Regimental Histories and Travel Guides:
REGIMENTAL HISTORIES:
THE HISTORY OF THE ARTISTS' RIFLES
1858-1947
Author:
Barry Gregory
Publisher
Pen and Sword Military
Published 2006
UK Price £25.00 (Hardback)
The Artist Rifles deservedly enjoy a reputation as being one of Britain’s elite volunteer regiments - an enviable reputation earned for several reasons, which include the fact that it was originally formed by students at Carey’s School of Art in London in 1859 and a year later attracted painters, sculptors, engravers, architects, musicians, poets and actors to its ranks. One must not however forget the fact that the regiment fought with distinction during both the Boer and Great Wars and having acted as a training ground, often provided officers for other units too. As a result eight former members of the Artists were awarded well-deserved Victoria Crosses.
This splendid well written volume provides the reader with insight into just part of the regiment’s proud history, between the years 1858 and 1947, however the Artists story does not end there as they were reformed in 1947 and still served today under the more familiar title of 21 SAS Regiment (Artists) TA – the sister regiment of the internationally famous 22 SAS whose daring exploits are legendary.
The author – a former member of the regiment himself, has succeeded in producing a well over due volume that will be cherished by both serving and ex members of the regiment and prove invaluable to researchers too, as it includes many excellent photographs of personalities involved with the regiment over the years, together with extensive lists of names of members of the regiment who achieved notoriety in sporting events, won decorations, or were involved in other spheres of public life for one reason or another.
All in all, a very valuable addition to many bookshelves and a most informative read.
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MONTY’S HIGHLANDERS
Author: Patrick Delaforce
Publisher: Pen & Sword Military
Published: 2007
UK Price: £19.99
This in a nutshell is a very affordable, first rate history of first rate division written by a first rate author with actual wartime battlefield experience and therefore I am sure it will appeal to a wide range of readers, especially those with an interest in this particular division and the men who served in it .
Monty once described the 51st Highland Division as one of the finest formations that had ever served under his command. In fact, it was the only infantry division that had served with him from his time in the Western Desert at El Alamein through to the invasion of Normandy and then the final entry into Berlin.
After facing a disaster at St Valery in 1940 when many members of the division were either killed or captured, the division soon re-formed and fought with distinction throughout the war, however this was not without cost either, as they suffered over 2,000 casualties at El Alamein plus a further 1,500 men were lost whilst liberating Sicily. During the 11 month period between 1944 and 1945 they also sustained a further 9,000 casualties too!
After hard fighting in North Africa and Italy, the division returned to England in time to take part in the Second Front, they landed in Normandy and successfully fought through the Bocage to triumphantly re-occupy St Valery. After taking Le Havre, they continued on through Holland and the Ardennes and were amongst the first troops to cross the Rhine.
Famous for their HD cipher, they were sometimes referred to as the “Highway Decorators” however they were highly skilled troops who were well led and their achievements during this conflict will be immortal.
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BLACK WATCH
A Concise History
Author:
Trevor Royale
Publisher
Mainstream Publishing Co (Edinburgh) Ltd
ISBN: 978 1 84596 089 6
Published 2006
UK Price £12.99 (Hardback)
Formed in 1725 as an independent security force (or watch) their initial task was to guard the lawless areas of the Scottish Highlands. From those dark years through to the present day, the Black Watch has served its country fearlessly and has earned the enviable reputation as being one of the finest fighting regiments in the British Army.
Brave men of the regiment added many battle honours to the regimental colours over the years– they are of course too numerous to mention them all here, however historically famous names such as Alma, Sevastopol and waterloo, together with Egypt, South Africa, Ypres, Arras, Loos, Somme, Cassino, Tobruk and El Alamein will be familiar to many and need no further elaboration in respect of the hardships suffered and the gallant actions fought. In post war years, the regiment saw active service in Korea, Kenya, Cyprus, Northern Ireland, Kosovo and more recently in Iraq. Other unusual accolades include them being the last Resident battalion in Hong Kong and were present there in 1997 when the British flag was lowered for the last time. Rather unusual is the fact that 8 Pipers of the regiment also led the funeral procession of the late President John F Kennedy!
