Service Alert
Website maintenance April 24 10pm ET
On Wednesday April 24 at 10pm ET the CELA website will be unavailable for about 15 minutes for planned maintenance.
On Wednesday April 24 at 10pm ET the CELA website will be unavailable for about 15 minutes for planned maintenance.
Showing 1881 - 1900 of 2628 items
By Martin Mace, John Grehan. 2013
At 07.30 hours on 1 July 1916, the devastating cacophony of the Allied artillery fell silent along the front on…
the Somme. The ear-splitting explosions were replaced by the shrill sound of hundreds of whistles being blown. At that moment, tens of thousands of British soldiers climbed out from the trenches on their part of the Western Front, and began to make their way steadily towards the German lines opposite. It was the first day of the Battle of the Somme.By the end of the day, a number of the regiments involved had met with some degree of success; others had suffered heavy losses for no gain, whilst a few quite literally ceased to exist. That day, the old infantry tactics of the British Army clashed head-on with the reality of modern warfare. On what is generally accepted as the worst day in the British Armys history, there were more than 60,000 casualties a third of them fatal.In this publication, the authors have drawn together, for the first time ever, all the War Diary entries for 171 British Regiments that went over the top that day a day that even now still touches so many families both in the United Kingdom and around the world. The result will be a vital work of reference to the events of 1 July 1916, a valuable information source for not only for those interested in military history, but genealogists and historians alike.By Nik Cornish. 2012
Often the drama of the October Revolution and the Bolshevik seizure of power overshadow the disastrous Russian-German war that preceded…
it and the extended, confusing, many-sided civil war between the Reds and the Whites that followed. But Nik Cornishs vivid photographic history gives equal coverage to each of these momentous events and shows how the Russian empire of the Romanovs was transformed into the Soviet dictatorship. Contemporary photographs show the leading characters in the drama Tsar Nicholas II, Kerensky, Lenin and Trotsky and other Bosheviks, and the White commanders Denikin, Kolchak, Wrangel and the rest. But they also record, in an unforgettable way, the ordinary people who were caught up in the surge of events civilian crowds on the city streets, peasant groups in the villages, the faces of common soldiers on all sides who fought on multiple fronts across Russia from Poland, the Baltic states and the White Sea to the Black Sea and Siberia. The scale of the conflict was remarkable, as was the intensity of the experience of those who took part and witnessed it, and this collection of historic photographs gives a poignant insight into the conditions of their time. It is a fascinating introduction to a period that saw a sea change in Russian history.By Paul Reed. 1999
Following on from Walking on the Somme, Reed has produced this remarkable voyage around the Ypres Salien t, which saw…
some of the most memorable campaigns of WW1. Il lustrated throughout, this book gives an insight for visitor s & armchair travellers. 'By Anne Morgan, Tony Bridgland. 2003
"Sir John Norton-Griffiths was one of a breed of adventurer, pioneer, entrepreneur and soldier whose like is very seldom seen.…
Having learnt his trade and made his fortune mining the rich seams of south Africa, he turned his expertise to more deadly use in the Great war. He led the gallant miners who burrowed deep under enemy lines with devastating effect.He went on to wreak havoc on the Danube. Always a controversial figure, he died (or was he murdered?) in mysterious circumstances. This is the story of a true maverick who was a formidable force and legend wherever he went."By John Sheen. 2007
&“Serves to illustrate the carnage of battle throughout the three critical months of 1918: March, April and May . .…
. An amazing archive.&”—The Great War Magazine In March 1918 the German Army launched a series of offensives that brought them very close to winning the war. Military photographers followed their advance and took many photographs of the operations as they progressed. This is the war seen from the German perspective, British and French soldiers lie dead on the battlefield, and Allied prisoners are escorted to the rear, as the German Artillery pound away covering the advance of the &“Feldgrau.&” These photographs are seldom seen in books dealing with the allied point of view. Many scarce and rare photographs show the carnage of battle throughout March, April and May 1918. The author has also included group photographs of some of the units involved, as well as memorial cards of individuals who fell or died of wounds. This book will be a useful reference to anyone with an interest in the German Army during the First World War. &“Provides a good close up look at soldiers, guns, shells, small arms and other points of interest.&”—Over the Front &“It is like watching a well-made documentary unfold before your eyes . . . The whole book is a superb piece of work, highly recommended.&”—Destructive Music &“Particularly atmospheric . . . This is an unusual and welcome selection of illustrations.&”—Military IllustratedBy Martin Middlebrook. 2003
