Ill, p.80.Illustrated and textual description of British World War II fightersfighters - british, aerial warfare - world war ii

Local Newspaper reporting World War 2 eventsLocal Newspaper reporting World War 2Local Newspaper Dated 17/9/1940 - Pages 1 & 2 - and Last two - Special - My War Part 9Head-line - British Fighters Rout Raiders - Battle of Britianthe sun newspaper dated 17/9/1940, world ar 2 - battle of britian, special - my war part 9

This type of sight was used in British fighter aircraft C1941No significance but of general interest example of technology of the timeMetal instrument with glass lens and reflector plate at top. At the base are incremented adjuster wheels with light fitting and power leads.A- M Reflector sight Mark IIs. AM serial No.22238/4 Stores Ref No. 88/2350

Account of a World War 1 British fighter pilot.208 p. pbk.

1. Taken 1944 at Liverpool base with a mix of men and women including "Beryl Scrimshaw" (Morrel) from British Army. 2. Aug 1944, Liverpool base, formal photo of men and women in uniform and some women in white coats at same location. 3. Women in uniform in WW2 in front of a British Fighter plane. Refer Cat no. 304P & 315.1. Black and white photo, 14 women and 2 men in British uniforms in formal photo in front of buildings. 2. Black and white photo, same location as photo 1, mix of men and women in uniform and some women in white coats. 3. Black and white photo, heavily creased of 6 women in uniform in a field in front of a fighter plane.1. & 2. Both have the stamp of photographer on back and a note saying photo taken in Liverpool Aug 1944. 3. Identification notes written on back and identification of Unit - faded and hard to read.british army, liverpool, uk, ww2

Collection of The Sun Supplement My War WWII (WWII) Newspapers (Missing a number of editions)world war 1939 - 1945

Printed on border under map: These escape maps were carried in the zip pockets of life jackets by fighter pilots in WW2. This map was presented to A.S.R on the 12/7/79 by Councillor Ian McKenzie, Mayor of Eaglehawk who served as a fighter pilot in 78 Sqn. in Sth. W. Pacific are during 1943-44.Map of eastern section of New Guinea. Black print on white background with mountain ridges in tan. Inset 'A' is New Britain. Inset 'B' is New Ireland. Inset 'C' is Manus Island. Map is mounted with cream border, brown wooden frame with glass front and fawn wooden backing.maps, ww2

The 30mm cartridge was used in British ADEN aerial machine guns. Introduced in the UK in 1954. The ADEN 30mm guns were used in Australian C.A.C.SABRE fighter jets between 1953 and 1965. The A/P variant shell had a muzzle velocity of 2610 feet/sec. There were two ADEN M/Gs on a C.A.C. SABRE..1) 30mm Projectile. This has an aluminium nose cone. The projectile is probably armour piercing. .2) Brass case. This has a double flanged base..1 Projectile, no markings. .2 Shell case. Stamped on the side is RA2/2948arms - ammunition, military history

The seven photographs shown above are part of an anonymous donation, by a relative, of the photographic collection of a former member of No. 3 Squadron RAAF 1939-1945. They cover the African, Sicily and Italian campaigns. The entire collection comprises 175 photographs. The collection has been divided into sets depicting various aspects of 3 Squadron operations. The above images are representative of this particular set of 34 photographs, featuring allied aircraft from British and American squadrons that that shared airfields with 3 Squadron in Africa and Italy. Of note are the photographs from Foggia in Italy, home to dozens of bomber and fighter squadrons. The museum has digitized the complete set.Set of 34 black and white photographs featuring Allied aircraft from other squadrons, Australian, British and American. The full set numbering and description is as follows: 9664.01P Avro Anson Africa.jpg 9664.02P B 17 Italy 2.jpg 9664.03P B17 Italy.jpg 9664.04P B17 Lil Joan 346 Bombr Squadron 99th bomb group Italy.jpg 9664.05P B17.jpg 9664.06P B24 Foggia Italy.jpg 9664.07P B24 Liberator Italy.jpg 9664.08P B24 Transport.jpg 9664.09P B25 Mitchell 1943.jpg 9664.10P B25 Mitchell Italy.jpg 9664.11P Beaufighter with nose radar.jpg 9664.12P Beaufighter.jpg 9664.13P Beaufort.jpg 9664.14P Bristol Blenheim.jpg 9664.15P Bristol Bombay 1st Ambulance Air Unit Africa.jpg 9664.16P Crashed Havoc.jpg 9664.17P Crashed Liberator Italy.jpg 9664.18P Crashed Spitfire.jpg 9664.19P DeHavilland DH86 .jpg 9664.20P Formation of Baltimores at Mtapin Malapis.jpg 9664.21P Havoc.jpg 9664.22P Hawker Fury Africa.jpg 9664.23P Lightening.jpg 9664.24P Lockheed Hudson.jpg 9664.25P Mosquito.jpg 9664.26P P38 Lightning Italy.jpg 9664.27P P47D Thunderbolt.jpg 9664.28P P47G Thunderbolt .jpg 9664.29P Shanghai Lil insignia on Mitchell Loggia Italy 1943.jpg 9664.30P Vultee Vengeance .jpg 9664.31P Walrus.jpg 9664.32P Wellington.jpg 9664.33P Wimpy.jpg 9664.34P Harrow.jpgno. 3 squadron raaf 1939-1945, african campaign ww2, italian campaign ww2, raf squadrons, usaaf squadrons

