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Books > Social sciences > Warfare & defence > Military life & institutions
When Charles Edward Stuart launched the last, and perhaps most
famous, of the Jacobite Risings in the late summer of 1745, the
British Army found itself ill-placed to respond. Its most effective
troops were on the continent; regular units at home were weak,
inexperienced or both; the Militia system was moribund and
politically suspect. When the opposing forces first met in the
field, the result was ignominious rout and retreat. Nevertheless,
eight months after the Rising began, the Jacobite cause went down
in crushing defeat at Culloden. This collection of essays examines
in detail some of the units that marched and fought for George II
during this tumultuous period. Consideration is given to regular
regiments of foot and dragoons as well as to the additional units
raised for the emergency. In the latter category, different
chapters examine the 'noblemen's regiments' added to the regular
line as a piece of political jobbery, the militias raised by clans
loyal to the House of Hanover, and the bluecoated volunteer
regiments fielded to resist the Jacobite invasion of England.
Emphasising the fact that this was a civil war, three of the units
that are considered were Scottish-raised, whilst others contained
substantial numbers of Scotsmen in their ranks. The experiences of
the units in question varied greatly; some took part in the pivotal
battles of Prestonpans, Falkirk, and Culloden whilst others never
fired a shot in anger. Taken together, however, these studies
provide a new and fascinating insight into the military response to
the Jacobite '45.
Published in Germany in 2009, The War in Their Minds explores the
perception of German soldiers after World War II, both as
perpetrators and victims of violence during the war, and addresses
the history of postwar psychiatry and public memory. Prize-winning
historian Svenja Goltermann treats this demanding material with
care. First exploring how former soldiers' memories of war shaped
their daily lives, she analyses contemporary psychiatric
interpretations of veterans' psychic afflictions and notions of
post-war disability. In the final section, the author focuses on
how psychiatric knowledge informed the public memory of war in the
popular media.
Imported defence systems are like crutches that can provide only
temporary sustenance but not enduring muscle strength. Dependence
on imports makes a nation hostage to the policies of the exporting
nations and captive to the dictates of unscrupulous foreign
vendors. Therefore, 'Make in India' is a highly overdue clarion
call and a mission statement. The book identifies reasons for the
dismal state of the Indian defence industry and suggests corrective
measures. It recommends the integration of the private sector and
support to MSMEs. The need for an ecosystem to foster innovations
has also been emphasised. As the defence industry is characterised
by rapid obsolescence, regular infusion of the latest defence
technologies is essential. FDI is not just a question of getting
funds but accesses the latest know-how as well. Similarly, the
powerful leverage of offsets can be used to obtain technologies
that industrially advanced nations are unwilling to sell. Finally,
the book suggests the establishment of a Defence and Aerospace
Commission to oversee all functions pertaining to armament
production, acquisitions and exports.
The mettle of the famous First Household Cavalry Regiment was
tested to the maximum in action in the mountains of Italy in
1943-44. This book explores a largely undervalued and forgotten
part of a costly and complex struggle. We directly experience what
it was like to be there through the words of those who were. In
late 1943 1st HCR was sent to Syria to patrol the Turko-Syrian
border, it being feared that Turkey would join the Axis powers. In
April 1944, 1st HCR was shipped to Italy. The Italian campaign was
at that time well underway. During the summer of 1944, 1st HCR were
in action near Arezzo and in the advance to Florence in a
reconnaissance role, probing enemy positions, patrolling
constantly. The Regiment finally took part in dismounted actions in
the Gothic Line - the German defensive system in Northern Italy.
Based upon interviews with the few survivors still with us and
several unpublished diaries, there are many revelations that will
entertain - and some that will shock. The 1st Household Cavalry
1943-44 is published on the 70th anniversary of the actions
described, as a tribute to the fighting force made up from the two
most senior regiments of the British Army and, in the words of His
Grace the Duke of Wellington who has kindly provided the foreword,
'to gain insight into why such a war should never be fought again'.
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(Hardcover)
Christian Vanderbush
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All aspects of German panzer troop uniforms in over 200 photos,
many in color.
When does becoming part of the team go too far? For decades, young
men and women endured degrading and dangerous rituals in order to
join sororities and fraternities while college administrators
blindly accepted their consequences. In recent years, these
practices have spilled over into the mainstream, polluting military
organizations, sports teams, and even secondary schools. In
Destroying Young Lives: Hazing in Schools and the Military, Hank
Nuwer assembles an extraordinary cast of analysts to catalog the
evolution of this dangerous practice, from the first hazing death
at Cornell University in 1863 to present day tragedies. This
hard-hitting compilation addresses the numerous, significant, and
often overlooked impacts of hazing, including including sexual
exploitation, mental distress, depression, and even suicide.
Destroying Young Lives is a compelling look at how universities,
the military, and other social groups can learn from past mistakes
and protect their members going forward.
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