COMING SOON
|
Through to the End:
The History of 487 (NZ) Squadron RAF. Author: David Palmer & Aad Neeven. |
Synopsis:
No 487 (NZ) Squadron of the RAF was instrumental in carrying out some of the most famous and dramatic air attacks of all time. During the Second World war its crews were renowned for low-level, precision bombing. Formed in England in 1942, the squadron initially flew the Lockheed Ventura, but then reequipped with the legendary de Havilland Mosquito. Half its pilots were New Zealanders. No. 487’s operations were so low-level that aircraft windscreens were splashed with salt spray while crossing the sea and many hit trees and buildings. In the last year of the war it specialised in nocturnal ‘Intruder’ operations in which aircraft set out as lone-wolf predators, prowling across France, Belgium, The Netherlands and Germany to ravage enemy transport. A third of the men who flew operations with 487 died with it. But no other combat unit as small made a greater impact on the war.
Publication Date: October 2018
Price: $85.00
Size: 160mm x 240mm
Extent: 550 Pages
Illustrations: 149 B/W Photos and 8 Maps
Binding: Cased & Dust Jacketed
ISBN: 978-0-9876675-8-8
No 487 (NZ) Squadron of the RAF was instrumental in carrying out some of the most famous and dramatic air attacks of all time. During the Second World war its crews were renowned for low-level, precision bombing. Formed in England in 1942, the squadron initially flew the Lockheed Ventura, but then reequipped with the legendary de Havilland Mosquito. Half its pilots were New Zealanders. No. 487’s operations were so low-level that aircraft windscreens were splashed with salt spray while crossing the sea and many hit trees and buildings. In the last year of the war it specialised in nocturnal ‘Intruder’ operations in which aircraft set out as lone-wolf predators, prowling across France, Belgium, The Netherlands and Germany to ravage enemy transport. A third of the men who flew operations with 487 died with it. But no other combat unit as small made a greater impact on the war.
Publication Date: October 2018
Price: $85.00
Size: 160mm x 240mm
Extent: 550 Pages
Illustrations: 149 B/W Photos and 8 Maps
Binding: Cased & Dust Jacketed
ISBN: 978-0-9876675-8-8
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Courage with Fire in the Sky:
Sergeant James Ward, VC. Author: Bob Moore and Des Underwood. |
Synopsis:
Born at home 14th June 1919, fourth child to Percy and Ada Ward of Whanganui, James (Jimmy), small of stature, imbued with duty and service by his upbringing, fought all his life to do things the big boys did, through team work and share adventures. A remarkable recovery from near death caused by pneumonia, to acceptance by the Royal New Zealand Air Force as a pilot for Active Service was a dream accomplished. On the night of 7 July 1941, Sergeant Ward was second pilot of a Wellington bomber returning from an attack on Munster. When flying over Zuider Zee at 3962.4m, the aircraft was attacked from beneath by a Messerschmitt which secured hits with cannon shell and incendiary bullets. Fire then broke out near the starboard engine and threatened to spread to the entire wing. The crew forced a hole in the fuselage and made strenuous efforts to extinguish the fire. As a last resort, Sergeant Ward volunteered to make an attempt to smother the fire with an engine cover. With the help of the navigator, he climbed through the hatch on to the wing, despite the slipstream from the airscrew, which nearly blew him off. He lay in a precarious position and successfully smothered the fire. Tired as he was he was able to successfully make the perilous journey back into the aircraft. The flight home had been made possible by the gallant action of Sergeant Ward in extinguishing the fire on the wing, in circumstances of the greatest difficulty and the risk of his life. For his action Sergeant Ward was awarded the Victoria Cross on 5 August 1941.