The de Havilland DH.98 Mosquito is a British twin-engine shoulder-winged multi-role combat aircraft. The crew of two, pilot and navigator, sat side by side. It served during and after the Second World War. It was one of few operational front-line aircraft of the era whose frame was constructed almost entirely of wood and was nicknamed The Wooden Wonder. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Havilland_MosquitoIt is one of the paradoxes of aircraft development that some of the world's greatest aeroplanes have achieved their fame doing jobs other than the one they were originally designed for. No better example of this could be found than the Mosquito, which, conceived as a bomber, became one of the war's most potent fighters. More than this, indeed, it was probably the most successfully versatile of any twin-engined type built between 1939 and 1945. It excelled in all the widely varied roles. Its duties included the duties of low-level and high-attack day and night bomber, long-range photo-reconnaissance, mine layer, pathfinder, high-speed military transport, long-range day and night fighter, and fighter-bomber. It served in Europe, the Middle and Far East and on the Russian front. In fact, the ubiquitous Mosquito reigned supreme among General Purpose types. Of the grand total of 7,781 Mosquitos built, 6,710 were delivered during the war years. www.aviation-history.com/dehavilland/mosquito.html Rectangular shaped picture frame showing Mosquito fighter plane.fighter planes, ww2, british aircraft, mosquito fighter planes, lara r.s.l.

The Hawker Hurricane is a British single-seat fighter aircraft of the 1930s–40s that was designed and predominantly built by Hawker Aircraft Ltd. for service with the Royal Air Force (RAF). It was overshadowed in the public consciousness by the Supermarine Spitfire's role during Battle of Britain in 1940, but the Hurricane actually inflicted 60 percent of the losses sustained by the Luftwaffe in the engagement, and it went on to fight in all the major theatres of the Second World War. Url Hurricane.html. The Hawker Hurricane Mk.IIc - LF363, first flew on the 1st January 1944 and is believed to be the last Hurricane to enter service in the RAF. It was in service with 63 squadron and 26 squadron. After hostilities, LF363 was spared the scrap yard and used on various station flights and also appeared in films 'Angels one five', 'Reach for the Sky' and 'The Battle of Britain'. Whilst flying to Jersey in September 1991, LF363 suffered engine problems and had to be diverted to RAF Wittering but on the final approach the aircraft suffered complete engine failure and had to make an emergency landing. The pilot was saved with relative minor injuries (a broken ankle and minor burns) but the aircraft suffered severe damage. Historic Flying Limited completely rebuilt LF363 and by 1998 it was flying again as part of the B.B.M.F. LF363 currently wears the colour scheme of a Mk.I Hurricane of 17 squadron, P3878 'YB-W' which was flown by Flying Office Harold Bird-Wilson at Debden and Tangmere. Harold 'Birdy' Bird-Wilson had previously been badly burned in a pre-war flying accident. Upon his recovery he joined 17 squadron and fought through the 'Battle of France' and the 'Battle of Britain' achieving 6 confirmed kills. On 24th September 1940, 'Birdy' was shot down by Adolf Galland, his 40th 'kill', and had to bale out. 'Birdy' survived the war and when he retired from the RAF he had reached the rank of Vice Marshall and had been awarded the CBE, DSO, DFC & Bar and the AFC & Bar. British single-seat fighter aircraft manufactured by Hawker Aircraft, Ltd., in the 1930s and ’40s. The Hurricane was numerically the most important British fighter during the critical early stages of World War II, sharing victory laurels with the Supermarine Spitfire in the Battle of Britain (1940–41) and the defense of Malta (1941–42). Hurricanes served in all theatres of war where British forces were engaged. https://www.britannica.com/technology/Hurricane-airplane Framed coloured picture print on plastic sheetOn the aircraft are the markings LF 363

