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Content by Ned Middleton
Reviewer Rank: 65
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Reviews Written by
Ned Middleton (British professional underwater photo-journalist & author)
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
An incredible series of revelations., 18 Nov 2009
Some of my own former commanding officers - whom I knew when Lt. Colonels, went on to achieve very high office and even include one Field Marshall. Whilst ordinary rivalry must have existed within their own careers, none would have been on a scale of the thoroughly unpleasant behaviour exhibited by Admiral Lord Charles Beresford from 1907 onwards. Whereas even a sergeant knows not to rebuke a corporal in front of those of lesser rank, Beresford embarked on a campaign designed to humiliate any officer - right up to the rank of Rear Admiral, whom he perceived as either a friend of Admiral of the Fleet (5 star admiral) Sir Jackie Fisher or who simply would not assist him in his evil campaign against this newly appointed Head of the Royal Navy. This was not only rivalry on an excessive scale, Beresford's hostility knew no bounds whatsoever as he used his hereditary title, plotted with fellow officers, peers and politicians and even leaked information to the press in a bid to bring about the downfall of the man who is now universally recognised as the architect of the modern Royal Navy. It was a bid which eventually went spectacularly wrong and caused Beresford untold personal bitterness right up until his death in 1919.
Beresford had proved himself to be more than competent and even quite courageous during his naval career and had also become one of the most popular commanders in the Royal Navy. Those attributes, however, combined to create a man who, unfortunately, became the very embodiment of arrogance. So arrogant that, at one time, he demanded to be acknowledged as; "A greater man than Nelson" and "the only man who knew anything whatsoever about the art of naval warfare." When Fisher, however, was appointed First Sea Lord, Beresford perceived this as being in his stead and, if Fisher were to be replaced, "he" would automatically assume that supreme role. Consequently, he determined to have Fisher's appointment revoked at all costs.
Beresford now embarked on the unforgivable. Here was a man prepared to give one Rear Admiral an impossible task and then disseminate his disapproval of that officer's subsequent actions to every ship and, thereby, every man under that Rear Admiral's command without even asking for an explanation. Here was a man who became a law unto himself, one who got away with insubordination and disloyalty and was even absent without leave in North America for several weeks when he should have been assuming his own new command. Here was a man who considered himself above the Admiralty and demanded more from the Royal Navy than it was possible to receive.
Whilst neither such a rift nor any similar behaviour could possibly be tolerated in any modern navy, the effects upon morale on those officers of lesser rank who were drawn into this intolerable situation - castigated if they took sides and penalised if they did not, was incalculable and eventually felt all the way down the line. This was a navy in crisis and that crisis was all of Beresford's making.
This book is one of several things and, to name but two,; Firstly, it is one you will find hard to put down. This is partly due to the excellent writing skills of author Richard Freeman and partly because of the sheer incredulity he engenders in the reader as he describes the behaviour of those involved - not just the two main protagonists, but also that of the Prime Minister, other politicians and naval officers of the day. Secondly, the work is an absolute triumph of research, study and achievement as far as the presentation of the facts are concerned. Not only is this book essential reading for anyone with an interest in the subject, it is also indispensable for anyone who is searching for a darned good read.
Altogether, we are provided with an incredible series of revelations about two of Britain's most senior officers in those crucial years immediately prior to WW1. It is a fact that, had the reforming Jackie Fisher "not" been appointed to head the Royal Navy at that time, that navy would have been no match for the German High Sea Fleet in 1914.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
An interesting series of crimes, punishments and speculation., 18 Nov 2009
The application of the word "famous" to various old criminal cases must be subjective. There were those which were not just famous but infamous and will always remain so in spite of the passage of time. Others, however, only remained notable during living memory. Whilst all the trials and verdicts described in this book were undoubtedly renowned at the time, it is fair to say that several are now long-forgotten. Nevertheless, each selected crime is exciting and offers considerable intrigue.
In selecting nine cases (I do so hate odd numbers - ten would have been much better!) from as early as 1899 to as late as 1972 from the law courts of London, author John Eddleston begins by describing each crime and the subsequent trial in sufficient detail. He includes all relevant evidence, testimony, witness accounts, judges comments and even the press coverage of the day. He then exercises a fair degree of personal judgement in analysing each segment of the story, the motives and whatever else occurred before finally concluding with his own views.
