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Although Trotsky was dramatically assassinated just over eighty years ago, he remains a controversial figure. He has had many biographers over the decades - ranging from the overly-sympathetic, to the extremely-hostile. Robert Service, his most recent biographer, expressed the hope that his book would ‘finish off’ Trotsky - a job he believed the ice-axe had failed to do in 1940!This biography, as expected, deals with those aspects for which Trotsky is noted: his passionate and fiery oratory which captivated and inspired huge crowds; organising the Bolshevik Revolution of November 1917; masterminding the creation of the Red Army and ensuring its victory during the Civil War; becoming the most determined opponent of Stalin’s creation of a monolithic party and state; being a Marxist theoretician of socialist revolution and combatting fascism; and, of course, being the originator of the very specific brand of revolutionary socialism that, as early as 1906, became known as Trotskyism.However, this biography also explores other aspects of Trotsky’s life which are not so well-known. In particular, from a very early age, his love of writing: the world of books and publishing became his first passion; it remained his first love and, if revolutionary politics had not taken over, his life would have been a very literary one. Immediately after the November Revolution, he hoped to return to his literary work, believing his main practical work as a revolutionary was over. His writings on art and literature, when compared to the stultifying strictures of the ‘Socialist Realism’ associated with Stalinism, are remarkably sympathetic and open; while he also wrote many perceptive articles as a war correspondent, covering both the Balkan Wars and the early stages of the First World War.Other aspects covered by this biography concern his family life, and his relationships with his children. Also explored is his love-life - while it is known he had a brief affair with the Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo, there are also suggestions he may have had other affairs. Whatever the truth of such allegations, he certainly maintained a passionate relationship with his long-term companion, Natalya Sedova; and readers should be aware that one proof of that, provided towards the end of this book, contains very explicit language.

In the seventh volume of Dilip Sarkar’s groundbreaking eight-part series, the day-to-day events of the fifth and final phase of the Battle of Britain are meticulously chronicled. This volume not only details every raid and squadron action but also places them within a broader context, including the roles of Bomber and Coastal Commands and the impact on the Home Front.Sarkar, renowned for his evidence-based research, revisits primary sources to challenge established narratives. This series represents the most comprehensive and up-to-date research on the Battle of Britain, standing out in its extensive bibliography.Volume 6 explored Reichsmarschall Göring’s determination to continue Luftwaffe attacks despite mounting losses. By late September 1940, the German He 111 bombers were shifted to night operations due to unsustainable daylight losses. The final phase saw Me 109 fighter-bombers and high-altitude fighter sweeps dominating daylight engagements. While these tactics were unlikely to defeat Britain, RAF pilots recall this period as the most grueling, with intense high-altitude dogfights between Spitfires and Me 109s.This volume concludes with a review of October 1940’s key events, questioning the month’s designation as the battle’s end and reflecting on the overall significance of the summer’s aerial engagements. Sarkar’s work provides invaluable insight into this critical phase of World War II.

Agricola was the great Flavian warrior governor of Britain tasked by the emperor Vespasian with conquering the far north of its main island for the first time. Initially campaigning in Wales and then the north of modern England to secure his rear, he launched his first assault into modern Scotland at the end of the 70s AD. Four more bloody campaigns beyond the Solway Firth-Tyne frontier followed, each time the Romans heading further and further into the heart of darkness, as they would have seen it. Famously, at one stage during the campaigns he also contemplated invading Ireland, only to be told no by the new emperor, Domitian. Ultimately, the primary sources say he defeated the combined armies of the natives in far north at the Battle of Mons Graupius in AD 83. After this, the successful conquest of the whole island was declared, Agricola commanded the Classis Britannia (the Roman navy in Britain) to circumnavigate the whole province for the first time, and Domitian ordered a monumental arch to be built at Richborough on the east coast of Kent to celebrate the Roman triumph. This became the imperial gateway into Roman Britain.In this new, generation-defining book on Agricola’s campaigns in Scotland new archaeological evidence will be used to show how Agricola was able to campaign so far north of the imperial frontier and in such numbers (with over 30,000 men, plus the fleet), and the exact routes he followed. Thus, for the first time, the true story of Agricola in Scotland can be told.

