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In the weeks after the end of the War in May 1945, 156 U-boats surrendered to the Allies. Some of these either surrendered at sea or directly in a variety of ports, whilst the majority were taken over whilst moored in German bases in Norway, Denmark and France. Nine gave themselves up in the USA, Canada and Argentina. This book provides a comprehensive record of the surrender of all these vessels, and it also includes the story of the 200 or so U-boats which were scuttled, rather than surrendered, in the final days of the War. And it includes details of others which have been raised since and then either been used or scrapped.The author begins by describing the development of Allied policy in 1943, 1944 and early 1945 for the surrender and disposal of the German Navy and its surviving U-boats. It then explains the surrender arrangements, as well as the discussions concerning U-boats at the Potsdam Conference in July 1945 and by the Tripartite Naval Commission (TNC) in Berlin between August and December 1945. The uses and fates of all the surrendered U-boats are then described, particularly those which were formally allocated to the UK, the USA and the USSR. It includes the story of the capture of U-505, before concluding with a schedule showing the final disposal details of each of the U-boats which surrendered.The level of detail, and the exhaustive research incorporated in this work, makes it both an important new reference book and a fascinating analysis of one of the most significant events of the War’s end; it also leads the reader into the world of postwar submarine development and the tussle between the US and Soviet navies to best exploit the technical advances that originated with the wartime U-boat.‘It is, with no doubt, the most complete account on this topic … The time is more than ripe for this.’ Dr Axel Niestle, German Naval Historian‘Thank you so much for your precious work bringing light into the end of the German U-Boats at the end of WW II. My congratulations for a wonderful piece of research’. Horst Bredow - Director of the Cuxhaven U-Boat Archive and Museum‘A remarkably well researched work.'' Glenn Helm, US Naval History and Heritage Command

Fighting for Hitler intricately weaves together the personal stories of German historical witnesses across thematic chapters, covering diverse facets of the wartime experience. From the frontlines of battle to the harrowing conditions in POW camps, 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 stories from the Eastern Front, from the invasion of Poland to Operation Barbarossa and the fierce fighting at Stalingrad. The book also contains accounts from those who served in the Kriegsmarine, depicting life on a battleship and gripping U-Boat battles. The book goes on to cover D-Day, the fall of the Reich, and stories of survival in POW camps across the globe. 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.

As the Allies broke out of Normandy in June 1944 and pushed into France and the Low Countries they soon found that their supplies lines became more and more extended. They needed a proper working port on the Channel that would enable them to bring in more men and materiel to fight the Germans in Europe and alleviate their supply issues. Antwerp was the prize they were after but the Germans had it covered so other ports needed to be captured as a matter of urgency. This is the story of the capture of Dieppe, Le Havre, Boulogne and Calais and the Siege of Dunkirk that the Allies decided to do while they concentrated on capturing and bringing only the port of Antwerp. It was a siege that was to last until the end of the war.

The second volume of a series on a glossary of codebreaking, WW2 Codebreaking Events and Organisations, brings to the reader an easily understandable account and listing, of those organisations involved in collecting and analysing military intelligence principally during the second world war. A listing of key events or occurrences is provided which moulded the direction of codebreaking and gathering of enemy intelligence. Whilst Bletchley Park was the HQ of codebreaking activities in wartime, numerous organisations became involved in a support role, and this became critical when more advanced enemy encoding machines were introduced by the Nazis. The evolution of certain organisations over time, can be tracked to a degree, by reading the glossary in depth.The entries are cross-referenced to enable the reader to research as much or as little as they want, to dip-in to the glossary, to use it as a basis for further study, or just to learn a little more about the people and organisations that helped us win the war with our allied friends.

This book explores the Brontë siblings growing up with maternal deprivation and loss, and how this affected their development both as children and as adults. It examines how their sibling rivalry led to disharmony and separation, where each of the surviving children became isolated and separated into their own personalities and beliefs.Research into sibling rivalry is referenced from modern studies and the structure of the family. The importance of each person’s position in the ‘pecking order’ is shown to reflect on their behaviour and interaction within the family and the outside world. There is particular focus on the eldest and the youngest in the family hierarchy.The author examines the relationships between the four younger Brontë siblings and how Charlotte’s role and behaviour changed when she suddenly became the eldest child. There is a detailed look at the position and expectations of Anne Brontë, as the youngest sibling and least expected to excel. There is an examination of her novels, hymns and poetry and reference to possible autobiography and also to her crises of faith.Anne’s last illness and death are particularly highlighted to try and explain her final separation, physically and metaphorically, from her home and family. The irony of her burial in a place known as ‘Paradise’ and her longing to gain a heaven with her family, is especially discussed as a consequence of her overbearing eldest sister’s character, beliefs and behaviour.This book is not a criticism or discussion of the Brontë''s works but an examination of how these four exceptional siblings related to each other and how their relationships affected all of their lives with unforeseen and unexpected consequences.