Publication Date: TBA
Price: $75.00
Size: 160mm x 240mm
Extent: 284 Pages
Illustrations: 80 B/W Photos, 4 Maps
Binding: Cased & Dust Jacketed
ISBN: 978-09876675-6-4
Born at home 14th June 1919, fourth child to Percy and Ada Ward of Whanganui, James (Jimmy), small of stature, imbued with duty and service by his upbringing, fought all his life to do things the big boys did, through team work and share adventures. A remarkable recovery from near death caused by pneumonia, to acceptance by the Royal New Zealand Air Force as a pilot for Active Service was a dream accomplished. On the night of 7 July 1941, Sergeant Ward was second pilot of a Wellington bomber returning from an attack on Munster. When flying over Zuider Zee at 3962.4m, the aircraft was attacked from beneath by a Messerschmitt which secured hits with cannon shell and incendiary bullets. Fire then broke out near the starboard engine and threatened to spread to the entire wing. The crew forced a hole in the fuselage and made strenuous efforts to extinguish the fire. As a last resort, Sergeant Ward volunteered to make an attempt to smother the fire with an engine cover. With the help of the navigator, he climbed through the hatch on to the wing, despite the slipstream from the airscrew, which nearly blew him off. He lay in a precarious position and successfully smothered the fire. Tired as he was he was able to successfully make the perilous journey back into the aircraft. The flight home had been made possible by the gallant action of Sergeant Ward in extinguishing the fire on the wing, in circumstances of the greatest difficulty and the risk of his life. For his action Sergeant Ward was awarded the Victoria Cross on 5 August 1941.
Publication Date: TBA
Price: $75.00
Size: 160mm x 240mm
Extent: 284 Pages
Illustrations: 80 B/W Photos, 4 Maps
Binding: Cased & Dust Jacketed
ISBN: 978-09876675-6-4
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They Served at Sea:
New Zealand's Contribution to the Naval War. Author: Peter Dennerly. |
Synopsis:
Beyond the men of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in the First World War there were those who served in the Navy, on the sea, below the surface, in the air and on land. A naval war is a global campaign and a hundred years later, it is a mostly forgotten fact that the war was brought to the very shores of New Zealand.
In August 1914 New Zealand had just commissioned a small cruiser as a training ship. It was quickly prepared for war and after participation in the occupation of German Samoa HMS Philomel was part of the escort for the ships carrying the Expeditionary Force overseas. Philomel spent the next three years in the Middle East.
War regulations prevented men of military age from going overseas without a special passport. An exception was granted to the Royal Navy to recruit men for service in anti-submarine motor launches in 1916. Around 100 officers and 100 qualified motor mechanics were entered. They did not serve as a group, being scattered around the British Isles and the Mediterranean. Many took part in the raids on Zeebrugge and Ostend in April and May 1918, a large percentage winning gallantry awards.
The war was brought to the shores of New Zealand in 1917 when the German Raider SMS Wolf laid mines of the coast. Two merchant ships were sunk and to sweep the mines, a local force was developed from scratch. The minesweeping proved so successful that in 1920 a Royal Navy Minesweeping Squadron found the fields clear. Without the travel restrictions, undoubtedly more men would had served in the Navy but many still managed to do so. Some were merchant mariners who left their ships in England, to join the Royal Naval Reserve. Most notable of these was William Sanders, the only New Zealander to win a Victoria Cross in the Navy. Some men did obtain the necessary passport. Harold Beamish, although ruled unfit for military service, joined the Royal Naval Air Service and duly shot down 11 enemy aircraft. Samuel Hanna joined the Royal Naval Armoured Car Division and went to Russia to fight alongside the Russian Army. Two brothers who were overseas, Bernard and Oscar Freyberg joined the Royal Naval Division. Oscar was killed at Gallipoli, while Bernard was awarded the Distinguished Service Order there and later the Victoria Cross. There were of course others who had joined the Royal Navy pre-war and were serving in 1914. David Boyle fought in the battle cruiser HMS New Zealand throughout the war, while Robert Greening who had also been in New Zealand ended the war in submarines.
Publication Date: TBA
Price: $85.00
Size: 160mm x 240mm
Extent: 460 Pages
Illustrations: 80 B/W Photos, & Maps
Binding: Cased & Dust Jacketed
ISBN: 978-0-9941059-7-4
Beyond the men of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in the First World War there were those who served in the Navy, on the sea, below the surface, in the air and on land. A naval war is a global campaign and a hundred years later, it is a mostly forgotten fact that the war was brought to the very shores of New Zealand.
In August 1914 New Zealand had just commissioned a small cruiser as a training ship. It was quickly prepared for war and after participation in the occupation of German Samoa HMS Philomel was part of the escort for the ships carrying the Expeditionary Force overseas. Philomel spent the next three years in the Middle East.
War regulations prevented men of military age from going overseas without a special passport. An exception was granted to the Royal Navy to recruit men for service in anti-submarine motor launches in 1916. Around 100 officers and 100 qualified motor mechanics were entered. They did not serve as a group, being scattered around the British Isles and the Mediterranean. Many took part in the raids on Zeebrugge and Ostend in April and May 1918, a large percentage winning gallantry awards.