With its rich historical background, Surrey once included areas now part of London, adding layers of complexity to genealogical research. A comprehensive resource, Tracing Your Surrey Ancestors offers a deep dive into Surrey''s history, explaining the boundary changes that affect where records are held today. From archives to online databases, this book equips you with the tools and knowledge needed to uncover your family''s past, providing clarity and guidance every step of the way. Whether you''re new to genealogy or a seasoned researcher, this guide is designed to help you trace your Surrey roots with confidence.

Mnohí ľudia si kladú otázku, či sa pitie alkoholu stalo príliš dôležitou súčasťou ich života, a obávajú sa, že by to mohlo mať negatívny vplyv na ich zdravie. Napriek týmto obavám však odolávajú zmene, pretože sa boja straty uvoľnenia a blokovania stresu, ktoré alkohol prináša. Boja sa, že ak prestanú piť, budú sa cítiť zle alebo depresívne. Táto kniha prináša nové, pozitívne riešenia. Annie Grace jasne vysvetľuje psychologické a neurobiologické dôsledky užívania alkoholu, založené na najnovších vedeckých výskumoch. Odhaľuje spoločenské, kultúrne a iné faktory, ktoré podporujú v nás všetkých závislosť od alkoholu. Kniha vám otvorí oči, ponúkne dôvody, prečo pijeme, a odhalí prekvapivé príčiny, ktoré vysvetľujú, akú úlohu zohráva alkohol v našich kultúrach. Takisto ukazuje, ako stigma alkoholizmu a jeho liečby bráni ľuďom vyhľadať pomoc, ktorú potrebujú. Základom knihy je osobný príbeh autorky a odporúča ju prečítať každému, kto sa pýta, či alkohol nezohráva príliš veľkú úlohu v jeho živote. Táto kniha vás oslobodí od alkoholu. Pomôže vám zbaviť sa psychologickej závislosti, takže už nebudete po alkohole túžiť. Umožní vám piť menej alebo úplne prestať. S jasnosťou, humorom a unikátnym spojením vedy s osobným príbehom vám otvorí dvere k zmene, na ktorú ste dlho čakali. „Vrátili ste mi späť môj život.“ -Katy F., Albuquerque, Nové Mexiko Túto inšpiratívnu prelomovú knihu si musí prečítať každý. Navždy ma zmenila. -Kate S., Los Angeles, Kalifornia Toto je najúžasnejšia a najprekvapivejšia kniha, akú som čítal. - Bernie M., Dublin, Írsko

Of all the tanks in the German arsenal the Tiger was perhaps the one most feared, certainly by the Western Allies from the time they first encountered it in North Africa to the end of the war in Europe. This was no small feat for a tank of which only 1,347 were produced out of a total German tank production of around 27,000 tanks. This is not surprising given that it was armed with the dreaded 88 mm gun, the rounds of which could pass right through a Sherman tank and whose thick frontal armour meant that it was virtually invulnerable to anything the Allies could field at that time.Though a fearsome weapon on the surface the Tiger was not well suited to offensive operations. It suffered from a weak transmission, which often failed. The lack of suitable recovery vehicles, until the Bergepanther made its appearance, meant the crews would often attempt to tow it with another Tiger rather than abandon it. This usually resulted in the loss of both Tigers as the towing tank also broke down through mechanical failure, brought about by the extra strain imposed on the towing vehicle. However, as a defensive weapon it was second to none, especially in Italy. Here the country’s hilly terrain, with its scattering of small villages, restricted the routes of advance the Allies could take. Just the knowledge that Tigers were in the area imposed an extra caution on Allied tank crews, particularly after their duels with its lighter Panzer cousins.Starting at the Anzio amphibious landings in January 1944 and finishing with the Senio offensive in 1945, the book draws on official histories unit diaries, reports, and personal accounts to look at encounters between Tigers (and sometimes the Elefant based on the hull of its cousin the Porsche Tiger). In this way it seeks to examine how the crews of Allied armour leaned to deal with this menace and sometimes failed to do so to their chagrin. To illustrate this the narrative delves into a number of detailed accounts of some significant encounters at Anzio, in Tuscany and on the plains of the Po Valley.