Having established himself as one of the foremost military historians in the world, Martin Middlebrook's books are eagerly awaited and…
prized by publishers. He does so with not just his usual flair but a real sense of conviction and belonging, using sources that have never been tapped before. He uncovers a number of evocative stories and mysteries including the curious case of Captain Staniland an officer in the Lincolns. To discover more read this intriguing book.In 1913 Lieutenant General Sir Francis Lloyd was appointed to the supreme position reserved for Guardsmen, the command of the…
London Districts. The war saw an extension of his responsibilities to include the hospitals and main railway termini in the metropolis. He was also put in charge of the construction of the defensive circle of trenches around London. Whether it was meeting hospital trains returning from the front with wounded soldiers, or visiting areas of the City that had suffered from the Zeppelin and Gotha Bomber air raids, Francis Lloyds presence would help to revive the populations flagging morale. This led him to be described by newspapers as The Man who runs London.By Gary Staff. 2019
&“A very detailed operational account of the highly successful German amphibious landings in October of 1917 on the Russian islands…
of Osel and Dago.&”—The NYMAS Review In late 1917, the Russians, despite the revolution, were still willing to continue the war against Germany. This is an account of Operation Albion, the highly successful seaborne operation launched by the Germans to change their minds. The Baltic Islands were pivotal for the defense of the Finnish Gulf and St. Petersburg, so their capture was essential for any campaign towards the Russian capital. Only after the fall of the islands did Russia begin peace negotiations (freeing nearly half a million German soldiers for the Kaiser&’s last gamble on the Western Front). This then was a campaign of great significance for the war on both Eastern and Western fronts. A large part of the High Sea Fleet took part in the invasion of the Baltic islands, including the most modern dreadnought battleships. The Russians mounted a resolute defense despite being heavily outgunned and over a ten-day period there were many naval clashes around the islands as well as the campaign ashore, all of which are described in detail with the use of both Russian and German firsthand accounts. This book shatters the myth that the Imperial German Navy spent the last two years of the war cowering in port. &“Should be a blueprint for other military history books . . . The maps are some of the best I have seen in military books . . . The author tells the story of the campaign from the smallest mine sweeper to the various battleships involved.&”—A Wargamers Needful ThingsBy Douglas D'Enno. 2010
British fishermen are among the unsung heroes of the First World War. The conflict with Germany had an immediate and…
enduring impact on their lives and livelihood. They were immediately caught up in the sea war against the Kaisers navy, confronting the threats presented by the submarines, minelayers, gunboats and capital ship of the High Seas Fleet. Often they found themselves thrust into strange, dangerous situations, which put their lives at risk and tested to the limit their bravery and skill as seamen. This is their fascinating story.For the first time in this two-volume study Douglas dEnno provides a comprehensive and lasting record of the services rendered by the fishermen and their vessels, both under naval control and on their own account. His pioneering history shows the full extent of their contribution to the British war effort, from minesweeping and submarine detection to patrol, escort and counterattack duties. The areas of action were not limited to the home waters of the Channel, the North Sea and the Western Approaches but ranged as far as the Arctic and the Mediterraneans Aegean and Adriatic seas. Extraordinary stories are recounted here of the hazards of minesweeping, battles with U-boats, decoy missions, patrols, blockades, rescues and capture by the enemy. First-hand accounts make up the essence of the material. Reports from the leading trade journals, specialist literature and personal manuscripts vividly recall the fishermens experiences and the hardships and dangers they faced throughout the war.By Jim Crossley. 2016
Jutland was the only major fleet engagement to take place during the First World War, and indeed the only time…
