Index, bibliography, maps, ill, p.173.non-fictionThe German army in the Second World War sought to fight and win swift, decisive victories in a succession of short campaigns - blitzkrieg, or lightning war. Flexibility was as essential as the will to win. Battle groups, or shock troops, were created from miscellaneous, and often disparate military units to undertake a specific local operation; it was the army's skill in combining superior numbers, aggressive tactics and the battle group commander's ability to exploit the changing situation on the ground which brought success on the battlefield.

The actions described here cover all theatres of the war, and include battle groups large and small, deployed usually to smash a breach in the enemy line or seal off an enemy penetration. It covers operations in the first dynamic years when Wehrmacht forces defeated the armies of one European country after another in fast campaigns, through to the years after Stalingrad and Africa as they moved towards defeat. 

The battle groups' contribution to Wehrmacht fortunes offer powerful lessons in the tactics of battle management and this book by James Lucas, a military historian known for his close studies of the German soldier, is considered to be one of the most detailed and authoritative accounts on the subject. Collapse summary germany - armed forces - history, germany - regimental histories

Index, bibliography, notes, ill, maps, p.374.non-fictionhis is the largely unknown story of another Anzac force, which fought not at Gallipoli, but in Greece, during World War II. Desperately outnumbered and fighting in deeply inhospitable conditions, these Anzacs found themselves engaging in a long retreat through Greece, under constant air attack. Most of the Anzac Corps was evacuated by the end of April 1941, but many men got only as far as Crete. Fighting a German paratroop invasion there in May, large numbers were taken captive and spent four long years as prisoners of the Nazis. The campaign in Greece turned out to have uncanny parallels to the original Gallipoli operation: both were inspired by Winston Churchill, both were badly planned by British military leaders, and both ended in defeat and evacuation. Just as Gallipoli provided military academies the world over with lessons in how not to conduct a complex feat of arms, Churchill's Greek adventure reinforced fundamental lessons in modern warfare - heavy tanks could not be stopped by men armed with rifles, and Stuka dive-bombers would not be deflected by promises of air support from London that were never honoured. In this revised edition, based on fresh archival research, and containing a collection of previously unpublished photos, the truth finally emerges as to how the Australian, Greek, and New Zealand Governments were misled over key decisions that would define the campaign. world war 1939-1945 - campaigns - greece, greek campaign - australian involvement

Index, ill, maps, p.274.non-fictionSixty years ago, specially trained men were parachuted onto a Norwegian glacier, carrying only the most basic equipment. Their mission was to prevent the Nazi regime from building an atomic bomb. Now wilderness expert Ray Mears tells the true story of this gruelling campaign, showing how these men's ability to survive in extreme conditions influenced the outcome of the Second World War. Using crucial military information which has only recently been declassified, shows how a highly secretive operation came into being. Titleworldwar 1939-1945 - special operations, norwegian heavy water sabotage

Bibliography, ill, maps, p.304.non-fictionThis book describes the battles on the Eastern front in 1944 which resulted in the destruction of Army Group Centreworld war 1939-1945 - campaigns - soviet union, operation bagration

Index, ill, p.190.non-fictionThe biography of Joe Leach and his exploits in World War twoworld war 1939 – 1945 – aerial operations - australia, joe leach - biography

Ill, maps, p.203.non-fictionPacked with interesting anecdotes this book brings to life events that have escaped or have been overlooked about Australian military historyworld war 1939 – 1945 – aerial operations - australia, catalina - seaplane

Index, bibliography, notes, ill (b/w), p.348.From the 1930s through WWII to Afghanistan today, from total war to counterinsurgency, this history unravels and defines the intangible qualities that differentiate the "Sky Men" from other soldiers Seventy years ago the Parachute Regiment was formed - the army's elite air assault force was tough, well-trained, and designed to fight hazardous operations behind enemy lines with little or no backup. Dropping into the middle of enemy territory, these "Sky Men"- British, American, German, and Russian soldiers - engage in gruelling combat in the most dangerous conflict zones around the world. Ex-Parachute Regiment officer Robert Kershaw reveals the history of these airborne forces and their role during the most dramatic battles of the 20th century. He finds out what drives a "Sky Man" to take these extraordinary risks, and what marks these sky warriors out from ordinary soldiers. How do military paratroopers conquer the fear of jumping from aircraft at low level, by night, and frequently under fire? Has the helicopter replaced the need for parachutists in the 21st Century? Has the increasing lethality of anti-aircraft weapons made the airborne option redundant? These issues are examined alongside the personal experiences of the Soviet "Locust Warriors," German Fallschirmjäger, British Red Devils, American "devils in baggy-pants," and Les Paras. Based on letters, diaries, and exclusive interviews with soldiers from around the world, this book is full of vivid personalities and nail-biting action.great britain - history - military, great britain - parachute regiment

