but also very interesting. I wonder why this conflict isn't gamed much?

Mostly because it is so poorly known or talked about,  Sean?

From a gaming perspective, it's a bit stuck between WW2 and Vietnam. And the helicopters are cooler for Vietnam?

Simon

Simon,

I too have the Livingstone book and his (co authored) stuff on 1066.  All very interesting as you say.  Great to read about all the sources in the depth he goes too.  The only reservation is it's all a bit Channel 4 / 5 exclusive! -  like all the "exclusive" revelation programmes on WW2.  The saving grace is he is a proper academic, and he's got to sell his books!

Persuasive arguments too!  But, at the end of the day, we'll just never know where these two battles, and the three 1066 Northern battles were actually fought.  Doesn't take away from the fun though.

Richard

I haven't read it, but now that they are beginning to finally dig up evidence of a Dark Age battle in Bromborough it does stiffen my resolve to see that pivotal battle taking place on the Wirral.

Currently ploughing through the two Osprey books on the Eighty Years War and the one on the Spanish Tercios.

Quote from: Colonel Kilgore on June 01, 2023, 06:55:25 AM

Quote from: Sean Clark on June 01, 2023, 12:36:08 AM
The Korean War by Max Hastings.

It is the only book of his I hadn't read. Really very interesting account of the Forgotten War as its known. I've just bought the Pendraken book, the Forgotten War designed for snother set of rules  but also very interesting. I wonder why this conflict isn't gamed much?

Mostly because it is so poorly known or talked about,  Sean?

From a gaming perspective, it's a bit stuck between WW2 and Vietnam. And the helicopters are cooler for Vietnam?

Simon

The Korean War was thr only time the Cold War turned hot and other than perhaps Cuba was the closest we came to use of nuclear weapons. Orders were approved for their use apparently....

I suppose it might feel a bit like WW2, but the tanks used were those that didn't quite make it into WW2.

I recently read Osprey's "Japanese Conquest of Burma 1942: The Advance to the Gates of India".

It gives an overview of the disastrous (from a British perspective) campaign and has some nice coloured illustrations. However I got annoyed by the repetitive text (poor editing?) and the repeating theme of reeling off lots of place names without appropriate maps to situate them.

I have the recently-published partner book on the British reconquest, and so far the latter is a better book for me.

Simon

I'm working through "The Death of Hitler" as some light holiday reading.

Given that we all know the ending, it's so far a surprisingly engaging book of exploring the Russian archives to get to the bottom of precisely what happened and how.

Simon

Simon, I can recommend The Longest Retreat by Tim Carew. An old paperback (1972), very readable and adequate maps. It gave a good overview of the first part of the Burma campaign up to the point that the front line was consolidated around the Indian frontier. Available on eBay 2nd hand for less than £10.
I would also recommend James Holland's Burma 44. I haven't read it yet but everything of his that I have read has been excellent.
John

Having another look through the old WRG Armies of the Macedonian and Punic Wars - my hardback copy from the 80s.

(https://i.postimg.cc/dkr5sKx1/81-JSDZNka-L-AC-UF1000-1000-QL80-FMwebp.webp) (https://postimg.cc/dkr5sKx1)

Just made a start on this. It's a weighty tome. I'll see how far I get with it. Not exactly a book you can snuggle up in bed with  ;D

The post Civil War era is incredibly fascinating with decisions made then that impact modern America now, most notably for me their penal system.

Quote from: John Watson on December 24, 2023, 09:39:00 AMSimon, I can recommend The Longest Retreat by Tim Carew. An old paperback (1972), very readable and adequate maps. It gave a good overview of the first part of the Burma campaign up to the point that the front line was consolidated around the Indian frontier. Available on eBay 2nd hand for less than £10.
I would also recommend James Holland's Burma 44. I haven't read it yet but everything of his that I have read has been excellent.
John

Thanks for the tip, John - I do love a good map!

I have read the James Holland book, and very much enjoyed it.

Simon

Quote from: Leman (Andy) on December 24, 2023, 02:06:47 PMHaving another look through the old WRG Armies of the Macedonian and Punic Wars - my hardback copy from the 80s.

Ooh, you were spoiled with a hardback, Andy! I have a softback (second edition?) from the same era, and these WRG books were at the cutting edge of wargaming research at the time!