On 1 April 1945, US troops launched the largest amphibious assault of the Pacific War on the heavily-defended island of Okinawa. Supporting the invasion, the USS West Virginia participated in the bombardment of entrenched Japanese defenders. That evening, a Japanese aircraft launched a Yokosuka MXY-7 Ohka, a rocket-powered kamikaze plane. West Virginia was hit by an Ohka, becoming the first ship damaged by such a weapon. Twelve days later, the USS Mannert L. Able became the first ship sunk by an Ohka.The deployment of the Ohka was a desperate measure by Japan as the war turned against them. This manned flying bomb evolved from earlier kamikaze tactics. However, the Germans had also considered similar weapons. As early as 1944, figures close to Hitler, such as Otto Skorzeny and Hanna Reitsch, advocated for kamikaze missions. Hitler authorized the creation of the Leonidas Staffel to prepare for these attacks, leading to the development of the Messerschmitt Me 328 and Fieseler Fi 103R, also known as the Reichenberg.Though the Fi 103R began production in October 1944, the changing dynamics of the war rendered it obsolete by the time it was ready for use. The project was formally abandoned in March 1945. This book details the development of both the Ohka and Reichenberg.

Eating with the Tudors is an extensive collection of authentic Tudor recipes that tell the story of a dramatically changing world in sixteenth-century England. This book highlights how religion, reformation and politics influenced what was served on a Tudor’s dining table from the very beginning of Henry VII’s reign to the final days of Elizabeth I’s rule.Discover interesting little food snippets from Tudor society, carefully researched from household account books, manuscripts, letters, wills, diaries and varied works by Tudor physicians, herbalists and chronologists. Find out about the Tudor’s obsession with food and uncover which key ingredients were the most popular choice. Rediscover old Tudor favourites that once again are being celebrated in trendy restaurants and learn about the new, exotic food that excited and those foods that failed to meet the Elizabethan expectations.Eating with the Tudors explains the whole concept of what a healthy balanced meal meant to the people of Tudor England and the significance and symbology of certain food and its availability throughout the year. Gain an insight into the world of Tudor food, its role to establish class, belonging and status and be tempted to re-create some iconic Tudor flavours and experience for yourself the many varied and delicious seasonal tastes that Tudor dishes have to offer. Spice up your culinary habits and step back in time to recreate a true Tudor feast by impressing your guests the Tudor way or prepare a New Year’s culinary gift fit for a Tudor monarch.

Captain John Grant Fraser of the Royal Artillery had succeeded to the titles of Ballindoun and Kinneries via the unexpected death of his elder brother James Fraser on 1 May 1791. John Grant died in 1798 and the title passed to his eldest son Baillie Fraser, their uncle Hugh acting as guardian until his coming of age.James Baillie Fraser joined the Army and rose to the rank of lieutenant in the 7th Fusiliers, serving in the Peninsular war. His younger brother Alexander John Fraser also joined the Army serving in the peninsula, becoming a lieutenant in the 52nd Foot. Both wrote home regularly to their sister Ann and gave fascinating details of life at war, but tragically James was killed at the Battle of Sorauren on 28 July 1813 and his brother Alexander was severely wounded and died at Bera on 20 October the same year. Within six months the war had ripped the heart out of the family.The estates passed to Ann, who tragically died on 16 December 1816, the whole then passing to their uncle Hugh. He sold the estates and the family ties to Ballindoun and Kinneries were broken for ever – effectively destroyed by the Napoleonic wars.Beyond the letters from Ann’s two tragic brothers, her collection also includes much material from her uncles on her mother’s side who were also heavily involved in the wars. George Wilkes Unett, Royal Artillery, served in the West indies, Martinique, Copenhagen and Waterloo, whilst his other brother Richard Wilkes Unett served in the West Indies. Their letters show clearly how the war was indeed a World War and how families were sucked into this ever hungry meatgrinder.Finally we have the fascinating journal of their brother John Wilkes Unett, a solicitor by trade but who happened to travel to Paris to visit his brother and experience the city shortly after the allies had taken possession in 1815.These letters and journals provide a fascinating insight into the lives of an ordinary family in extraordinary times and how two sudden tragedies destroyed it.