This excellent concise history follows Trevor Royale’s previous publication detailing the history of the Royal Scots-another distinguished Scottish regiment who, along with the Black Watch were “swallowed up” in 2006 (as part of the government’s radical defence policy), into the newly formed Royal Regiment of Scotland. Despite this volume’s compactness and most attractive price, the author has successfully managed to cover nearly 300 years of distinguished service in enough detail to provide the military historian, collector and family history researcher with a host of invaluable information. In common with his previous volume, this title has some excellent colour and black and white plates too, together with an appendix that includes a fully comprehensive index, a Regimental Family Tree, a full list of battle honours together with citations for the Victoria Cross together and details of regimental marches, badges and tartans.
All in all, a very useful reasonably priced volume that will appeal to a wide range of readers especially those with an interest in the regiment.
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The History Of The Lincolnshire Regiment 1914-1918
Author: Major General C R Simpson
Publisher: Naval and Military Press
ISBN: 1843423553
Originally Published: 1931
UK Price: 22.00
This excellent value for money, easy to read and long out of print volume covers the history of ten battalions of the Lincolnshire Regiment whilst they were on active service in the Great War and therefore military historians, local and family history researchers together with medal collectors and many general readers will find it an informative read and a must for their bookshelves.
The Lincolnshire Regiment had just two regular and two territorial battalions when war broke out, however it rapidly grew in size and by the end of hostilities, had raised no less than a further 14 battalions. Ten of these (the subject of this book) served on the Western Front and one also saw action at Gallipoli. It was awarded no less than three Victoria Crosses and a total of 58 Battle Honours!
The author who arranged the history in the chronological order of events as they happened, compiled this volume from a mixture of official information which included the official war diaries together with notes and extracts from personal diaries and letters from the various regimental officers who served throughout the war and read the original draft too, therefore making it exceptionally accurate.
The excellent narrative supported by no less than 24 black and white photographs and over 40 maps and plans, provides the reader with detailed descriptions of battles and actions and often mentions specific personalities involved in these events and the casualties subsequently incurred. In fact, no less than 8,800 men were killed on active service and in this connection, the extensive Roll of Honour (also included) listing officers in alphabetical order and other ranks by battalion, will be invaluable to the researcher.
Naval and Military Press have once again provided the military historian and researcher with a useful and very reasonably priced volume that would not only have been difficult to obtain, but would have been a lot more expensive too.
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The History of The Cheshire Regiment In The Great War
Author: Colonel Arthur Crookenden
ISBN: 1 845741404
Published: 2005
UK Price: 22.00
Naval and Military Press, have once again provided the military historian and researcher with an invaluable service by re-publishing this long out of print volume at the most reasonable price of twenty two pounds. In common with similar works, original copies of this title would normally be difficult to find and if available, would probably cost around four or five times as much!
Although the regiment mustered an amazing thirty eight battalions during the Great War, this particular volume which contains no less than 358 pages, chronicles the war record of the fifteen battalions of the regiment which served on the Western Front, in Italy, Gallipoli, Mesopotamia, Palestine and Macedonia.
At the beginning of the war, the 1st Battalion, whilst serving on the outskirts of Mons, was subjected to the brunt of an attack by two German Army Corps, however they held their positions and as a result, their heroic stand is said to have actually saved the British Expeditionary Force from disaster. That battalion fought throughout the war too and during that period, was awarded no less than thirty five of the regiment’s seventy five battle honours! Two members of the regiment were awarded the Victoria Cross, however over 8,400 lost their lives!
This is a very readable volume, however as far as regimental histories go, this particular history is unusual, as each theatre of war is covered separately and not necessarily in chronological order! The large appendices will however be invaluable for researchers, as having commenced with a summary showing the totals of dead officers and other rank totals by battalions, it is followed by the nominal rolls, with officers grouped alphabetically and other ranks in their battalions. The comprehensive 56-page list of Honours and Awards, including Mentions In Despatches, is arranged alphabetically and although the ranks of the recipients are not given, the citations for the VC, DSO, MC and DCM awards are. The final appendix, entitled ‘Mobilization’, is useful too as it briefly provides the story of each battalion before it went overseas.
I can honestly say that if anyone has the slightest interest in this regiment, they will not want to be without this title as it is a mine of information and represents excellent value for money.
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NORTHAMPTONSHIRE REGIMENT 1914-1919
Publisher: Naval & Military Press
ISBN: 1845742702
Originally Published In 1932
UK Price: £25.00
Military historians and genealogists alike cannot fail to appreciate the excellent series of publications from Naval and Military Press featuring long out of print Regimental histories.
