D-Day to VE Day (Hardback)

The Final Year of the War in Europe

On the evening of Monday, 5th June 1944, the people of Britain went to bed with a sense of great events impending. They knew that any day now would come news of the battle that would forever alter the course of their lives, and the lives of their children and their grandchildren.

The following day’s morning newspapers and early radio news bulletins were full of the fall of Rome to the Allies, which had been announced the day before. But then, at 9.33 am on that Tuesday, came the brief announcement: Allied naval forces, supported by strong air forces, had begun landing Allied armies on the coast of France.’ D-Day had finally dawned.

D-Day to VE Day tells the story of the last year of the Second World War in Europe, from the Normandy landings and on through the hard slog to that long-awaited day – 8th May 1945 – when Britain broke out the bunting, rolled out the barrel, and celebrated victory over Hitler. The air-raid sirens were silenced, the lights could be switched on again, and the boys would be coming home.

In many homes, festivities were muted because the war in the Far East was still to be won, but for a few short hours at least, the nation could afford to let its hair down and dance in the streets.

Using contemporary accounts – interviews, newspaper reports and official documents – of those final months, D-Day to VE Day looks at life in Britain during those vital months, at the events that brought an end to war in Europe, and at the redrawing of national borders that would shape a new world order.

Dunkirk: From Disaster to Deliverance (Paperback)

Channel Ports

The miracle of Dunkirk. The defeat that was a triumph. Overwhelmed by the German blitzkreig the British Expeditionary Force somehow extricated itself, less gigantic quantities of equipment and over 300,000 troops, to our island fortress to fight another day. That much is well known. But, as the author fascinatingly reveals, many myths surround the momentous days and hours when Britain's future hung in the balance.

There was much more to the Dunkirk story than evacuating the beaches in the little ships and boats. The book also describes the heroic delaying actions at strongpoints such as Cassel, the tragic massacre of Wormhoult/Eschelbeck, the perimeter battles, the role of the RAF and the importance of the Dunkirk Mole, from whence the majority embarked.

Patrick Wilson describes the overall strategy that was hastily adopted as well as graphically detailing individual actions. In true Battleground Europe style, this splendid little book is both an essential companion to the visitor to these thoroughly accessible battlefields as well as a rattling good read in the comfort of your home.

Escaping with His Life (Hardback)

From Dunkirk to D-Day & Beyond

Very few British soldiers could lay claim to such a full war as Leslie Young. Having survived the retreat to and evacuation from Dunkirk, he volunteered for the newly formed Commandos and took part in their first major operation, the raid on the Lofoten Islands. He fought and was captured in Tunisia. He escaped in Italy before his PoW camp at Fontanellato was taken over by the Nazis after the September 1943 Italian armistice. He then spent six months on the run in the Apennine mountains aided by many brave and selfless Italians, who were risking their lives in so doing. He eventually reached Allied lines but not before two of his helpers were tragically killed by German and American fire respectively.

On returning to England he immediately signed up for the invasion of North West Europe and, despite being wounded, fought his way through to Germany. He was twice mentioned in despatches.

Thanks to his son’s research, Major Young’s inspiring and thrilling story can now be told.

The Second World War Explained (Hardback)

Over seventy years on the terrible events and outcome of the Second World War remains hugely relevant and important. Far from diminishing interest in this truly global conflict is increasing. The internet has enabled detailed research into ancestors’ war records to an extent unimaginable a decade or so ago.

There have been countless books on all aspects of the Second world War but Michael O'Kelly has identified the need for a concise summary covering the main events and personalities. The result is a compelling, highly readable and informing book which allows an understanding of this most dramatic yet tragic period of history. Will appeal to all age groups.

VE Day - A Day to Remember (ePub)

The authors have compiled a collection of memories and anecdotes from celebrities and members of the public covering their experiences of the Second World War and the day that Victory over the Nazis was declared. We hear from not only those in the Armed Forces but civilians. The book catches the mood of jubilation and exhilaration yet also the great sadness of the huge waste of human life and resources. Hard times still lay ahead.