Formed by men not eligible for active service - too old, too young, in reserved occupations vital to the war effort - who were expected to resist a German invasion with any resources they had to hand, the Home Guard is the embodiment of plucky British resolve against the odds. This book intends to evoke this spirit.

Articulates the parallels and defining features of the tumultuous periods in our history - the Napoleonic Wars and Second World War. This book looks at the style and competence of politicians and military commanders, and the leadership and example of great men such as Nelson and Churchill.

During World War Two the Royal Navy had to expand more than sevenfold to counter numerous threats across the globe. This book looks at the social background of British wartime naval recruits, training methods, the personal experiences of those involved and what they had to learn to become an officer of the watch on the bridge of a warship.

Outlines the basic expressions and tasks a seaman needed to know to perform his duties efficiently during the Second World War. This work includes the following chapters: Sea Terms; Navigation; Steering the Ship; Rigging; Anchors and Cables; Boatwork; Miscellaneous; and Ship Safety. It also includes black line illustrations.

For four centuries, the Navy made Britain the most powerful nation on earth - the true ruler of the waves. This book tells the story of how the Royal Navy shaped the politics, culture and economy of Britain, leaving its imprint on everything from our landscape, to our democracy and even our very identity.

Looks at the social background of naval recruits, the training methods, the personal experiences of those involved and what they had to learn to become an officer of the watch on the bridge of a warship, or even the captain of a landing craft or frigate.

Presenting an account of Churchill's momentous meetings with Roosevelt, Stalin and other leaders at the height of the Second World War, this book illuminates the practicalities of transporting a prime minister through dangerous skies and across hostile oceans in a time of global war.

Whether you're a Master, Commander or Pirate of the Caribbean, this is the vessel for you. From the earliest canoes to today's sophisticated ocean-going giants, Christopher Columbus to Ellen MacArthur, witness the drama, the splendour and excitement of Ship's story above and below the waves, through centuries of exploration, endeavour and conflict. Produced in association with the National ...

What was it really like to be at sea in the Navy with Nelson? Were that sailors excited about the Battle of Trafalgar, or suffering scurvey? How did life compare between those of a high rank, and those who served them? This book takes you back in time to see, hear, smell and taste what life was really like for these brave sailors at sea.

More than an account of Churchill's momentous meetings with Roosevelt, Stalin and other leaders at the height of the Second World War, this book illuminates the practicalities of transporting a prime minister through dangerous skies and across hostile oceans in a time of global war. It concludes with an examination of the legacy of these voyages.

There is no more famous a vessel in naval fiction than HMS Surprise, the principal ship in Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey-Maturin series of sea stories. Yet, the frigate also had a true historical career serving in both the French and British navies. This volume reveals the complete career history and commentary of HMS Surprise in both its guises.

Examines various aspects of the Royal Navy, both ashore and at sea, during the Second World War, and focuses on the strengths and weaknesses of an organisation that was put under acute strain during the period, yet rose to the challenge with initiative and determination.

The ideal guide to Nelson's navy for those with an interest in the workings of a great fleet.

The historical naval facts behind the great works of naval fiction are fully explored.

Gathers together useful advice and instruction for those naval officers fighting the Second World War on various aspects of their job.

The wars that began in the mid-17th century, between England, France and The Netherlands, created the classic sailing warship with its broadside armament. This title covers the era of the sailing warship, which lasted until the application of steam propulsion on a large scale during the 1840s.

The Royal Navy has always been seen as an English institution despite a large Scottish contribution. This book tells the stories of almost forgotten campaigns, such as the submarine war in the Firth of Forth in 1914-18. It studies the role of Scotland being an important centre for the Royal Navy.

This title traces the evolution of fleet tactics from the Dutch wars of the 17th century to the defeat of the French Empire. It emphasizes the importance of signals and fighting instructions as a key to the way the fleets were actually employed and provides insights into well-known battles.