This particular volume, originally published in 1932 covers the actions of the Northamptonshire Regiment during the Great War, a period when it gained no less than fifty eight battle honours and a remarkable six Victoria Crosses.
The main content of this splendid volume covers the two regular battalions of the regiment. The 1st & 2nd Battalions. The 1st Battalion which was among the first units to travel overseas in August 1914, saw action at Mons, the Marne, the Aisne and during the First Battle of Ypres. The 2nd Battalion, which was in Egypt when broke out, arrived back home briefly, before it also travelled to France, arriving there in November 1914. The Territorial and Service Battalions however are not forgotten and the 4th (T. F.) Battalion which fought at Gallipoli and in Palestine has a full chapter dedicated to it. The 5th,6th and 7th (Service) Battalions also served in France and Flanders and are covered too, albeit in the space of several pages.
As one would expect, a volume of this type contains plenty of descriptive detail surrounding the preparatory training as well as the actual fighting in which the regiment was involved. I am therefore sure it will prove invaluable to the researcher, especially those seeking information surrounding individual acts of gallantry and or officer casualties. There is a good index, together with a very useful appendix containing all the battle honours gained and a full list of honours and awards too.
All in all, an impressive Great War history for a regiment which can trace its ancestry back to 1741!
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THE BRITISH GRENADIERS
Author: Henry Hanning
Publisher: Pen & Sword Military
ISBN: 1844153851
Published May 2006
UK price; £30.00
Of course, the Guards regiments of the British Army need little introduction worldwide due to the major role they play on ceremonial and state occasions, however few outside the regiment will realise that the Grenadier Guards (or the First Regiment of Foot Guards), are about to celebrate their 350th Anniversary this year – hence the timely publication of this splendid volume.
As the volume has been written by an ex Grenadier Guards officer and in close association with the regiment itself, readers can rest assured that the wealth of information ( not normally available, or easily accessible to “outsiders” ) contained between the colourful covers is fully detailed and accurate in every way.
This excellent publication was honestly a treat to read, as it was packed to the hilt with a more than generous amount of fascinating detail written in a very readable style. Coupled with the wide range of excellent colour and black and white photographs, detailed time lines, maps and reproductions of early paintings, I have no doubt that it will be especially appreciated by both serving and ex Grenadiers, family history researchers, military historians together with militaria and medal collectors alike.
In a nutshell, it is a concise Regimental History, reference work and photograph album in one beautiful volume, it includes full details of the Regiment’s battle honours, key personalities, Victoria Cross winners and regimental customs, together with a resume of both its operational and ceremonial roles over its long and distinguished history.
Anyone who has had the honour of serving in this fine regiment or has any connection with it, will certainly want a copy of this brilliant title - I for one am proud to have it in my own collection!
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LIVERPOOL SCOTTISH
A.M. McGilchrist
Publisher: Naval & Military Press
ISBN: 1845740939
Originally Published In 1930
UK Price: £14.50
Thanks once again are due to Naval and Military Press, who have produced yet another splendid and very affordable re-print of a regimental history that went out of print many years ago. Collectors, family and local history researchers and Military Historians will therefore welcome this particular volume which was originally published in 1930 as a record of the Great War for veterans and to serve as an inspiration for all new recruits, in the hope they would maintain the highest traditions of the regiment in future years.
Although the author has treated this famous Territorial Battalion as a regiment in its own right, it was technically the 10th (T. F.) Battalion of the much larger King’s Liverpool Regiment and this publication covers the history of its 1/10th, 2/10th and 3 /10th (Scottish) Battalions during the period between 1900 and the end of the Great War - the conflict in which the Liverpool Scottish lost just over 1100 men who were either killed in action or died on active service.
When the 1/10th landed in France in early November 1914, it was one of the first to join the BEF. Serving with both the 3rd and 55th Divisions, it remained in France until the end of the war. The 2/10th formed in October 1914, went to France in February 1917 and served with the 57th Division until April 1918, when it too joined the 55th Division, on its absorption into the 1/10th Battalion. The 3/10th was formed at the end of May 1915, but did not travel overseas during the Great War.
This book really makes excellent reading, especially as the 55th Division claimed the highest number of VCs in a non-regular division. Among them, was the only VC and bar to be awarded during the Great War - that of Noel Chavasse RAMC, who was in fact the Medical Officer of the Liverpool Scottish until he died of the wounds received whilst winning his second VC in August 1917.
