Equalling Tawara, Iwo Jima and Okinawa in scale and ferocity, the battle for Peleliu has long been regarded as the Pacific War's "forgotten battle", and perhaps one that should never have been fought. A massive carrier-based attack some weeks before the invasion destroyed all aircraft and shipping in the area and virtual isolated the Japanese garrison. 1st Marine Division commander, General Rup…
At 0016hrs on 6 June 1944 a Horsa glider ground to a halt a mere 60 yards from the Orne Canal bridge at Bénouville in Normandy. A small group of British paratroopers burst from it and stormed the bridge within minutes. The Allied liberation of Nazi-occupied Europe had begun. Within a few hours landing craft would swarm towards Ouistreham as British 3rd Division swept ashore at Sword Beach. The…
Featuring 300 classic bicycles, from iron-framed boneshakers to record-breaking carbon-fibre track bikes, the bicycle book chronicles the fascinating history of cycling in stunning visual detail. Follow the courses and share the excitement of cycling's most famous races. Meet the designers and innovators who have helped to get the world moving, and create a global sporting, leisure, and tran…
Mansa Musa was the king of Mali as it became one of the largest empires during the time of Musa's rule. Readers will discover the life of Mansa Musa in this appealing biography that uses vivid images and maps and stunning facts to engage children. A glossary and index work in conjunction with the easy to read text to teach readers about the Mali ruler, griots, Mali trade, Mecca, Mailian religio…
In late July 1941, Hitler order army Group South to seize the Crimea in order to prevent Soviet air attacks on the Ploesti oilfields in Romania. This vital mission was assigned to weak Eleventh Army under Generaloberst von Manstein. In late September 1941, von Manstein began his initial attacks upon the strong Soviet defences at the Perekop isthmus, and then cleared the heavily fortified Kerch …
In July 1944, Operation Cobra broke the stalemate in Normandy and sent the Allies racing across France. The Allied commanders ignored Paris in their planning for this campaign, considering that the risk of intense street fighting and heavy casualties outweighed the city's strategic importance. However, Charles de Gaulle persuaded the Allied commanders to take direct action to liberate his natio…