David Wragg – författare

Dark, thrilling, and hilarious, The Black Hawks is an epic adventure perfect for fans of Joe Abercrombie and Scott Lynch. Life as a knight is not what Vedren Chel imagined. Bound by oath to a dead-end job in the service of a lazy step-uncle, Chel no longer dreams of glory – he dreams of going home.When invaders throw the kingdom into turmoil, Chel finds opportunity in the chaos: if he escorts a stranded prince to safety, Chel will be released from his oath.All he has to do is drag the brat from one side of the country to the other, through war and wilderness, chased all the way by ruthless assassins.With killers on your trail, you need killers watching your back. You need the Black Hawk Company – mercenaries, fighters without equal, a squabbling, scrapping pack of rogues.Prepare to join the Black Hawks.

Dark, thrilling, and hilarious, The Black Hawks is an epic adventure perfect for fans of Joe Abercrombie and Scott Lynch. Life as a knight is not what Vedren Chel imagined. Bound by oath to a dead-end job in the service of a lazy step-uncle, Chel no longer dreams of glory – he dreams of going home.When invaders throw the kingdom into turmoil, Chel finds opportunity in the chaos: if he escorts a stranded prince to safety, Chel will be released from his oath.All he has to do is drag the brat from one side of the country to the other, through war and wilderness, chased all the way by ruthless assassins.With killers on your trail, you need killers watching your back. You need the Black Hawk Company – mercenaries, fighters without equal, a squabbling, scrapping pack of rogues.Prepare to join the Black Hawks.

Dark, thrilling, and hilarious, The Black Hawks is an epic adventure perfect for fans of Joe Abercrombie and Scott Lynch.Life as a knight is not what Vedren Chel imagined. Bound by oath to a dead-end job in the service of a lazy step-uncle, Chel no longer dreams of glory – he dreams of going home.When invaders throw the kingdom into turmoil, Chel finds opportunity in the chaos: if he escorts a stranded prince to safety, Chel will be released from his oath.All he has to do is drag the brat from one side of the country to the other, through war and wilderness, chased all the way by ruthless assassins.With killers on your trail, you need killers watching your back. You need the Black Hawk Company – mercenaries, fighters without equal, a squabbling, scrapping pack of rogues.Prepare to join the Black Hawks.

Rejoin fantasy’s most deadly and dysfunctional mercenaries in the sequel to debut sensation THE BLACK HAWKS. Bound by oath and honour, Vedren Chel found himself drawn to the heart of a deadly rebellion. With him stood the mercenaries of the Black Hawk Company, who were only ever in it for the money.But the uprising failed. Now, Chel and the sell-sword Rennic languish in prison, watching as their comrades are taken one by one for execution.A daring escape will set them free, but with the combined forces of vengeful church and voracious crown arrayed against them, Chel and the Black Hawks must embark on a desperate search for new allies.Journeying from frozen wastes to towering cities, from drug-riddled fleapits to opulent palaces, THE RIGHTEOUS is the thrilling and riotous second adventure from one of fantasy’s most exciting new voices.

Rejoin fantasy’s most deadly and dysfunctional mercenaries in the sequel to debut sensation THE BLACK HAWKS.Bound by oath and honour, Vedren Chel found himself drawn to the heart of a deadly rebellion. With him stood the mercenaries of the Black Hawk Company, who were only ever in it for the money.But the uprising failed. Now, Chel and the sell-sword Rennic languish in prison, watching as their comrades are taken one by one for execution.A daring escape will set them free, but with the combined forces of vengeful church and voracious crown arrayed against them, Chel and the Black Hawks must embark on a desperate search for new allies.Journeying from frozen wastes to towering cities, from drug-riddled fleapits to opulent palaces, THE RIGHTEOUS is the thrilling and riotous second adventure from one of fantasy’s most exciting new voices.