''The definitive study of the battle that launched Hitler''s conquest of Western Europe.'' — Andrew LambertA lesser-known event during World War II, the sinking of the Blücher is key part of naval history that marked the beginning of the Norwegian Campaign. The Sinking of the Blücher is a comprehensive investigation into why the German cruiser, named for Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher (Prussian victor of the Battle of Waterloo), was approaching Oslo on the night of 9th April 1940, why and how she was sunk and the ramifications and significance of the event. The text also explores the influence of the British government and military on the reasons behind Operation Weserübung, the German invasion of Norway.This book is a methodical, unbiased compilation of primary sources and archival material. It details the sequence of events leading to the sinking of the Blücher, the flagship of the force that was to seize Oslo, from setting sail for Norway, to evading British submarines in the Skagerrak, and finally sinking to the bottom of the Drobak Narrows after being struck by Oscarsborg fortress gunfire and torpedoes. The text, which connects intricate accounts of the attacks, paints a picture of the sinking and explains the politics behind the military operations, and the result of the sinking which enabled King Haakon and his Government to escape to Britain, join the Allies and continue the resistance from there. Simultaneously, the primary source material individualise the sailors and military personnel involved in the sinking from both sides. The writing is accompanied by multiple maps and upwards of 200 stunning, photographs, many never-before-seen.

The Battle of Castillon, fought outside the French city of the same name on 17 July 1453,  was the final battle in the Hundred Years War. It was also a disastrous defeat for the English monarchy. It saw the death of one of England’s most famous medieval commanders and the complete collapse of the last vestiges of English rule in Gascony, which had been a possession of the English monarchy for nearly three centuries. The French King Charles VII completed his unification of his kingdom, once riven by a civil war that had forced him to flee Paris, and left England with only Calais as a toe-hold in France.Castillon drew together a wide cast of characters who had defined the end of the Hundred Years War. John Talbot and the Gascon nobility represented the English but against them were men who had fought alongside Jeanne d’Arc, mercenary captains, and soldiers from across France. The French were also supported by the cannons and defences of the Bureau brothers, who had risen from relatively modest backgrounds to become some of the defining military men of their era. It has sometimes even been seen as a transformative battle – the last medieval battle which ushered in a more modern form of warfare.Despite its importance, and Castillon is easily a rival to Crécy and Agincourt in terms of significant battles of the Hundred Years War, Castillon has been largely neglected in English language scholarship. This book is the most substantial study of the battle to date and aims to correct this oversight by examining not just the battle but how the war reached the point of being decided in Gascony in 1453 and its aftermath and legacy.Castillon: The Last Battle of the Hundred Years War covers the origins of the Hundred Years War, the Edwardian and Lancastrian phases of the war, the Military Revolution of the fourteenth century and Charles VII’s radical restructuring of the French military in the fifteenth century, as well as a detailed study of the battle and how we can know what happened on that day in Gascony. It is far reaching and comprehensive in how it analyses this key battle and will give readers a substantial understanding in not just Castillon but in late medieval Anglo-French warfare in general.

