Books matching: world war ii battles
100 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
Antony Beevor's 'Stalingrad: The Fateful Siege, 1942–1943' is a meticulously researched and vividly written account of the brutal battle that took place in Stalingrad during World War II. The book delves into the strategic decisions made by Hitler and Stalin, the immense sacrifices of soldiers on both sides, and the harrowing conditions faced by those involved in the conflict. Readers are taken on a journey through the siege, experiencing the horror, heroism, and sheer scale of the battle, which ultimately became a turning point in the war.
Saturday, 21 June 1941, produced a perfect summer’s morning. Many Berliners took the train out to Potsdam to spend the day in the park of Sans Souci. Others went swimming from the beaches of the Wanns...- #2
Save:'The Battle of Midway' by Craig L. Symonds provides a detailed and dramatic account of the pivotal battle that changed the course of World War II. Symonds skillfully describes the events leading up to the battle, the contributions of key individuals like Rochefort and the codebreakers, and the heroic actions of the fliers involved. Through a mix of published accounts and interviews, the author reconstructs the battle and addresses myths and misconceptions that have emerged about it, offering readers a well-rounded understanding of this significant historical event.
'Quartered Safe Out Here' by George MacDonald Fraser is a World War II memoir that offers a vivid and honest account of the author's experiences as a soldier in Burma. The book delves into the life of a British infantryman on the frontlines, providing a personal view of the 'forgotten war'. Fraser's writing style includes phonetically spelled out accents and recreated conversations, bringing the characters to life and immersing the reader in the day-to-day struggles and camaraderie of the soldiers. The author candidly recounts the horrors of war, the challenges of memory recall, and his reflections on the past, all set against the backdrop of the XIV Army campaign in Burma.
THE FIRST TIME I SMELT JAP was in a deep dry-river bed in the Dry Belt, somewhere near Meiktila. I can no more describe the smell than I could describe a colour, but it was heavy and pungent and compo...- #4
Save:'Rogue Heroes: The History of the SAS, Britain's Secret Special Forces Unit That Sabotaged the Nazis and Changed the Nature of War' by Ben Macintyre delves into the daring and courageous exploits of the Special Air Service during World War II. Through a series of clandestine operations, the SAS, led by unconventional leaders like David Stirling, disrupted and destroyed enemy targets deep behind enemy lines. Macintyre's narrative style vividly brings to life the intense missions, the camaraderie among the soldiers, and the strategic innovations that shaped modern warfare. captures the bravery, humor, and vulnerability of the SAS members, highlighting their individual stories within the larger context of the war.
Macintyre skillfully weaves together historical accuracy with engaging storytelling, showcasing the evolution of the SAS from its unconventional beginnings in the North African desert to its pivotal role in the European campaigns. not only explores the military tactics and achievements of the SAS but also delves into the personal journeys of the men who served in this elite unit. Through a mix of humor, action, and historical insight, 'Rogue Heroes' offers a compelling account of the rogue heroes who defied the odds and made a lasting impact on the course of the war.
Five months before Operation Squatter, a tall, thin soldier lay, grumpy and immobile, in a Cairo hospital bed. The twenty-five-year-old officer had been brought into the Scottish Military Hospital on ... 'Shattered Sword: The Untold Story of the Battle of Midway' by Jonathan Parshall provides a detailed and critical analysis of the Battle of Midway from the Japanese perspective. The authors delve into the flaws of the Japanese military doctrine and attitude that led to their defeat, while also dispelling myths surrounding the battle. Through hard data, eyewitness accounts, and previously unexplored Japanese sources, the book offers a fresh and informative look into Japan's war efforts and the events leading up to Operation MI.
The writing style of 'Shattered Sword' is described as engaging and informative, with a focus on providing accurate timelines, logical conclusions, and dispelling populist myths about the Battle of Midway. The authors present a critical examination of Japan's military strategies and operations, shedding light on the errors in doctrine and attitude that contributed to their downfall. Through meticulous research and detailed analysis, the book offers readers a comprehensive understanding of the events leading up to and during the pivotal battle.
