Hi I am having trouble finding good titles from the British perspective. I live in the US so these books are not readily available. I read With the Jocks and thought it was excellent and wondered if anyone had any other recommendations. Thank you, Bill
Hello dewey, any particular theatre, period, battle, branch, rank, and how much are you figuring on typically spending per book? No.9
Hi Bill, Welcome to the Forum. Here are few which you may enjoy reading - other than Ron Tee's book, others are available in the US at reasonable prices, from people like AbeBooks. Other than personal stories there also some excellent regimental/brigade/division histories available. "Leakey's Luck, A Tank Commander with Nine Lines" Author: Rea Leakey, edited by George Forty Publisher: Sutton Publishing Ltd., Stroud, Gloucestershire Copyright: 1999, 230 pp. "A British Soldier Remembers" Authors: Ronald A.Tee & Ken C. Dowsett. Publisher: Epic Press, Belleville, Ontario, Canada. Copyright: 2001, 199 pp. Nicely illustrated, these are the reminiscences of Sgt Ron Tee, who served with the 56th Reconnaisance Regiment, 78th (Battleaxe) Division, during WW II. Of interest to the NIH is the fact that the Regiment was attached to the 78th Division during two important actions - the capture of "Longstop Hill" in Tunisia and the assault on the Gothic Line in Italy. Additionally, as many from the 56th Recce, when it was disbanded in October 1945, were transferred to the NIH, I got to know Ron when we both were members of the Sergeant's Mess in Wuppertal, Germany. To order go to Ron's site: http://www.britishsoldier.com/ "The Long Road Home" Author: Fred Cederberg Publisher: General Publishing Co. Ltd., Toronto. Copyright: 1984, 257 pp. The autobiography of a Canadian soldier in Italy during World War Two. Highly recommended! "The Alexander Memoirs, 1940-1945" Author: Field-Marshal Earl Alexander of Tunis, edited by John North Publisher: Cassell & Co. Ltd., London Copyright: 1962, 210 pp. Also my story (hopefully to be publishd this year) which you can find in the Forum's "Stories" or going to http://www.nih.ww2site.com/ With best wishes to you and yours, Gerry
Hi guys thanks for the advice so far. As far as what particular campaign I am interested in, I would say all. For the most part I have been studying WW1, though lately I have turned my attention to WW2. As far as money goes it is no object(just kidding). I have spent enough money on books to make my wife quite unhappy. Cheers, Bill
Dewey1, I can give you heaps from my site's bibliography. Go to http://www.usswashington.com/dl_index.htm and scroll through it. "D-Day Dodger" is a good one, as is "Flame Thrower."
Hi Bill You now seem to have a few suggestions for books so maybe you would also like to visit my web site for a British perspective? This is a web site dedicated to the Royal Naval Patrol Service at www.harry-tates.org.uk. The RNPS or 'Harry Tate's Navy', as it was more popularly known, was a special fleet within the Royal Navy and which consisted of hundreds of requisitioned trawlers and other minor vessels. They were responsible for minesweeping, anti-submarine and convoys duties. Hope you enjoy reading the twenty or so veterans’ stories and you won't even have to dig into your pockets! All the best Nick Clark www.harry-tates.org.uk
18 Platoon by Sydney Jary. A platoon commanders war in North West Europe from just after D-Day into Germany. With the Jocks- can't remember author- similiar story to above. Even the brave falter by *** Smith, sorry can't remember the author (at work). Platoon commander with the Gurkhas in Italy. All excellent- if I HAD to pick, either of the first two. Regards Ali
With the Jocks Peter White , Even the brave falter E D Smith - good books 18 Platoon by Sydney Jary. A platoon commanders war in North West Europe from just after D-Day into Germany. With the Jocks- can't remember author- similiar story to above. Even the brave falter by *** Smith, sorry can't remember the author (at work). Platoon commander with the Gurkhas in Italy. All excellent- if I HAD to pick, either of the first two. Regards Ali
I second that sentiment, dewey. I live in the US also and I have been looking for books on RAF 2nd TAC, and Tafford Lee Mallory for quite some time. I would especially like tactical assessments.
Read Bravo Two Zero by Andy McNab....Not WWII but describes the spirit and courage of the British soldier.
There is also "An Infantry Officer with the Eighth Army", by Major HP Samwell MC. I believe this officer later served in Italy and was KIA in Germany in 1945, so his memoirs were transcribed by a fellow officer.
Hmm.. I'd be careful about 'Bravo Two Zero'. Should be read in conjunction with 'The Real Bravo Two Zero' by Michael Asher. In my view the best WWII British memoirs are: Jary '18 Platoon', McDonald Fraser 'Quartered Safe Out Here', Tout 'Tank!' and Powell (aka 'Tom Angus') 'Men at Arnhem'. 'The Little Men' by Ken Cooper is an exciting read about Burma, but my Dad, a 14th Army infantry veteran thought it was a bit exaggerated in places.
I too am living in the US and agree that finding information relating to anything other than US forces is a bit on the slim side. Right now I am reading "Pick up Your Parrots and Monkeys" by William Pennington. It deals with Serving in India in the pre-War years and fighting in Burma. I have really enjoyed reading this book so far, and that says a lot seeing as I am dyslexic LOL. I bought this book on Amazon.com for a really cheap price used. Now if I could find a used copy of "18 Platoon" by Sidney Jary, that would be great. Thanks Mark