Book one of the thrilling new fantasy series from David Wragg, acclaimed author of THE BLACK HAWKS. She’s on the run. They’re out to kill. But what happens when you catch a hunter? Ree is a woman with a violent past – a past she thought she’d left behind. After years of wandering, she and her niece Javani have finally built a small life for themselves at the edge of the known world.But sometimes the past refuses to stay there, and Ree’s is about to catch up with her. This time, there will be blood.For the land is in turmoil and professional killers have arrived in their town looking for an older woman and child, setting off a desperate chase through deserts, mountains, and mines. Ree will have to discover her former self if she is to keep them both alive. From a master of modern fantasy comes a new thrilling trilogy, full of intrigue, bloodthirsty stakes – and a heroine who just won’t quit.

Book one of the thrilling new fantasy series from David Wragg, acclaimed author of THE BLACK HAWKS.She’s on the run. They’re out to kill. But what happens when you catch a hunter?Ree is a woman with a violent past – a past she thought she’d left behind. After years of wandering, she and her niece Javani have finally built a small life for themselves at the edge of the known world.But sometimes the past refuses to stay there, and Ree’s is about to catch up with her. This time, there will be blood.For the land is in turmoil and professional killers have arrived in their town looking for an older woman and child, setting off a desperate chase through deserts, mountains, and mines. Ree will have to discover her former self if she is to keep them both alive.From a master of modern fantasy comes a new thrilling trilogy, full of intrigue, bloodthirsty stakes – and a heroine who just won’t quit.

Book one of the thrilling new fantasy series from David Wragg, acclaimed author of THE BLACK HAWKS. She’s on the run. They’re out to kill. But what happens when you catch a hunter? Ree is a woman with a violent past – a past she thought she’d left behind. After years of wandering, she and her niece Javani have finally built a small life for themselves at the edge of the known world.But sometimes the past refuses to stay there, and Ree’s is about to catch up with her. This time, there will be blood.For the land is in turmoil and professional killers have arrived in their town looking for an older woman and child, setting off a desperate chase through deserts, mountains, and mines. Ree will have to discover her former self if she is to keep them both alive. From a master of modern fantasy comes a new thrilling trilogy, full of intrigue, bloodthirsty stakes – and a heroine who just won’t quit.

Full of David Wragg’s unique blend of humour, heart, and high stakes, The Company of the Wolf is the epic next instalment in the Tales of the Plains trilogy.Seeking a better life, Ree and Javani have travelled west into the mountains, and left their pasts – and their troubles – behind. But new places bring new problems, and when they stumble across a lone traveller under bandit attack, they make the mistake of lending a hand.Forced to take refuge in the traveller's village, they quickly find allies among the lush, wooded hills. But then the true nature of the bandits is revealed.With winter approaching and a vengeful company of mercenaries circling like wolves, Ree and Javani must uncover the secrets of this peaceful valley … or risk the ruin of it all."Gritty, sharp, and yet criminally funny!" Sunyi Dean, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Book Eaters"Wragg's brand of fantasy deserves its own name: grassroots fantasy. Small in scale, large in heart, with underdog heroes you can't help but root for." Amber A. Logan, author of The Secret Garden of Yanagi Inn"A tale full of heart: heart warming, wrenching and stopping in equal measure. I love Wragg's wild, western-inspired world and its rabble of humorously and sensitively crafted characters, the kind that keep you company long after reading." Cari Thomas, Sunday Times bestselling author of Threadneedle"A story about growing up, growing old, dreams, betrayal, greed and consequences, all wrapped up in a neat package of action and tied off with a perky bow of banter. I enjoyed hating the villain almost as much as I enjoyed rooting for Ree and Javani." Peter Newman, Gemmell Award-winning author of The Vagrant and The Deathless