- #6
Save:The Naked and the Dead by Norman Mailer is a classic war novel set during World War II in the South Pacific, specifically focusing on the soldiers fighting the Japanese on the fictional island of Anopopei. The book delves into the lives of the soldiers, detailing their feelings, thoughts, and experiences during the war, including the portrayal of the general's selfish revenge against a subordinate. Through vivid descriptions and expertly crafted battle scenes, Mailer captures the mud, sweat, anxiety, and complexities of war, providing a deep insight into the human condition under extreme circumstances.
Nobody could sleep. When morning came, assault craft would be lowered and a first wave of troops would ride through the surf and charge ashore on the beach at Anopopei. All over the ship, all through ... - #7
Save:"The Longest Winter: The Battle of the Bulge and the Epic Story of World War II's Most Decorated Platoon" by Alex Kershaw tells the captivating and emotional story of the Intelligence and Reconnaissance Platoon of the 394th Infantry Regiment, 99th Division during and after the Battle of the Bulge. The book vividly describes the heroic actions of a small platoon that valiantly defended against the German offensive, highlighting their struggles in combat, capture, and life in POW camps. Through firsthand accounts and detailed narration, Kershaw provides a compelling insight into the experiences of these brave men during one of WWII's most pivotal battles.
Kershaw's writing style combines extensive research with a conversational tone, making the book a riveting and easy read for those interested in military history. The author intricately weaves together the accounts of the platoon members, training, frontline combat, and life in POW camps, offering a comprehensive and engaging narrative that sheds light on the lesser-known stories of ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances during WWII.
Count Klaus von Stauffenberg, chief of staff to General Friedrich Fromm, commander of the Army of the Interior, tried to keep his nerve as he stood alone, holding open a briefcase, in a bathroom deep ... - #8
Save:'Killing Patton' by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard delves into the final year of World War II, focusing on General George S. Patton Jr.'s contributions and the events surrounding his mysterious death. The book offers insights into Patton's character, his interactions with other major figures of the era, and the political situation at the time. While some readers find the book to be more about the end of Nazi Germany than a detailed focus on Patton's plot, it provides a concise history of WWII and vivid narratives of significant battles like the Battle of the Bulge.
The narrative style in 'Killing Patton' is described as fast-paced and well-written, albeit with a newscaster prose that some readers find typical of Bill O'Reilly's writing. The book covers Patton's activities from October 1944 onwards, vividly detailing events like the Battle of the Bulge, the relief of Bastogne, and the crossing of the Rhine. While some feel that the book is less about Patton and more about the broader context of the war, it offers a unique perspective on Patton's life and the mysteries surrounding his death.
The autumn afternoon was rent by a terrifying sound the Americans knew all too well. Their slang for the high-speed ripping sound of a German MG-42 machine gun is “Hitler’s Zipper.” To the Wehrmacht, ...
(Also, see 60 recommendations for the series Killing ) - #9
Save:'From Here to Eternity' by James Jones is a novel set in Hawaii just before the start of World War II, focusing on the lives of military personnel stationed at an Army Barracks on Oahu. The book delves into the intricacies of garrison life, exploring themes of duty, relationships, and the struggle for integrity amidst the harsh realities of army discipline. Through vivid character portrayals and detailed descriptions, Jones captures the essence of army life and the personal struggles faced by the soldiers, culminating in a poignant and realistic depiction of the events leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor.
The narrative style of 'From Here to Eternity' offers a deep exploration of the characters' inner thoughts and emotions, providing a nuanced understanding of their motivations and actions. Jones weaves a complex web of relationships and challenges, showcasing the human experience within the military setting and offering a profound insight into themes of identity, resilience, and the quest for personal integrity in the face of adversity.
When he finished packing, he walked out onto the third-floor porch of the barracks brushing the dust from his hands, a very neat and deceptively slim young man in the summer khakis that were still ear... - #10
Save:'Battle of Britain' by James Holland provides a comprehensive account of the dramatic events of 1940, not just focusing on the Battle of Britain but also examining the wider context including the Battle of France and the submarine war. Holland weaves together personal accounts, from both sides of the conflict, to bring to life the experiences of individuals involved in the war, from pilots to civilians. The author offers a detailed narrative that humanizes the story by showcasing the actions of historically important figures as well as lesser-known individuals who played a crucial role during this decisive period of World War II.
SUNDAY, 5 MAY 1940, a little after two that afternoon. A warm, sunny day over much of Britain, but above Drem aerodrome, a busy grass airfield some twenty miles east of Edinburgh, a deep blue sky was ...