Simon

Indeed, and this particular book inspired my original Successors and Republican Rome 15mm collection - much of it some remarkable Donnington figures. Unfortunately many never got painted and I sold them to a club member before moveing.

Quote from: Leman (Andy) on December 25, 2023, 11:59:15 AMIndeed, and this particular book inspired my original Successors and Republican Rome 15mm collection - much of it some remarkable Donnington figures. Unfortunately many never got painted and I sold them to a club member before moveing.

I think a lot of figure sculpts of the time were themselves inspired/closely modelled on those WRG line drawings!

Simon

Quote from: Colonel Kilgore on December 24, 2023, 06:05:17 AMI'm working through "The Death of Hitler" as some light holiday reading.

Given that we all know the ending, it's so far a surprisingly engaging book of exploring the Russian archives to get to the bottom of precisely what happened and how.

Simon

I've now finished the book, which is actually a fascinating historical detective story, with factual narrative woven in between the author's trials and tribulations over a period of more than 2 years in dealing with the bureaucracy of various Russian archives and how some, but not all, of that resistance was overcome.

The book is itself translated from the French original. This is hardly noticeable other than when the translator appears to have insufficient military knowledge e.g. all hanguns are "revolvers", even when they're clearly automatics, and the army rank of Major is usually rendered as Commander (seemingly from 'Commandant').

These niggles aside, a fascinating read with some useful identification of the Soviet units that closed in on Berlin in April 1945.

Simon

Given the news about the sad passing of Mike Sadler, it seems only fitting that I'm currently reading Gavin Mortimer's 'The Men who made the SAS'...

Neil

I've just finished "The Traitor of Colditz", by Robert Verkaik (an impulse buy, as I got it half-price at the airport).

It's actually a fascinating (real-life) story, tracking both a serial traitor and a very brave double-agent throughout the book.

A good read - and free to anyone going to the Berlin PBI day on Saturday!

Simon

Although not directly related to any current PP ranges, I am reading through War game scenarios: The Italian wars battles 1494-1559, by Rodolfo Maria Verginella. The battles range from small (Ebola 1495 9 units) through medium, large and huge (Ravenna 1512 41 units, including artillery).

Cons - the price. Available from Amazon but currently about 35+ pounds (I paid just over 40 euros from amazon.nl). There are a couple of minor errors, such as battle number 3 listed as battle number 1 in the table of figures needed. The same table lists stands for some units and figures for others (skirmishers). The OOBs do the same, listing units for all except pike blocks, where number of stands is given. Imagine my consternation when I thought I needed 16 pike blocks for a small battle. One OOB has a sub commander in the wrong place. The translator has chosen to leave some familiar names in Italian, such as Luigi XII of France.  The actual paper used is a bit rough, reminding me of inexpensive western novel paperbacks. The whole thing comes to 99 pages.

Pros - there are some of the lesser known battles included, such as Sanguetta 1497, Giovanni Borgia v Florence (Cesare still a cardinal at this point). Each battle features 2 clear colour maps - a terrain map for laying out the battlefield, and a second map showing troop or command deployment areas superimposed, with a clear key at the front of the book. The OOBs are well laid out in three separate columns for Furioso, Pike and Shotte and Impetus (the separate base info for pikes now makes sense as in Furioso they can be 8,12 or 16 bases strong). There are some additional rules/information included on most of the OOBs to allow for adjustments in the three different rulebooks. The chart at the end of the book is actually very useful for planning figure purchase. There is a further table at the back which rates the commanders poor, average, good and superior by nationality and by battle (although only one example), eg Gaston de Foix rated superior, but only Fornovo given, even though his most successful battle was Ravenna.This chart renders the names of the commanders in their more reccognisable form, thus Luigi XII is back to being Louis XII (and out of his green cap and overalls). Each battle is accompanied by a full description.Finally, despite the rough paper, the cover is sturdy card and has some sort of clear application enabling it to be wiped clean.

For those interested in historically gaming the Italian Wars I think the pros outweigh the cons and will provide the basis for many enjoyable games.

These "specific" type  books are usually worth the money as they are full of good information.
Also has good resale value and probably a short print run?



martin :)

You are absolutely right about the information contained Martin.