Australian contribution to air fighting against Germany and Italy with Australia being a small force against the larger, stronger air forces. The smaller Australian Airmen were merged into the Royal Air Force.Historical record of the AIR effort 1939-1943Australia in the War of 1939-1945 - Air War Against Germany and Italy 1939-1943 Illustrations, Maps, Diagrams and Graphs, MapsAustralian War Memorialgermany, italy, the battle of britain, syria, western desert, fighter squadrons in 1941, bomber command 1941, radar bombing, air war, tunisia, pathfinder raids, invasion of sicily, night fighters

Fw 190A-3 (Werk Nr 0313) at Farnborough, Hampshire, summer 1942. Faber's Fw 190A-3 now with British markings and being test flown by the RAF. There is no doubt that its study and that of the engine measurably assisted in the development of the Centaurus installation design of the Typhoon II (later to become the Tempest II, and eventually the Hawker Fury). Nevertheless its capture in no way compromised the appearance of the much faster A-4, and no doubt gave false confidence in the Spitfire IX's ability to out-fly the Fw 190. Rectangular shaped glass covered photo frame

Combination of three movie films. Movie One (1950s): 00:00 – 13:14 Black and white footage of Diamond Creek firemen practising in Diamond Street in the 1950s for forthcoming demonstrations of abilities. Mentions of Gordon Brandy and Joe Hislop Running out hoses from old hose reels along Diamond Street, Diamond Creek Displays from various brigades running out and connecting hoses. Also scenes from the 1950s of Diamond Creek Fire Brigade competing in various locations around Victoria and Tasmania. Mentions of Brigade members Dave Kidd, Bruce Hackett, Ron Kirkbride, Jack Marks, Graham Upton who are prominent in these events. Members of Kyneton Fire Brigade also present. Members competing in running out hose reels, connecting hoses togethers and to hydrants then climbing towers to direct water from hose or at a target hanging above the road. Diamond Creek members identified wearing a diamond on their chest and back. Includes scenes of Scottish pipe bands at the events and significant crowds of spectators. Footage of Mel Stone and Beryl Marks, Stan Redpath and Ron Kirkbride, then Ron Kirkbride and Eric Holt viewing flower displays. Film changes to colour at Diamond Creek oval for practice with fire engine entering oval. Members depicted include Bill May, Jack Sinclair, Jim Cox, Bob Beale, Dave Kidd, Bruce Hackett and Captain Clarrie Stone. Reverts to black and white in the 1950s where the Brigade joins forces with the Diamond Valley Community Hospital for a Gala Day on the Diamond Creek Oval. Changes to colour again, possibly same event and scenes of children on bikes and scooters or with prams and carts racing around the oval. Mention of young lad Brian Laurie who has his own fire truck. Dart throwing, pony rides. Scenes with Dr Don Cordner, Gus Lyons, Vic Cohn (?) and spinning wheel and Diamond Creek School children entertain a large crowd with Maypole dancing. Movie Two (1950s): 13:25 – 19:00 This black and white film was taken by a TV film crew in the 1950s depicts a typical call out for the Diamond Creek Fire Brigade. In this case the careless action of a member of the public throwing a lighted match from a car, which can cause extensive damage. Footage features the Shire of Eltham War Memorial tower at Kangaroo Ground before it was modified with a fire spotter’s cabin. Discusses fire spotting operations from the tower. Shows a fire spotter walking around the top of the tower. A fire is detected, and the information is relayed to the nearest fire station, in this case, Diamond Creek. The telephone call is received, and the alarm sounded. Captain Clarrie Stone and firemen May and Shaw leave their workplaces and prepare for action. Scenes of running across the Main Hurstbridge road showing the shops (Shell service station and Chemist prominent). Scenes entering the fire station which has a pictorial warning covering the entire door “Only you can prevent forest fires – If you’re careless – we’re homeless!” Eric Holt pinpoints the location of the fire while Captain Clarrie Stone and Fireman Shaw take note. The advance vehicle (an FE Holden ute, rego GTE-696) leaves to assess the extent of the fire. Having assessed the fire, Fireman Shaw communicates with base showing radio with call sign VL3JZ. Eric Holt takes the call. In the meantime, Captain Clarrie Stone and Fireman Shaw undertake some limited action to address the fire. Firemen Bill May, Jim Bates and Hugh Bar (?) man the tanker. A photo portrait of Queen Elizabeth is visible hanging on the wall. They are later joined by Firemen Jim Cox, Eric DeBuse (?) and Jack Marks. The tanker