This is the third release in a series that aims to dissect each aspect of Operation Market-Garden as it played out in September 1944. It draws on many individual soldiers and airmens narratives to tell the story of the ongoing fight to keep the Hells Highway open to relieve 1st Airborne at Arnhem, and the brave attempts to re-supply them from the air. The account offers a unique perspective on all aspects of aerial activity during this pivotal operation, illustrating the ways in which these vital endeavours impacted operations on the ground.The story is relayed of the comprehensive Allied effort to retain supremacy in the skies. Individual tales of gallantry work to humanize the account, rooting the action very much in the human experience of conflict. Tales include the never to be forgotten story of the Angel of Arnhem and the acts of chivalry that existed on both sides - even among battle hardened units such as the SS Panzer Grenadiers. All are unique in the annals of war. These and the other personal recollections of Allied soldiers and airmen and their German adversaries tell of extreme courage, camaraderie and shared terror under fire. They are complemented throughout by the authors background information that puts each narrative into wartime perspective.

In 1927, mounted cavalry was still a powerful and effective force in the mountains and plains of Northern India, where it policed and protected the border of the British Empire. When, in 1939, the world was engulfed in the flames of a second world war, horsed transport was still vital to the success of all armies involved, but the rapid advance of military technology meant that the men of the British Cavalry would have to learn new skills if they were to be effective against the steel monsters that were starting to dominate the battlefield.From Yorkshire to the Northwest Frontier of India, from France to Palestine, Syria, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia and Italy, THE LAST CAVALRYMAN recounts the experiences of an ordinary man who along with so many others, was thrown into the turmoil of an extraordinary time. Although he also served as a hussar, and an infantryman, he was always proud to be a member of The Queen’s Own Yorkshire Dragoons, and this is his story.Richly illustrated with photographs, maps, and military documents, the memoirs of Quartermaster Sergeant Harry Holgate provide a vivid and fascinating insight into the changing role of a British cavalryman from 1927 to 1944. His letters home offer an intimate glimpse of a time when warfare was changing out of all recognition, and when the cost of defeat would be unimaginable.

This is the history of Britain’s munitions industry in the First World War. It begins with the shortages caused by an expanding army required to fight in trenches, then shows how the country was organised, with the expansion of private companies and the introduction of state owned factories. It also explains how new laws regulated industry.The narrative describes how production was initially estimated, until experience illustrated how the armed services’ demands could be met. It also looks at the problems caused by unchecked enlistment, which took no account of men’s skills, and the attempts to recall key workers from the armed services.The story continues with the raw materials, such as coal, which was dug by one million miners, and the huge amounts of iron ore imported from Spain. Learn how Britain’s steel industry struggled to make enough forgings for shells, while many more were imported from North America. See how manufacturing issues were resolved, while battlefield experience led to modifications being made. Also see how the nation’s chemical industry expanded to produce enough explosives before working out how to make large amounts of lethal gases.Learn how the war required the relations between the government, the employers, the unions, and the workforce to change; in some cases, forever. See how diluting production allowed the workforce to increase and how tens of thousands of women entered the factories. Also hear how various issues caused widespread industrial unrest at times, as the cost of living rose and the rules became stricter. On a positive note, a desire to improve production increased awareness of health and safety, as well as the benefits of positive welfare.The story ends with a nation being pushed to its limits suddenly demobilising, leaving everyone wondering what the future would hold for them.

Living in the Third Reich intricately weaves together the personal stories of German historical witnesses across thematic chapters, covering diverse facets of the wartime experience. From the early years of National Socialism to the devastating bombings of German cities, these narratives are enriched with personal documents and photographs, vividly providing the human face of history.This book is more than just a chronicle of events; it is a profound exploration of human suffering and memory. Each testimony contributes to a larger mosaic, unveiling the emotional and psychological landscapes of those who endured one of history''s darkest periods.Included are German perspectives on antisemitic violence, such as the Night of Broken Glass and the deportation of Jews. The book also contains accounts from those who witnessed allied bombings across Germany, and the civilians caught up in the Russian invasion. The book goes on to cover the aftermath of the war, with people displaced and some forced into labour, and life in post-war Germany.The author''s dedication to impartial presentation allows these stories to resonate on their own, providing a rare and invaluable perspective on the past. Years of painstaking research, translation, and editing have transformed this book into a treasure trove for scholars and general readers alike. It serves as a vital preservation of a generation’s voices, fostering a deeper understanding of how the Third Reich''s profoundly impacted ordinary lives.By presenting these accounts in their unaltered and honest form, the author ensures that the true essence of these experiences is captured and conveyed.