Investigating Charles Lechmere: Was he Jack the Ripper? takes readers on a journey back to the chilling Autumn of 1888, when the streets of London were gripped by fear as Jack the Ripper stalked his victims through the shadows of the East End. But amidst the fog of history and speculation, one new name comes to light: Charles Lechmere.In this meticulously researched book, Neil Norman unveils a compelling case for Lechmere as the infamous Ripper, challenging conventional wisdom and overturning decades of speculation. Drawing on modern profiling techniques and historical context, the author paints a vivid portrait of late Victorian London, where poverty and desperation provided fertile ground for a killer to thrive.With its blend of historical insight, forensic analysis, and relentless pursuit of the truth, this book is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the enigma of Jack the Ripper and the dark underbelly of Victorian society. With hundreds of suspects put forward over the decades, could the Ripper have been hiding in plain sight all along?

This is the story of the air war over Western Europe, much of it told by the Halifax pilots and air crew who took part. It spans the period between 1942 and 1945 and covers the encounters between the Luftwaffe and the air forces of Britain and the Commonwealth.Many unique experiences are recounted concerning the daily bombing raids that were hurled against Hitler''s war machine. The author has sought the experiences of RAF and German fighter pilots, who explain how they stalked their prey before pouncing to catastrophic effect.This book contains vivid accounts of some of the most heroic actions in the history of air warfare.

A History of Women''s Work explores the often overlooked contributions of women throughout history, particularly in a patriarchal society where men have dominated the historical record. While men were more likely to leave traces – through wills, leases, and civic duties – women laboured behind the scenes, performing crucial yet unpaid tasks for their families and communities. In many households, women supported their husbands’ work, ran home-based industries, or sought paid employment despite societal restrictions. This book delves into three main areas of women’s work: household tasks, home industries, and paid employment outside the home. Through case studies and practical research tips, it sheds light on the lives of these women, encouraging readers to uncover their own female ancestors'' stories and contribute to a richer understanding of women’s history.

Major Malcolm ‘The Bobber’ Robertson OBE MC had been profoundly affected by his service in the First World War at Ypres and on the Somme, and prayed that the boys of Sunnyside, the Winchester College house that he ran, would be spared the like. By 1938, he knew that war was coming again, and as each set of boys left he tried to follow their fortunes and to support them and their families as best he could. The resulting correspondence between The Bobber and former pupils in every theatre of war, as well as to and from their parents and siblings, forms a precious and unique record of the impact of the Second World War on the Winchester community. Together with photographs, diaries, and memoirs from almost all the forty boys who sat down with The Bobber for the 1938 house photograph, their letters provide us with a vivid depiction of the wartime careers of the boys, for whom Robertson felt a huge personal responsibility. In this magnificent book these sources reveal the boys’ doubts, successes, boredom, captures, narrow escapes, loves, lifechanging wounds, and – in the case of exactly one in four of them – their deaths. A Noble Company is an ambitious project which gives the reader an inspiring insight into these young men’s wartime experiences.

This is the only book ever published which concentrates on Titanic people from one particular region – Greater Manchester. The RMS Titanic disaster, which occurred on the night of 14/15 April 1912, is one of history’s most catastrophic human tragedies, which resulted in a terrible sacrifice of life. The people on board were proud to be part of the ship’s maiden voyage, but what they didn’t know was that it was destined to be its only voyage. The county of Greater Manchester in the north-west of England is made up of the Metropolitan boroughs of Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan. More than 30 people from the region had connections with RMS Titanic - they being a mixture of passengers and crew, and the majority of them lost their lives. This is the story of who they were, what happened to them during the disaster, and what the future held for those who survived. Some of them left detailed accounts of the horrific incident.

Combining the destructive firepower of the famous 8.8cm gun with the mobility of the Pzkpfw IV medium tank, the Panzerjäger Nashorn, or rhinoceros, was quite possibly one of the most effective tank destroyers of the Second World War, although less than 500 were built. Issued to specially created heavy anti-tank battalions the Nashorn went into action for the first time during Operation Citadel, the battles around Kursk on the Eastern Front, in mid-1943 where it was immediately hailed as a success. Initial doubts about the vehicle''s lack of thick armour, or even a roof for the superstructure, were forgotten when it was found that the 8.8cm gun, backed by superior gun sights and range-findering optics, could destroy the heaviest Soviet tanks while the Nashorn remained out of range. Examples also found their way to Italy and the Western Front but it was really on the open fields of eastern Europe that the Nashorn excelled. In his latest book in the TankCraft series, Dennis Oliver uses contemporary photographs and meticulously researched, superbly presented colour and monochrome illustrations to tell the story of these self-propelled anti-tank weapons and the units which operated them in the German defence of the Eastern Front. As with all the books in the TankCraft series, a large part of this work showcases available model kits and aftermarket products, complemented by a gallery of expertly constructed and painted models. Technical details as well as modifications introduced during production and in the field are also explained giving the modeller all the information and knowledge required.