The results are quite extraordinary and make for fascinating reading. In one instance, for example, Eddleston recounts the story of Timothy Evans who was hanged for murder and later granted a posthumous pardon. Having explained what actually happened, the author then argues with considerable reasoning that Evans was not only very probably guilty of the crime in question and, therefore, pardoned for the wrong reasons but, although guilty, still deserved that pardon in any event. Confusing? Not at all, simply well written.
The content is supported, where possible, with an interesting selection of photographs and other documents from National Archives. Apart from all those with an interest in the overall subject matter, this book should prove to be extremely popular with those who are fond of short-stories.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
Well constructed but lacking in illustrative support., 8 Nov 2009
As the title suggests, this is a book about the weapons used by that elite fighting force - US Navy Seals. According to his short biopic, the author is a gunsmith and weapons expert with some, albeit rather obscure, military and operational experience. Nevertheless, all things considered, he does appear well qualified to tackle this particular subject.
Weapons are included by general type. Consequently there are chapters on; Knives, pistols, submachine guns, shotguns, rifles, knock knock, hand grenades, ambush, machine guns, shots in the sandbox, 40mm grenade launchers, explosives and explosive devices. The product comprises 518 pages of mostly text plus an extensive index. Curiously, there are no decent photographs to be found anywhere within.
As an example of the technical content, the section on knives includes full details of 19 weapons of which there are two "Leatherman" type folding tools and one Swiss army knife in amongst others devised for more deadly purposes. Sixteen submachine guns are included in another chapter with all the technical details any person might require. Only 10 of these, however, include a photograph of the weapon and the layout leaves the reader uncertain as to whether or not each of these pictures relates to the weapon described before that illustration or to the one which follows. All photographs are black and white and approx. the size of a large postage stamp. With only a few exceptions, captions are confined to "Source U. S. Navy" (or whatever). Those which are exploded views of the item in question, particularly suffer from the minute size of the illustration.
On a positive note, the book contains plenty of detailed text incorporating the history of the SEALs and is clearly written by a man who has closely studied the subject. First published in 2004, the work was probably the definitive article when it first appeared. Since then, of course, the weapons used by this particular fighting force will have continued to evolve.
Altogether, useful for those with an interest in the subject.
NM
British Army major (Retired)
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
An odd presentation., 8 Nov 2009
If I were to summarise this book in just two words, they would have to be "hugely disappointing." On the back cover we are informed that this author is "a born storyteller" who "writes with verve an clarity." What a pity he didn't bring those skills to this particular party! Inside the dust jacket, further comments commence with; "Henry G. Cole was a BAR man in a rifle squad in the Korea war..." Which is fine if you know what "BAR" stands for if not some might think he was a `barman.'
And there hangs yet another problem with the book, page 170 contains a very good example of the special language which is not understood by those of us who do not possess the requisite translation skills because we never set foot inside the enclosed world occupied (a long time ago) by this author. On this page, he introduces "Heinz" and informs us this person joined him (the author) in CCC MACVSOG - whatever that was.
Even the book's title on the front cover is presented in an odd way with the words "Observations from Korea, Vietnam and Safe Places" being placed some 2-3 inches above the single word "SOLDIERING" thus creating confusion as to the book's precise title.
As for the actual content, this man served in Korea some 50 years ago, Vietnam some 30 years ago, other places before, in between and afterwards and retired from the US military over 20 years ago. Ordinarily, one might have thought his recollections would have been more relevant had they been published at the time - after all, the world is full of former service personnel and "ALREADY" service in Iraq is old news. We are also informed he previously left the army in 1954 and became a teacher for 3 years (yawn!) only to be enlightened by the revelation that part of John F. Kennedy's inaugural address as President of the USA was not intended for anyone else but a personal instruction to Henry G. Gole! When Kennedy asked what "he" could do for his country, he promptly rejoined the army.
From a rather mundane autobiography about the author's military service - and the people he met along the way; To be interested in this book, I would suggest you would have had to have been there at the time. To want to buy a copy, I would suggest you would have to be mentioned by name - and, therefore, be purchasing a copy out of loyalty. To understand the content, I would suggest you need to undertake a study of US military abbreviations confined to those places where this particular veteran once wore his uniform.
