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Military Books

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  • Registered Users Posts: 209 ✭✭effluent


    Has anyone here read "Diary of a Legionnaire: My Life in the French Foreign Legion by Gareth Carins. It's a book I've been eying up for some time, just reading Doug Beattie:Task force Helmand at the moment.

    I loved reading Simon Murrays book, in fact it was one of my favourite reads. Would anyone recomend Gareth Carins book? From the book description he joined straight after university


  • Registered Users Posts: 135 ✭✭alanmcqueen


    effluent wrote: »
    Has anyone here read "Diary of a Legionnaire: My Life in the French Foreign Legion by Gareth Carins. It's a book I've been eying up for some time, just reading Doug Beattie:Task force Helmand at the moment.

    I loved reading Simon Murrays book, in fact it was one of my favourite reads. Would anyone recomend Gareth Carins book? From the book description he joined straight after university

    Did you try 'Mouthful of Rocks'?

    http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mouthful-Rocks-Through-Corsica-Jennings/dp/0747505799/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1312839525&sr=8-1

    I read it years ago; thought it was good - very good in parts. Most complaints about it are about him being a 'whinger' of sorts. Anyway if you've not tried it, £0.01 + P&P, how bad?


  • Registered Users Posts: 135 ✭✭alanmcqueen


    Morlar wrote: »
    Completely agree Putin has done an awful lot of good for Russia and yes he is a fascinating character imo. Haven't read the Sakwa one so may check it out.

    The Arkady Babchenko one is recommended, it's a nitty gritty book. Not much for strategic overviews or long term outlook or any of that, it is basically one guy and what he saw on his various tours and how it affected him and the people around him. I found some of the unreported details and anecdotal information pretty mindblowing. Some parts of it reminded me of World War two soldiers histories, actually some parts of it kind of reminded me of the 'Forgotten Soldier'. The impression you are left with is that the author wrote a very honest book.

    Yes, recommended. But 'Forgotten Soldier' is in another league; that is some story.


  • Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 9,639 Mod ✭✭✭✭Manach


    As a memoir and a literary work, one of my favourites would be 'Storm of Steel' by Ernst Jünger - set in WWI.


  • Registered Users Posts: 135 ✭✭alanmcqueen


    Manach wrote: »
    As a memoir and a literary work, one of my favourites would be 'Storm of Steel' by Ernst Jünger - set in WWI.

    Always meant to try that; must give it a go.

    Just finished this and it was excellent. Bit deep in places but extremely well researched. If you like historical works that bring the events to life then this is a good example.

    http://www.amazon.co.uk/Armageddon-Germany-Max-Hastings-Sir/dp/0330490621/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1312841894&sr=1-1


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  • Registered Users Posts: 3,533 ✭✭✭iceage


    Managed to finally get my hands on a hardback copy of Nish Bruce's Freefall. Fascinating read.


  • Registered Users Posts: 4,500 ✭✭✭ReacherCreature


    9781597974400.jpg

    Picked up this remarkable book about a month ago, after being familiar with the author's previous works, and the glowing reviews. It is regarded very highly and this review will only add to the previous reviewers' good words.

    Olsen set himself an ambitious task. To record a history of air warfare into a book of less than 400 pages, and provide a readable account too. The time frame of over 100 years, an exceedingly busy period of war, does not help his task. But he's performed very well.

    Olsen edited chapters from air warfare experts from all over the world. Their academic and writing pedigree is hugely envious. Four parts are implemented, 1914-1945; 1945-1990; 1990-2000; and perspectives. Within this framework, Korea, WWI, Vietnam, Falklands, Desert Storm, Deliberate Force, Enduring Freedom, among others are present. This gives a sweeping account of the air forces in action.

    The chapters are readable, accessible, and fascinating. The chapters on Pacific bombing in WWII, the air war in North Vietnam, Desert Storm, Afghanistan are all deeply enjoyable. However one issue is Richard P. Hallion's chapter which I found to be poor. It lacked anything interesting. He promotes that air power will continue to soar, whereas his counterpart who's advocating for air power in the traditional form of jets, will be removed. This advocate Martin van Creveld trumps Hellion.

    The sources are top notch and provide a useful reference for further study.

    If you're interested in air power I highly recommend this work. It's a superb effort that I'll come back to to read some sections over.


  • Registered Users Posts: 4,061 ✭✭✭whydave


    'A history of the Irish Army' ISBN 0-7171-1957-2
    Very good book.
    David


  • Registered Users Posts: 393 ✭✭Foghladh


    I'd highly recommend Absolute War by Chris Bellamy for a big read, at 700 pages. It's about the role of the Soviet Russia in WWII. I brought it on holiday and couldn't put it down.

