In March 1944; deep in the New Guinean jungle; a little Yorkshire Terrier was found hiding in a foxhole. Her presence there was a mystery; but American soldier Bill Wynne became her new owner. He named her Smoky; never dreaming that his little mate would turn out to be quite so extraordinary. When he fell ill with dengue fever; Bill asked to have Smoky by his side and she was soon visiting other soldiers on the ward; bringing happiness to the sick and wounded. This experience inspired Bill to visit injured soldiers with Smoky while on leave in Australia and she is recognised today as the first therapy dog of record.
#844385 in Books 2015-11-10 2015-11-10Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.48 x 1.28 x 6.46l; 1.00 #File Name: 1632861976368 pages
Review
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Like Dresden; Coventry stands as a testimony to the ...By Martin W. EldredThis past summer; I was able to visit both Dresden and Coventry. Taylor's account of the bombing of Dresden dispelled many myths that had lasted for 50 + years; thanks to the advent of the Communist regime in East Germany. Many of the facts of hat fateful February night were lost and obscured by the new power. Taylor's books was a huge reason I ended my trip in Coventry; not knowing that this book was about to be released.Like Dresden; Coventry stands as a testimony to the insanity of war; and the ability for nations to exert "total war" upon a populous with almost pure impunity. What was done n November; 1940 to a Midlands city such as Coventry (where the idea of "fire storm" may have been first named) was visited plenty-fold to Germany in Hamburg; Frankfort; and Dresden some five years later.The common denominator between Dresden and Coventry was the clear military imposrtance of these two cities. Unlike narratives that sprung up after the war surrounding both cities; each had definite strategic importance. Both contained these targets deep within residential areas. In both books; Taylor makes clear the importance of these "outlying" communities. Both were legitimate targets. Both were also victims of a military/political system that sought to make an example of the cities and their populous; and were ready and eager to bomb the city with indiscriminate methods; with predictable results. In "Coventry"; Taylor also illuminates the limitations of 1940 technology to assist the British side; the difficulties of that era's night fighting capabilities; and the probable politcal decisions from Downing Street that doomed Coventry even before the "Moonlight Sonata" raid even began.Well written and well documented; Taylor's Coventry is a welcome addition to anyone interested in the history of WW2; or who has visited the modern Coventry and witnessed the emphasis on reconciliation; especial through the once-destroyed St. Michael's' Cathedral (now known simply as "Coventry Cathedral").1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Endless suffering...By CustomerI have been studying the bombing of innocent people ever since I was the recipient of those bomb loads starting in 1939 - until the end of WW2 - and have not stopped looking at all sides and at all places - into all details of weapons; ammunition; tactics; sufferings - and will not find peace for the rest of my days...0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Good historical report re Coventry.By History BuffGood historical account of the bombing Coventry underwent in World War II. Worth reading; especially for Americans who probably don't know much about Coventry.