in history in which columns of great dreadnought battleships fought each other. In spite of terrible losses of life, the battle did nothing to change the strategic situation in northern European waters, in fact it simply confirmed Britains command of the seas and her ability to enforce the blockade which was eventually to lead to Germanys downfall.By Major General John Frost. 1991
This is the full autobiography of one of World War II's most popular heroes. Whilst Arnhem was the height of…
his career here he describes his early life in the Army (in Scotland), his service abroad, his polo matches, his family and, above all, the ever famous actions including the Bruneval Raid and the fighting in North Africa in which he took part.By Stephen Wynn. 2019
A historic profile of the London borough of Enfield during World War I and the conflict&’s effect on the region…
and its people. The Royal Small Arms Factory in Enfield was famous for producing the Lee Enfield .303 Rifle, the standard issued rifle provided to all infantry soldiers in the British Army during the First World War. The factory was so prestigious that King George V visited it in April, 1915. By the end of the war, its workforce of more than 9,000 had produced more than 2 million rifles. Their gun helped play a big part in winning the war. On July 7, 1917, the town was hit by a German air raid. Local anti-aircraft batteries did their best to thwart the enemy. Sadly, falling shrapnel from British anti-aircraft gunfire killed one woman, making her Enfield&’s only resident to be killed in the town throughout the course of the war. A nearby young boy was also struck by some falling shrapnel but survived. After the incident, members of the Government Workers&’ Union held a meeting to complain about the lack of a warning about the attack. Meanwhile, that month also saw a baker appear at Enfield Magistrates Court, charged under the Bread Order for selling loaves of bread that were over the permitted weight. For his heinous war time offence, he was fined the princely sum of ten shillings. Through researching local newspapers of the day, along with letters, diaries, photographs, parish magazines, trade journals, contemporary printed pamphlets, and more, author Stephen Wynn details the stories of Enfield during this dramatic era.By Hugh Popham. 1977
The strangely named First Aid Nursing Yeomanry traces its origins to the Great War. As a mark of their outstanding…
service they remained in being between the wars. However, it is for their service during the Second World War that they are best known. They worked in a wide variety of roles both at home and overseas, both overt and covert and today are still making a vital contribution.By The Marquess of Anglesey. 1998
By Stephen Wynn, Tanya Wynn. 2017
A &“superlative social history&” of British women&’s efforts in WWI and how they led to the women&’s suffrage movement—includes photos…
(Books Monthly). In this fascinating history, husband and wife coauthors Stephen and Tanya Wynn chronicle the effects of the Great War on the lives of women, and how those experiences shaped the women&’s suffrage movement. Before the war, women were employed as domestic servants, clerical workers, shop assistants, teachers, or barmaids. But after the outbreak of World War I, women began working in munitions factories, as nurses in military hospitals, bus drivers, mechanics, and taxi drivers. They began filling jobs and social roles that had previously been reserved only for men. When the war finally came to a close, there was no going back for these determined women. Many were experiencing financial freedom for the first time and were reluctant to give up their independence. At the same time, tens of thousands of women were widowed with young children and already navigating new lives as heads of household. Chronicling the collective and individual stories of British women during the war, Women in the GreatWar demonstrates the profound and lasting impact the female war effort had on women&’s social history.Massacre on the Marne is a graphic reconstruction of the experiences of a small closely knit group of fighting men…
- the 2/5th Battalion of the West Yorkshire Regiment - in the Great War. These men were not elite regular troops or Kitcheners' Men - they were Territorials. In many ways they were typical of the men who fought on the Western Front. Using the words of the men themselves, taken from their letters, diaries and memoirs as well as quotations from the reports and dispatches of the time, Fraser Skirrow records how they learnt the painful lessons of trench warfare and became a highly efficient fighting unit. He also records how their hard-won efficiency was not enough to save them, for the Second Battle of the Marne in 1918 was their last - in a few terrible hours they were virtually wiped out. This meticulously researched history allows the reader to follow the careers of these men through every phase of the war, from recruitment to the final tragedy, and it makes compelling reading.By Laurence V. Moyer. 1995