Reading Scicily by James Holland. A really interesting read on a theatre I know little about.

Reading the big Usborne book on Uniforms of WWI. Some of the German cavalry my brother haw sent are clearly cuirassiers, so will post a question about them in the Square Bashing section.

I've just finished Antony Beevor's "Ardennes 1944". I'd played in Big Mike's Ardennes game a few years back but hadn't read the history. This book covers a lot of ground and is very engaging - thoroughly recommended.

Simon

And just before that, I finally worked my way though Cornelius Ryan's "A Bridge Too Far", which I can't believe I'd never read before. At over 500 pages, it's a weighty tome packed full of detail - some of which I've seen re-appear in other books on the campaign.

Mr Ryan seems perhaps to have been the forerunner in incorporating the personal anecdotes of history that Antony Beevor and Max Hastings now do so well. It's also amazing to think that Ryan actually got to interview the majority of the leaders on both sides of the battle. Which included some "frank" thoughts from the American leadership on Monty!

Simon

Not just Antony Beevor and Max Hastings, but Mark Urban, James Holland and Stephen Ambrose write in this style too.
John

I very much enjoyed Antony Beevor's take on Arnhem.

I've just finished reading Frans G. Bengtsson's "The Long Ships" (in English, not the original Swedish).

This book dates (in English) from 1954, but is a wonderful and well-written/translated fictional romp through the hero's lifetime that includes his presence at the Battle of Maldon.

Recommended!

Simon

Any insights into the battle Simon?

martin :)

Quote from: martin goddard on October 10, 2024, 09:16:01 AMAny insights into the battle Simon?

martin :)

The Danes won and the English came second. That's about it, I'm afraid.

Simon

I think we can make that happen?


martin :)

Just finished Assignment Paris by Robert Brightwell a novel based on fact set in the Franco-Prussian War, featuring a lot of characters from the war, plus a fictional protagonist who is a war correspondent for a London newspaper. Apparently he is a nephew of the Flashman family, although this novel is not particularly comedic. As fate would have it the correspondent finds himself at Sarrebrucken, Spicheren, Sedan, getting a rough time with the the republican armies and franc tireurs around Orleans, then joining the Germans for the bombardment of Paris and ending up in the Paris commune. This is the first novel featuring this character, whose journalistic career will continue through the later C19th, so I expect Zulus, Afghans, Mahdists, Chinese and Boers will probably feature at some point, not to mention Turks, Russians, Americans, Spanish and Japanese. Could be an interesting series. The book also features adverts for the author's previous series set in the Napoleonic era and featuring another member of the Flashman family. All the author's books are available through Amazon. My copy was 10.99€.

Just finished Chastise by Max Hastings about the Dambusters raid.

Interesting take on it. It does a great job of the operation itself
bit also looks beyond the glory of the film and Guy Gibson, and considers the human element of the 1500 people who drowned, mainly women.

Recommended.

Civilian casualties in war always give folk something to think about.

martin

Quote from: martin goddard on January 07, 2025, 01:48:04 PMCivilian casualties in war always give folk something to think about.

martin

There was a set of modern rules  some years back where it was possible to produce  a refugee column as part of the terrain generation. Made one think about things

Quote from: Flaminpig0 on January 19, 2025, 03:12:46 PM

Quote from: martin goddard on January 07, 2025, 01:48:04 PMCivilian casualties in war always give folk something to think about.

martin

There was a set of modern rules  some years back where it was possible to produce  a refugee column as part of the terrain generation. Made one think about things

The scenario book Wargame Scenarios for All Ages has a scenario where a civilian group is being sheperded off the table by one side. The player can depict them as refugees, political bigwigs, ambulances etc.