Altogether, probably one of the most boring reads of all time.
NM
British Army major (Retired)
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
Not so much a book - more of an extended trilogy., 13 Oct 2009
Three ships have borne the name HMS Revenge and each could not have been more different from its predecessor. The first was an Elizabethan 2nd Rate ship of the line built in Deptford in the 16th Century. The process for building this vessel was such that the oak was carefully selected, cut and allowed to season for some years before construction could even commence. With straight trees selected for planking and decking and bent trees skilfully chosen for deck supports and other curved features, it says much for this process of early shipbuilding that, during her last battle in 1591, the first HMS Revenge survived the attacks of no fewer than 15 Spanish warships simply because her timbers held fast when struck by enemy shot. Over 300 years later, such had been the change in ship design that the length of the original HMS Revenge was shorter than the width of the second ship to bear that name - a vessel which sported no fewer than eight 15 inch guns - the largest ever fitted to a ship of the Royal Navy. Number three was a Polaris nuclear submarine - as I say, each very different from her predecessor.
At first glance, one might ordinarily expect, therefore, this to be a book which simply tells the story of each ship - but not so. Instead, this is an extended trilogy which links each vessel together with the political and naval events of the day and of those - such as the defining naval encounter of all time, the Battle of Trafalgar, which occurred between the life of each vessel. In short, we are treated to the complete story of how each ship came about and of the changes which occurred in between the construction of each one.
What I like, indeed admire, most about this work is author Alexander Stilwell's ability to encapsulate the current political situation and intrigue of the day into a most informative and relevant potted history thus providing the necessary backdrop against which each vessel was built. In short, this is a complete work and one which will stand the test of time as a remarkable literary and research achievement. Few people outside of the somewhat esoteric world of ships, shipping and shipwrecks are able to conceive that a factual account of any "real" ship - and in this case three ships, could be regarded as a darned good read. Without wishing to attempt any form of permanent conversion, I defy anyone who enjoys a good read, not to enjoy this work. It is informative, factually correct, often riveting and occasionally inspirational. What more could be asked of any book..
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
A curious dichotomy., 13 Oct 2009
On the one hand, this book is a triumph of research and dedication as it reveals the facts about the loss of some 300 ships and other craft within a given geographical area of the UK and, as such, will prove to be an invaluable asset to all scuba divers and others who seek to learn more about these vessels and their history. It is a book from which most will learn a great deal about GPS positions, the compass, the sweeping of wrecks and even how different tonnages are described - and all that by page 5! On the other hand, the work also provides a curious dichotomy because, generally speaking it not well written and I am surprised the publishers did not seek to rewrite several passages. That failing, however, will only marginally spoil the enjoyment of the product for a minority and does not reduce the book's overall value in any way.
I had not previously heard of author Bob Baird but soon realised his was a name with which I should have been familiar - if only because he knows what he is talking about "and" on a subject which is dear to my heart. Throughout the entire work he continually reveals the names of all his sources and of those responsible for earlier research and discovery. As an example, on the one hand he includes details from distinguished shipwreck historians such as Ron Young and on the other he dismisses incorrect information provided by the discredited Peter Collings.
When detail such as; "This wreck was first located in 1959 by the survey ship HMS Scott" (The Stella page 96) is added to records from various newspapers, other publications and the personal accounts of individual divers, one comes to realise that this book is not only a complete triumph of personal dedication and research - but also of having painstakingly cross-checked all that information.
For those with a passion for the shipwrecks within the geographical area covered by this work, I doubt a better book will ever be published and I congratulate the author on his attention to detail and painstaking research.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
An important historic work., 29 Sep 2009
At first glance, this book looks every inch a 5 Star product and as I have come to expect from this particular author, the content goes on to match that early expectation. Lessons are learned from the outset and much is explained in a manner which will not disappoint either the casual reader or the serious historian. In short, this work is not just another book about the Kriegsmarine, it is one in which Hitler's Navy is explained like never before. Many popular myths are exploded, many misconceptions corrected and all are replaced with a rational, factual assessment and explanation based on the dedicated and detailed research of a competent maritime historian.
