“A well-researched and highly readable account of one of World War II’s most important ‘turning point’ battles.” —Jerry D. Morelock, Senior Editor at HistoryNet.com In the early years of World War II, Germany shocked the world with a devastating blitzkrieg, rapidly conquered most of Europe, and pushed into North Africa. As the Allies scrambled to counter the Axis armies, the British Eighth Army confronted the experienced Afrika Corps, led by German field marshal Erwin Rommel, in three battles at El Alamein. In the first battle, the Eighth Army narrowly halted the advance of the Germans during the summer of 1942. However, the stalemate left Nazi troops within striking distance of the Suez Canal, which would provide a critical tactical advantage to the controlling force. War historian Glyn Harper dives into the story, vividly narrating the events, strategies, and personalities surrounding the battles and paying particular attention to the Second Battle of El Alamein, a crucial turning point in the war that would be described by Winston Churchill as “the end of the beginning.” Moving beyond a simple narrative of the conflict, The Battle for North Africa tackles critical themes, such as the problems of coalition warfare, the use of military intelligence, the role of celebrity generals, and the importance of an all-arms approach to modern warfare.
At Passchendaele New Zealand forces lost over 1200 lives in a few hours in October 1917. The soldiers were demoralised almost to the point of no return. They retreated, rested and reinforced. In March 1918 they returned for The Spring Offensive - New Zealand's greatest military victory.
The award-winning team of Glyn Harper and Jenny Cooper share this poignant story about a Vietnam veteran and his relationship with his granddaughter. While the relationship is a positive one, the young girl senses her grandfather’s pain and is curious to find out the cause of it. As she innocently seeks answers, she unknowingly opens old wounds and discovers her grandfather’s sadness is a legacy of the Vietnam War and his experiences there. This is a sensitive exploration of the lingering cost of war and of the PTSD so many returned servicemen experience. Released to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Khe Sanh (the Vietnam War’s longest battle), My Grandfather's War also sheds light on a war that is not always remembered in the same way that the world wars and other conflicts are. Many who served experience a sense of betrayal at the treatment they received on their return, as the conflict came to be regarded as the ‘unpopular’ war, and this is covered in a child-friendly way in a note at the back of the book.
Stories, tailored for younger readers, about 26 men who won the VC in the First World War and the Second World War, our Kiwi fighting heroes. Including Jimmy Ward, who crawled across a burning bomber wing to put out a fire while flying over the English Channel, Clive Hulme's daring raids behind enemy lines, Moananui-a-Kiwa Ngarimu's defence against huge odds and Charles Upham's awe-inspiring courage under fire.
this significant volume will see the completion of over seven years' writing and research by esteemed military historian Glyn Harper. the book will include the revision and reissuing of his two earlier detailed histories of the New Zealand Divisions' major Western Front battles of World War One: Massacre at Passchendaele (2000) Spring offensive (2003) combined with an unpublished account of the third major battle of the Somme, at Bapaume, during which several VCs were awarded to New Zealand troops. Dark Journey presents the first comprehensive overview of New Zealand's involvement in World War One by one of our most highly regarded historians. It also provides indepth analysis of the NZ war contribution, with startling revelations about the true scale of casualties, consistently under-reported in the past. this will be Glyn Harper's master work, bringing together research and resources from his previous books, presenting the full story of New Zealand's Western Front experiences on a deservedly grand scale.
Dear Jim Your postcard arrived today. I showed it to the family. Mum misses you . . .Between December 1914 and August 1915 Tom and Jim write to each other whenever they get a chance. Tom talks about life at home on the farm while Jim writes from Egypt and then from the trenches of the Gallipoli peninsula.From the author and illustrator of Le Quesnoy comes a moving story of two brothers separated by war. It is based on the thousands of letters sent by and to Anzac soldiers fighting at Gallipoli, one of the most significant campaigns of the First World War.This beautiful hardback depicts life at war and on the home front with exquisite illustrations by Jenny Cooper and fold-out letter inserts.
