A highly illustrated account of the British pioneers of manned flight. Includes vivid descriptions of the exploits of Edwardian airmen like Samuel Cody. nd A.V. Roe. Over 120 archive illustrations showing the early years of aviation.
"General George Monck is famous for the key role he played in the restoration of the monarchy in 1660 - his actions changed the course of British history. But his statesmanship in the dangerous time between the death of Cromwell and the bloodless return of Charles II distracts attention from his extraordinary career as a soldier and general, admiral, governor and administrator. During the confused, often bloody era of the English Civil Wars and the Protectorate he was one of the great survivors. Peter Reese, in this perceptive new study, follows Monck through his long, varied career, from his impoverished upbringing in the West Country and his military apprenticeship on the Continent, to his experience as a commander on both sides during the civil wars. He distinguished himself on the battlefields of Ireland and Scotland, and as a general-at-sea for both Cromwell and Charles II. His shrewdness and firmness of character, his skill as a leader, his high popularity with his troops and his occasional ruthlessness gained for him a formidable reputation. And on Cromwell's death he was one of the few men in England with the power, personal authority and political skill to secure the restoration of Charles II and to bring to an end twenty years of conflict." --Book Jacket
Focusing on Samuel Cody's groundbreaking experiments in manned flight during the late 19th century, the narrative explores his innovative creation of the Cody War-Kites. These kites served as a practical and smaller alternative to traditional balloons during World War I, highlighting Cody's significant contributions to early aviation and military technology.
The exponential growth of British civil and military aviation between the wars
The life and genius of Henry Royce, the outstanding, retiring, and often tyrannical founder of Rolls-Royce
John and Linda Anderson feature information about the Battle of Bannockburn, as part of the MacBraveHeart resource. The battle was fought on June 24, 1314 between Edward II of England (1284-1327) and King of the Scots Robert I (the Bruce) (1274-1329) and won by Scotland. A battle site map and sequence of events in the battle are available.
After a distinguished 29-year military career, Peter Reese has transitioned into a prominent role as a military historian and writer. His passion for Scotland and its culture drives him to make regular visits from his home in Surrey, where he explores and documents the rich history and heritage of the region.
Boosted by the success of naval campaigns in the Western Isles and support for the Danes, James IV, in a misguided attempt to support France when that country was invaded by Henry VIII's troops, ordered the Scottish army across the Border. At Flodden he faced English troops under the Earl of Surrey, and although having a big advantage in terms of numbers, suffered a defeat so humiliating that it dented Scotland's confidence for centuries. James IV lost his life at Flodden, and also took with him the flower of the Scottish nobility, in addition to as many as 10,000 Scottish soldiers, both Highland and Lowland. It was nothing less than catastrophe. In this re-assessment of one of Europe's last medieval battles, Peter Reese considers Flodden against the patterns of both countries' traditional military rivalry and the personal animosity that existed between James and Henry. He discusses the men who made up both armies, their contrasting weaponry, systems of command and military tactics, and considers the major part the battle played in the road to the unification of Scotland and England. A number of maps allow the reader to follow the events of the battle in close detail.
Exploring the successes and setbacks for the British aviation industry from 1945-1975
The Battle of Bannockburn, at which Robert the Bruce's army vanquished Edward I, remains one of the most significant and ongoing sources of Scottish pride.
