Ever since the 1920s the popular legend of the French Foreign Legion has been formed by P.C. Wren's novel BEAU GESTE - a world of remote forts, warrior tribes, and desperate men of all nationalities enlisting under pseudonyms to fight and die under the desert sun. As with all cliches, the reality is far richer and more surprising than this. In this book Martin Windrow describes desert battles and famous last stands in gripping detail - but he also shows exactly what the Foreign Legion were doing in North Africa in the first place. He explains how French colonial methods there actually had their roots in the jungles of Vietnam, and how the political pressures that kept the empire expanding can be traced to battles on the streets of Paris itself. His description of the Berber tribesmen of Morocco also reveals some disturbing modern parallels: the formidable guerrillas of the 1920s were inspired by an Islamic fundamentalist who was adept at using the world's media to further his cause. Martin Windrow's previous book THE LAST VALLEY received fabulous reviews across the English-speaking world. This unique book, which is the first to examine the 'golden age' of the Foreign Legion has followed suit.

This authoritative volume is divided into two main sections covering fighters and bombers. Each traces the development of the aircraft from their first appearance, details their role in major conflicts, and analyses how technological improvements have affected their performance. Special feature topics include nightfighters, bombers of the Spanish Civil War, inflight refuelling, the Gulf Wars and fighter pilot equipment in the 21st century. Within each section are comprehensive A-Z directories, together covering a total of 300 aircraft, each accompanied by identification photographs. Detailed specification boxes are featured for every aircraft listed, and a glossary of key aviation terms is included at the back of the book.

An excellent reference guide for modellers and any enthusiast with an interest in the military technology of the twentieth century Illustrated with outstanding colour profile artworks, The Essential Identification Guide: Small Arms 1945 - Present is the definitive study of the small arms equipment of warring nations from the end of World War II, through the Cold War to the current conflict in Afghanistan. Arranged chronologically and by theatre of war, the book describes in depth the various models in service with each force, noting the changing uses of small arms and the development of the role of high-powered sniper rifles, such as the M110. All the key types of small arms are featured, such as handguns, submachine guns, machine guns, automatic rifles and grenade launchers, and all the major models are included, such as the M16 rifle, the AK-47, Uzi and the Gepard M1. The book covers the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Six Day War, Yom Kippur War, the Yugoslav War, Chechnya, Iraq and Afghanistan.

"British Fighting Heroes" is Ross Kemp's personal homage to some of the most remarkable men and women to have served in the British Armed Forces during the two World Wars. Many of them unsung or forgotten, each of the lives profiled is an extraordinary tale of courage, adventure and patriotic sacrifice. From Sgt Major Stan Hollis, D-Day's only VC winner, to Mary Seacole, a Jamaican-born nurse who set up her own field station to treat wounded soldiers during the Crimean War, vivid descriptions of their lion-hearted actions are woven into the wider story of their lives, providing a fascinating insight into a variety of military units, operations and theatres of war. Embedded with British forces in Afghanistan for his award-winning television documentaries, Kemp has experienced the terror and exhilaration of life on the frontline for himself while witnessing the courage and leadership of today's servicemen first-hand. Kemp tells the breathtaking stories of commandos, medics, submariners, fighter pilots, infantrymen, bomber crewmen, sailors and engineers in daring raids, stirring last stands and acts of extreme valour far beyond the reach of ordinary men.

This is an A-Z directory of all the major naval aircraft since 1945, including jet-engined fighters and strike aircraft, carrier-borne AEW aircraft, V/STOL aircraft, and helicopters. This title examines the history and evolution of naval aircraft from the immediate post-World War II period to the present, with special reference to Korea, Vietnam, the Falklands War, Libya, Top Gun, and future developments in modern naval combat. It features all the best-known modern planes and helicopters, such as the F/A-18, Fairey Gannet, Grumman A-6 Intruder, Super Etendard, Buccaneer, Westland (Sikorsky) Sea King, and many more. It includes specification boxes which provide at-a-glance information about each aircraft's name, country of origin, first flight, power, armament, size, weight and performance Naval aircraft - aircraft that are able to launch from and land on ships - have played an ever-increasing role in conflict. By the end of World War II, the aircraft carrier had become a mighty warship, and naval aircraft were designed specifically for carrier operations. This illustrated reference book charts the history of naval aviation from the end of World War II to the present day, focusing on the conflicts in which naval aviation played a significant part, such as Korea, Vietnam and the Falklands War. It also discusses 21st-century developments and improvements. An A-Z directory of 55 aircraft, each listed alphabetically by manufacturer, describes the main characteristics of each plane. A useful glossary containing definitions of key aviation terms is included. With its lively narrative and 330 photographs, this authoritative volume provides historians and enthusiasts with key information about the naval aircraft of this key period in history.