Full of David Wragg’s unique blend of humour, heart, and high stakes, The Company of the Wolf is the epic next instalment in the Tales of the Plains trilogy.Seeking a better life, Ree and Javani have travelled west into the mountains, and left their pasts – and their troubles – behind. But new places bring new problems, and when they stumble across a lone traveller under bandit attack, they make the mistake of lending a hand.Forced to take refuge in the traveller's village, they quickly find allies among the lush, wooded hills. But then the true nature of the bandits is revealed.With winter approaching and a vengeful company of mercenaries circling like wolves, Ree and Javani must uncover the secrets of this peaceful valley … or risk the ruin of it all."Wragg's brand of fantasy deserves its own name: grassroots fantasy. Small in scale, large in heart, with underdog heroes you can't help but root for." Amber A. Logan, author of The Secret Garden of Yanagi Inn"A tale full of heart: heart warming, wrenching and stopping in equal measure. I love Wragg's wild, western-inspired world and its rabble of humorously and sensitively crafted characters, the kind that keep you company long after reading." Cari Thomas, Sunday Times bestselling author of Threadneedle"A story about growing up, growing old, dreams, betrayal, greed and consequences, all wrapped up in a neat package of action and tied off with a perky bow of banter. I enjoyed hating the villain almost as much as I enjoyed rooting for Ree and Javani." Peter Newman, Gemmell Award-winning author of The Vagrant and The Deathless

Full of David Wragg’s unique blend of humour, heart, and high stakes, The Company of the Wolf is the epic next instalment in the Tales of the Plains trilogy.Seeking a better life, Ree and Javani have travelled west into the mountains, and left their pasts – and their troubles – behind. But new places bring new problems, and when they stumble across a lone traveller under bandit attack, they make the mistake of lending a hand.Forced to take refuge in the traveller''s village, they quickly find allies among the lush, wooded hills. But then the true nature of the bandits is revealed.With winter approaching and a vengeful company of mercenaries circling like wolves, Ree and Javani must uncover the secrets of this peaceful valley … or risk the ruin of it all."Wragg''s brand of fantasy deserves its own name: grassroots fantasy. Small in scale, large in heart, with underdog heroes you can''t help but root for." Amber A. Logan, author of The Secret Garden of Yanagi Inn"A tale full of heart: heart warming, wrenching and stopping in equal measure. I love Wragg''s wild, western-inspired world and its rabble of humorously and sensitively crafted characters, the kind that keep you company long after reading." Cari Thomas, Sunday Times bestselling author of Threadneedle"A story about growing up, growing old, dreams, betrayal, greed and consequences, all wrapped up in a neat package of action and tied off with a perky bow of banter. I enjoyed hating the villain almost as much as I enjoyed rooting for Ree and Javani." Peter Newman, Gemmell Award-winning author of The Vagrant and The Deathless

Full of David Wragg’s unique blend of humour, heart, and high stakes, The Company of the Wolf is the epic next instalment in the Tales of the Plains trilogy.Seeking a better life, Ree and Javani have travelled west into the mountains, and left their pasts – and their troubles – behind. But new places bring new problems, and when they stumble across a lone traveller under bandit attack, they make the mistake of lending a hand.Forced to take refuge in the traveller's village, they quickly find allies among the lush, wooded hills. But then the true nature of the bandits is revealed.With winter approaching and a vengeful company of mercenaries circling like wolves, Ree and Javani must uncover the secrets of this peaceful valley … or risk the ruin of it all."Wragg's brand of fantasy deserves its own name: grassroots fantasy. Small in scale, large in heart, with underdog heroes you can't help but root for." Amber A. Logan, author of The Secret Garden of Yanagi Inn"A tale full of heart: heart warming, wrenching and stopping in equal measure. I love Wragg's wild, western-inspired world and its rabble of humorously and sensitively crafted characters, the kind that keep you company long after reading." Cari Thomas, Sunday Times bestselling author of Threadneedle"A story about growing up, growing old, dreams, betrayal, greed and consequences, all wrapped up in a neat package of action and tied off with a perky bow of banter. I enjoyed hating the villain almost as much as I enjoyed rooting for Ree and Javani." Peter Newman, Gemmell Award-winning author of The Vagrant and The Deathless