    Anthony Beevers work, The Battle for Spain is another good one about the Civil War there. I'd always thought that to be a confusing conflict but he unravelled it pretty well. Plus he included a glossary page to keep track of the 30 or 40 different political groups involved! :)


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,965 ✭✭✭laoch na mona


    anyone know any good books on military strategy or on the history of armored warfare


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  • Registered Users Posts: 4,500 ✭✭✭ReacherCreature


    anyone know any good books on military strategy or on the history of armored warfare

    Your best bet (provided there are no recommendations in the mean time) would be to key in those phrases on Amazon (.co.uk/.com) and see what the folks are saying. You might get some ideas then -- some of my purchases have been influenced by their reviews.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 18,056 ✭✭✭✭BostonB


    anyone know any good books on military strategy or on the history of armored warfare

    While I've read some books that included some tank stuff, I can't remember one that I say stood out. Currently reading "A Bridge Too Far" and (so far) its a bit along the lines of a strategy book.

    Panzer Commander: The Memoirs of Colonel Hans von Luck I read and don't remember it being very tankie tbh. Was a while ago though.

    If you find something good, let us know.

    Completely unrelated...when I was googling I found this,
    http://blog.deadlycomputer.com/2010/01/20/2866/


  • Registered Users Posts: 9,316 ✭✭✭Mycroft H


    Hans Von Lucks memoir was excellent stuff. Great read from a side of the war one doesn't often hear about


  • Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 9,698 Mod ✭✭✭✭Tenger


    anyone know any good books on military strategy or on the history of armored warfare

    Very general questions.....

    ..........however i would recommend Crusade by Rick Atkinson, a good read of the background to Desert Strom, shows the logistics of modern armoured warfare. Forget about tactics, the logistics of that campaign is impressive.

    For a bit of history, go for Red Storm On The Reich a description of the 1945 final Soviet push into Germany (Known as the Vistula-Oder operation) , this is pure mobile combined arms warfare. Soviets forces annihilating German position with artllery, CAS, 'Deep Battle' frontal attacks. In terms of numbers this is 10 times the drama of the Western front. (Would be a great follow on 'Stalingrad' by Anthony Beevor)

    Interesting blog:
    http://wartard.blogspot.com/2010/11/my-favourite-war-that-hasnt-happened.html

    http://wartard.blogspot.com/2011/02/tiger-tiger-burning-bright-german-armor.html

    SAMPLE: "58,000 Shermans and 36,000 T-34s were produced as opposed to a mere 1350 Tiger Is. And here comes the fun part. The Wehrmacht even went so far as to develop a whole new variant, the Tiger II, otherwise known as the 'King Tiger"! Holy ****, run for the hills! Seriously, the dying German Reich under assault on two fronts attempted to rectify the Tiger's design problems and win the game on style points alone. You must admit the King Tiger wins on every metric except rationality and a reliable drive train. But doesn't it look damn beautiful?"


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 18 hippyrod


    Anyone know any good books on roman military history and tactics?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 13 kellybus


    Bought Sniper One by Dan Mills today, will probably have it read in a few days if I get into it. Will post my opinions of it.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,358 ✭✭✭Geekness1234


    Read "Vipers in the Storm" by Keith Rosenkranz.
    It is a bit dated,has various political views tossed in as well and is more of a diary/biography then anything else.
    But,what you get is an account of a what appears to be a very normal man who flew the most important plane (in my opinion) of the first media war.To contrast the military side,he outlines his life in America during the cold war and first assignments post pilot training.
    A good read for anyone interested in the U.S. Air Force.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 18,056 ✭✭✭✭BostonB


    Read "Vipers in the Storm" by Keith Rosenkranz.

    ...

    A good read for anyone interested in the U.S. Air Force.

    +1

    It very good insight in flying the F16 (of that era) and anyone thats into the simulation Falcon 4/Falcon Aliied Force would be especially interested in it. Or interested in general flying either. I found the author a bit dry though, not a lot of passion. I wouldn't say everyone would enjoy it.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,059 ✭✭✭Sindri


    Our Struggle For Independence

    A fantastic book detailing the Guerilla tactics of the I.R.A. from first hand accounts. Even has Barry's famous Kilmichael ambush; his own account;).

    Lots of other good accounts as well with maps and troop dispositions.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,195 ✭✭✭goldie fish


    Who wrote it?


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,059 ✭✭✭Sindri


    Who wrote it?

    It is a compilation of first hand accounts, some taken from An t-Óglách. Most are from the War of Independence but there's one or two from the Easter rising.