The inclusion of a most useful résumé of the Treaty of Versailles very early in the work (page 11) does much to help the reader understand the limitations imposed upon Germany's forces, especially her Navy, after WW1. These were the very seeds from which the Kriegsmarine evolved and provides a vital to understanding of how, for example, the concept of the Pocket Battleship was born and of other circumstances which existed. Elsewhere, I was fascinated to learn how one unit of Hitler's Kriegsmarine was never disbanded but continued to serve in mine clearance duties until it eventually became part of Germany's post-war Navy.
The men, uniforms, flags, awards, organisation, bases and buildings, command and rank structure and of course the ships and U boats are all included in great detail. And when I say great detail, each aspect is tackled from a number of different perspectives in order to provide the most complete account.
When it comes to research, there are those who believe one or two trips to the local maritime museum is suffice, those who believe the answers are found on the internet, those who can't be bothered and those who choose to invent their own data in a bid to pass them off as facts (I kid you not!). Why? Because real research takes years and most people can't be bothered. In the case of this author, however, Jak Mallmann Showell has a solid reputation for accuracy of detail which has been achieved through many years of "research, research and even more research." It is because he has a complete appreciation of this aspect of his work "and" knows how and where to find the answers, that he is able to present the world with such an important document as this. Important, not only because it is the definitive work but also because it corrects so many previous misconceptions.
Altogether, this is a comprehensive account. Commencing well before the Kriegsmarine was established and ending long after it ceased to exist, this is, as I say, a complete account of "Hitler's Navy."
The reader might also consider another fine work from this author called; The U-Boat Century.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
An important historic work., 29 Sep 2009
At first glance, this book looks every inch a 5 Star product and as I have come to expect from this particular author, the content goes on to match that early expectation. Lessons are learned from the outset and much is explained in a manner which will not disappoint either the casual reader or the serious historian. In short, this work is not just another book about the Kriegsmarine, it is one in which Hitler's Navy is explained like never before. Many popular myths are exploded, many misconceptions corrected and all are replaced with a rational, factual assessment and explanation based on the dedicated and detailed research of a competent maritime historian.
The inclusion of a most useful résumé of the Treaty of Versailles very early in the work (page 11) does much to help the reader understand the limitations imposed upon Germany's forces, especially her Navy, after WW1. These were the very seeds from which the Kriegsmarine evolved and provides a vital to understanding of how, for example, the concept of the Pocket Battleship was born and of other circumstances which existed. Elsewhere, I was fascinated to learn how one unit of Hitler's Kriegsmarine was never disbanded but continued to serve in mine clearance duties until it eventually became part of Germany's post-war Navy.
The men, uniforms, flags, awards, organisation, bases and buildings, command and rank structure and of course the ships and U boats are all included in great detail. And when I say great detail, each aspect is tackled from a number of different perspectives in order to provide the most complete account.
When it comes to research, there are those who believe one or two trips to the local maritime museum is suffice, those who believe the answers are found on the internet, those who can't be bothered and those who choose to invent their own data in a bid to pass them off as facts (I kid you not!). Why? Because real research takes years and most people can't be bothered. In the case of this author, however, Jak Mallmann Showell has a solid reputation for accuracy of detail which has been achieved through many years of "research, research and even more research." It is because he has a complete appreciation of this aspect of his work "and" knows how and where to find the answers, that he is able to present the world with such an important document as this. Important, not only because it is the definitive work but also because it corrects so many previous misconceptions.
Altogether, this is a comprehensive account. Commencing well before the Kriegsmarine was established and ending long after it ceased to exist, this is, as I say, a complete account of "Hitler's Navy."
The reader might also consider another fine work from this author called; The U-Boat Century.
NM
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
This is a complete assessment., 14 Sep 2009
My own interest in the ultimate weapon, is generally limited to the effects of the Atomic Bomb experiments on Bikini Atoll, the resultant shipwrecks which now lie there and, of course, the disgraceful displacement of so many local people who were fed false promises so that the west could experiment with death on a colossal scale. During that particular research I also came across another book by this author; "Ghost Fleet - the sunken ships of Bikini Atoll" (another excellent read!).
James Delgado enjoys a high reputation in the field of marine archaeology. Having found the secret of combining his professional skills with a most readable style of writing, in this work he has produced an account which provides all the educational value of formal training with all the enjoyment of a damned good read. As a scholar and writer, therefore, he fails to disappoint either camp.
