Jean-Denis Lepage - Böcker

During the Second World War, as the Allies sent thousands of aircraft to attack the German homeland, it was the flak teams that stood as the last line of defence. Forbidden after the end of the First World War, the German flak arm was rebuilt by the Nazis after January 1933, becoming part of the Luftwaffe in 1935 and growing until all branches of the Wehrmacht had their own anti-aircraft capabilities. In The Illustrated Handbook of Flak, Jean-Denis Lepage covers all aspects of German anti-aircraft artillery: its development from the first anti-balloon artillery in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 to the sophisticated ground-to-air rockets in use by 1945, the administrative, strategical and tactical organisations involved, and the variety of weapons used. It details the uniforms worn by the men – including flags, badges and medals – equipment used such as searchlights, range finders and radar, and mobile flak emplacements and permanent fortifications. The services involved are also described, including the police, fire brigades, paramilitary auxiliaries and the German Red Cross. With over 300 illustrations created by the author, this is an outstanding reference work, providing new insight into the anti-aircraft teams who fought to hold back the overwhelming might of the Allied bombers during the Second World War.

The Gebirgsj ger were officially formed in 1935 following Hitler's rejection of the Treaty of Versailles, although the required skills had been fostered in preparation through civilian climbing clubs. They were recruited predominantly from the southern mountainous parts of Germany - Wurtemburg and Bavaria - and from Austria, where Alpinism and mountain warfare had a long tradition. Rigorously trained in skiing, climbing and other demanding skills of mountain survival and combat, they formed an elite within the German army, distinguished by the distinctive Eidelweiss cap badge adopted in 1939.Jean-Denis Lepage gives a concise history of the Gebirgsj ger's employment, which saw them in action on every front, from Lapland in the North to Tunisia in the south, and throught the war, from the invasion of Poland to the final defence of Germany. He then gives a detailed description of their uniforms and insignia, equipment, organization, training and tactics. The book is clearly illustrated throughout with over 170 of the author's own line drawings.

This Dictionary of Fortifications is an attractive and convenient reference for anyone with an interest in castles, forts, walled cities and any other defensive architecture, including temporary structures, of any period. The heart of the book is a useful glossary of over 1,200 terms relating to fortifications through the ages. Drawn from many languages besides English, each has at least a concise definition or description, while more significant entries take the form of short articles. Many are accompanied by a clear sketch, diagram, cross-section, floor plan or map skilfully executed by the author himself. In all there are over 400 of these black and white illustrations. Although the glossary is organized alphabetically (from Abatis to Zwischenwiderstandnet), cross references allow the reader to easily follow themes of interest through the book.Buttressing the glossary there is a section giving an overview of the historical development of fortifications from prehistory to the present day. A further chapter outlines the concomitant development of siege warfare over the same long span, detailing the evolution of siege engines and other tactics used to overcome fortifications. This is a fascinating reference for anyone with the slightest interest in military architecture.

The Sturm Abteilung der NSDAP (SA, assault battalion of the Nazi party) created in August 1920 were squads of strong arms intended to protect the Nazis meetings, to provoke disturbance, to break up other parties meetings, and to attack and assault political opponents as part of a deliberate campaign of intimidation.After 1925 the name Braunhemden (Brownshirts) was also given to its members because of the colour of their uniforms. Under the leadership of Hitlers close political associate, Ernst Rhm, the SA grew to become a huge and radical paramilitary force.This book answers several questions concerning the SA. How did the SA become a national movement? What was the relationship between Rhm and Hitler? What role did the SA play in providing Hitler with the keys to power? After the seizure of power by the Nazis on January 30, 1933, what was the function of the Brownshirts? Why did the brutal and scandalous Ernst Rhm stand in Hitlers way? What became of the SA after the bloody purge of June 1934, the notorious Night of the Long Knives?