The epic finale to the unmissable Tales of the Plains trilogy from the master of modern fantasy, David Wragg. Rebellion’s about the journey, not the destination. 'This explosive trilogy closer is a masterclass in humour and heart; sandwiched around one of the most exciting, non-stop action set pieces in recent memory are emotional beats that destroyed me and quips I wish I could write. David Wragg is everything glorious about modern fantasy.' Ed Crocker, author of Lightfall 'The hilarious and heartbreaking conclusion to The Tales of the Plains brings Ree and Javani's story to an epic, incredible conclusion. Full of all the heart, hope, and horrible deaths you'd expect, with a hefty dose of pathos for good measure. A must read – and must reread – series from a great modern voice in fantasy.'Anna Stephens, author of The Songs of the Drowned Ree is at war. Determined to free the townships from the Guild's larcenous rule, she can’t take her eyes off victory. Not now, with the scent of blood in the air. Not for her consort, not even for her kid.Javani is ready for her own adventures. She’s no longer a child and determined to blaze her own trail, even if that means leaving Ree behind.With rebellion stirring, the past Ree's been running from and the future Javani’s striving for will collide. As tensions rise between mother and daughter, Guild and rebels – and with the fate of the Plains on the line – all that's certain is an explosive finale on the Iron Road.Praise for the Tales of the Plains series:'Gritty, sharp, and yet criminally funny!' Sunyi Dean, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Book Eaters'Wragg's brand of fantasy deserves its own name: grassroots fantasy. Small in scale, large in heart, with underdog heroes you can't help but root for' Amber A. Logan, author of The Secret Garden of Yanagi Inn'Heart warming, wrenching and stopping in equal measure' Cari Thomas, Sunday Times bestselling author of Threadneedle

The epic new finale to the unmissable Tales of the Plains trilogy from the master of modern fantasy, David Wragg. Rebellion’s about the journey, not the destination. 'This explosive trilogy closer is a masterclass in humour and heart; sandwiched around one of the most exciting, non-stop action set pieces in recent memory are emotional beats that destroyed me and quips I wish I could write. David Wragg is everything glorious about modern fantasy.' Ed Crocker, author of Lightfall 'The hilarious and heartbreaking conclusion to The Tales of the Plains brings Ree and Javani's story to an epic, incredible conclusion. Full of all the heart, hope, and horrible deaths you'd expect, with a hefty dose of pathos for good measure. A must read – and must reread – series from a great modern voice in fantasy.'Anna Stephens, author of The Songs of the Drowned Ree is at war. Determined to free the townships from the Guild's larcenous rule, she can’t take her eyes off victory. Not now, with the scent of blood in the air. Not for her consort, not even for her kid.Javani is ready for her own adventures. She’s no longer a child and determined to blaze her own trail, even if that means leaving Ree behind.With rebellion stirring, the past Ree's been running from and the future Javani’s striving for will collide. As tensions rise between mother and daughter, Guild and rebels – and with the fate of the Plains on the line – all that's certain is an explosive finale on the Iron Road.Praise for the Tales of the Plains series:'Gritty, sharp, and yet criminally funny!' Sunyi Dean, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Book Eaters'Wragg's brand of fantasy deserves its own name: grassroots fantasy. Small in scale, large in heart, with underdog heroes you can't help but root for' Amber A. Logan, author of The Secret Garden of Yanagi Inn'Heart warming, wrenching and stopping in equal measure' Cari Thomas, Sunday Times bestselling author of Threadneedle

The epic new finale to the unmissable Tales of the Plains trilogy from the master of modern fantasy, David Wragg. Rebellion's about the journey, not the destination.'This explosive trilogy closer is a masterclass in humour and heart; sandwiched around one of the most exciting, non-stop action set pieces in recent memory are emotional beats that destroyed me and quips I wish I could write. David Wragg is everything glorious about modern fantasy.' Ed Crocker, author of Lightfall'The hilarious and heartbreaking conclusion to The Tales of the Plains brings Ree and Javani's story to an epic, incredible conclusion. Full of all the heart, hope, and horrible deaths you'd expect, with a hefty dose of pathos for good measure. A must read and must reread series from a great modern voice in fantasy.' Anna Stephens, author of The Songs of the DrownedRee is at war. Determined to free the townships from the Guild's larcenous rule, she can t take her eyes off victory. Not now, with the scent of blood in the air. Not for her consort, not even for her kid.Javani is ready for her own adventures. She s no longer a child and determined to blaze her own trail, even if that means leaving Ree behind.With rebellion stirring, the past Ree's been running from and the future Javani s striving for will collide. As tensions rise between mother and daughter, Guild and rebels and with the fate of the Plains on the line all that's certain is an explosive finale on the Iron Road.Praise for the Tales of the Plains series:'Gritty, sharp, and yet criminally funny!' Sunyi Dean, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Book Eaters'Wragg's brand of fantasy deserves its own name: grassroots fantasy. Small in scale, large in heart, with underdog heroes you can't help but root for' Amber A. Logan, author of The Secret Garden of Yanagi Inn'Heart warming, wrenching and stopping in equal measure' Cari Thomas, Sunday Times bestselling author of Threadneedle