The war was brought to the shores of New Zealand in 1917 when the German Raider SMS Wolf laid mines of the coast. Two merchant ships were sunk and to sweep the mines, a local force was developed from scratch. The minesweeping proved so successful that in 1920 a Royal Navy Minesweeping Squadron found the fields clear. Without the travel restrictions, undoubtedly more men would had served in the Navy but many still managed to do so. Some were merchant mariners who left their ships in England, to join the Royal Naval Reserve. Most notable of these was William Sanders, the only New Zealander to win a Victoria Cross in the Navy. Some men did obtain the necessary passport. Harold Beamish, although ruled unfit for military service, joined the Royal Naval Air Service and duly shot down 11 enemy aircraft. Samuel Hanna joined the Royal Naval Armoured Car Division and went to Russia to fight alongside the Russian Army. Two brothers who were overseas, Bernard and Oscar Freyberg joined the Royal Naval Division. Oscar was killed at Gallipoli, while Bernard was awarded the Distinguished Service Order there and later the Victoria Cross. There were of course others who had joined the Royal Navy pre-war and were serving in 1914. David Boyle fought in the battle cruiser HMS New Zealand throughout the war, while Robert Greening who had also been in New Zealand ended the war in submarines.
Publication Date: TBA
Price: $85.00
Size: 160mm x 240mm
Extent: 460 Pages
Illustrations: 80 B/W Photos, & Maps
Binding: Cased & Dust Jacketed
ISBN: 978-0-9941059-7-4
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In Plain View:
Borneo to Vietnam and thereafter. Author: Kim Hoskin. |
Synopsis:
In Plain View is uncommon history. The undeclared wars in Borneo and Vietnam of half a century ago provided very different experiences. This is the personal story of a young officer, and those with whom he worked and lived, who participated in both conflicts.
It is a unique story in many respects, presenting back- ground, detail, and perspectives that are not commonly recorded elsewhere.
Joining 7th Gurkha Rifles, the writer arrived in Hong Kong just in time to deploy to Borneo as a platoon commander during Confrontation – the undeclared war with Sukarno’s Indonesia.
Seconded to the Sarawak Constabulary as a Divisional Border Scouts Officer, he was the last expatriate officer to join the force.
An unpretentious rapport with the upriver tribal communities enabled him to refine the role of the Border Scouts in Sarawak’s Fifth Division who subsequently played a significant part in the defeat of the last incursion.
Subsequently joining the New Zealand Army, the story shifts to Vietnam and that of an ANZAC Battalion Intelligence Officer developing intelligence systems and practices for unit counter-insurgency operations from first principles, some of which have curious parallels in today’s world. Reflecting his Borneo experience, forging relation- ships with those in the local community ‘outside the wire’ was an important part of his Vietnam story. He was, as he writes, often ‘out and about’.
One of his several unsanctioned initiatives was to co-opt the support of the Provincial Reconnaissance Unit, a clandestine Vietnamese paramilitary organisation with which he operated in the mangrove swamps of the Rung Sat Secret Zone, part of the Saigon River estuary.
However, this is not a story of bombs and bullets, but of an attempt to understand and to find ways of looking inside; to initiate what would later be called intelligence-led operations. The account of the writer’s reconciliation and reconnection with both places and the people in them forms a fitting postscript to the story. Despite the subject matter, humour and humanity are never far beneath the surface. Its writing style belies yet compliments the writer’s trade.
Publication Date: TBA
Price: $85.00
Size: 160mm x 240mm
Extent: 686 Pages
Illustrations: 65 B/W Photos
Binding: Cased & Dust Jacketed
ISBN: 978-0-9941059-6-7
In Plain View is uncommon history. The undeclared wars in Borneo and Vietnam of half a century ago provided very different experiences. This is the personal story of a young officer, and those with whom he worked and lived, who participated in both conflicts.
It is a unique story in many respects, presenting back- ground, detail, and perspectives that are not commonly recorded elsewhere.
Joining 7th Gurkha Rifles, the writer arrived in Hong Kong just in time to deploy to Borneo as a platoon commander during Confrontation – the undeclared war with Sukarno’s Indonesia.
Seconded to the Sarawak Constabulary as a Divisional Border Scouts Officer, he was the last expatriate officer to join the force.
An unpretentious rapport with the upriver tribal communities enabled him to refine the role of the Border Scouts in Sarawak’s Fifth Division who subsequently played a significant part in the defeat of the last incursion.
