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Constantine V, was the second East Roman (Byzantine) emperor of the Isaurian Dynasty. A masterful general, who halted the Arab Umayyad advance and went on the counter attack, he was loved by the fighting men of the East till well after his death. He was also an active ruler in other spheres, continuing the legal, social and governmental reforms of his father. His reign effectively strengthened the Empire, which was on the brink of collapse at the end of the Heraclian dynasty and he is generally regarded as one of the most capable men to rule from Constantinople. A ruthless persecutor and iconoclast, he was, however, reviled and maligned by the monastic historians of the church. His true brilliance and accomplishments would always be overshadowed by the name they bestowed upon him after his death: Copronymos (‘the dung-named’). He was compared to a summoner of demons, a magician or even a precursor to the Antichrist.Married three times to women who themselves are worthy of books, he was shrewd in his choice of wives and poltically savvy. As a shrewd ruler and administrator, and for his influence upon the theological debates of his day, he bears comparison with the much-better-known Justinian I, some 200 years before. However, unlike Justinian, his military leadership was more personal and he met his death on campaign in Bulgaria.

Queen Victoria famously presided over an empire upon which the sun never set. Extending, defending and policing Britain’s global territories required the British Army to fight a bewildering array of foes, in equally varied terrain and climates. From the subarctic mountains of Canada to the Sahara Desert and the South African veldt, from the jungles of West Africa and central India to China, the British forces flew the flag. The task was only made possible by the recruitment of troops from throughout the colonies, some of which then served far from home (such as the Australians used in the Boer Wars). Colonial troops not only boosted the numbers available to the Empire’s forces but their local knowledge of climate and terrain, as well as their differing fighting styles, offered vital variety and flexibility. This allowed the ‘British’ armies to adapt to the wide range of enemies and environments encountered.Gabriele Esposito offers an excellent overview of the troops raised from every corner of the British Empire, discussing their organization, weapons, uniform and equipment as well as how and where they were employed. The informative text is lavishly illustrated with colour artworks.

First flown in 1940, the prototype Vought F4U Corsair instantly became the fastest fighter in the world and the fastest US aircraft of any description. Powered by a huge 18-cylinder Pratt and Whitney Double Wasp engine driving an enormous 13 feet 4 inch propeller, the first Corsairs were capable of 417mph. This figure would rise to nearly 450mph in later versions despite the fact that fuel load and overall weight was increased.Production began in 1941, not only by Vought but also by Goodyear and Brewster. The F4U entered service with the US Navy in September 1942, although carrier-borne operations were initiated a little later not by the Americans but by the British Fleet Air Arm. The aircraft subsequently came to be extensively used from land and sea by the US Marines, Royal Navy and Royal New Zealand Air Force. Famous squadrons like VMF-214 ''The Black Sheep’ and VF-17 ‘Jolly Rogers’, along with many others, maintained total ascendancy over the Japanese for the rest of the war - a remarkable achievement for a single type.After the Second World War, the Corsair stayed in production and was used with distinction by the French in Indo-China and again by the US Navy in Korea. Since then Corsairs have achieved significant success in air races and more and more are being restored to fly for museums and warbird enthusiasts the world over.Martin Bowman’s comprehensive new book combines technical information and detailed development history with a fascinating combat history told, in many cases, by the Second World War pilots themselves. Well researched, readable and illustrated with dozens of rare and previously unpublished photographs, The Men Who Flew the Vought F4U Corsair is the perfect book for any fan of the ‘bent wing bird’.

By mid-1944, the Allies, especially the United States, began preparing for a potential invasion of Japan. Churchill expected the Royal Navy to support the U.S. Navy in achieving aerial dominance. The Admiralty focused on strengthening its carrier forces, forming the 15th Naval Fighter Wing. However, a key question arose: which aircraft would the Wing us? he Supermarine Seafire lacked the necessary range and endurance for Pacific operations, while Hellcats were in short supply and prioritized for U.S. use. This left the Vought F4U Corsair as the best option. Although initially dismissed due to its poor safety record on carriers, the Corsair was transferred to the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm, relieving American forces of the controversial aircraft.The 15th Naval Fighter Wing, made up of Nos. 1830, 1831, and 1833 squadrons, became the first to deploy the Corsair at sea. Despite early losses, British and Commonwealth pilots demonstrated its effectiveness, eventually convincing even the skeptical U.S. Navy of its capabilities. The Corsair proved to be one of the war’s most effective fighters.Led by Battle of Britain ace Dickie Cork until his death in 1944, the Wing achieved notable successes against Japanese forces aboard HMS Illustrious. Drawing on accounts from 20 veterans and extensive archives, this book highlights the Corsair’s transformation into a legendary naval fighter and the pilots’ indomitable spirit.