A history of Germany in World War I as told by the soldiers who fought the battles and the civilians…
grappling with a decline in quality of life. Europe went to war in 1914 to the sound of brass bands and cheering crowds; in every country, civilians and soldiers alike believed that the war would be won by Christmas time. By the time Christmas arrived, however, it became clear that this, indeed, would be a much longer war. In the months and years which followed, combatants perused the war with boundless intensity to emerge victorious. This was partially true of Germany where publicists pictured it as a life-and-death struggle for the survival of a nation surrounded by hostile enemies. No nation involved in the conflict so completely mobilised its population, its resources, its energies into such a single-minded pursuit of the war. This unusual and incisive account chronicles Germany in World War 1 from the viewpoint of the soldiers who fought the battles and civilians who endured the ever-increasing trauma of escalating casualties, widespread shortages, and declining conditions of living. It relates how Germany attempted to cope with a massive blockade, the scope of which had not been seen since the days of Napoleon, thus forcing German authorities to adopt a series of sometimes brutal measures, all of which rested on the underlying premise that victory, a clear-cut victory, could be the only acceptable option.Victory Must Be Ours explores the Germany which in 1914 took a prestigious leap into darkness. It explores the ingredients which make the Great War perhaps the single most fateful event in the Twentieth Century, setting in motion the bloodiest conflict of all time, World War II.Praise for Victory Must Be Ours &“A stark, well-documented study of the hardships suffered by German civilians during WWI.&” —Publishers Weekly &“Moyer makes sophisticated use of published and archival sources in the best English–language survey to date German participation in World War I. . . . He presents a vivid picture of a society strained beyond its limits by the unexpected demands of total war. . . . Civilians saw the quality of their lives decline precipitously in every area—a process that Moyer, a researcher and former history professor, describes particularly well.&” —Library Journal &“Moyer draws a convincing connection between that bitterness and the appeal of extremist movements during the Weimar period. A specialist in German history, he has full command of the facts and relates his account with analytical skill and compassion.&” —BooklistBy Ken Anderson. 2014
&“How a soldier of German ancestry hid his identity to serve with the British Army . . . [Anderson] has pieced together Schwarz&’s…
remarkable story&” (The Daily Telegraph). It was a time of misguided loyalties. The First World War British Army, in a shameful act of patriotism, was withdrawing from the front line veterans who had a German name and posting them to a non-combatants regiment. At home, anti-German feeling was reaching fever pitch. However, one young man, the son of a German father, conspired to have the Army send him into battle. In doing so he became a hero. This is the story of the &“German Tommy,&” Walter Schwarz (alias Lieutenant Walter Lancelot Merritt, Military Cross and Bar, bearer of the king&’s pardon), told in full for the first time after years of research in Australia and Britain. It reveals why and how others helped the young man from Queensland—an Australian Army deserter—survive in an atmosphere that was poisonous at home and in battle for those of German blood who were, nevertheless, like Schwarz, loyal to king and country. Ken Anderson has gone behind the accepted facts to claim how official documents were altered and members of a secret society lied and swore false testimony to help Schwarz, acting on their oath to help a fellow member in distress. The book offers an insight into the way in which people of German origin were treated in Australia and Britain during the First World War, as well as how Freemasonry, at its peak at that time, helped men of humble backgrounds improve their status in life.By The Marquess of Anglesey. 1998
In the seventh, and second last, volume in t his historical work, Lord Anglesey shows how superior the Br itish…
cavalry was compared to those of the French and German s. He concentrates on the first five months of the War. 'By Paul Van Pul. 1914
In October 1914 four armies were converging on Dunkirk. While France was preparing to defend its main Channel port, the…
Germans were determined to take it while the British were busy using it. Caught in the middle was the Belgian Army. Belgium was almost totally overrun, safe for a small strip of land near the Pas-de-Calais.This is the story of what happened between Antwerp and Dunkirk that fateful month and how the King of the Belgians safeguarded the independence of his small nation from its all-powerful neighbours.Contains 25 custom-made maps, several drawings and 138 seldom seen photographs.