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SKYWATCH: A HISTORY OF THE ROYAL OBSERVER CORPS VOLUME II In this second of three volumes, Kevin Wright now focuses on the period of the second world war and begins with the 1939 ROC national exercise involving the aircraft of the RAF playing both the roles of defender and attacker. As it turned out this took place only a fortnight before war was declared. Across thirteen chapters, the books focus covers a host of subjects from the apparatus the observers used to both identify aircraft and calculate their height, to how restrictions were eventually and sensibly lifted to allow women to join the Corps. It was also interesting to learn that an observation post was erected on the roof of Windsor Castle! Part of Helion's 'Europe@War' series with specially commissioned colour artwork and a range of great photographs and separate articles, this fascinating volume also includes first-hand accounts and research published for the first time.  Another highly recommended r...

THE AIR DEFENCE SYSTEM IN SCOTLAND 1938-46 BY IAN BROWN Released in paperback, this is the first book to focus on Scotland's wartime air defence and w hat is quickly apparent is Ian's attention to detail and the immense amount of research he has put into this book. From first establishing the network of radar stations, the filter rooms and airfields to their role in the war, the book takes a wide ranging look at the whole system and how it all came together. Accompanying the narrative throughout are many wartime photographs and first-hand accounts from the people who worked in various roles.  Ian has also included information regarding many of the buildings, including their floorplans, which again proves how comprehensive this book is. Probably best described as an academic book, as a humble reader myself with an interest in the subject, I not only found it most readable, but also learnt a great deal new. I'm sure it will prove a most useful reference to any his...

THE ITALIAN ARMY IN THE BATTLE OF THE ALPS 1940 By Massimiliano Afiero  In the days before the French Armistice in 1940, a short battle between Italian and French forces took place on both country's border.  Rarely covered in previous books, the fighting took place in different locations from near the Mediterranean Coast in the South, to the slopes of Mount Blanc. As readers will learn, despite it  being June the weather was often described as 'atrocious'. The Italian airforce could only offer limited assistance to the attacking ground forces, who not only faced an enemy inside defensive fortifications, but also had to fight the effects of frostbite. As the book provides a lead-up to the fighting and the battles themselves, it does so mostly from the Italian point of view. Whilst it is described as an Italian victory which lead to a second French Armistice, incredibly the Italian's casualty figures were much higher. Packed throughout with useful maps, and ma...

SKYWATCH: A HISTORY OF THE ROYAL OBSERVER CORPS. VOL I: 1925-1939 By Kevin Wright Having previously read a rather dry official history, just the first flick through this book led my eye to be immediately caught by the many fabulous graphics, photographs, maps and illustrations positioned throughout.  Plaudits are also deserved for dividing the story of the ROC into three volumes, which allows author, Kevin Wright, the space to provide a fascinating and wide-ranging narrative.  In 2025, the ROC celebrated its 100th Anniversary. Kevin reveals how Britain's inadequate defences during the first world war failed to spot, warn and be in any great position to stop the German raids over London and the East Coast.  The post-war years were ones of incredible financial constraints and political decisions that slowed both the improving and strengthening of Britain's defences in time for the rising tensions that led to a second world war.  For that next period we will...

BEAUFIGHTER VS GERMAN FLAK SHIPS By Matthew Willis.  So often referred to as the 'Cinderella Service', Coastal Command's wartime role has always been the least mentioned when compared to both Bomber and Fighter Commands.  Thankfully, more books have being published in recent years and we now have another by the always excellent, Matthew Willis. This is book number 151 of Osprey's 'DUEL' series. As always, readers will quickly appreciate the many excellent photographs, artwork and maps. Matthew looks at the development of both the Beaufighter and its various armaments, as well as looking at its prey, the German flak ship or boat. Both would duel in a variety of theatres from Norway, and both the North Sea and the Mediterranean. I was also fascinated to learn more about the combat in the Balkans too. Something which has rarely been touched on in other books. Just as with their previous collaboration on the Swordfish, this book by Matthew and Osprey is ...

FRENCH NAVY 1939-42 By Hugues Canuel As naval books written in English tend to focus on the Royal Navy, the role and strength of its French equivalent is often overlooked.  This new book from Osprey and written by naval historian, Captain Hugues Canuel, throws a greater spotlight on the Marine nationale especially during the second world war.  With the ending of the Great War and the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, the majority of countries had neither the interest, nor the finances, to continue to build and modernise their armed forces. As the second world war began the book describes the strengths and types of ships that were then serving in the Marine nationale.  This would include the French having the world's largest fleet of submarines.  Following the Phoney War, the fleet's lesser known role in the Norway campaign is revealed. Between the evacuation at Dunkirk and Operation Torch, the story of the many dramatic battles, alongside the country's...