It is a matter of taste of course.
I would not want to see a civilian convoy being shot up.
Reminds me of an IRA game at a convention.
Having said that, I am guilty of upsetting some gamers by making casualty figures.


martin :)

Bismarck's Wars: Wargames Rules for the Franco-Prussian War Period 1859-1871 by Nigel Emsen and Tony Hellard, pub. Helion

A while back I was asked to comment on these rules, which have been many, many months in development. Having recently received my copy I have not yet actually played them, but I do feel they will give me a good solo experience. However, there are a few problems which is why I have spent more time than usual reading and re-reading these rules several times. Some wargamers I previously played against in the UK used two expressions which I think are relevant here. Mates rules, i.e. the people who wrote them know how they work but have forgotten that not everyone has played them, causing omissions which to the authors are obvious. Secondly - a good game trying to get out, i.e. the rules have several areas which are confusing or unclear, but once clarified should give a good game. So, first of all the pros:

The rules have an easy to follow sequence, which is laid out clearly on the QRS, though not so much in the body of the rules. They are grid based and I shall be trying them out on my 4 inch gridded mat with 6mm figures. The units can be depicted on a single base. Activation is by playing cards, ideal for a solo player, with one army using the red suits and the other the black. Different cards allow different numbers of brigades to be activated, but these are different for different armies, eg. the Prussians can activate more than one brigade on more cards than the French can. The entire pack, shuffled, acts as a single deck and is the entire game, i.e. there is no reshuffle. The game can also end sooner. Terrain is very straightforward to deal with. Everything is done using D10s.

The cons: I shall work my way through, but the major problem is poor proof reading. The game introduction contains information pertinent to an earlier version which is not actually in the current rules. The flowery introduction is unnecessary. The introduction to the major wars of the period is overlong and unnecessary. If you are going to play this period then presumably you have an interest and have read up on it already. 16 pages on the four major European wars of the period are not going to give enough background information to dive into this period. A one page intro to the general development of tactics and weapons, accompanied by an easy to acquire bibliography would be much more useful for a novice player and not take up 16 valuable pages. The rules design section is useful, but classing all muzzle loading rifles the same ignores the fact that the Austrian Lorenz rifle outranged the Prussian Needle Gun.The sequence of play appears to be move or charge. If charging, then if morale successful the melee takes place immediately. Then movement of other units within the brigade(s), then shooting. Morale is taken as needed. This sequence is not actually stated in the rules I am still not sure if I have it right. The morale table is confusing until studied really, really closely. I would not have used the < and > signs; words are much clearer, e.g fail value of >2 is much clearer as break on a roll of 1, as stated in the rules but not on the table. A lack of worked examples of play could avoid these problems, but that unnecessary intro used up those valuable pages.

In conclusion I think there is a good game, and a relatively straightforward one, trying to get out, but a lot more thought needed to be given to the written explanation of the rules to minimise any confusion or misunderstanding. My final thought, if you are willing to work through the rules several times (51 actual pages of rules, including the design notes) you will probably get a good game. Otherwise stick to Walter Schnaffs/Krupp Bashing.

Andy, that's a pretty thorough summary 👍🏼. I hadn't encountered the term 'Mate's Rules', but it's a great descriptive for any set where the writer thinks things are self evident (but they're not...). Nice one.
Proof-reading absence / glitches are a bugbear with me...if you're going to go to the bother of publishing, why not get someone else to read the damn thing with a critical eye?

Quote from: Martin Smith on January 21, 2025, 01:35:04 PMAndy, that's a pretty thorough summary 👍🏼. I hadn't encountered the term 'Mate's Rules', but it's a great descriptive for any set where the writer thinks things are self evident (but they're not...). Nice one.
Proof-reading absence / glitches are a bugbear with me...if you're going to go to the bother of publishing, why not get someone else to read the damn thing with a critical eye?

Clearly this kind of thing is a bugbear. I wonder how many potentially decent sets of rules have rarely seen the light of day owing to these kinds of problems.

