David Fletcher – författare

Stress, Well-Being, and Performance in Sport provides the first comprehensive and contemporary overview of stress in sport and its implications on performance and well-being. It explores how athletes’, coaches', and support staffs' performance can be enhanced while simultaneously optimizing their well-being in contemporary sport.Divided into four sections following the stress process, Stress, Well-Being, and Performance in Sport covers key topics including: Appraising and coping with stress in sport Responses to and outcomes of stress in sport Moderators of the stress process in sport Stress management to promote thriving in sportBringing together theory and practice, each chapter discusses conceptual and theoretical issues, current research, and innovative practical implications. Written by scholars around the globe, Stress, Well-being, and Performance in Sport offers an international perspective. It is important reading for students of sport psychology as well as coaches, athletes, and support staff.

Stress, Well-Being, and Performance in Sport provides the first comprehensive and contemporary overview of stress in sport and its implications on performance and well-being. It explores how athletes’, coaches', and support staffs' performance can be enhanced while simultaneously optimizing their well-being in contemporary sport.Divided into four sections following the stress process, Stress, Well-Being, and Performance in Sport covers key topics including: Appraising and coping with stress in sport Responses to and outcomes of stress in sport Moderators of the stress process in sport Stress management to promote thriving in sportBringing together theory and practice, each chapter discusses conceptual and theoretical issues, current research, and innovative practical implications. Written by scholars around the globe, Stress, Well-being, and Performance in Sport offers an international perspective. It is important reading for students of sport psychology as well as coaches, athletes, and support staff.

This lavishly illustrated volume details the design, development and operational history of the British-made tanks in World War II.Plagued by unreliable vehicles and poorly thought-out doctrine, the early years of World War II were years of struggle for Britain’s tank corps. Relying on tanks built in the late 1930s, and those designed and built with limited resources in the opening years of the war, they battled valiantly against an opponent well versed in the arts of armoured warfare.This book is the second of a multi-volume history of British tanks by renowned British armour expert David Fletcher MBE. It covers the development and use of the Matilda, Crusader, and Valentine tanks that pushed back the Axis in North Africa, the much-improved Churchill that fought with distinction from North Africa to Normandy, and the excellent Cromwell tank of 1944–45.It also looks at Britain's super-heavy tank projects, the TOG1 and TOG2, and the Tortoise heavy assault tank, designed to smash through the toughest of battlefield conditions, but never put into production.

This lavishly illustrated volume details the design, development and operational history of US-made tanks in British service in the Second World War.The idea of British soldiers using American tanks was not viewed with a great deal of enthusiasm by the British Army. They perceived American tanks as being crudely made, mechanically unsophisticated and impossible to fight in. However, once British crews got used to them and learned to cope with some of their difficulties, such as limited fuel capacity and unfamiliar fighting techniques, they started to see them in a far more positive light, in particular their innate reliability and simplicity of maintenance. This book, the last in a three-part series on British Battle Tanks by armour expert David Fletcher, concentrates on World War II and studies American tanks in British service, some of which were modified in ways peculiar to the British. It shows how the number of these tanks increased to the point that they virtually dominated, as well describing some types, such as the T14 and M26 Pershing, which were supplied but never used in British service.

An illustrated history of the most important British-made tank of World War II, featuring all seven Marks of Churchill gun tank with variations and the curious self-propelled gun of 1941/42.The Churchill is quite different from any other British tank of World War II, built outside the normal process of British tanks and the Department of Tank Design. It was built under the watchful eye of the Prime Minister, after whom it was named, by a firm with no previous experience of tank production. Despite being condemned as unsuitable and more than once being scheduled to be replaced by a better design this never actually happened. It remained in production and ultimately vindicated itself since, although it was slow and noisy it was found to have superior climbing ability and thicker frontal armour than the vaunted German Tiger.Opening with coverage of the prototype tank A20, in unprecedented detail, which has not been covered in any detail before, the book goes on to look at all seven Marks of Churchill, in particular their different guns. This book also discusses the tank’s service in Russia and later with the Irish, Jordanian and Australian Armies. It also features the disastrous Dieppe raid of August 1942, ending with a brief look at the Black Prince or 'super Churchill' which was only developed up to the prototype stage at the end of World War II.

