Richard Doherty

David Truesdale

Almost 80 years on the battle for the Arnhem Rhine crossing remains controversial. Opinion on its justification and success differs widely. This superbly researched book, written by two acknowledged experts, takes a wide-ranging examination of Operation Market Garden from the strategic, operational and tactical level. The role of the Allied commanders involved is scrutinized with surprising results. For example, US General Brereton’s pivotal role has seldom been mentioned, yet he is revealed as responsible for choosing landing and drop zones. The record of airborne forces, both German and Allied, prior to September 1944 raises questions and the doubt that many senior commanders, including Eisenhower, had as to their effectiveness is highlighted. The parts played by VIII and XII Corps of Second Army and General Dempsey, its Commander are scrutinized, as are the actions of local commanders and troops on the ground. Both those with a deep interest in military history and the layman will find much to inform and satisfy them in this valuable and at times provocative account.

The Battle Re-examined

Aspects of Arnhem

Military historians Doherty and Truesdale tell the personal stories of the many Irish winners of the prestigious medal since its inception in 1856. They include men from all levels of society from poor farmers to lords and generals. Their account is chronological, from the Crimean War through World

Irish Winners of the Victoria Cross

The Battle of the Atlantic (Churchill's term) was arguably the pivotal campaign of the Second World War it was certainly the longest starting with the sinking of RMS Athenia on 3 September 1939 and ending with the torpedoing of SS Avon Dale on 7 May 1945.This superbly researched work covers all the major aspects of The Battle, balancing the initial advantages of Admiral Doenitz's U-Boat force, the introduction of the convoy system, the role of the opposing surface fleets and air forces, relative strengths and the all important technical developments. Intelligence particularly the Bletchley Park intercepts played an increasingly important part in the final outcome.The author concludes that May 1943 was the moment when the Allies seized the initiative and, despite desperate German efforts, never lost their advantage.Using official records, personal accounts and a wealth of historical research, this work gives the reader a splendidly concise yet broad account of the course of the campaign, the men who fought it on both sides and the critical moments and analysis of the outcome.

The Battle of the Atlantic 3 September 1939 to 7 May 1945

Churchill's Greatest Fear

While the main focus in early 1945 was on the advance to The Fatherland, 15 Army Group's 5th (US) and 8th (British) Armies were achieving remarkable results in Northern Italy. Superb generalship (Truscott  5th Army and McCreery  8th Army under General

15th Army Group's Final Campaign 1945

Victory in Italy

The Protestant war cry of 'No Surrender!' was first used in 1689 by the Mayor of Londonderry as James II's army laid siege to the city for 105 days, during which half the city's population died. There were many acts of courage, from the heroic death of Captain Browning to the anonymous, apprentice boys who played signal roles in the defence of the city. The book examines how the Jacobites might have achieved success, and the far reaching impact of the siege as a crucial event in the second British civil war.This is a military study of one of the most iconic episodes in Irish history, based on contemporary accounts, official records of the day, and published works on the siege. With an understanding of seventeenth-century warfare, especially siegecraft, the author probes many of the myths that have grown up around the siege and sets it in its proper context. Its ramifications for the consequent history of Ireland cannot be over emphasised.

The Military History

Siege of Derry 1689

When war broke out in 1939 over 20,000 Irishmen were serving in the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force with the greatest proportion in the Army. During the war this rose to over 120,000, suggesting that about 100,000 enlisted during the war. Nine earned the Victoria Cross; three members of the Royal Navy, including a Fleet Air Arm pilot, four soldiers, including a member of the Australian forces, and two RAF pilots. The author looks at the seven Irish regiments in campaigns across the globe, at Irish soldiers across the Army, at Irish sailors from the Battle of the River Plate to the final actions against Japan, and at Irish airmen from the first bombing raids of the war to the closing days of war. Included are outstanding personalities such as the Chavasse brothers, who earned three DSOs, three DSCs and two MiDs, Bala Bredin, Corran Purden, Brendan 'Paddy' Finucane, Blair Mayne and Roy Farran, the latter pair highly-decorated SAS officers. There are also Irish generals, such as Paddy Warren who died while commanding 5th Indian Division in Burma and Frederick Loftus Tottenham, who commanded 81st (West African) Division, not to mention giants such as Alexander, Auchinleck, Montgomery and McCreery. Irish women are not forgotten in the book which also takes a brief look at the Irish in other Allied forces, including a most unusual volunteer for the US Navy whose application to serve had to be approved by President Roosevelt. He was William Patrick Hitler, a nephew of Germany's führer.

Richard Doherty

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