is seen departing the station and diverging off before the bridge. Captain Clarrie Stone and Fireman Shaw are seen pumping water on the flames with hand pumps when the tanker arrives. The hose is unreeled, and water turned on the flames. Jack Sinclair joins the action. Jim Cox directs water to the high stuff. The fire put out, Jack Marks and Eric DeBuse wind in the hoses and the team head back to town. It’s peaceful again at the memorial tower. Movie Three (1969-1987): 19:14 – 34:34 Colour film “Fired with Dedication”, Country Fire Authority Victoria, produced by I.L. Wadeson, Commentary by A.M. Hem. Credits with CFA Victoria emblem and then placed over a view of an old-style ladder engine. Opens with the scene of a fire engine outside the Diamond Creek Fire Station then various trophies reflecting the competition success of the brigade in various track and disciplined events. Two trophies shown of particular pride to the brigade were for first place in the Torchlight Procession at the State Championships in Mildura in 1986 and also at Swan Hill in 1981. Still photo scenes of ex Captain Clarrie Stone, Brigade Captain for 21 years; ex Captain Jack Marks, 10 years; ex Captain Ian Douglas, 10 years. Cuts to scene of radio control room, January 1969, and news of a fire on the northern side of the township of Diamond Creek. With scenes of flames in bush, the narration explains that until the early 1960s the area was an orchard district which protected the town against the savagery of bushfires. But due to competition from other areas more suitable for orcharding and easier transport to Melbourne the district could no longer remain competitive, and orchards were replaced by grassed areas, which together with the bush areas were a feeding ground for fire. On 8th January 1969, high temperatures and strong north winds, were, with the carelessness of some individual all that was necessary to produce the worst fire the district had seen. Cuts to scene of blackened fields and cattle - Hundreds of hectares of grass land were blackened, and cattle had to be transported to other areas for agistment. Scene of destroyed buildings in the township – 13 houses and the public hall in the town were destroyed as was the theatre equipment which was owned by the fire brigade. The Church of England Hall and bell tower were badly damaged. The whole town could have been burnt out but for the determination, skill, and courage of the Diamond Creek Fire Brigade. Scenes of all that was left of the home on the hill on the west side of the Church of England. Also, the remains of the old Pisy (?) home on the top of the same hill near Lambert Street, and the ruined Crocker home. Cuts to a scene in the mid-1970s to mid-1980s of a house fire in Haley Street attended by the Diamond Creek Fire Brigade. Although the house was severely damaged, it was saved. Mentions that whilst assistance is appreciated, in some circumstances, those doing so are not properly dressed for fighting fires. Breathing apparatus is a must in structure fire attack. Next scene (either on Mangarook or Coventry oval) showing off four Diamond Creek Fire Brigade efficient and very expensive firefighting units. Features a forward control vehicle Toyota 4WD used for conveying task force personnel to the required areas; a Hino Model 3.2 tanker, diesel powered and carries 3,000 litres of water and has a 16 HP petrol driven pump which delivers 900 litres of water per minute; an International tanker (registration TCM-418) which carries 3,000 litres of water with pumping capacity of 600 litres per minute. The Ford diesel powered pumper (registration MXE-754) is a well-equipped vehicle with a water capacity of 1,000 litres and capable of pumping 1,900 litres of water per minute from the main pump, has many lockers which hose equipment such as breathing apparatus and various types of hose nozzles and foam making equipment. The vehicle carries 360m of 64mm diameter hose which can be laid out from the rear lockers and a portable lighting plant, an Oxy Viva resuscitator to revive smoke inhalation victims and forcible entry tools to gain access to structure fires. Views of the main pump and control panel on the vehicle. As well as the main pump, the vehicle is equipped with an auxiliary pump which allows the facility to pump whilst moving. Fire fighters must undergo constant training and hone their skills, Scenes of a training exercise using the pumper to pump from static water. First, the short lengths of suction hose are coupled, a strainer fitted to ensure debris does not foul the pump. Gauges must be constantly monitored to ensure manageable water pressures are maintained. Pressures are normally controlled to allow two fire fighters to work at each nozzle