For a nation with a long and proud military tradition; one token stands above all others as a mark of recognition for the ultimate acts of individual feats of arms: the Victoria Cross. Awarded for one reason alone - to mark extreme acts of great heroism by British and Commonwealth servicemen in the face of the enemy - it is unquestionably the hardest club in the world to gain entrance to. Its holders - ordinary soldiers; sailors and airmen - are linked by an uncommon bond of exceptional bravery; displayed often at great personal risk and against impossible odds. The VC has been awarded only thirteen times since the end of the Second World War in 1945. Three of these awards were made to recipients who had paid the ultimate sacrifice while demonstrating gallantry beyond the call of duty. Forged in battle; from the shell-scarred hills of Korea; to the windswept marshland of East Falkland and today's counter-insurgency operations in Iraq and Afghanistan; each one of these VCs has a uniquely inspiring tale to tell. This is their incredible story.
#1908358 in Books 2005-12-10 2005-12-10Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.90 x 5.84 x 7.24l; .60 #File Name: 184176870796 pages
Review
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. An excellent ReferenceBy Dave SchranckBattle Order books have different formats than the typical Osprey campaign series. Mr Rottman's book has the following chapter outline:Introduction ....................... 2 pagesCombat Mission ................. 6 pagesUnit Organization ............... 15 pagesDoctrine and Tactics ........... 8 pagesWeapons and Equipment. .... 7 pagesCommand and Control ........ 7 pagesCombat Operations ............ 39 pagesLessons Learned ................. 2 pagesChrnology .......................... 2 pagesI found this book to be a wealth of useful information; far surpassing my expectations. From the above list; it can be gleamed Mr Rottman succinctly describes a creditable war profile of the Japanese during the war years. What's even more interesting is studying the trilogy the author has written; comparing the changes in the Imperial Army as the war progressed. Watching its star rise; crest then fall was a shattering experience for the Japanese command.There are many; easy to understand organization charts of the troop dispositions in this sector. The charts provide specific info on the different outfits and at different times. A table of special interest to me was the listing of all divisions in the covered area; providing a brief history of the unit; its commander and its happenstance at the end of the war.Combat Operations is the largest chapter and covers the key action on Guadalcanal; Bougainville; New Geogia and the northern coast of New Guinea where the heaviest fighting occurred. These summaries are good but due to space limintations are not comprehensive. In addition to the Army; Mr Rottman also covers the Army Air Force.In addition to the many charts; the author provides fifteen 2-D maps. Many of the maps involve New Guinea and Guadalcanal. They have good eye appeal but a few of them were generic; not showing specific unit designations. There is also a two page chronology that covers the two year range which showcases the key events. A Bibliograpy of secondary sources is provided as is an Index.If you're interested in the Pacific War; this book and its two companion books will make a good reference library for you. These books will definitely help your learning curve when you're reading the Campaign series. Mr Rottman also has written a trilogy for the American side. With all the charts; maps and base information of both series on your library shelf; you'll have a great foundation of WWII.1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Essential referenceBy Thomas E. JohhnsonGordon has again nailed down a set of information not commonly found; and presented it in a very user friendly way. Most helpful if your looking to research for papers; or games.