The researcher /reader will find the appendices very useful, as it includes a nominal roll of the 1st Battalion (including attached personnel) when it embarked for France, together with a list of Honours and Awards and a Roll of Honour in which all names are listed alphabetically.
Another splendid and useful title that will grace many bookshelves or reference libraries.
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In The War 1914-1918
Author: Everard Wyrall
Publisher: Naval & Military Press Ltd
www.naval-military-press.co.uk
ISBN: 1843422107
UK Price: £48.00
Sadly, the arrival of this superb publication at my home, coincided with the government’s decision to make further organisational changes to the structure of the British Army, which will result in several famous infantry regiments being amalgamated or disbanded altogether.
One such regiment affected by these latest “cuts” is the Prince Of Wales’s Own Regiment Of Yorkshire. Although it was formed as recently as 1958, when the West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales’s Own) and The East Yorkshire (Duke of York’s Own) amalgamated, it can actually trace its ancestry back to 1685, when both regiments saw service in Scotland and Flanders.
This excellent two volume titled from specialist publishers -The Naval & Military Press, provides the reader with a superbly detailed and most fascinating insight into the history of the “West Yorks” during the Great War. Both the 1st and 2nd Battalions formed part of the original Expeditionary Force in France in 1914 and continued to serve with distinction throughout the war. The regiment was to grow in size quickly and soon totalled an incredible thirty seven battalions. Twenty four of these units actually saw active service overseas and participated in actions at the Aisne, Neuve Chapelle, the Somme, Montagne-de-Bligny, the Marne, Cambrai Gallipoli, Vittorio Veneto, Loos and Ypres, whilst others carried out various military duties in all corners of the Empire. Earning no less than 66 Battle Honours, four Victoria Crosses, the Croix de Guerre and innumerable other decorations, as one would expect, the regiment’s achievements were great, however, its losses were considerable too and total of 13,000 officers and men laid down their life for King and Country!
Being a Yorkshire man with relatives who served in the regiment both prior to and during the Great and Second World Wars, I personally found the Government’s latest announcement sad. This fascinating book is sure however to serve as a timeless memorial to the brave men who proudly served in this remarkable regiment during the Great War. I am sure many family history and local researchers together with military historians, battlefield guides and tourists alike will find this volume will prove to be a superb source of reference as well as a thoroughly interesting read. The casualty information and citations for the Victoria Crosses will prove invaluable and therefore this will be a very welcome addition to many bookshelves.
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Author: Brigadier E. A. James O. B. E., T. D.
Publisher: Naval & Military Press Ltd
www.naval-military-press.co.uk
ISBN: 0 906304 03 2
UK Price: £17.95
It is no wonder that the Naval & Military Press, publishers of this excellent volume, boast that this is their best selling, most used and most useful Great War title, as I honestly believe, that any military historian, battlefield guide, Great War enthusiast, militaria collector or serious family history researcher, should not be without a copy in their own personal library!
This marvellous publication, a concise compilation of two volumes in one cover, is the result of many years painstaking research at the Public Records Office, the Ministry of Defence and specialist libraries and museums, by a most experienced and dedicated man. The reader will no doubt, find amongst its pages, a remarkable amount of fascinating information on every British Army formation that existed in the period between 4th August 1914 – the day war was declared, through to the 11th November 1918, when the Armistice was signed.
31 regular and 17 reserve Cavalry regiments, 57 Yeomanry regiments, together with their second and third line regiments and an amazing, 1750 Infantry battalions, (making a grand total of 227 regiments), are covered in the most accurate and concise detail. In each case, the location of every major British Army unit, its regular, territorial force, reserve, service, Officer Cadet and training battalions, at the outbreak of the war is listed. Further details relating to dates of subsequent new formations and changes in locations throughout the war are included too. Accurate summaries pertaining to Battle Honours, awards of Victoria Crosses and casualty figures are once again covered in the same impressive detail and provide an additional wealth of information, in the very useful appendices included, making this an invaluable source of reference that I certainly, would not wish to be without!