When Nicholas Winton cancelled his skiing holiday in favour of going to Prague to visit a friend, little did he know this decision would change the course of thousands of lives, including his own. As millions of Jewish families attempted to flee the growing clutches of the brutal Nazi war of terror, this twenty-nine-year-old stockbroker decided to act, pulling off one of the most remarkable rescue missions of the century. The British Oskar Schindler tells the story of this remarkable man’s life and those around him who helped him to achieve all he did.

In this our fifth book in this modelling series we undertake an excursion into a new scale, modelling in TT120. Falling between the popular stalwarts of OO and N, the Market Deeping club were challenged to create a display layout in this scale, based upon the Devon Riviera coastal railway. In doing so they explored the arguments for and against the scale. Working with the challenges of ‘if I have X space what will fit into it?’ and ‘if I am depicting a scenario what space do I need?’ the club engineered the line alongside the famed red cliffs beloved of so many holidaymakers to run with full length HST consists. We illustrate a single day at ‘Holcombe Beach’ near Teigmouth, with the approaching Great Storm of 1987. The reward at exhibition is immediate recognition of the coastal strip and a flood of reminiscences from viewers. We also created a plan B practice layout based on County Durham to fit the early Hornby steam rolling stock releases. The Market Deeping Club commenced writing modelling books after experiencing extensive vandalism of their annual Stamford model railway exhibition in May 2019. The skills built up in rebuilding damaged, or replacing broken layouts, has led to a nimble team able to put their skills into a scale where initial perception of size is difficult, and resources feel thin on the ground.

The summer of 1940 marked a pivotal moment in the Second World War. Following the Fall of France, Britain and the Commonwealth stood alone against the threat of Nazi Germany. With the prospect of invasion looming and Hitler’s forces undefeated, the outlook appeared bleak. As the new Prime Minister, Winston Churchill predicted, "the Battle of Britain is about to begin."Under the leadership of Reichmarshall Hermann Göring, the Luftwaffe sought to destroy the RAF and secure aerial supremacy, but Fighter Command’s young aircrew—immortalised by Churchill as "The Few"—resisted with great determination. Over sixteen weeks, from 10 July to 31 October 1940, nearly 3,000 aircrew fought, with 544 losing their lives. Their sacrifice was supported by the RAF, Allied forces, and the civilian population, all playing vital roles in the struggle.In his eight-volume series, Dilip Sarkar MBE, FRHistS, explores the Battle of Britain with a meticulous evidence-based approach. Drawing on primary sources, Sarkar challenges popular narratives while providing comprehensive day-by-day accounts of every raid, squadron action, and strategic operation, including Bomber and Coastal Command activities and the impact on the Home Front. Produced in collaboration with the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust, this series offers the most up-to-date research available.This final volume focuses on how the Battle of Britain has been commemorated over time and examines its cultural and historical significance. Concluding with a comprehensive directory of memorials, museums, and sites related to the battle, the book serves as an essential guide for those interested in exploring these locations and connecting with the dramatic events of 1940.

All know about the ''defenestration of Prague'', the coup d''etat staged by Bohemian nobles against the ruling officials of the Hapsburg empire, which triggered the Thirty Years War - a local dispute which started European and global conflict between the Spanish and Austrian Hapsburgs - the Hapsburg Imperium - the greatest power in Europe and the world - linked by the ''Spanish Road'' stretching from Spain and Portugal to Austria, Italy, Germany, the Low Countries and with vast American, Asian and African empires, and buttressed by the Holy Roman Empire. But the ''Golden Age'' was ending with threats to monopoly, economic downturn, revolts - as in Bohemia above - and rivalry from rising powers in Europe, especially the Dutch Republic, as a world colonial, economic power especially in international finance. This study shows that Imperial victory at Nordlingen (1634) was merely the prologue to Hapsburg disaster, and to the decisive change in global power politics with the rise of France as a great power under Richelieu and Louis XIII, French victory in Spain, the continuing power and rivalry of Sweden and the Protestant powers in German, and the financial power and imperial challenge of the Dutch Republic. The result was the greatest war of attrition in modern times and precursor of the wars of the 20th century. It is a truly tragic yet magnificent story of great men and women playing huge roles, including the ''titanic'' Imperial general Wallenstein, but above all for the triumph of the under-sung yet most successful commander, Torstenson, on the Protestant side, He is a worthy successor to the legendary Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden. The final victory at Prague ended the conflict, where it had begun, with Imperial defeat and the destruction the Hapsburg imperium. The Treaty (Treaties) of Westphalia followed Hapsburg defeat and spiralling political and economic collapse, and great human suffering, following a war which changed the global balance of power for the whole modern era.