Subsequently joining the New Zealand Army, the story shifts to Vietnam and that of an ANZAC Battalion Intelligence Officer developing intelligence systems and practices for unit counter-insurgency operations from first principles, some of which have curious parallels in today’s world. Reflecting his Borneo experience, forging relation- ships with those in the local community ‘outside the wire’ was an important part of his Vietnam story. He was, as he writes, often ‘out and about’.
One of his several unsanctioned initiatives was to co-opt the support of the Provincial Reconnaissance Unit, a clandestine Vietnamese paramilitary organisation with which he operated in the mangrove swamps of the Rung Sat Secret Zone, part of the Saigon River estuary.
However, this is not a story of bombs and bullets, but of an attempt to understand and to find ways of looking inside; to initiate what would later be called intelligence-led operations. The account of the writer’s reconciliation and reconnection with both places and the people in them forms a fitting postscript to the story. Despite the subject matter, humour and humanity are never far beneath the surface. Its writing style belies yet compliments the writer’s trade.
Publication Date: TBA
Price: $85.00
Size: 160mm x 240mm
Extent: 686 Pages
Illustrations: 65 B/W Photos
Binding: Cased & Dust Jacketed
ISBN: 978-0-9941059-6-7
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Shooting from the Shadows:
New Zealand Special Air Service. Author: Michael ‘Wings’ Williams |
Synopsis:
Between 1956 and 1971 the New Zealand SAS were deployed on active service four times. Michael ‘Wings’ Williams career in the New Zealand Army, and the New Zealand SAS, spans a significant portion of this period – and this book takes the reader through two of those key campaigns; Borneo and South Vietnam.
This book gives us a glimpse into the world of an SAS soldier at that time through the eyes of one of New Zealand SAS’ most well-known veterans. This story is important for many reasons, not least because these Cold War experiences would be so critical for future generations of New Zealand Special Forces soldiers, including its most famous one; Willie Apiata VC. In his biography, author Paul Little writes that one of Apiata’s best trainers was an instructor “who had learnt from the Vietnam SAS vets” – individuals like ‘Wings’ Williams.
Some stories are humorous, some are frightening and some ably illustrate the matter-of-fact candour that is a hallmark of this group of former elite soldiers. While many would cringe at being described in such a fashion, no member would disagree with their deep desire to achieve and maintain the highest professional standards that were expected from all SAS soldiers. This is what made the SAS soldiers; no glorified heroics, no outstanding deeds of ‘daring-do’ but the application of unique Kiwi Special Forces culture of humility, commitment and unrelenting standards of excellence. While this book is much about Williams’ SAS career, it is considerably more than that.
But for me, the real value in this book is Wings’ target audience. It is not the wider public nor is it the military historian, amateur or professional, even though this volume will be of immense interest to both. What pleases me more than anything is that this is a story for a family. There is a deep sense of duty and service that comes from reading this book, and it is my hope that ‘Wings’ and his peers remain as proud of their contributions, sacrifices and accomplishments as I and many of the children within the ‘SAS family’ have always been. Your stories are part of who we are, and many of us have been waiting some time to hear them.
Dr Rhys Ball
Centre for Defence and Security Studies, Massey University
Auckland, 2016
Publication Date: November 2018
Price: $75.00
Size: 160mm x 240mm
Extent: 358 Pages
Illustrations: 60 B/W photos & 8 Maps
Binding: Cased & Dust Jacketed
ISBN: 978-0-9941323-0-7
Between 1956 and 1971 the New Zealand SAS were deployed on active service four times. Michael ‘Wings’ Williams career in the New Zealand Army, and the New Zealand SAS, spans a significant portion of this period – and this book takes the reader through two of those key campaigns; Borneo and South Vietnam.
This book gives us a glimpse into the world of an SAS soldier at that time through the eyes of one of New Zealand SAS’ most well-known veterans. This story is important for many reasons, not least because these Cold War experiences would be so critical for future generations of New Zealand Special Forces soldiers, including its most famous one; Willie Apiata VC. In his biography, author Paul Little writes that one of Apiata’s best trainers was an instructor “who had learnt from the Vietnam SAS vets” – individuals like ‘Wings’ Williams.