The epic finale to the unmissable Tales of the Plains trilogy from the master of modern fantasy, David Wragg. Rebellion’s about the journey, not the destination. 'This explosive trilogy closer is a masterclass in humour and heart; sandwiched around one of the most exciting, non-stop action set pieces in recent memory are emotional beats that destroyed me and quips I wish I could write. David Wragg is everything glorious about modern fantasy.' Ed Crocker, author of Lightfall 'The hilarious and heartbreaking conclusion to The Tales of the Plains brings Ree and Javani's story to an epic, incredible conclusion. Full of all the heart, hope, and horrible deaths you'd expect, with a hefty dose of pathos for good measure. A must read – and must reread – series from a great modern voice in fantasy.'Anna Stephens, author of The Songs of the Drowned Ree is at war. Determined to free the townships from the Guild's larcenous rule, she can’t take her eyes off victory. Not now, with the scent of blood in the air. Not for her consort, not even for her kid.Javani is ready for her own adventures. She’s no longer a child and determined to blaze her own trail, even if that means leaving Ree behind.With rebellion stirring, the past Ree's been running from and the future Javani’s striving for will collide. As tensions rise between mother and daughter, Guild and rebels – and with the fate of the Plains on the line – all that's certain is an explosive finale on the Iron Road.Praise for the Tales of the Plains series:'Gritty, sharp, and yet criminally funny!' Sunyi Dean, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Book Eaters'Wragg's brand of fantasy deserves its own name: grassroots fantasy. Small in scale, large in heart, with underdog heroes you can't help but root for' Amber A. Logan, author of The Secret Garden of Yanagi Inn'Heart warming, wrenching and stopping in equal measure' Cari Thomas, Sunday Times bestselling author of Threadneedle

The daring British air raid that inspired the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.In November 1940 Britain was isolated in its stand against Nazi Germany and its ally, Italy. The country could not afford to lose control of the Mediterranean, but the Royal Navy was already overstretched by the U-boat war and the threat of invasion. Italy's fleet of modern battleships presented a grave threat to our communications with Egypt and the Suez Canal.On the night of 11 November 1940, 42 members of the Fleet Air Arm took off in 21 obsolete 'Swordfish' biplanes, launched from HMS Illustrious. Their target: the Italian fleet anchorage at Taranto. Pressing home their attack in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire and searchlights, they torpedoed and sank three battleships. Incredibly, all but two of the biplanes survived. The Italian fleet was crippled and the world took note that Britain was far from defeated. No-one was more impressed than the Japanese, who noted how a fleet in harbour could be demolished by air attack.In this new account of the Royal Navy's most daring operation of the Second World War, David Wragg draws on British and Italian records as well as interviews with the aircrew, to tell the full story of a night that changed the course of the war.

How much can you really find out about the War at Sea during the First World War in five minutes? This handy little history book will surpass all your expectations and leave you well versed on all you wish to know, and maybe even a little bit more… Which was stronger, the German or British navy? What was the biggest battle? Who were the heroes? Who led the navies? And how successful were they? Jam-packed with facts, stats and first-hand accounts of the action, all woven together in an accessible way by an expert in the field, this 5 Minute History is a valuable addition to anyone’s bookshelf, ready to be delved into at a moment’s notice.

The London Midland & Scottish Railway was the largest of the Big Four railway companies to emerge from the 1923 grouping. It was the only one to operate in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as having two short stretches of line in the Irish Republic. It was also the world’s largest railway shipping operator and owned the greatest number of railway hotels. Mainly a freight railway, it still boasted the best carriages, and the work of chief engineer Sir William Stanier influenced the first locomotive and carriage designs for the nationalised British railways. Packed with facts and figures as well as historical narrative, this extensively illustrated book is a superb reference source that will be of interest to all railway enthusiasts.