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WEST COUNTRY REGIMENTS ON THE SOMME
Author: Tim Saunders
Publisher: Pen & Sword Select
Pen & Sword Books Limited
First Published in 2004
UK Price: £19.99
The 1st July 1916 – the first day of the Battle of the Somme, has gone down in history as one of the bloodiest days the British Army ever experienced! At 0730 hours on that fateful day, men of 14 British Divisions advanced slowly across “no man’s land” towards the 18 mile wide, German front line. They expected little, if any resistance as the entire area had been subjected to a continuous bombardment during the previous week, however the German Army was at its most powerful and at the pinnacle of efficiency and as a result, our troops did not succeeded in gaining more than a small permanent foothold in the enemy positions! In fact, by the end of the day, no less than 57,000 of our troops had fallen and 19,000 killed!
As days, weeks and months passed, the battle continued, tanks were used in action for the first time in history and eventually, after four long months of fighting, Field Marshall Sir Douglas Haig at last “closed” the battle on the 16th November. During this time, entire villages in the area had been reduced to rubble and the battlefield, now a sea of mud had claimed over 419,000 British Commonwealth and 650,000 German casualties!
Volumes have in the past been published on the famous “Pals” Battalions from the industrial towns and cities of Northern England and their contribution in the Great War, however to date, little has been written about the achievements and sacrifices of the regular and territorial battalions of either the Devonshire or the Dorset regiments.
Now, thanks to his extensive and painstaking research, Major Tim Saunders MBE- (an expert military historian and a serving officer in the Devon and Dorset Regiment) , has succeeded in writing a brilliant book, that chronicles the major actions in which these two famous regiments fought during the long Summer and Autumn of 1916. Often using the actual words of the men who were there, Tim Saunders has searched archives, regimental diaries and private document and has backed up his excellent narrative with many superb maps and diagrams and a large number of unique photographs which were taken at the time.
Family history researchers, local historians along with anyone interested in the Great War, Military History and the Devonshire or Dorset Regiments in particular will find this superb book fascinating and an excellent buy at just under £20.00!
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LIGHT DRAGOONS
Author: Allan Mallinson
Publisher: Pen and Sword Books Limited
ISBN: 184415 448 3
Published : August 2006
UK Price: £25.00
This splendid title is sure to provide the reader with a fascinating insight into a rather special regiment, which, although was not formed until as recently as 1992, can through its forbearer regiments (13th,15th,18th and 19th Hussars), trace its history back as far as the early 1700’s at the time of the first Jacobite rebellion.
The Light Dragoons is an amalgamation of two former regiments-the 13th/18th Royal Hussars and the 15th/19th Kings Royal Hussars - regiments with both long and proud histories and a record of exemplary service to the crown. The were initially raised for reconnaissance and patrolling or scouting duties, however they quickly established a reputation for their daring and courage and in the early days, saw active-service in all corners of the world including India, North America as well as in Spain and Portugal. They fought under Wellington at Waterloo and took part in the famous Charge of the Light Brigade. In common with most British regiments, at the end of the 19th century they went on to serve in India and South Africa and during the Great War, fought with distinction both in the trenches and on horseback. Further amalgamations took place in 1922 and during the Second World War, after being mechanized, were amongst the first tanks to land on French soil during the Normandy invasion. They subsequently fought through France, Belgium and Germany until the enemy surrendered in 1945. In more recent years, they formed a major part of the British Army of the Rhine and have seen active service in Malaya, Aden , Northern Ireland , Bosnia and Iraq.
Allan Mallinson's volume is not one of the traditional “stuffy” regimental histories and as well as being an excellent read, will be invaluable to any researcher with an interest in either the present day regiment or any of its constituents. It features many excellent colour as well as black and white photographs, together with full lists of both Commanding Officers through the ages and gallantry awards received. Information on weapons and equipment used will be useful too.
This certainly is a volume for a wide range of readers – from the casual reader to family history researchers, military historians and both former and present day members of the regiment itself.
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THE ROYAL SCOTS
A Concise History
Author: Trevor Royle
Publisher: Mainstream Publishing
ISBN: 1 845960882
Published: July 2006
UK Price : £12.99
Many may have said it would have been impossible to produce a hardback edition of a volume featuring the history of this famous regiment for under thirteen pounds, however the author in conjunction with Mainstream have done this and have been successful in providing readers with an excellent value for money volume that will prove to be useful for all types of research ranging from local and family history through to medal collecting. It will of course be invaluable for those studying a wide range of conflicts spanning a period of over 370 years!