In "Nuclear Dawn," Delgado takes the reader skilfully from the pre-atomic age through the development of the Atom Bomb, the means of delivery, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Bikini, nuclear proliferation and, finally, to the legacies of this weapon of ultimate destruction.
There are a fascinating selection of historic photographs covering specific events, ships (including what is probably the last known picture of the USS Indianapolis!), aircraft, individual people and those all-engrossing aftermath pictures from Japan where one cannot help but look in awe at the totality of the devastation wrought. Elsewhere there are also a small selection of underwater photographs from Bikini.
Finally, the artwork completes the product; From the simplest possible exploded view of nuclear fission to cross sections of the bombs used on Japan and maps of both Hiroshima and Nagasaki showing ground zero and the effects at varying distances from that central point of detonation, we have exactly what is required.
Altogether, this is a complete, thorough and most professional description of the subject put together in the order of global events. The sequence of the evolution and use of this particular weapon is often fascinating - though always chilling. For those who wish to acquaint themselves with just about all there is know about the nuclear bomb from a trusted and reliable source, this is the book for you. Furthermore, as a "readable" account, the work will not disappoint. For those who seek a deeper and more detailed understanding of the subject, there is much to be learned from this excellent appraisal.
In many ways, this is the perfect book for having provided exactly what is required of the chosen subject.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
The perfect biography., 2 Sep 2009
Whilst many people will know something of Captain Scott's ill-fated expedition to the South Pole in 1912, few are able to name any other members of his team except, of course, for Captain Oates. It was the injured Oates who deliberately walked to his death during a blizzard in the hope that his fellow team members would survive. As he left that tent on what can only be described as the worst possible night, he uttered words which have since become immortalised; "I am just going outside and may be some time." With the moment recorded in Scott's own diary, Oates had placed himself firmly into the world's history books. Other than knowing his name, however, even fewer people will know anything at all, about this man - other than the fact he was a captain in the British army. This book provides a complete explanation of that life.
Described by Sir Ranulph Fiennes as "A fascinating character study of a quintessential British hero" this book is everything a biography should be. Perhaps it is the incidental information - such as the revelation that two "very" prominent and heroic figures from the Victorian era (Kitchener and Gordon!) both had a preference for boys or the infinite detail surrounding the central figure, his family, friends and colleagues. For many, however, it will be the simple truism that this book is well written and a darned good read with the added intrigue that we all know from the outset how the life of the central character finally came to an end. Whatever aspect hits your own requirements for a good book, the way in which that detail is portrayed is both gripping and fascinating thus providing one of the finest biographies I have ever read.
Co-author Sue Limb is an established writer who has retained an interest in Scott for many years. Her fellow author is Patrick Cordingley who came to prominence in the UK as a senior British officer during the Gulf War of 1990. Not all of those senior commanders acquitted themselves as well as he at that particular time and, speaking as a retired officer myself, I am not alone in being surprised he did not attain much higher office. Having been commissioned into Oates' old regiment, however, Patrick Cordingley provides an insight which might otherwise have been missed.
This is a work which describes Captain Lawrence Edward Grace Oates in fine detail from before his birth to after his death. It is a book in which we learn of his privileged, albeit somewhat sickly, formative years, his disrupted schooling, the early death of his father, his struggle to get into the army and of his first action during the Boer War during which his thigh was shattered and he was Mentioned in Despatches - leaving many to believe he should have received the VC! We also learn of his mother's continuing patronage, his letters home, service in Egypt and India - where he contracted smallpox, his quiet, almost withdrawn demeanour and so much more. We also learn of his expertise with horses. In fact, the reader becomes so engrossed with this man's life that the very first mention of Antarctica comes as something of a surprise when he mentions his application in a letter to his Mother.
This is a perfect biography which provides enjoyment of those elements of the overall story which are recognised by the reader and equal fascination for those aspects which were not previously known. Whilst every reader will come to this work in the full, knowledge of how the subject eventually died, it is not the same as knowing the ending to, say, a work of fiction before reading the book. Lawrence Oates' heroic death is only part of this story and these two authors have told that story in excellent fashion.
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