For many the GWR was synonymous with holidays by the sea in the West Country, but it was built to serve as a fast railway line to London, especially for the merchants and financiers of Bristol. Its operations stretched as far as Merseyside, it provided most services in Wales, and it was the main line to Cardiff, Bristol, Cornwall and Birmingham. This book, a classic first published in 2006, reveals the equipment, stations, network, shipping and air services, bus operations including Western National, and overall reach and history of the GWR. Forming part of a series, along with The LMS Handbook, The LNER Handbook and The Southern Railway Handbook, this new edition provides an authoritative and highly detailed reference of information about the GWR.

The Southern Railway may not have been the most glamorous of the ‘Big Four’ companies that emerged from the grouping of 1923, but it was the great innovator. In the 1930s the Southern pioneered the first main-line electrification and created the largest electrified suburban railway network in the world. It was also one of the few to offer regular departures and the first to run true international services, introducing the ‘Night Ferry’ through-trains from London to Paris using special ferries. Forming part of a series, along with The GWR Handbook, The LMS Handbook and The LNER Handbook, this new edition provides an authoritative and highly detailed reference of information about the Southern Railway.

Fleet Air Arm Handbook is the most comprehensive review available of the Royal Navy’s air power during the war years. Starting with a brief history, the book progresses with a full war diary of all the major operations in a gripping narrative account. We see the different functions of the Fleet Air Arm – to protect the essential supplies brought by merchant ships, and their close support of sea and ground forces, both from carriers at sea and bases ashore. In-depth analysis reveals what life was like in the Fleet Air Arm during the war; the food, accommodation, training, activities, uniform, and the relationship between aircrew and their shipmates aboard the Royal Navy’s carriers. Each squadron, wing and carrier air group is listed along with their operations and locations. This is a well-researched tribute to an important force and is essential reading for anyone interested in naval or aviation activity during the Second World War.

Long-awaited, the Normandy landings were the largest amphibious operation in history. Success was achieved by the advent of specialised landing craft, heavy naval firepower and the creation of two artificial harbours and an underwater pipeline. Operation Neptune: The Prelude to D-Day tells the story of this incredible feat using eyewitness accounts of the landings and the breaching of Hitler’s famed ‘Atlantic Wall’.David Wragg explores the earlier Allied and Axis experiences with amphibious operations and the planning for Neptune and Overlord. He reveals the naval support needed once the armies were ashore and before continental ports could be captured and cleared of mines, with operations such as minesweeping off the Normandy coast, which led to one of the worst ‘friendly fire’ incidents of the war. This is the must-read book to understand what made D-Day possible.

The London, Midland & Scottish Railway (LMS) claimed to be the largest private enterprise concern in the British Empire. It was Britain’s largest steam railway and the only one to operate in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as having two short stretches of line in the Irish Republic. It was the world’s largest owner of railway hotels and the world’s largest railway shipping operator. Mainly a steam railway, it had a significant electric service out of Euston in London, and on Merseyside and Manchester. One of the leaders in diesel shunting locomotives, the company was a pioneer of using mechanical handling equipment, including large coaling towers. The LMS was mainly a freight railway, but it was still able to boast the best railway carriages, even on suburban services, where there was more legroom than was offered by other companies. Full of little-known facts, illustrated throughout and including a useful timeline, The LMS Story is the latest addition to this successful series.

The steam locomotive was a British invention and even today, the world speed record for steam remains with a British locomotive, Mallard. Steam’s first significant contribution to British industry was through powering pumping engines for mines. When steam was applied to the railways, the ‘railway age’ began. The steam locomotive went through several distinct phases during its long life, which came to an end on regular service in the late 1960s. The early phase was followed by the trend for large single driving wheels, then compound locomotives with connected driving wheels once steel became strong enough for the connecting rods. Further developments included tank engines that could run equally well forwards and backwards; the 4-6-0 and 4-6-2 expresses; the passion for speed records and streamlining; and the standardisation years of British Railways. This insightful, fully illustrated story book follows the history of the steam locomotive and will delight all those interested in the steam age.