The Royal Scots (The Royal Regiment) also known in the past as the 1st Regiment of Foot and “Pontious Pilates Bodyguard”, is the oldest regiment in the British Army. Tracing its history back to 1633 when 1200 men were recruited in Scotland to serve under Louis Xlll of France, the regiment gained its first battle honour at Tangier in 1680 and between then and its amalgamation into the new Royal Regiment of Scotland in 2006 went on to earn a further 148 honours, therefore re-confirming its valuable contribution to the nation’s heritage.
This excellent volume - the first concise history of the regiment ever published, features a wealth of useful information covering campaigns that include the regiment’s service in North America and the West Indies, through to South Africa and India and both the Great and Second World Wars and more recently, their operations in the Balkans and Iraq. The very readable narrative is supported by many excellent black and white and colour plates, together with a very handy appendix featuring the regiment’s battle honours, Victoria Cross holders and regimental affiliations too.
This volume is without a doubt a must for researchers, however I would say that any former member of the regiment or their families together with future recruits into the new regiment will not want to be without a copy and lets face it, at £12.99 it's most affordable!
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THE HOOD BATTALION
Author: Leonard Sellers
Publisher: Pen & Sword Select
First Published in 1995 By Leo Cooper
This new edition published in 2003
UK Price: £25.00
The concept of a naval land force was promoted by the Committee for Imperial Defence well before the commencement of the Great War, therefore when war was declared, a brigade of Royal Marines were immediately formed. It was noted at that time, there were more Naval Reservists than there were places for them aboard His Majesty’s Ships and a decision was made to form two further naval brigades, which when added to the existing Royal Marines Brigade, now formed The Royal Naval Division.
The division was fully supported by the First Lord of the Admiralty and quickly gained the nickname “Winston’s Little Army”! Following all the traditions of the Royal Navy, this remarkable force went to war as soldiers, it attracted the highest calibre of officers and Rupert Brooke, “Oc” Asquith (son of the Prime Minister), Patrick Shaw-Stewart and Bernard Freyberg served among its ranks. The division saw some of the fiercest fighting of the war, serving at Antwerp, Gallipolli, Ancre, Gavrelle and Passchendaele.
This brilliant book makes compelling reading for those with even the slightest interest in the Royal Naval Division, it is packed with first hand accounts of the division’s formation, the initial training and then, the numerous actions in which it fought. A very useful muster role is also included, as are detailed and accurate breakdowns of the units and battalions that formed the division, information on casualty numbers, together with examples of Rupert Brooke’s poetry and many excellent photographs.
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TRAVEL GUIDES:
THE BATTLEFIELD WALKER’S HANDBOOK
Author: Donald Featherstone
Publisher: The Crowood Press
Published in 2004
UK Price: £14.99
The fact that the forward to this excellent book was written by the late and highly respected Dr David Chandler, speaks volumes for its subject matter and quality, together with the qualifications of the author, who having seen active service as a member of the Royal Tank Regiment in North Africa and Italy during the Second World War, has since visited over 230 battlefields, in nine countries, that cover 32 wars, spanning seven centuries!
Choosing which battles to include, must have been an exceptionally difficult task, however the author has selected eleven wars in six different countries, he considers to be “colourful, interesting and of historical importance”. Although many will be delighted to see the Hundred Years War, Waterloo, the Peninsular, Zulu & Boer Wars, together with the American Wars of Independence and Civil Wars included, I personally expected to see at least one or two battles of the Great and Second World Wars covered too.
The fascinating details surrounding the campaigns featured, are however backed up with a wide range of photographs and useful maps, together with a great deal of additional useful information, providing what might have been an average tour to the chosen battlefield, with that “wow” factor, now making it rather special.
The author has certainly succeeded in producing an excellent publication that I am sure will be of immense value to both the expert and battlefield enthusiast alike. I now look forward to the publishers considering the production of a companion volume along the same lines, dealing with more recent wars and campaigns.
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Major and Mrs Holt’s Pocket Battlefield Guide –Somme
&
Major and Mrs Holt’s Pocket Battlefield Guide - Ypres - Passchendaele
Author: Tonie and Valmai Holt
Publisher: Pen and Sword Books Limited
(Somme) ISBN: 184415 395 9
(Ypres/Passchendaele) ISBN: 184415 377 0
Published : July 2006
UK Price: £6.99 Each
The Somme, Ypres and Passchendaele need little introduction to the military historian Great War enthusiast and many family historians as the events there around 90 years ago left a mark on French soil and in British history that can never be deleted.