Index, ill (b/w), p.170.non-fictionThe de Havilland mosquito was the most versatile and successful military aircraft of World War Two, used in a variety of rolesde havilland mosquito, world war 1939-1945 - aerial operations - britain

ill, p.60.non-fictionPhotos of Australian service men and women in wars, conflicts and peace operations.australia - history - military, australia - military history

Ill, map, p.352.non-fictionJim Molan is the Australian General who served in Iraq with the Coalition during 2004-05. Initially, under General Ricardo Sanchez, he worked on infrastructure: trying to restore/maintain the provision of water, power and rail services. Under General George W. Casey, he became Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Operations with the Multi National Forces Iraq and ran the operations for all the US and Coalition forces assigned to the Iraqi area of operations. He had to interact with the new interim Iraqi government, bringing the political, diplomatic, information, economic and reconstruction sectors into line with the military side. In this book he describes his background and military career, but focuses on describing key aspects of his time in Iraq.australian army - iraq war - 2003, iraq war - personal narratives

Index, bibliography, ill, p.168.non-fictionThe operations of Australian clandestine units during the second world warmilitary art and science - australia, secret service - australia

Index, ill, p.360.non-fictionAustralians have fought in overseas wars for more than a century and created a legend of land, sea and in the air. This new edition of a famous pictorial history, constantly reprinted since its publication in 1991, brings their remarkable story up to date and includes an account of recent operations in Timor, Afgahnistan and Iraq.australia - history - military, australia - military participation - history

Ill, p.80.non-fictionA US military pilots reminisces of his tour in Vietnamvietnam conflict 1961-1975 - aerial operations, vietnam conflict 1961-1975 - personal recollections

Index, notes, Appendices, ill, p.134.In 'Seagulls, Cruisers and Catapults' Ray Jones has written an authoritative account of the technical, operational and political aspects of Australian naval aviation from Admiral Creswell's 1913 plan for naval aviation until the last aircraft catapult was removed from an Australian cruiser in 1944.The Navy's role as catalyst in the formation of the Air Force is outlined for the first time and details of the sometimes acrimonius struggle between Navy and Air Force over naval aviation are provided. No serious work of RAN history can deal with the mid-war years without taking account of advice from London and the Admiralty's influence on RAN aviation planning is made clear. Operation of aircraft, such as the Seagull III and Seagull V amphibians, from Australian warships are described and the rationale of cruiser aircraft operations are illustrated by the number shot down or damaged performing their essential task in wartime. The vital role of aircraft operating from cruisers searching for raiders and taking part in fleet operations defending Australia in 1942 is stressed. Extensive archival research in Melbourne, Canberra and London, combined with hours of interviews with the men who flew aircraft from cruisers and carrier, has ensured a balanced and well-rounded narrative which is an essential addition to the library of any naval or aviation history enthusiast.airplanes - military - australia, world war 1939-1945 - naval operations - australia

Bibliography, ill, maps, p.692.non-fictionThis landmark book explores the richness and diversity of Australian military history, which has had a profound impact on the development of Australia. The two world wars - destructive yet often ennobling commitments for the young nation - have been the most important experiences for several generations of Australians, but military considerations and obligations have had a pervasive influence throughout Australian history. Just as it would be impossible to form a proper understanding of that history without due consideration of Gallipoli, the Kokoda Track, and conscription, it would be difficult to exaggerate the abiding influence of the 'digger' and the Anzac legend. From the beginnings of European settlement and the violence that accompanied it, to the more recent engagement of Australian forces in the Gulf War and peace-keeping operations in Africa, military questions have been a constant theme in the story of Australia. Anzac and Gallipoli are well-known names in the consciousness, but they can only be fully appreciated if examined in a wider context. This book does just that, providing a detailed analysis of Australian military achievements and an assessment of the importance of war in Australian history. The Oxford Companion to Australian Military History covers all aspects of this complex and fascinating subject. It contains more than 800 individual entries, written by leading military historians. All the major campaigns and battles are examined, along with significant military and civilian figures, such as Thomas Blamey, John Monash, John Curtin, Albert Jacka and Charles Bean. There are articles on weapons and weapons systems and on the development of the individual services and their component parts. The roles of industry, science and technology are analysed, and a series of essay-length articles discusses key aspects of our military legacy, including military humour and the impact of war on Australian film, television and literature. Here, then, is the most comprehensive guide to Australian military history, ranging from the colonial period to the 1990s. The Companion is supplemented by 100 photographs and by more than 30 maps. It is an indispensable source for students, specialists and general readers alike. Collapse summary australia - armed forces - history, australia - armed forces - encyclopaedias