Cieľom novely zákona o službách zamestnanosti je úprava právneho rámca poskytovania služieb zamestnanosti úradom práce, sociálnych vecí a rodiny zabezpečením činností zameraných na vyhľadávanie pracovného miesta a ponuku vhodného zamestnania za účelom sprostredkovania zamestnania osobám, ktoré sú členom domácnosti, ktorej sa poskytuje pomoc v hmotnej núdzi. K akým zmenám ďalej dochádza a akým spôsobom sa dotýka obyvateľstva? Titul obsahuje úplné znenia zákonov po ostatných novelách Zákon 5/2004 Z. z. o službách zamestnanosti – po novele zákonom č. 150/2025 Z. z. (prvá novela), po novele zákonom č. 151/2025 Z. z. (druhá novela) Zákon 404/2011 Z. z. o pobyte cudzincov – po novele zákonom č. 150/2025 Z. z. (prvá novela), po novele zákonom č. 151/2025 Z. z. (druhá novela) Zákon 461/2003 Z. z. o sociálnom poistení – po novele zákonom č. 141/2025 Z. z. (prvá novela), po novele zákonom č. 150/2025 Z. z. (druhá novela) a po novele zákonom č. 153/2025 Z. z. (tretia novela) Zákon č. 417/2013 Z. z. o pomoci v hmotnej núdzi – po novele zákonom č. 150/2025 Z. z. (prvá novela), po novele zákonom č. 151/2025 Z. z. (druhá novela) OPATRENIE Ministerstva práce, sociálnych vecí a rodiny Slovenskej republiky č. 168/2025 Z. z o úprave súm životného minima – nové opatrenie ruší opatrenie č. 149/2024 Z. z. UPOZORNENIE NA ZMENU! Zákon č. 311/2001 Z. z. Zákonník práce – po novele zákonom č. 142/2025 Z. z. (druhá novela) Zákon č. 215/2021 Z. z. o podpore v čase skrátenej práce – po novele zákonom č. 137/2025 Z. z. (prvá novela) Zákon č. 138/2019 Z. z. o pedagogických zamestnancoch a odborných zamestnancoch – po novele zákonom č. 191/2025 Z. z. (prvá novela) Zákon č. 124/2006 Z. z. o BOZP – po novele zákonom č. 150/2025 Z. z. (druhá novela) Zákon č. 54/2019 Z. z. o ochrane oznamovateľov protispoločenskej činnosti – po novele zákonom č. 157/2025 Z. z. (prvá novela) Zákon č. 650/2004 Z. z. o doplnkovom dôchodkovom sporení – po novele zákonom č. 187/2025 Z. z. (prvá novela) Zákon č. 601/2003 Z. z. o životnom minime – po novele zákonom č. 150/2025 Z. z. (prvá novela) Zákon č. 600/2003 Z. z. o prídavku na dieťa – po novele zákonom č. 141/2025 Z. z. (prvá novela) Zákon č. 447/2008 Z. z. o peňažných príspevkoch na kompenzáciu ťažkého zdravotného postihnutia – po novele zákonom č. 150/2025 Z. z. (prvá novela) Po novom sa v rámci zamestnanosti zavádza úprava aktívnych opatrení na trhu práce za účelom zlepšenia a zefektívnenia integrácie najviac zraniteľných osôb na trh práce, najmä dlhodobo nezamestnaných a osôb s nízkou kvalifikáciou, podporou ich pracovného začleňovania, rozvojom sociálnych kompetencií a získavaním vedomostí a zručností potrebných pre trh práce. Uvedeným sa zabezpečí aj zosúladenie právneho rámca najmä v oblasti aktívnych opatrení na trhu práce a podpory zamestnávania občanov so zdravotným postihnutím s aktuálnymi potrebami aplikačnej praxe za účelom zlepšenia ich efektívnosti a účinnosti. Zámerom právnej úpravy v rámci hmotnej núdze je posilnenie podpory aktívneho prístupu a motivácie príjemcov pomoci v hmotnej núdzi prijať ponuku vhodného zamestnania a uplatniť sa na trhu práce. Zmeny sa týkajú úpravy podmienok poskytovania plnej výšky dávky v hmotnej núdzi prijatím ponuky vhodného zamestnania, úpravy aktivačného príspevku odstupňovaním jeho výšky podľa miery aktivácie a rozšírenia možnosti vykonávania menších obecných služieb v rámci regiónu. Okrem toho sa rozširuje cieľová skupina pre vznik nároku na príspevok na nezaopatrené dieťa aj na deti zúčastňujúce sa výchovy a vzdelávania v materských školách alebo študujúcich na stredných a vysokých školách.