It is a known fact that an ever increasing number of researchers, enthusiasts and casual trippers visit these areas each year, obviously some are more interested than others and it is the casual visitor or those with limited time, that these two splendid books are aimed.
Major and Mrs Holt produce the best guides to the battlefields one can wish to buy, they are without a doubt quality products and are invaluable to a wide range of readers. Despite these new volumes being a fraction of the price and size of the more detailed Holts publications, they do not lack detail and anyone contemplating a visit to these two famous battlefield areas would be advised to take a copy with them on tour.
In usual Holt’s style, they are fully comprehensive and feature excellent colour pictures and maps, excellent itineraries with map references and mileages together with a wealth of other up to date information and facts, that will make any visit to these areas so much more enjoyable.
It's well done and thanks once again Major and Mrs Holt for your valuable contribution to this fascinating subject.
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MAJOR & MRS HOLT’S
CONCISE ILLUSTRATED BATTLEFIELD GUIDE
THE WESTERN FRONT (NORTH)
Author: Toni & Valmai Holt
Publisher: Pen & Sword Military
First Published in 2004
UK Price: £14.99
Battlefield touring has increased beyond all expectations in the quarter of a century since Toni and Valmai Holt operated their first ever guided tour to the trenches and historical sites of France and Flanders in June 1977. Much of the growth in interest over the years can be attributed to the publication of the now famous Major and Mrs Holt’s Battlefield Guides – the best selling, exceptionally detailed and superbly illustrated books, that anyone studying, or touring the battlefields, should not be without!
Each splendid volume includes a great deal of fascinating information, where historical fact is coupled with informed opinion . Full colour photographs, excellent maps and diagrams together with details of war cemeteries and memorials and useful tourist information (how to get there, where to stay and places to eat etc.) is included. With the easy to follow battlefield tour itineraries also featured, the reader is guided around the battlefields, through the countryside as well as villages, towns and cities, that are linked with battles and major actions of either the Great or Second World Wars.
This latest publication and its companion volume “The Western Front – South”, are valuable additions to the existing titles in the series, which includes Ypres, The Somme, Gallipoli, Normandy Landings and Operation Market Garden. Much up to date information has been added, especially up dated maps together with information on recent developments, where new sites of historical significance have been found.
For the family history researcher, battlefield tourist, military historian, battlefield guide, student of military history or armchair enthusiast, this book is a must and at £14.99 represents excellent value for money!
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MAJOR & MRS HOLT’S
CONCISE ILLUSTRATED BATTLEFIELD GUIDE
THE WESTERN FRONT (SOUTH)
Author: Toni & Valmai Holt
Publisher: Pen & Sword Military
First Published in 2005
UK Price: £15.99
The best selling, exceptionally well detailed and superbly illustrated Holt’s series of Battlefield Guides needs little if any introduction to the vast majority of Family History Researchers, Battlefield Guides/Tourists, Military Historians and other “enthusiasts” who visit the battlefields of Europe and Gallipoli each year, as they are without a doubt the best “companions” anyone travelling to these fascinating areas can take with them.
The authors -Toni and Valmai Holt operated their first ever guided tour to the trenches and historical sites of France and Flanders in June 1977 and the growth in this interesting area of tourism over the years, can genuinely be attributed to the publication of the now World famous Major and Mrs Holt's Battlefield Guides.
Each splendid volume in the series, which includes Ypres, The Somme, Gallipoli, Normandy Landings and Operation Market Garden, is packed full of fascinating information, where historical fact is coupled with informed opinion and together with the numerous full colour photographs, excellent maps and diagrams, together with details of war cemeteries and memorials, up to date tourist information and the easy to follow battlefield tour itineraries - provide the reader with just about everything they need to know for a successful tour of their chosen area.
This latest 368 page publication actually includes no less than 400 excellent quality full colour photographs and covers events from the First Battle of the Marne through to the breaking of the Hindenburg Line and the Battle of Cambrai. With its companion volume "The Western Front - North", the whole length of the Western Front is now covered in splendid detail, enabling the reader to fully understand and appreciate the significance and importance of the events and actions in this area during the Great War, making it an invaluable addition to any library or bookshelf.
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Regimental Histories and Travel Guides
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