  • Registered Users Posts: 30 silentfox


    I'm in the middle of 'Black Hearts' by Jim Frederick. It gives a different insight to modern war and the negative effects that can happen from death on an almost daily basis.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 20,297 ✭✭✭✭Jawgap


    Picked this up today......

    9781906359492.jpg

    From the UCD Press site:-

    ""Military Aviation in Ireland" charts the history of the Air Corps from its early days as the Military Air Service established by Michael Collins in 1922 to the ineffective air operations conducted during the Second World War period.

    The Air Service came about when the Civil War caused the postponement of Michael Collins' plans for a civil air service. After participation in the war of 1922-3 a small Air Corps was confirmed as the token air element of a substantially infantry army.

    The Army Air Corps survived the 1920s and 1930s, despite the absence of government defence policy and the Army leadership's great indifference to military aviation. In the Second World War period, two squadrons of the Air Corps were given air force tasks for which they had little aptitude and for which they were totally unprepared in terms of personnel, airmanship, aircraft and training, failures which led directly to the demoralization of the Corps.

    During most of this period the Air Corps, on secretive government orders, carried out tasks aimed at assisting the war effort of the Royal Air Force. Using extensive archival research, Michael C. O'Malley throws new light on the people and operations of Ireland's early aviation history."


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,460 ✭✭✭DipStick McSwindler


    This post has been deleted.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 9,273 ✭✭✭Morlar


    This is one I am finding interesting.

    ‘The Auxiliaries - Tudor's Toughs’

    A study of the Auxiliary Division Royal Irish Constabulary 1920 - 1922
    by Ernest McCall

    Tudors-Toughs0001.JPG

    Anyone interested can order it here :[url] http://war-talk.com/viewtopic.php?f=45&t=257[/url]


  • Registered Users Posts: 30 Lector


    I just finished "A History of Warfare" by John Keegan. I thought it was a great read - it covers pretty much the whole history of warfare (exactly what it sez on the tin:)). Well written and very interesting!


  • Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 9,698 Mod ✭✭✭✭Tenger


    Lector wrote: »
    I just finished "A History of Warfare" by John Keegan. I thought it was a great read - it covers pretty much the whole history of warfare (exactly what it sez on the tin:)). Well written and very interesting!

    Wonderful book, now go on to his The Face of Battle/Mask of Command/Price of Admiralty series.


  • Registered Users Posts: 30 Lector


    I've read the first two - excellent. I haven't heard of the third one - I presume it's a history of naval warfare??


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 18,056 ✭✭✭✭BostonB


    Anyone reading these on an eReader? Wonder how many decent military titles are available as eBooks.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 9,273 ✭✭✭Morlar


    BostonB wrote: »
    Anyone reading these on an eReader? Wonder how many decent military titles are available as eBooks.

    I don't own one because I could never get into them. I have several dozen military history related titles in PDF format but even those are a challenge to read on screen imo. They can be useful when they are indexed and electronically searchable.

    Open to correction but I dont believe e-readers offer that level of functionality, (e.g. to copy them all to a PC then search a library of books for a single reference - the way you usually can with dozens of .pdf's)

    I know that self publishers like Lulu.com put out specialist military related titles in e-format, however there is no quality control in content, layout or editing etc. The most recent ones I came across were :

    Kasernen, Schulen und Stätten der SS und Polizei / Bildband 1

    http://www.lulu.com/shop/don-lange/kasernen-schulen-und-st%C3%A4tten-der-ss-und-polizei-bildband-1/paperback/product-18743634.html

    Kasernen, Schulen und Stätten der SS und Polizei / Bildband 2

    http://www.lulu.com/shop/don-lange/kasernen-schulen-und-st%C3%A4tten-der-ss-und-polizei-bildband-2/paperback/product-18750411.html

    Kasernen, Schulen und Stätten der SS und Polizei / Bildband 3

    http://www.lulu.com/shop/don-lange/kasernen-schulen-und-st%C3%A4tten-der-ss-und-polizei-bildband-3/paperback/product-18839469.html

    Kasernen, Schulen und Stätten der SS und Polizei / Bildband 4

    http://www.lulu.com/shop/don-lange/kasernen-schulen-und-st%C3%A4tten-der-ss-und-polizei-bildband-4/paperback/product-20084379.html

    However with no reviews or peer review it's a gamble & you might end up with pure rubbish.

    As far as the more mainstream military book publishers go I have heard talk of plans for upcoming e-versions but so far they have not really materialised to the best of my knowledge.

    *edit this is the link with e-book versions

    http://www.lulu.com/shop/search.ep?contributorId=996111


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