The definitive study of British light tanks of the Second World War.Drawing upon a vast and comprehensive body of archival information and research, David Fletcher explores the technical characteristics and combat performance of the Mark VI and all the variants that preceded it. The type was truly ubiquitous, equipping the British Army in France, the Western Desert regions, Norway, Sumatra, Persia and India.The book discusses various experiments and improvisations carried out on the design of these tanks, as well as the experimental Lloyd airborne light tank of 1942, which has a number of features in common with the better-known Vickers-Armstrongs designs. Augmented by original photographs and technical drawings, this compact guide is essential for anybody interested in the development of British armoured vehicles.

A detailed study of the Medium Mark A Whippet – Britain’s most successful tank of World War I.The evolution of the Whippet is examined in detail, from design and development to mechanical details and crew duties, and information on the operational use of the vehicle is drawn from war diaries and battalion records. David Fletcher explores how the Whippet was involved in several well-known incidents: from the clash at Cachy on April 24, 1918, and actions of the 6th Battalion tank known as “Musical Box” on August 8, 1918, to Sewell’s Victoria Cross-winning exploits with the 3rd Battalion on August 29, 1918 and the Tank Corps’ expedition to Russia.In addition to this examination of the Mark A Whippet, this illustrated study also features coverage of other Medium tanks up to the end of the war: the Medium B, Medium C, Medium D and the experimental American Studebaker tank.

Strip Pan Wrinkle (in Namibia and Botswana) is an account of a five-week expedition made by Brian (of Brahmaputra fame) and his wife, Sandra, as they drive their Land Cruiser in an extended loop through Namibia, Botswana and a little bit of Zambia.As with all of the other books in David Fletcher’s ‘Brian’s World’ series, the account is rather more than a day-by-day diary of their trip. It is also an insight into each of the countries visited, an exploration of what wildlife one might encounter in these countries and, above all else, an exercise in humour. It isn’t, therefore, a standard travelogue. Instead, with Brian’s experiences – and his contemplations – chronicled in a manner which is more wry than comprehensive, it is very much an amusing travelogue.It contains a consideration of how much our own Royal Mail is subsiding the Botswanan Post Office, an evaluation of the ugliness of the human form when compared to that of a leopard and a reflection on the efficacy of protecting rhinos by poisoning their horns with arsenic. Furthermore, there is a review of the failings of democracies and a suggestion that wild-dog dynamics might constitute a better model for the conduct of human affairs, and even an examination of the outcome of a reverse takeover of Disneyland by the Church of England. So not really a standard travelogue at all...Strip Pan Wrinkle (in Namibia and Botswana) is the fifth book in David’s seven-part series that details Brian and Sandra’s travels to Assam, Syria, Borneo, Cape Verde, Namibia/Botswana and Morocco – and in due course, Zambia.

The German Tiger I was the most feared battle tank of the Second World War. Its invincibility lay in its main 8.8cm gun and heavy defensive armour. This book gives a rare insight into acquiring, owning and operating one of these awesome fighting machines, using the UK's Tank Museum's Tiger 131 – the only Tiger I in the world that has been restored to full running order., As well as offering unique insights into maintenance and driving the Tiger, the book includes vivid personal recollections from wartime German tank crewmen and reveals what it was like to operate this 57-ton giant in combat., Authors, The book was written by a team of experts from the Tank Museum who were closely involved with the strip-down and rebuild of the Tiger I., David Fletcher is a historian, a prolific author and a world expert on tanks.David Willey is a curatorMike Hayton is workshop manager, Other members of the writing team include volunteers Darren Hayton and Stevan Case, Mike Gibb of the SdKfz Military Vehicle Foundation and David Schofield, a specialist in forensic science., Icon titles were originally published in the classic, larger manual size and have now been produced in a smaller format containing the same information.

This book is the autobiography of one of the Baby Boomer generation of individuals who now stand accused of all manner of heinous crimes, including ruining the world and generally enjoying themselves in the process.

In the middle of the 22nd Century, a time when humanity has lost its grip on all forms of advanced technology, Sidney is one of the few people in the world who still has access to ham radio, and who is making use of this facility to keep in contact with three other ‘hams’ around the world. With this small network of remote friends, he has been able for some time to endure his existence as a serf in what is now a rigidly partitioned Britain. However, he now finds himself facing a situation where it seems he will have to look to just his own resources to survive. Through overpopulation, ignorance, and an unwillingness to confront the reality of their situation, the people of this crowded country are facing imminent starvation. For Sidney, who lives in the ‘southerner’ part of the country, close to the partition line, this means that soon he will be exposed to a wave of desperate ‘northerners’ as, in their hundreds of thousands, they move south in search of food. This is the story of how Sidney seeks to save himself – albeit not solely through his own resources, but with the help of an improbable new friend.