Some stories are humorous, some are frightening and some ably illustrate the matter-of-fact candour that is a hallmark of this group of former elite soldiers. While many would cringe at being described in such a fashion, no member would disagree with their deep desire to achieve and maintain the highest professional standards that were expected from all SAS soldiers. This is what made the SAS soldiers; no glorified heroics, no outstanding deeds of ‘daring-do’ but the application of unique Kiwi Special Forces culture of humility, commitment and unrelenting standards of excellence. While this book is much about Williams’ SAS career, it is considerably more than that.
But for me, the real value in this book is Wings’ target audience. It is not the wider public nor is it the military historian, amateur or professional, even though this volume will be of immense interest to both. What pleases me more than anything is that this is a story for a family. There is a deep sense of duty and service that comes from reading this book, and it is my hope that ‘Wings’ and his peers remain as proud of their contributions, sacrifices and accomplishments as I and many of the children within the ‘SAS family’ have always been. Your stories are part of who we are, and many of us have been waiting some time to hear them.
Dr Rhys Ball
Centre for Defence and Security Studies, Massey University
Auckland, 2016
Publication Date: November 2018
Price: $75.00
Size: 160mm x 240mm
Extent: 358 Pages
Illustrations: 60 B/W photos & 8 Maps
Binding: Cased & Dust Jacketed
ISBN: 978-0-9941323-0-7
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Battle for Egypt:
The Summer of 1942. Author: J.L. Scoullar |
Synopsis:
Experiences of 2 New Zealand Division during its sojourn in Syria in early 1942 and its services in Egypt during the crisis of the Desert War.
Publication Date: TBA
Price: $65.00
Size: 150mm x 240mm
Extent: 401 Pages
Illustrations: 60 B/W photos & 15 Maps
Binding: Cased & Dust Jacketed
ISBN: 978-0-9876665-3-6
Experiences of 2 New Zealand Division during its sojourn in Syria in early 1942 and its services in Egypt during the crisis of the Desert War.
Publication Date: TBA
Price: $65.00
Size: 150mm x 240mm
Extent: 401 Pages
Illustrations: 60 B/W photos & 15 Maps
Binding: Cased & Dust Jacketed
ISBN: 978-0-9876665-3-6
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New Zealand Rifle Brigade:
1915-1919. Author: Lieutenant Colonel W.S. Austin DSO |
Synopsis:
This is the story of a Brigade which served as part of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in the Great War. It is a regimental history, the official records, from which for the most part
it has been compiled. Mention is made from time to time of bold leading and collective
and individual acts of daring. Instances of this kind, it must be borne in mind, are such as has been placed on definite record in the field from the accounts of witnesses, these last being for the most part officers and no- commissioned officers commanding larger or smaller bodies of men. A little reflection will show how probable it is that these observers have themselves been worthy of special honour, but that such notice has been impossible because their own actions had not been similarly witnessed. In this connection,
too, one could wish to speak definitely of the many who, unmarked, perished in the very act of heroism; but the individual is lost in the great host who sealed their devotion
with their lives, and whose sacrifice has earned for them an enduring place in the hearts of all New Zealanders. The publisher has taken every endeavour to retained the
original text, but has taken the liberty of placing all of the maps on to a DVD which can be retrieved from the back of the book. He has also enhanced the title by adding a comprehensive Index.
Publication Date: December 2018
Price: $85.00
Size: 180mm x 240mm
Extent: 662 Pages
Binding: Cased & Dust Jacketed
ISBN: 978-0-9876665-0-5
This is the story of a Brigade which served as part of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in the Great War. It is a regimental history, the official records, from which for the most part
it has been compiled. Mention is made from time to time of bold leading and collective
and individual acts of daring. Instances of this kind, it must be borne in mind, are such as has been placed on definite record in the field from the accounts of witnesses, these last being for the most part officers and no- commissioned officers commanding larger or smaller bodies of men. A little reflection will show how probable it is that these observers have themselves been worthy of special honour, but that such notice has been impossible because their own actions had not been similarly witnessed. In this connection,
too, one could wish to speak definitely of the many who, unmarked, perished in the very act of heroism; but the individual is lost in the great host who sealed their devotion
with their lives, and whose sacrifice has earned for them an enduring place in the hearts of all New Zealanders. The publisher has taken every endeavour to retained the
original text, but has taken the liberty of placing all of the maps on to a DVD which can be retrieved from the back of the book. He has also enhanced the title by adding a comprehensive Index.
Publication Date: December 2018
Price: $85.00
Size: 180mm x 240mm
Extent: 662 Pages
Binding: Cased & Dust Jacketed
ISBN: 978-0-9876665-0-5