A young boy, living on Crete during the Second World War, survives the German invasion and helps to save an Australian and a New Zealand soldier from the Germans. This leads to a deeper and longer lasting connection between the boy's family and the New Zealand soldier. Suggested level: junior, primary.
the highest Commonwealth military decoration for gallantry is the Victoria Cross, and this book examines the history of the award, telling the stories of those New Zealanders (or those with strong New Zealand associations) who have won it. this includes awards made to British soldiers serving in New Zealand during the New Zealand Wars, the Boer War and the First and Second World Wars. (No New Zealander has been awarded a VC since 1943.) Also covered are some of the controversies and political machinations surrounding those whose nominations have been declined, Manahi, Stott, Simpson and Malone. An extraordinary collection of individuals and their courageous exploits is the outstanding result. Informative, exciting and provocative, In the Face of the Enemy is a riveting and valuable addition to our military list, by two highly respected military historians. Each story is powerful and unique, and provides fascinating insight into the battles that forged the Anzac identity.
This significant volume will see the completion of over seven years' writing and research by esteemed military historian Glyn Harper. The book will include the revision and reissuing of his two earlier detailed histories of the New Zealand Divisions' major Western Front battles of World War One: Massacre at Passchendaele (2000) Spring offensive (2003) combined with an unpublished account of the third major battle of the Somme, at Bapaume, during which several VCs were awarded to New Zealand troops. Dark Journey presents the first comprehensive overview of New Zealand's involvement in World War One by one of our most highly regarded historians. It also provides indepth analysis of the NZ war contribution, with startling revelations about the true scale of casualties, consistently under-reported in the past. This will be Glyn Harper's master work, bringing together research and resources from his previous books, presenting the full story of New Zealand's Western Front experiences on a deservedly grand scale.
Hello. My name is Roly. I'm a donkey. Let me tell you about the time during the First World War when I worked at a place called Gallipoli. I met a man there from New Zealand who was very special. He and I worked as a team to help rescue soldiers who had been hurt in battle. Based on real people and events, this is the heartwarming story of Richard Alexander Henderson, a soldier in the New Zealand Medical Corps, and the donkey he discovers wandering and hungry on a Gallipoli road. Richard and Roly form a strong friendship and, working together, they courageously save the lives of many wounded soldiers. But now the army has received top-secret orders to leave Gallipoli - and quickly. All the donkeys must be left behind. Richard is heartbroken. What will become of his dear friend Roly? Glyn Harper and Jenny Cooper are the author and illustrator of the hugely successful picture books Le Quesnoy and Jim's Letters. Roly the Anzac Donkey is a moving retelling of Glyn Harper's 2004 story The Donkey Man, reinvigorated for a new generation of children with Jenny Cooper's beautiful illustrations, and commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli invasion.
The highest Commonwealth military decoration for gallantry is the Victoria Cross, and this book examines the history of the award, telling the stories of those New Zealanders (or those with strong New Zealand associations) who have won it. This includes awards made to British soldiers serving in New Zealand during the New Zealand Wars, the Boer War and the First and Second World Wars. (No New Zealander has been awarded a VC since 1943.) Also covered are some of the controversies and political machinations surrounding those whose nominations have been declined, Manahi, Stott, Simpson and Malone. An extraordinary collection of individuals and their courageous exploits is the outstanding result. Informative, exciting and provocative, In the Face of the Enemy is a riveting and valuable addition to our military list, by two highly respected military historians. Each story is powerful and unique, and provides fascinating insight into the battles that have made our nation and forged our history.
Le Quesnoy (pronounced Leck con wah) is a town in northern France. It is surrounded by high walls and deep trenches. In World War I it was occupied by the German army for four long years. In November 1918 the town was liberated by soldiers from far-away New Zealand. Because these men used a bit of kiwi ingenuity they were able to take the town back without a single civilian life being lost. This has become one of the most famous stories in New Zealand military history and the relationship between Le Quesnoy and New Zealand continues to this day. This book tells the story of Le Quesnoy's liberation through the eyes of a child living in the town at the time. Stunning watercolour illustrations and simple language make this an ANZAC picture book that young readers will be able to imaginatively engage with. Format: 285x240mm (portrait).
Revealing and often heartbreaking, this collection of letters offers a powerful firsthand account of a pivotal event in New Zealand history: World War I's Gallipoli Campaign in 1915. Grouped in chronological order, the correspondence—gathered from archives, newspapers, and family collections—details the campaign's harrowing conditions and key events, from preparation and landing on the Ottoman peninsula to the December withdrawal. In these epistles, the intense emotions of the men who survived the trenches are made known, whether it be jubilation at ground gained or sorrow at the passing of friends. Biographical notes on the letter writers, historic photographs, and a comprehensive introduction are also included.