Warren found being propelled back through time to his long-ago university days unnerving in the extreme. When he then realised that this time shift had been combined not only with the return of his long-lost youthful body and a complete understanding of a long-abandoned degree subject, but also with a full recollection of his post-university life, he was more than just unnerved. He was terrified. In fact, it took him quite some time to come to terms with his very novel situation, and even longer to realise what amazing opportunities this situation might present. After all, it seemed that he could now embark on an entirely new life, and one that would no doubt be much enhanced by his having a knowledge of what the future had in store. Furthermore – and best of all – he could now track down his soulmate from his first life, and make quite sure she fell in love with him all over again. What could possibly go wrong? And what could possibly go right?

Four old widowers gather in a village pub once a week to share their frustrations with modern-day living and their increasing sense of impotence in a world that is not as they’d like it.On one of their visits, they learn of the suicide of a local farmer, brought about by his despair at having to deal with repeated instances of fly-tipping on his land. With the authorities seemingly unable to bring a stop to this countryside scourge, the four old codgers decide not to simply accept their status as powerless observers, but instead to actually do something.That is, they decide to become vigilantes – with one specific objective in mind: to capture ‘in the act’ whoever is responsible for the fly-tipping. Little do they know, when they make this decision, how it will affect their shared sense of impotence or to where it will ultimately lead them.

This book is simply a collection of 366 original ribald limericks.

In 1915 a machine christened "Little Willie" changed the way that wars were fought.Little Willie was a fully tracked armoured vehicle that could break a trench system. Its development was completed in December 1915, but by then it had already been superseded by an improved design, Mother. This was the first rhomboid tank, and the prototype for the Mark 1 which would influence a whole generation of tank building.This book details the development of the Mark I, and its surprise arrival in France in the middle of 1916 during the closing weeks of the battles of the Somme.

Featuring specially-commissioned artwork, a compact guide to this fast, lightly armed vehicle, developed by the British Army to carry infantry across ground defended by small-arms fire, specifically the Bren light machine gun.This name, 'Bren Gun Carrier' would stick with the Universal Carrier and all of its future variants. This book examines the Carrier, which was employed in a number of roles including carrying ammunition and towing anti-aircraft guns and trailers. All Allies used the Universal Carrier extensively during practically every World War II campaign.By the war’s end, the Universal Carrier had proved itself to be an invaluable and successful cross-country vehicle that was both agile and fast for its time.

For most of World War II, British tank development remained faithful to the design philosophy inaugurated during World War I.Experiences in North Africa highlighted flaws in this basic design, however, and the General Staff identified the need for a new heavy cruiser that could combine speed and manoeuvrability with increased armour and armament. The Cromwell Cruiser tank was designed as a result and soon proved itself one of the fastest and most successful tanks deployed by the Allies during World War II.This book details the design and development of the Cromwell and its many variants, from its introduction at D-Day, through its many successes in the final year of World War II and beyond.

The Sherman DD (Duplex Drive) tank was a brilliant innovation; the design and development of a tank that could float and even 'swim' in water was controversial.Each tank was enveloped in a waterproofed canvas screen, launched at sea from landing craft and then 'swam' to shore, where the screens were deflated, allowing the tanks to operate as fighting vehicles. This book discusses the Sherman DD's many variants, including the prototype Valentine DD tank and examines the successes and tragic failures on the beaches of Normandy and further into North-West Europe, including the challenge of crossing the River Rhine.

The formidable Mark IV tank was pitted against the German Army from 1917 until the end of World War I.This book reveals the important role the tank played in the historic battle of Cambrai in 1917 as well as the first ever tank-versus-tank actions against German A7Vs. It was among the first ever mass produced tank deployed in large numbers on a battlefield. In awe of British technology, the Germans actively captured, salvaged and repaired Mark IVs for deployment against the Allies. Using rare photographs and detailed artwork, David Fletcher explores the Mark IV’s design and development, its variants and accessories, and brings to life its exciting deployment on the battlefields of World War I.