The Battle of Koniggratz 1866 - by Gordon Craig

My dad saw this and Caporetto, from the Great Battles series, on sale in Smith's, Llandudno, around 1969, when I was 16 or 17, and bought both of them for me. The Caporetto book was an excellent read, but it was Koniggratz that really fired my enthusiasm. At the time there were no figures available unless you were prepared to spend hours converting Airfix WWI figures. That was out of the question at the time as I was either preparing for the O Level exams or starting the A Level courses. Anyway, I am reading it again as I am preparing the armies for the 1866 campaigns (the Italians may come later). I had no figures for this until the early 2000s, and then only played small encounter battles, but now I want to play out the entire Bohemian campaign. Craig's book is something of a masterpiece as it is concise, well written and gripping, with really clear maps that would transfer well to a wargames table. These are a particularly good aspect of the book, as many books since have relied on reprinting old, highly cluttered, C19th maps. The clear text explains the opportunities that were grasped, the windows for victory that were missed and the tactical mistakes made by both sides. With a different command structure the Austrians may well have won as Moltke's plan of spliting his army into thee separated parts left him open to defeat in detail had the Austrians employed a more flexible and diciplined approach. However, only one Austrian commander, Gablenz, was of that disposition, and he was not the army commander-in-chief. This is the kind of book that inspires wargamers to want to try out this period. There are numerous rulebooks to further point the way, most notably Bruce Weigl's 1866 (coupled with his newer fast play rules, 1871, for which there is an 1866 playsheet), Chris Pringle's Bloody Big Battles, with scenarios in the supplement, Bloody Big European Battles, and Neil Thomas' C19th Wargame rules, which features two scenarios for 1866, with some additional rules to create 'what if games' from those two scenarios as well. I am also going to try out a couple of scenarios using the new Bismarck's Wars rules, which I reviewed earlier, as they are gridded rules specifically for this period. If you ever come across a copy of Craig's Koniggratz in a second hand bookshop then snap it up. It is an excellent read.

I'd forgotten that I'd pre-ordered "The Siege" by Ben MacIntyre (about the SAS at the Iranian Embassy) until it arrived today.

Looking forward to reading this one.

Simon

That's caught my eye too, Simon.

Well, I had been reading French Fiasco, a supposedly historically accurate novel set in the Franco-Prussian War. However the historically accurate turned out to be pure tosh, and the plot resembled a badly written Carry On farce. Needless to say I did not pursue this twaddle to the end.

So I am now giving my brain a rest by perusing the photos and their captions in the Pen and Sword book, The Germans in Flanders in 1914, which is much more interesting.

Just finished reading Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift Minute by Minute by Chris Peers. Puts the two battles into the perspective of the overall campaign and highlights how important communications are between split forces and the necessity for clear orders both in terms of content and to whom they are directed.
Now onto The Eagle and The Hart by Helen Castor about the struggle between Richard II and Henry Bolingbroke.
John

Sorry the title was Rorke's Drift and Isandlwana Minute by Minute.
John

Ah, that sounds like a totally different book John 😂🤣😅

I think they are 9 miles apart, which is very close in 19th century military terms. 

It would be very helpful if you can tell us the comments on the quality of the British command. System and personalities.  I know little about this aspect of the war.


I assume they had side burns and went to Eton?

martin :)

I think going to Eton was probably a harrowing experience.

One of the major themes is about the quality of command and orders issued from Lord Chelmsford and his HQ. Apart from splitting his forces, it seems the general would issue an order without considering how the person receiving it would interpret it, thus creating confusion and uncertainty. Hr also created situations where officers of equal ranks joined forces but neither was sure which one of the was in command, as no order was given.
At Rorke's Drift Chard assumed command over Bromhead as his commission pre-dated Bromhead's by a couple of weeks (I think).
It is an interesting read and I can pass it on to you Martin, if you like.
John

Quote from: Sean Clark on May 12, 2025, 07:35:22 AMAh, that sounds like a totally different book John 😂🤣😅

And it was written by Piers Christopher?  ;D

Simon

I will have a little read up on lord Chelmsford John

martin :)

Quote from: Colonel Kilgore on May 09, 2025, 05:00:35 PMI'd forgotten that I'd pre-ordered "The Siege" by Ben MacIntyre (about the SAS at the Iranian Embassy) until it arrived today.

Looking forward to reading this one.

Simon

I've now read the book, and found it excellent. One of the critics' comments was that you can't put it down, and that was certainly my experience.

It also reminded me which John Wayne film (Rio Lobo) I was watching at the time when it was rudely interrupted by the events at the Embassy.

Simon

You must have been one of the few ? The rest of us were watching the snooker !
Miles

It seems from the book that that was indeed the case!

Simon

I was definitely  watching snooker. Cliff Thorburn was one of the players!

I've just ordered the book on Audible. Looking forward to diving in. The author makes a great narrator too.