Hitler’s U-boats posed a severe threat to Britain during the Second World War, endangering both its survival and the possibility of defeating Germany. Britain needed over a million tons of imports weekly to support the war effort, but Allied shipping losses were devastating. In June 1940, enemy submarines sank 284,113 tons of Allied shipping, a number that rose to 352,407 tons by October, while the Kriegsmarine lost only eight U-boats during the same period. Losses peaked in mid-1942, with 124 ships sunk in June, yet German U-boat casualties remained minimal. Replacement ships could not keep up with the mounting losses, and the Allies’ position grew increasingly precarious.The struggle against U-boats became a monumental effort. Jak P. Mallmann Showell’s book examines this battle in detail, focusing on Allied tactics, technologies, and innovations. Key strategies included radar, Enigma codebreaking, and the convoy system to combat German “wolfpacks.” Allied aircraft successfully drove U-boats from the British coast, while advances in sonar and weaponry, such as sonic torpedoes and rockets, gradually turned the tide of the battle.

The story of America’s cavalry is rich with colorful personalities and thrilling action, shaping much of the early military history of the United States. In this lively account, the author, an avid horseman, explores the key events and figures that defined the cavalry’s formative years.From the American Revolution, where figures like Henry ‘Light-Horse Harry’ Lee III and Francis Marion pioneered guerrilla tactics, the narrative moves to Stephen Kearny, known as the ‘Father of the Cavalry.’ Kearny’s Dragoons famously traveled West to California on mules. The account also highlights other iconic figures, including Jonathan ‘Stonewall’ Jackson, George Crook, who respected the Native Americans he was ordered to fight, and George Armstrong Custer, whose tragic defeat at the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876 remains a pivotal moment in American history.The narrative also touches on Theodore Roosevelt’s Rough Riders and Black Jack Pershing, who led his troops in automobiles. This saga of daring raids, epic marches, and grueling battles reflects not only the legacy of the U.S. Cavalry but also the birth and growth of America itself.

Set at the height of World War II, Escaping the Russian Onslaught is the untold story of Ruth Meissner’s harrowing journey from her besieged home in Pomerania, Germany, to safety in the middle of Germany.When Ruth Meissner heard hooves clattering on the cobblestones of the family’s country estate of Klein Pobloth, she knew her family was in trouble. Tensions rose as a German equestrian school fleeing the Russians sought refuge in their home. Escaping became imperative for the family’s survival.Ruth risked the only life she’d ever known to save her young children, Susanne, Hans-Georg, and baby Dorlies, from the Russian Army and Hitler’s Nazi Regime. Their harrowing journey began from their home in Pomerania, Germany, to find safety at Schloss Prüzen. The Schloss had a two-way radio, where they heard Pomerania had fallen. By 15 May 1945, they reached Vorrade near Lübeck, where two former friends came to live with the family group.Ruth always remembered her husband’s warning before he left for the Western Front: Ruth, do what you must to save yourself and our children.This is their story.

One of the most overlooked families of the early modern period, the Courtenays played a critical role, and their story of love and loss, loyalty and betrayal, survival and ruin is played out at the courts of four Tudor monarchs.Katharine, Countess of Devon, was Edward IV''s daughter. Her first proposed marriage would have made her Queen of Spain, but she was declared a bastard on the accession of her uncle Richard III. Legitimated under Henry VII, she eventually married Sir William Courtenay, heir to the earldom of Devon. Her closeness to her sister, Queen Elizabeth of York, did not prevent the sudden arrest of her husband in 1502. Whilst earning the regard of her royal brother-in-law, Henry VII, she walked a knife edge until the accession of her nephew, Henry VIII. As a widow, he granted her the lands of the earldom of Devon for life, making her one of the wealthiest female magnates in England. Her death in 1527 spared her the tragedies which befell her family in the 1530s. Her son Henry, Marquis of Exeter, was first cousin to Henry VIII, with whom he enjoyed a close relationship until the king’s decision to repudiate his queen changed everything. Henry’s marriage to Gertrude Blount, one of the most neglected women of the Tudor period, was one of affection and respect. During the 1530s, she was at the centre of a group opposed to Henry VIII’s repudiation of Catherine of Aragon, passing on information provided by her husband and a small circle of trusted friends to the imperial ambassador, Chapuys. When her husband was arrested in 1538, he, along with others, was executed; only she survived. Imprisoned in the Tower with her twelve-year-old son, Edward, she was later released while Edward remained incarcerated until the accession of Mary I. Upon his release, many believed he would marry the queen, but instead, he died in exile from suspected poisoning after surviving several assassination attempts by imperial agents. This study of the Courtenay family follows their lives and fortunes from 1479-1558.