Gladys loves nothing better than tinkering with car engines and driving at top speed. She also dreams of learning to fly a plane. But it's 1914 and people, especially her mother, keep reminding her that women are not supposed to be adventurous. When war comes, Gladys offers her services at the front as an ambulance driver. She receives an infuriating response from the War Office: 'This will be a short war and women will not be needed. If you want to help the war effort you should stay at home and knit socks and balaclavas.' But Gladys is not the kind of person who stays home and knits. She is determined to go to war"--Publisher information.
Best and Bravest is the children's version of In the Face of the Enemy, (publishing ANZAC 2006) a history of New Zealanders and the Victoria Cross. Including all the VC winners from the First and Second World Wars, authors Glyn Harper and Colin Richardson have told the stories of the courageous men who were awarded our highest military decoration. These include the well known (Charles Upham, Moana-nui a kiwa Ngarimu, Clive Hulme, Jimmy Ward and many others), as well as those less well-remembered. All three services are represented and stirring stories of wing walkers, daring raids, courageous advances against huge odds, and awe-inspiring courage under fire make it a fascinating and invaluable additional to our historical record for children. A simple introduction to each man is followed by an account of how he won his award, and what happened to him afterwards. Poignant and inspiring, the tales of self sacrifice courage and extraordinary deeds by otherwise ordinary men in the field of battle will provide excellent background material for history and language units.An excellent resource for motivating reluctant readers, especially boys, and well suited to classroom and individual reading.
The Allied forces' actions in and around Monte Cassino in Italy remain some of the most controversial of the Second World War. 'The Battles of Monte Cassino' is a fresh look at some of the key aspects of the battles - the controversial bombing of the Benedictine monastery, the effectiveness of the commanders involved on both sides, the consequences of the Anzio beachhead, the performance of the Germans - and why four agonising battles were needed to defeat the Germans at Cassino.
Major General Sir Howard Karl Kippenberger, KBE, CB, DSO and Bar, ED, was an exceptional New Zealander and one of the truly great military commanders of World War Two. Here Glyn Harper examines his formative years, including his WW1 experiences, and shows how they influenced his style of leadership and performances on the battlefield.
The New Zealand soldiers who left these shores to fight in the First World War represented one of the greatest collective endeavours in the nation’s history. Over 100,000 men and women would embark for overseas service and almost 60,000 of them became casualties. For a small nation like New Zealand this was a tragedy on an unimagined scale. Using their personal testimony, this book reveals what these men experienced – the truth of their lives in battle, at rest, at their best and their worst. Through a comprehensive and sympathetic scrutiny of New Zealand soldiers’ correspondence, diaries and memoirs, a compelling picture of the New Zealand soldier’s war from general to private is revealed. This is not a campaign history of dry facts and detail. Rather, it examines minutely the everyday experience of trench life in all its shapes and forms. Diverse topics such as barbed wire, the use of the bayonet, gas attacks, rats, horses, food, communal singing, infectious diseases and much more feature in this riveting account of the New Zealand soldier in the First World War. It is the story of ordinary men thrust into the most extraordinary circumstances imaginable. Written in an accessible style aimed at the interested general reader, the book is the product of a substantial amount of research. The text is complemented by a range of maps, illustrations, graphs and diagrams.
Profiles in courage - the definitive history of the Victoria Cross and New Zealand, fully updated in this new edition. For 150 years the highest Commonwealth military decoration for gallantry has been the Victoria Cross. These are the extraordinary stories of the New Zealand VCs. Since its instigation in 1856 more than 40 Victoria Crosses have been awarded to men whose courage in the face of the enemy was recognised by their comrades. Acts of Valour tells the story of each one, from the New Zealand Wars to the Second World War and the modern battlefields of Afghanistan in the 21st century. Many more were nominated for a VC than ever received it, with some of those famously declined — Malone of Chunuk Bair, Manahi, Perkins and Stott — igniting controversy that continues today. The events, politics and philosophies of this exclusive award are examined by two leading military historians — each story powerful and unique, with compelling accounts of the battles that made our nation and forged our history. Informative, exciting and provocative, Acts of Valour presents a detailed insight into our military history — and the heroes who walked amongst us, right up to Corporal Willie Apiata, the most recent recipient of the VC, in 2007. Fully revised and updated for the pivotal centennial anniversaries of WWI.
Outlines the events in East Timor's history which lead to New Zealand's involvement there. Describes the role of the New Zealand peacekeeping forces and profiles a soldier, a sailor, a helicopter pilot and a doctor, who describe what they did and what it was like to live in a country that has been at war for a long time. Suggested level: primary, intermediate.
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