outlet. Two nozzles are tested, one adjustable jet fog type which is used on flammable gasses or within a structure fire to absorb heat. A straight jet nozzle to project water long distances to protect exposed surfaces close to a fire radiated heat. The pumper is quite a versatile vehicle in handling structure fires, but it also carries specialist equipment needed in containing hazardous chemical incidents. Cuts to scene of parade – the Diamond Creek Fire Brigade has with other neighbouring brigades participated in most town fairs and earns the respect of the watching public. It can be seen why this brigade has been so successful at disciplined contests. Views of Plenty Fire Brigade Road Rescue unit which is equipped with the “Jaws of Life” Scenes of athletic competitions – many neighbouring brigades indulge in friendly but keen competition at the Diamond Creek Town Fair. The young are also encouraged to participate in all aspects of Junior Fire Brigade activities and become tomorrow’s generation of volunteer fire fighters. Scene of the 1986 Diamond Creek Town Fair which was the last time veteran Captain Clarrie Stone BEM marched with the brigade. Clarrie was awarded the British Empire Medal for his service to the Country Fire Authority. Also, scenes of vehicles in the parade. Cuts to scene of brigade members in drill formation for inspection by Acting Chief Harry Rothsay (?) on the occasion of the opening of the new fire station extensions on August 29, 1987. Rudy Libel (?) Captain at the time. Scenes of crowds including many dignitaries of neighbouring brigades present including Lieutenant Gordon Grandy (who came down from Queensland for the occasion) and ex-Secretary David Kidd and wife Betty, also ex Captain Clarrie Stone and Mrs Nel Stone, a life member of the Ladies Auxiliary, the Reverend Jock Ryan, son of J.L Ryan, founder of the Diamond Creek Fire Brigade, Foundation Captain of the fire brigade, Keith Bradbury and Mrs Bradbury. Pauline Dick accepts a community service award for services to the CFA. Recognising over 47 and a half years of service, a presentation is made by Mr Neil Marshall, Acting Chairman of the CFA to ex Captain Clarrie Stone with response by Clarrie. Other members of the official party include Cr. Martin Wright, Shire President Wayne Phillips and local Member of Parliament, Mrs Pauline Toner. Ex foreman John Bennett is presented with a life member’s awards by Captain Rudy Libel. The camera also catches Gwen Cox, Jean Ryan and Bessie Layton (?) Provides historic footage of people, places and equipment and a record of the worst fires expoerienced in Diamond Creek in 1969BASF Standard Quality SQ E-180 VHS dubbing (poor quality) of three films Converted to MP4 file format 0:34:38, 1.85GBOn label: "Donation - August 2000 Diamond Creek Unit Old films made up from Fire Brigade shows at competitions - also Kangaroo Ground Tower being used"video recording, diamond creek fire brigade, 1986 diamond creek town fair, a.m. hem, acting chief harry rothsay, athletic competitions, beryl marks, bessie layton, betty kidd, bill may, bob beale, brian laurie, bruce hackett, captain clarrie stone, chemist, church of england hall, clarrie stone, clarrie stone bem, country fire authority victoria, coventry oval, cr. martin wright, crocker home, dart throwing, dave kidd, david kidd, diamond creek, diamond creek fire station, diamond creek oval, diamond creek school, diamond creek town fair, diamond street, diamond valley community hospital, dr don cordner, eric debuse, eric holt, fe holden ute, fire damage – buildings, fire spotter, fire spotter’s cabin, fire station extension, fired with dedication (film), firefighting units, fireman shaw, firemen jim cox, ford pumper, foundation captain, gala day, gordon brandy, gordon grandy, graham upton, gus lyons, gwen cox, haley street, hino model 3.2 tanker, house fire, i.l. wadeson, ian douglas, international tanker, j.l ryan, jack marks, jack sinclair, january 1969, jaws of life, jean ryan, jim bates and hugh bar, jim cox, joe hislop, john bennett, kangaroo ground, kangaroo ground tower, keith bradbury, kyneton fire brigade, lambert street, main hurstbridge road, mangarook oval, maypole dancing, mel stone, mildura 1986, mrs bradbury, mxe754 vic registration, neil marshall, nel stone, orchard district, oxy viva resuscitator, pauline dick, pauline toner mp, pisy home, plenty fire brigade road rescue unit, pony rides, radio control room, reverend jock ryan, ron kirkbride, rudy libel, shell service station, shire of eltham war memorial, shire president wayne phillips, spinning wheel, stan redpath, state championships, swan hill 1981, tcm418 vic registration, torchlight procession, toyota 4wd, trophies, vic cohn, victorian bushfires - 1969, vl3jz

