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Ironclads Across the Veld

As long ago as 1847—and again in 1849—James Anderson, of Edinburgh, prepared and patented a series of plans, and further submitted a working model of his defensive rolling stock for the inspection of British engineers and artillery officers. The British Government, though, could not see its way clear to adopt the invention, so Anderson went abroad with his idea, with the result that these ‘ironclad trains’ were used in Europe on the field of battle for the first time in the Franco-Prussian War (1870).

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A War Life Saver

By Gerry van Tonder

In their armed fight to overthrow the minority white Rhodesian government, late in 1972 Soviet- and Communist Chinese-sponsored insurgents added landmines to their hitherto very limited weaponry. Most rural roads throughout the country were unpaved; perfect for this indiscriminate type of warfare.

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Chesterfield’s Military Heritage

By Gerry van Tonder

Mention of this Derbyshire market town’s name invariably conjures up an image of an iconic landmark: the crooked church steeple. It does, however, also speak of a military heritage built up over a millennium.

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Derby in 50 Buildings

By Gerry van Tonder

This book reveals the rich and diverse history that is reflected in Derby’s architecture as, through successive decades of growth, its character, built of brick and stone, underwent varying nuances of transformation.

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Echoes of the Coventry Blitz

By Gerry van Tonder

With the digital juxtaposing of archival images with photographs taken by the author himself for this publication, and drawing from contemporary press accounts of the Coventry Blitz, this book presents a totally unique comparative insight into the Nazi bombing of Coventry in the Second World War.

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Mansfield Through Time

By Gerry van Tonder

This book offers a cameo glimpse of a town whose character and identity has, over the last few hundred years, been moulded, modified and tempered by coal mining and the Industrial Revolution.

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Nottingham’s Military Legacy

By Gerry van Tonder

"Nottingham’s Military Legacy" traces Nottingham's pivotal role in British military history, from William of Normandy's castle in 1066 to its transformation into a military hub. It highlights the city's involvement in key historical events, including the English Civil War, the Luddite Riots, overseas campaigns, and both World Wars, culminating in its integration into the Mercian Regiment. This concise account celebrates Nottingham's enduring legacy of valor, sacrifice, and military evolution through the ages.

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Sheffield’s Military Legacy

By Gerry van Tonder

"Sheffield's Military Legacy" unveils the city's deep-rooted martial history from its strategic Norman castle to its crucial role in steel production for military purposes. Detailing Sheffield's significant contributions to British military efforts, especially in World Wars, the book highlights local units' valor, the city's enduring spirit, and its commemorations of sacrifice, including six Victoria Cross recipients. A tribute to Sheffield's indelible mark on military history, this narrative celebrates centuries of service and innovation.

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Irgun: Revisionist Zionism 1931–48

By Gerry van Tonder

"Irgun: Revisionist Zionism 1931–48" offers an insightful look into the Irgun Tsvai Leumi's radical campaign for an independent Jewish state, from its founding by Ze’ev Jabotinsky to its pivotal role in the lead-up to Israel's establishment in 1948. Covering key events like the King David Hotel bombing, this book navigates the fine line between terrorism and freedom fighting, shedding light on the group's legacy and its impact on modern Israeli politics.

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Chariot of Fire: Israeli Merkava Tank

By Gerry van Tonder

For many analysts, the Valley of Tears tank battle between Israeli and Syrian armour that took place on the Golan Heights in October 1973 was one of history’s greatest. On the Hebrew holy day of Yom Kippur, on 6 October Egyptian and Syrian forces simultaneously attacked Israeli-occupied Sinai and the Golan Heights respectively.

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The Berlin Blockade: Soviet Chokehold on Berlin and the Great Allied Airlift 1948–49

By Gerry van Tonder

"The Berlin Blockade" recounts the intense standoff over Berlin (1948–49) between the Soviets, aiming to push the Western Allies out, and the Allies' historic airlift response to sustain the city. Sourced from British press accounts, it vividly captures the Cold War's early tensions, showcasing a mix of military readiness and diplomatic maneuvering against the backdrop of a potential global conflict.

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Malayan Emergency: Triumph of the Running Dogs 1948–1960

By Gerry van Tonder

"Malayan Emergency: Triumph of the Running Dogs" delves into the 1948-1960 conflict in British Malaya, where the Malayan Communist Party waged a guerrilla war for independence against British colonial forces. Utilizing training and arms initially provided by Britain during WWII, the conflict signified a tumultuous chapter in the struggle for self-determination, involving a broad coalition of Commonwealth forces in a protracted counter-insurgency operation.

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