Did your journey home go OK Sean?

martin :)

Yes, home in good time. I did a bit of shopping at Entoyment as I like to support the shop whilst I'm there and was home just before 8pm, in time for tea  :)

Dee Brown - Grierson's Raid

This was the Civil War event that inspired the John Wayne/William Holden film, The Horse Soldiers. The book, however, tells the real story, which was just as exciting but very much a 'let's go and get this job done' affair. After all John Wayne could not play a music teacher with a wife and kids back home, or second fiddle to some of the exploits of the other officers and NCOs who appear in the book. Grierson himself split his command, sending one of his three regiments, commanded by a very able colonel Hatch, to disrupt the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, to disguise the fact that he was aiming to cause maximum damage to the Vicksburg Railroad at Newton Station. In the film the officer representing Hatch is depicted as a silly old argumentative duffer that Wayne just wants to get rid of. The film also leaves out key elements, such as the attempts to stop Grierson, the activities of Confederate Home Guard militia, and those southerners less enamoured with the Confederacy who helped Grierson. I am about halfway through, but I don't think Miss Dindong Dingdong or the military school cadets will be putting in an appearance. Nevertheless, an excellent description of how a deep raid into enemy territory was carried out by the US cavalry.

A great book Andy. Dee Brown (still alive at 94) also did "Bury my Heart at wounded Knee".


martin :)

Currently reading Villa and Zapata by Frank McLyn. Very good and readable account of the Mexican Revolution.

Sounds good Sean
Zapata always seems to be the better commander. This is in relation to his tactics and what he achieved with the things/men/materiel he had.

The major considered for FM is that everyone dies.


martin :)

Just ordered the ospreys Modern African books (1-5) as well as the Rhodesian Light Infantry as they are doing a small website sale, direct from Osprey.
Also "Dogs of War" as recommended by Simon P.
 I would recommend "the Wild Geese" book it is quite different from the film, as is usual? As I ve just finished it.
But good luck on finding a cheap source ? The price for now has shot up stupidly!
Miles

The Tide at Sunrise, a history of the Russo-Japanese War by Denis and Peggy Warner (yes, it is with only one N). This is quite an old book now but is a really full account of both the army and naval sides to this first major war of the C20th. It also deals with the rise of Japan as a world power in just 50 years (which itself is a fascinating read) and the problems and weaknesses of the Russian Empire from the 1850s on. I have supplemented this with Osprey's Armies of the Russo-Japanese War and Russian Soldier versus Japanese Soldier.

Quote from: Leman (Andy) on July 28, 2025, 10:35:15 AMThe Tide at Sunrise, a history of the Russo-Japanese War by Denis and Peggy Warner (yes, it is with only one N). This is quite an old book now but is a really full account of both the army and naval sides to this first major war of the C20th. It also deals with the rise of Japan as a world power in just 50 years (which itself is a fascinating read) and the problems and weaknesses of the Russian Empire from the 1850s on. I have supplemented this with Osprey's Armies of the Russo-Japanese War and Russian Soldier versus Japanese Soldier.

10mm Pendraken project incoming Andy?

Those COMBAT "versus" books are a really nice read.
I often buy them, even for periods I have no immediate interest in.


martin :)

Quote from: Sean Clark on July 28, 2025, 11:59:54 AM10mm Pendraken project incoming Andy?

Actully thinking Baccus using proxies, of which there are many, that way I can get the little blighters on my table.

Quote from: Leman (Andy) on July 29, 2025, 11:10:40 AM

Quote from: Sean Clark on July 28, 2025, 11:59:54 AM10mm Pendraken project incoming Andy?

Actully thinking Baccus using proxies, of which there are many, that way I can get the little blighters on my table.

Good choice. The Pendraken range does look  nice though.

Background reading around the Russian conquest of the Caucasus 1802-1813, fighting rebellious hillmen, disgruntled Georgians, Persian Khanates, Ottomans and a young Qajar Crown Prince Abbas Mirza and his European-trained sarbaz battalions. Just read about Princess Mariam Tsitsishvili, Dowager Queen of Giorgi XII. She was attempting to flee and join up with Prince Alexander Bagrationi who was leading an anti-Russian coalition. She stabbed the Russian commander, General Lazarev, while her children attacked some soldiers as they attempted to detain her. All good heart-warming stuff which makes the intrigues and machinations of 'Game of Thrones' a Reader's Digest version by comparison.

Neil