This story of life in a German prisoner of war camp is different from the normal British POW story, as the author was a Gunner in the Royal Artillery - not an officer - who was accepted by the German Authorities as a Medical Orderly and, therefore, Protected Personnel. As such, he gives a unique portrait of being a prisoner of the Germans.He gives graphic descriptions of the day to day life in POW camps and his tasks and experiences as a medical orderly over the five year period.He also gives a vivid account of what turned out to be a forced three month, one thousand mile march, from Poland into Germany in the height of winter towards the end of the war and his experiences as a medical orderly. Out of the three thousand who started the march, he writes, only seven hundred survived.

More Irish personnel served in the Italian campaign than in any theatre of the Second World War. The greatest numbers were in the Army but airmen and sailors also played important roles. From the first actions in Sicily on 10 July 1943 until the German surrender in Italy on 2 May 1945, Irish personnel were in the front line. Those in the combat support services also gave outstanding service, as did medical officers, nurses and chaplains. Many were decorated. At least one was recommended for a posthumous Victoria Cross and there were numerous awards of the DSO, DCM, MC and MM as well as Mentions in Despatches.For most there were no decorations, only the Italy Star; and the service of many was marked only by a headstone or a name on a memorial. Their stories are equally inspiring and deserve to be told whether they were tankmen, gunners, sappers, signallers, infantry or the faithful members of support services such as drivers and mechanics or nurses who were often under threat from air attack or artillery fire. At the other end of the spectrum, many of the commanders, including General Montgomery, Admiral Cunningham and Field Marshal Alexander were also Irish.Drawing on personal memoirs, published works, official records and interviews with veterans, as well as his own in-depth knowledge of the Italian campaign, Richard Doherty reveals the service of Irish units and Irish personnel of all ranks and throughout the campaign, especially during the major battles.

In November 1981, Alan Dyer-Perry returned to the UK after a successful exchange tour with the USAF, having flown 2,900 hours on iconic British and American strike/attack aircraft, including the English Electric Canberra, Blackburn Buccaneer, and General Dynamics F-111A. Praised for his cool and unassuming approach to aviation, Dyer-Perry was optimistic about his future, expecting a rapid rise in rank.He then took on a new challenge as flight commander of the RAF’s prestigious 617 Squadron, the Dambusters, where he managed a team flying the Tornado GR 1. Despite his earlier success, he quickly learned to set aside his assumed superiority and adapt to the squadron''s unique culture. Under his leadership, the squadron won both the Curtis E. LeMay and John C. Meyer trophies in a USAF bombing competition.Later, as a NATO tactics instructor and operations wing commander at RAF Cottesmore, Dyer-Perry honed his tactical skills and gained insight into high command challenges. His career culminated as the Senior RAF Liaison Officer at HQ 3 Air Force, USAF, where he worked on various issues, including during the Balkans War and after the 9/11 attacks. This autobiography chronicles the journey of a dedicated aviator who flew nearly 4,000 hours in some of the world’s best aircraft.