ill (b/w plates), charts, p.187.non-fictionThe standard reference work of RAF camouflage and markings on all sorts of aircraftairplanes - military - markings - great britain, airplanes - identification - great britain

p.394.fictionWhen war was declared on 3 September 1939, No. 1 Squadron was posted to France to help the BEF halt the German advance. The Squadron is hardy, intensely loyal, and at the beginning of the campaign, hugely successful in shooting down German planes when they are often outnumbered. Then the offensive begins in earnest, the losses mount and the horror of the retreat to Dunkirk gives a whole new meaning to the concept of total war.Told through the experiences of an English pilot, Kit Curtis, who dreams of gallant deeds and personal glory, and a more battle hardened American, Ossie Wolf, this is 'Band of Brothers' for the RAF, a no-holds-barred, action packed war thriller.world war 1939-1945 - britain - aerial operations - fiction, fighter pilots - fiction

Index, bibliography, ill,maps, p.250.non-fictionThis evocative and vivid portrait of fighter pilots investigates the motivations of the few that flew during the Battle of Britain.fighter pilots - great britain, battle of britain 1940

Index, ill, p.486.non-fictionDrawing material from the Imperial War Museum's extensive aural archive, Joshua Levine brings together voices from both sides of the Blitz and the Battle of Britain to give us a unique, complete and compelling picture of this turbulent time. We hear from the soldiers, airmen, fire-fighters, air-raid wardens and civilians, people in the air and on the ground, on both sides of the battle, giving us a thrilling account of Britain under siege. With first-hand testimonies from those involved in Dunkirk and the Battle of Britain, Black Saturday on 7th September 1940 when the Luftwaffe began the Blitz, to its climax on the 10th May 1941, this is the definitive oral history of a period when Britain came closer to being overwhelmed by the enemy than at any other time in modern history.battle of britain 1940 - personal narratives, the blitz

Ill, p.256.non-fictionSome experiences of a French fighter pilot in the RAAFworld war 1939-1945 - aerial operations - britain, world war 1939-1945 - personal narratives - france

Ill, p.64.non-fictionAmerican fliers in World War I fell into three categories: Those who joined the French aviation service, known as the Lafayette Corps, those who joined the Royal Flying Corps and those came after the US entered the war using British and French machines. world war 1914-1918 - aerial operations - usa, fighter pilots - usa

Ill, p.64.non-fictionAt the outset of World War I the British had some 110 assorted aircraft, used mostly for the visual reconnaissance role. With the advent of faster and more agile single-seaters, the Allies and their adversaries raced to outdo each other in the creation of genuinely effective fighters with fixed forward-firing machine gun armament. It was not until 1917 that the British developed a truly effective interrupter gear, which paved the way for excellent single seaters such as the Sopwith Triplane Camel and the RAF S.E.5., later joined by the Bristol F.2B - the war's best two-seat fighter. This volume traces the rapid development of the fighter in World War I and the amazing exploits of the British and Empire aces who flew them.worls war 1914-1918 - aerial operations - britain, fighter pilots - british empire

Index, bibliography, ill, maps, p.625.non-fictionIn the wake of the September 11th horror, nothing could be timelier than this exploration of world terrorism and the forces that fight it--armies and missions often shrouded in mystery. A foremost expert on guerrilla warfare presents, for the first time, a comprehensive investigation of covert military operations from Vietnam to Afghanistan. Among the revelations: that the CIA handed out shoulder-fired antiaircraft missiles "like lollipops" to Osama bin Laden and other mujahadeen leaders, weapons they may now turn against us how British SAS operated inside Afghanistan against the Russians and used "former special forces" personnel for clandestine missions why secret militia and locally recruited fighters successfully defeated guerrillas and terrorists in Oman, Malaya, and Borneo, but could not in Indochina and Algeria and how "fighting dirty" sometimes meant helping drug dealers in exchange for their support. Most relevant is the detailed analysis of why Russia failed to conquer Afghanistan, what we can learn from their experience, and the perils awaiting any invader. special forces - operations - 20th century, special forces - operations - 20th century