Index, bib, ill, maps, p.386.non-fictionThis book] recounts the military operations: the slogging war on the ground as well as the U.N. naval superiority and the importance of air power. He also explains the diplomatic background of international relations between China and the West, the communist propaganda in the north, the issue of prisoners-of-war, the talks leading to the armistice and the creation of the demilitarized zonekorea - history, korean war 1950-1953 - history

Index, bib, ill, p.453.non-fictionThis book unravels the complex workings of these deadly secret armies hidden from public scrutinyspecial forces - operations - 20th century, military history - 20th century

Ill, p.380.non-fictionBased on his diaries, this is a frank account of how Mason came first in French Foreign Legion basic training, trained other Legionnaires, went to Africa, did sniper, commando and medic's training and took part in two operations, both in the Republic of Djibouti, where a civil war nearly crippled the nation. It tells of his daily life in the Legion, in the training regiment, in Africa and with the Legion's Parachute Regiment. But more than this, David's gripping account reveals his disillusionment, frustration and disappointments, and how the Legion today is not what it seems.soldiers - australia - biography, france - military history

The Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) is a military decoration of the United States Armed Forces. The medal was established on July 2, 1926, and is currently awarded to any persons who, after April 6, 1917, distinguish themselves by single acts of heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. Both heroism and extraordinary achievement are entirely distinctive, involving operations that are not routine. The medal may be awarded to friendly foreign military members in ranks equivalent to U.S. Pay Grade of O-6 and below, in combat in support operations.Distinguished Flying Cross medal in a wooden frame with glass front. Gold coloured medal described as "First Oak Leaf Cluster" attached to blue, white and red striped ribbon mounted on navy blue velvet.distinguished flying cross, alan reed, united states air force, vietnam

This is a history of military engagement. Its subjects are the forces and the men committed to battle in the prolonged air contest between United States and North Vietnam.vietnam war, 1961-1975 - aerial operations - american, north vietnam

The battle, code-named Operation Attleboro, began with a simple purpose: to block a Vietcong attack on an Americian base camp that was expected to occur in time to attect elections in the United States.vietnam war, 1961-1975 - campaigns, vietnamese wars battle of dau tieng, the battle of dau tieng, the battle of dong minh chau, operation attleboro, american base camp, vietcong

Running Recon is a combination military memoir and combat photography book. It reflects both the author's experiences in Kontum, Vietnam, from April 1969 to April 1970 as part of the top secret Studies and Obversation Group (SOG ).united states. military assistance command, vietnam. studies and observations group -- history, 1961-1975 -- regimental histories -- united states, vietnam war, 1961-1975 -- reconnaissance operations, green berets, sog, vietnam. studies and observations group

This book is dedicated to all of SOG's secret warriors, and especially to the SOG men caputured but never released.united states. military assistance command, vietnam. studies and observations group, vietnam war, 1961-1975 -- commando operations -- united states, sog, sog warriers

Commonly mistaken for the locally raised Viet Cong, the NVA was an entirely different force, conducting large-scale operations in a conventional war.vietnam (democratic republic) -- armed forces., vietnam (democratic republic) -- history, military

378 photographs - including 136 in full colour - illustrate this specatular overview of US aviation during the war in Vietnam vietnam war, 1961-1975 - aerial operations, american - pictorial works, airplanes, military - united states - pictorial works

At the height of the Vietnam War, allied tactical fighter aircraft flew over 700 missions every day against ground targets across the southern republic.vietnamese conflict, 1961-1975 - aerial operations - american, air pilots ., military - australia - personal narratives.

This is the graphic and untold story of the pilots and crews of Australia's fleet of Iroquois helicopters during the Vietnam War - their triumphs and losses, and the legacy of the experience that many still carry today. vietnamese conflict, 1961-1975 -- aerial operations, australian, military helicopters -- vietnam, royal australian air force

This book gives a valuable insight into Australia's military involvement in South East Asia and Papua New Guinea as experieced by infantry officer, Pat Beale. australia. army -- officers -- .biography., australia. australian army. royal australian regiment. battalion, 1st -- officers -- biography., pat beale