A fire-breathing monster on the battlefield, the Churchill Crocodile was one of the most awe-inspiring weapons of World War II.Tank expert David Fletcher chronicles the development of the flamethrower tank, examining the dramatic effect of these tanks in battle from use in France to the terrifying attack on the Senio River in Italy, as well as investigating the post-war use of Crocodiles to burn down and sterilise the site of Belsen concentration camp, and their mobilisation for the Korean War.Researched using the papers of Reginald Fraser - the genius behind the flamethrowers - and dramatically illustrated with detailed artwork and previously unpublished photographs, this book brings to life the true terror of these tanks.

The Sherman Crab Flail tank was the powerful culmination of a series of mine-clearing flail tanks developed during World War II.Here, David Fletcher recounts how the Sherman Crabs were among the first tanks ashore on D-Day and as the war progressed they were in constant demand both for formal attacks and more incidental operations. Following the development of the tank and its use in the war, he details the US Army's initial lack of interest in the flail, but how after cooperative actions with the British, they too decided to adopt the type themselves. In addition to its special mine-clearing role the Sherman Crab was also capable of fighting in tank duels, and this book includes dramatic accounts of its use by the famous 79th Armoured Division and the US Army.The book explores the beginnings of the design in the Matilda Scorpion and Baron flails, developed for the Valentine and M3 Grant tanks, through to the Sherman, and particularly the Crab version. This detailed account of one of the most interesting tanks in the Funnies series is a delight for any modeller or tank enthusiast.

A compact, detailed account of the most powerfully gunned tank fielded by the Allies during World War II.An ordinary American-built Sherman modified by the British, the Firefly had the firepower that could finally match the awesome German tanks that had dominated Europe. David Fletcher examines the controversy that dogged the Firefly and the psychological boost the tank provided to Allied forces. Exploring its successes and failures on the battlefield and providing a realistic assessment of the tank's worth, this is essential reading for anyone wanting to know the facts about a tank variant that quickly developed its own mythology.

Although, to the casual eye, all British tanks of World War I look much the same, the Mark V is quite outstanding and has a strong claim to be the tank that won the Great War. In this title, renowned tank expert David Fletcher examines the technological developments that made this tank excel where others had failed, and the reasons why it gave the British the upper hand over the Germans on the battlefield and why it was adopted by the US Tank Corps. Accompanied by detailed artwork showing the design changes that allowed the Mark V to breach the widest German trenches, this title is an excellent resource for the study of the armour of World War I.

The first Rolls-Royce armoured car - a privately owned vehicle fitted with a machine-gun and limited armour plate - was used by the Royal Naval Air Service in Flanders in 1914.By 1915, nearly 100 had been built and turned over to the Army. From then on, as Sir Albert Stern said 'They searched the world for war', operating as far apart as the northwest frontier of India, the Middle East and southern Africa. The cars were fast, quiet and reliable but above all powerful.This book tells the complete story of the Rolls-Royce Armoured Car, following its design and development as it fought from theatre to theatre during World War I and the turbulent inter-war years. After World War I, the War Office continued to produce the Rolls-Royce while tinkering with the design. These further cars served all across the Empire, including in Ireland and even later Shanghai, returning for a final brief appearance in the early stages of World War II.

Nowadays, we take for granted the ready availability of maps of all kinds. In mid-Tudor England, they were rare. All this was to change in 1579 when Christopher Saxton, a farmer from the West Riding of Yorkshire, became the first cartographer to make a published atlas of all the counties of England and Wales. This book traces the story of Saxton’s life and legacy by reconstructing his extraordinary mapmaking project alongside the crucial nature of the support and encouragement he received from Queen Elizabeth I and her court.Saxton’s atlas became the template for most detailed maps of the country for almost two centuries: it is hard to exaggerate its importance. For many, his atlas provided the first detailed image of England and Wales they had ever seen, showing the Elizabethan kingdom as a whole and in its constituent parts. This lavishly illustrated book reproduces all Saxton’s county maps together with many other illustrations revealing the forebears and successors to this groundbreaking work. Today, Saxton’s maps give us an invaluable cartographic snapshot of late Tudor England.

The Matilda was the principal British infantry tank in the early years of World War II. It served with the BEF in France and later in North Africa, where it earned the title 'Queen of the Desert'.Outclassed by increasingly powerful German anti-tank weapons, it still remained a power in the South-East Pacific, and was kept in service until the end of the war by Australian forces. In this book, David Fletcher deals with Marks I to V. Development and operational history are discussed, along with service in other countries, including Germany and Russia.Numerous variants are also covered, including the prototype 'Hedgehog' bunker-busting weapon.