By spring 1942, Hitler’s forces on the Eastern Front were suffering heavy losses. To replace these casualties, the Army requested the transfer of 20,000 men from the Kriegsmarine and 200,000 airmen from the Luftwaffe to be retrained as infantry. Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring, head of the Luftwaffe, vehemently opposed the plan, fearing it would diminish his political power after several Luftwaffe failures. He proposed instead that the Luftwaffe raise and equip these 200,000 men, arguing their Nazi spirit would benefit the war effort.Hitler, prioritizing political loyalty over military logic, approved the creation of Luftwaffen Felddivisionen (Luftwaffe Field Divisions). Despite being ill-suited for front-line combat, these divisions were deployed in all theatres except North Africa. They were generally ineffective, with many regarded as fit only for garrison duties. On the Eastern Front, they struggled due to the brutal intensity of the fighting. However, two divisions, the 12th and 21st, performed relatively well.This in-depth study examines the Luftwaffe Field Divisions, uncovering the tragic consequences of Göring’s decision. Many Luftwaffe personnel perished in these ill-prepared divisions, whose lives might have been spared had they received proper Army training. The research draws on extensive archival materials, highlighting the human cost of this strategic blunder.

Devon and Cornwall have long been attractive destinations, not only for holidaymakers, but also for railway enthusiasts, and it was in Devon, during a family holiday in 1959 that the author’s passion for railways began.Peter started photographing railways at an early age, mainly concentrating on steam, but he made some visits to Devon in the 1970s, to see the Western Class diesel-hydraulics running along the coast. They were being replaced by Class 50 diesel-electrics at the time.More time was spent in Devon in the 1970s and early 1980s photographing preserved railways as well as the modern scene, and an Easter visit to Goodrington became a regular event for several years.The 1986 West of England resignalling scheme provided a good reason for a further series of visits to Devon to record the mechanical signal boxes, semaphore signalling and associated equipment before it all disappeared.The first of the author’s many trips to Cornwall was in the summer of 1984, when he spent ten days attempting to photograph the entire Cornish railway system. Although an impossible task, the Class 37s on the china clay operations, as well as all the ''Peaks'', Class 47s and 50s on the main lines, ensured an enjoyable time.Here, with the help of other contributors, the author has attempted to assemble a comprehensive photographic record of the railways in the two counties in the late 20th Century.

Tragedy and triumph often intertwine to create legends, and no figure embodies this more than María Eva Duarte de Perón, known to the world as Evita. From her humble beginnings in rural Argentina to her meteoric rise as First Lady, Eva Perón''s life is steeped in myths of ambition, power, and transformation. In just six years, she became a symbol of Argentina''s working class, a polarising figure who defied societal norms — and a fashion icon whose image remains influential today.This captivating exploration of Evita’s life uncovers the vital role of fashion in her rise to power. Eva’s style wasn’t just about appearances — it was a weapon in her political arsenal, a means of challenging Argentina’s elite while solidifying her image as a champion of the descamisados. Through her carefully curated wardrobe, Eva transcended the boundaries of class and gender, reshaping herself from a small-town girl into a symbol of Peronism and national pride.This book delves into the intersection of politics, society, and fashion, revealing how Eva’s choices in dress and image-making contributed to her lasting myth. Whether adored or reviled, her ability to craft and control her image set a high standard for future First Ladies and continues to spark debate long after her tragic death. To understand Evita’s myth, we must first understand the image she so masterfully created.

Formed in 1940 as Special Boat Section and later amalgamated into 1st SAS Regiment as part of Colonel David Stirling’s expansion, the famed SBS were a commando unit designed to carry out amphibious raids on Axis occupied territory during WW2.Originally referred to by Stirling as the ‘Folboat Section’ and reconstituted as the Special Boat Squadron under the command of Captain Earl George Jellicoe, the SBS set about causing havoc in the enemy held islands of the Aegean.This is the personal account of one man, Desmond Marshall, who in late 1943 was recruited as a signaller into L Squadron SBS.Written in the years following the war and undiscovered until over half a century later, it is only now this unique account of wartime life in the SBS is being revealed in his own words.Join Des and L Squadron on their daring adventures behind enemy lines in this detailed and riveting, never before told story.