Discover the untold stories of Africa''s warrior queens, rulers who defied empires, led armies, and shaped the course of history. In African Women of the Ancient World, journey through millennia to uncover the lives of powerful women like Queen Amanirenas, who challenged the might of Rome, Queen Nzinga Mbande, who fought against the Portuguese slave trade, and Dahia al-Kahina, who defended North Africa from Arab invasion.These extraordinary women, often overshadowed by their male counterparts, ruled with unparalleled strategy, pride, and ferocity, navigating their nations through intense battles and radical changes. From the great Pharaoh Hatshepsut of Egypt to Queen Makeda of Sheba, whose legacy is intertwined with the legends of King Solomon, these rulers are the unsung champions of ancient history.In this volume Clark brings these remarkable figures to life, drawing from excellent sources to illuminate their conquests and reigns. A treasure trove for scholars and history enthusiasts alike, this book offers a compelling exploration of the women who fiercely defended their lands and people, and whose stories are finally being told.

Soldier, journalist and centenarian: a triple badge of honour, especially for a woman. Introducing Rena Stewart (1923–2023), a remarkable, 100-year-old Bletchley Park Girl who translated Hitler’s will and blazed a trail for women at the BBC. The Story of Rena Stewart narrates Rena’s fascinating tale, in her own words, and is a testament to a life that was seriously well lived.On graduating from St Andrews University in 1943, Scottish linguist Rena and her friend Agnes decided to ‘do something about the war’. They signed up for the Auxiliary Territorial Service and were posted to Bletchley Park, where Rena processed secret German messages. At the end of the war, Rena and her Bletchley chums were sent to Germany, to translate the statements of captured Nazi officers. There, she and another friend, Margery, were also given a top-secret task: to translate Hitler’s personal will.Career woman Rena had, however, always wanted to work in the media. On her return to England, she managed to secure a position as a lowly clerk at the BBC World Service. She worked her way up from there, including spending ten years listening in to Russian Cold War broadcasts. Finally, she became the first female Senior Duty Editor in the World Service newsroom. ‘My greatest achievement,’ she declared with pride, ‘has been getting people to recognise that a woman can be as good a journalist as a man’.Alongside Rena’s story, this book delves into the lives of her closest Bletchley friends and uncovers intriguing historical mysteries from her remarkable century of life.

Prince Rupert of the Rhine was an intrinsic part of the civil wars that devastated the three kingdoms of Stuart Britain. A nephew of King Charles I, Rupert was both the archetypical royalist hero and parliamentarian villain. In his lifetime, he accumulated at least nine derogatory pseudonyms – from ‘Duke of Plunderland’ to ‘The Diabolical Cavalier’ – with one even coined in 2023. Such polarising viewpoints and propaganda, along with numerous historical myths, often make it challenging to understand the real Rupert. When approaching this biography, Mark Turnbull delved into numerous and varied archives to reconstruct a tapestry of the Civil War and Rupert’s part in it. This highlighted historical errors, gave fresh perspectives, and revealed brand-new information. Key myths are examined, and the prince’s flaws and fame are assessed to produce a balanced and definitive biography. The women in Rupert’s life have never had the prominence they deserve, partly down to the sad fact that there is a lack of surviving records relating to them. That said, Mark’s research has managed to unearth exciting new details about his lover, Lady Katherine Scott, together with mistresses Frances Bard and Margaret Hughes. Valuable studies of the Battles of Vlotho (1638) and Powick Bridge (1642) challenge previous historical narratives and help reshape Rupert’s story. Deciphering 380-year-old coded letters provides extra insight into the prince’s mindset prior to his surrender of Bristol in 1645. Additionally, the formal start of the English Civil War is re-examined in view of two much-overlooked Parliamentary declarations. It has been 17 years since the last biography of Prince Rupert. This ground-breaking book gets to the heart of the man and provides not only a new understanding of him but also of the Wars of the Three Kingdoms.

We have all heard of the Black Death and how it scythed its way through England and the rest of Europe in the late 1340s, and we hear that a third or perhaps even half of the entire English population died in this terrible pandemic. However the numbers are so vast that the victims become little more than statistics. They blur into a kind of unreality, a mute testimony to a catastrophe beyond imagination or comprehension. The Black Death in England aims to rectify this by giving names to some of the people who died in the fourteenth-century epidemics of the Plague Years and recognises those who lived through it, recreating something of their lives and what they went through.

Carthage was the western Mediterranean’s first superpower, long before Rome, and her military history was powerful, eventful, and chequered even before her ‘Punic Wars’ against Rome. Although characterized in the surviving sources and modern studies as a predominantly mercantile state, Carthage fought many wars, both aggressive and defensive, before and in between the contests with the Roman parvenus. The Greek states of Sicily, above all Syracuse under its tyrants Dionysius the Great and then Agathocles, were her most resolute opponents, but in North Africa itself, in Sardinia, and later on in Spain she won—and sometimes lost—major wars. This is the first full-length study dedicated to these other wars which furthered Carthage’s interests for over half a millennium. The book is based firmly and analytically on the ancient sources, and among many insights is that Carthage, though usually considered a naval power, did more fighting on land than at sea and with more success.