Illustrated Guide to Frigates of the World by BERNARD IRELAND

$19.95 AUD

Category: Military

This fully illustrated reference book charts the complete history of frigates, from their post-World War I function as escort vessels, their role as sloops and corvettes, and their subsequent transformation into post-World War II anti-submarine vessels. A country-by-country directory of over 70 classes describes the main characteristics of each vessel. Each entry, with its expert commentary and high-quality photography, is accompanied by a specification box detailing country of origin, displacement, dimensions, armament, machinery, power, performance and protection. A useful glossary containing definitions of key naval terms is included at the back of the book. With its lively narrative and over 235 photographs, this authoritative volume provides historians and enthusiasts with key information about these important naval vessels. ...Show more

Illustrated Guide To Naval Aircraft by CROSBY FRANCIS

$29.95 AUD

Category: Military

This is a complete history of shipborne fighters, bombers, helicopters and flying boats, including the Grumman Helicat, F-4 Phantom, Westland Lynx and Sikorsky Seahawk. It is a comprehensive A to Z directory of 130 of the major naval aircraft, with informative, expert text and over 670 photographs illus trating each type. It examines the history and evolution of naval aircraft from the first flights in 1910 and the rise of naval air power during WWII, through to 21st-century carrier operations. Specification boxes provide at-a-glance information about each aircraft's name, country of origin, first flight, power, armament, size, weight and performance. This meticulously researched and illustrated book charts the complete history of naval aviation, from the pioneering days when biplanes were catapulted from converted destroyers through to the high-performance jets patrolling the world's seas today. In addition to the comprehensive A to Z listing of naval aircraft, the book also focuses on significant technological advances, including carrier evolution, aircraft technology and weaponry, as well as operations in which naval aviation have played significant part, for example Pearl Harbor, Korea and Vietnam. This superb book provides enthusiasts with key information about naval aviation. ...Show more

The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Rifles by WILLIAM FOWLER

$12.99 AUD

$29.95 (56% off)

Category: Military

This is a history and A-Z directory of rifles from the medieval period to the present day, shown in over 300 photographs. It contains directories of rifles from different parts of the world, organized according to country of manufacture. It features key specifications for each weapon, including magazine capacity, barrel length and unloaded weight. It includes 300 superb photographs and artworks, cutaway diagrams showing internal components and operation, and specification boxes for detailed study. This authoritative guide explores the development of rifles through the centuries, and shows the capabilities and specifications of modern weapons. Readers are introduced to the designers and manufacturers involved in rifle development, as well as the materials, mechanics and technology involved in arms production. Grouped according to country of origin, each gun's features are listed, with the military, political and technological context in which the weapon was developed. Written by leading experts in the field, this superbly illustrated reference book is essential reading for all enthusiasts interested in gun manufacture and weapons of war. ...Show more

Victory at Villiers-Bretonneaux by Peter FitzSimons

$34.99 AUD

Category: Military

It?s early 1918, and after four brutal years, the fate of the Great War hangs in the balance.On the one hand, the fact that Vladimir Lenin and the Bolsheviks have seized power in Russia - immediately suing for peace with Germany - means that no fewer than one million of the Kaiser?s soldiers can now be transferred from there to the Western Front.On the other, now that America has entered the war, it means that two million American soldiers are also on their way, to tip the scales of war to the Allies.The Germans, realising that their only hope is striking at the Allied lines first, do exactly that, and on the morning of 21 March 1918, the Kaiserschlacht, the Kaiser?s battle, is launched - the biggest set-piece battle the world has ever seen.Across a 45-mile front, no fewer than two million German soldiers hurl themselves at the Allied lines, with the specific intention of splitting the British and French forces, and driving all the way through to the town of Villers-Bretonneux, at which point their artillery will be able to rain down shells on the key train-hub town of Amiens, thus throttling the Allied supply lines.For nigh on two weeks, the plan works brilliantly, and the Germans are able to advance without check, as the exhausted British troops flee before them, together with tens of thousands of French refugees.In desperation, the British commander, General Douglas Haig, calls upon the Australian soldiers to stop the German advance, and save Villers-Bretonneux. If the Australians can hold this, the very gate to Amiens, then the Germans will not win the war.'It's up to us, then,' one of the Diggers writes in his diary. Arriving at Villers-Bretonneux just in time, the Australians are indeed able to hold off the Germans, launching a vicious counterattack that hurls the Germans back the first time.And then, on Anzac Day 1918, when the town falls after all to the British defenders, it is again the Australians who are called on to save the day, the town, and the entire battle.Not for nothing does the primary school at Villers-Bretonneux have above every blackboard, to this day, 'N?oublions jamais, l?Australie.' Never forget Australia.And they never have. ...Show more