The astonishing true story of the Royal Navy's most daring operation of the Second World War - the British air raid that inspired the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Readers say:'A fitting tribute to these extraordinary planes and the men who flew them' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'A page-turning read' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'I recommend it to anyone who has any interest in the war at sea 1939-45' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ In November 1940 Britain was isolated in its stand against the Axis powers. The country could not afford to lose control of the Mediterranean, but the Royal Navy was already overstretched by the U-boat war and the threat of invasion. Italy's fleet of modern battleships presented a grave threat to Britain's communications with Egypt and the Suez Canal.On the night of 11 November 1940, 42 members of the Fleet Air Arm took off in 21 obsolete 'Swordfish' biplanes, launched from HMS Illustrious. Their target: the Italian fleet anchorage at Taranto. Pressing home their attack in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire and searchlights, they torpedoed and sank three battleships. Incredibly, all but two of the biplanes survived. The Italian fleet was crippled and the world took note that Britain was far from defeated. No-one was more impressed than the Japanese, who noted how a fleet in harbour could be demolished by air attack.In this spellbinding account of the Royal Navy's most daring operation of the Second World War, David Wragg draws on British and Italian records as well as interviews with the aircrew to tell the full story of a night that changed the course of the war.

During World War Two an American naval officer stared at a Swordfish for the first time.'Where did that come from?' he asked. 'Fairey's', came the reply from a British naval officer standing nearby. He stroked his chin thoughtfully. 'That figures', he replied.This is a narrative account of the operations of the Fairey Swordfish throughout World War Two. The most famous of these was the attack on the Italian fleet at Taranto, crippling three battleships and damaging several other ships as well as the seaplane base and an oil storage depot. The Swordfish played a prominent part in the Battle of Matapan and in the sinking of the Bismark. Less happily, Swordfish were used in the unsuccessful and ill-prepared raid on the Germans at Petsamo and in the abortive attack on the battle cruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau during the Channel Dash in 1942.Throughout the book, the text is interwoven with personal accounts by naval airmen.

Above the Waves is the history of the first century of British Naval aviation, with personal accounts adding color to the achievements both in technology, such as angled flight decks, mirror deck landing systems, helicopter assault and vertical take-off, and in operations, including the sinking of the Konigsberg and the daring attack on the Italian fleet at Taranto, convoy protection, operations with the United States Navy in the Pacific, then, post-war, Suez, and later the recovery of the Falklands from Argentine invasion.The Royal Navy was in the forefront of aviation from a very early stage. As the author reveals Officers such as the legendary Admiral of the Fleet Lord Fisher quickly recognized the strategic and tactical importance of air power. Winston Churchill, as First Lord of the Admiralty, volunteered the Navy for the air defense of the UK in WW1 but with the formation of the RAF in 1918 the Navy had a fierce fight to retain its own air arms and this is a struggle that has continued up to the present day.Not only are there many thrilling accounts of operations but this fascinating book also includes a chronology of major events. Above the Waves will appeal to those who have served, those who serve today and those who intend to serve in the future, and for their relatives and the many enthusiasts who sense the particular excitement of air operations at sea.

'Necessity is the mother of invention' and nothing is more necessary than victory in war. Driven by the need to defeat Hitler's Nazis and Japanese Imperial ambitions, the period 1939 – 1945 saw huge and unprecedented leaps in the invention and development of war winning weapons and technology.

Well=known author and military expert David Wragg has studied the whole range of land, sea and air technical innovations that originated during the Second World War. Most obvious and strategically important is the Atomic Bomb (and its successor the Hydrogen Bomb) but the list is truly fascinating – cruise and ballistic missiles, landing craft, self-propelled guns assault ships, IFF (identification friend or foe), jet engines, sonar, ejection seats to name but some.

A number of inventions, while important at the time, had no longer term use; for instance dive-bombers. Others were available but not used until post-war such as in-flight refuelling.

The author concludes from his extensive research arguing that there is little new in defence today as so many modern weapons trace their origins back to the Second World War.

This is an original and thought-provoking book by a highly respected military history author.