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U Boats @ War Sees Major New Collaboration!
As the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic celebrations draw to a close in Liverpool, it seems a fitting time to announce a major new collaboration between GG Books UK and Helion & Company; U Boats @ War. Authored by one of the world’s leading authorities on U Boats, Jak Mallmann-Showell, this series will explore U Boats as never before – boats, weapon systems, engineering, campaigns, U Boat insignia, crews and commanders. Drawing on new material held in private collections and little known museums, this series will prove to be the definitive work on the German U Boat war.
About the Series Author
Jak Mallmann Showell, son of a U-boat Diesel Mechanic who was killed in action, has produced more than forty books about naval activities during the Second World War. His research is based on original first-hand documents such as wartime logs, accounts written shortly after the events and on many personal interviews.
Born in Hamburg in 1944, Jak grew up amidst the ruins of the great firestorm. He came to London in 1954 and has lived in England ever since. Being bi-lingual has helped him in understanding documents produced by both sides of the war. He worked as teacher and educational science adviser for many years before turning to writing, researching and photography.
Jak is the English Language Representative for the German U-boat Museum (formerly U-Boot-Archiv) in Cuxhaven and has been awarded the Silver U-boat Badge by the German Submariners’ Association in Munich for furthering international relations and maintaining naval traditions.
EXCITING NEW TITLES FOR GG BOOKS!!!
There's much happening in the GG Books stable and, suffice to say, we're delighted with the support we're receiving! Building upon the success of our Chicken Street launch and in association with our partners, Helion and Company, we are about to release Justin Taylor's long awaited work, A Whisper in the Reeds. Telling of his time with 32 Battalion and of the infamous battle of Savate, this is a compelling read. One which will inform, intrigue and inspire. Do let us know if you want us to reserve you a copy!
Ed Bird's Special Branch War takes the reader into the heart of the Rhodesian conflict and down into the murky world of Special Branch dirty tricks. Ed's book is a fascinating account of a paramilitary police force at war. encompassing Operations Repulse and Tangent of the bitter conflict. A meticulous recorder, Bird maintained the Beitbridge SB incident log and it is this diary of terror, landmine strikes, assassinations and executions which will enthral, appal and enrage the reader.
Photojournalist Jim Hooper needs no introduction on these pages - abandoning a lucrative business, he developed a new career as a reportage photographer. With little thought for his safety he threw himself into some of Africa's most violent wars; riding contacts with Koevoet in South West Africa / Namibia, accompanying Executive Outcomes in Sierra Leone and trudging with UNITA through the depths of the Angolan bush. All this and more. In this reflective study, Hooper revisits his archives and presents to the viewer a set of images that will stun and captivate - that in their beauty, will perversely take you to the heart of Africa's darkest wars.
Beyond No Mean Soldier sees Peter McAleese reflect upon his incredible service career. From the Parachute Regiment through to the British SAS, Rhodesian SAS and the elite South African 44 Para Pathfinder Unit, McAleese demonstrated nothing but consummate professionalism. With new photographs, new commentary from Peter and with contributions from those that served with him, Beyond No Mean Soldier updates a classic work and represents for a modern audience. Be prepared to marvel - and to be inspired. Forget the myths you read on Arsse - this is Peter in his own words...
Tim Bax's Three Sips of Gin was an instant bestseller when it was first released. In this new edition, Tim has added an amazing array of photographs that show the secretive and legendary Selous Scouts at war. These images, added to Tim's enticing script, make for a first class read. Never mind the gin, crack a good malt and settle down into your favourite chair for a rollercoaster! It's a winner!
As well as conflicts gone, we also look at the conflicts of today and those of tomorrow. You think you've read all there is to know about Afghanistan? Then think again.... James Eastwood's account of his time with the Arnhem Lions battlegroup is a fast paced tab through forward air controlling; it's got fast air, artillery, mortars and more - all at his disposal as he tackles the Taliban with devastating results. Yet again and as always, its Britain's young men and women stepping up to the fore...
Do keep checking in for release dates on these books and others! Do keep abreast of our expanding title list as we look to bring you the best in quality military history!!
BaxMod Wheels Out the Big Guns!
South Africa’s BaxMod is delighted to announce the imminent release of its long awaited G6 model kit. Joining the existing range of quality resin and photo-etch models, this 1/35th scale kit will be of interest to military modellers across the globe! As Steve Crump explains, ‘I spent a number of hours with BaxMod’s founder, Chris Baxter, who took me through the intricacies of the kit’s development. This started with a run through on the G6’s origination and its impressive capabilities. Where to start?; a 155mm gun on a mine protected 6 x 6 suspension, able to move at over 50 mph whilst carrying a load of some 47 rounds, which it is able to hurtle almost 5 miles! The kit itself is a stunner and the master captures the unique characteristics of the G6 Rhino as never before. I was especially interested to see how Chris had worked up the master from drawings, photographs and other reference material. A real achievement I must say!’
BaxMod’s new release builds upon the success of its range to date which features iconic vehicles such as the Casspir MPV and the Ratel IFV. ‘BaxMod kits appeal to the discerning modeller and it is for this reason that we’ve included a number of BaxMod builds in the forthcoming GG Books work; ‘Modelling Modern South African Armour’ said Steve. ‘Published in partnership with Helion & Company, this book will be launched at the IPMS Telford show next year – and yes, it will include the G6! We’re also pleased that work has already begun on a companion volume ‘Modelling the South African Air Force’. Master modeller Marcus Nicholls of Tamiya has just agreed to build the Italeri Impala for this book’ commented Steve, ‘a real win for us!’
The BaxMod Rhino G6 will be stocked by 30 Degrees South UK when the kit becomes available - to register your interest email; steve@30degreessouth.co.uk
Exciting Collaboration Sees New Titles For 2014/2015!
Pictured at the London Club of the Rifles where Christopher Brice's new book, ' The Thinking Man's Soldier: The Life & Career of General Sir Henry Brackenbury 1837-1914' was launched, are: Nick Jackson of Military History Tours, Duncan Rogers of Helion, Gavin Worrell of Military History Tours and Steve Crump of GG Books.
Discussions during the day had seen agreement on a number of collaborations that will be realised over the next 36 months. These range from an indepth analysis of Calais 1940 where the Kings Royal Rifle Corps valiantly fought the BEF's rearguard against overwhelming odds; a study of the architecture of death including the death camps of Auschwitz and Bergen Belsen; The gripping story of Mike Sinclair, Colditz's Red Fox and of course, as mentioned elsewhere on this website, the Colditz Commandos - the seven British Commandos captured in Norway, who were held in Colditz and then executed on Hitler's personal orders...
As Steve Crump explains; 'This is an incredibly exciting collaboration for GG Books working in close partnership with Helion and the accomplished historians of Military History Tours! Together, we will be uncovering material never seen before and, indeed, just today, we've seen artefacts from the defence of Calais, thanks to Richard Frost of the Kings Royal Rifle Corps Association, that just amaze and inspire and with the Colditz Commandos, Lord Ashdown has given advice and support. There's much work to be done, but you can be sure that the finished results will inform, stun and absorb readers as never before'.
Do hook in for the journey because, in partnership with Helion & Company and Military History Tours - GG Books will bring you, quite simply, the best in quality military history!
Ian Uys's seminal work - Enduring Valour - South Africa's Cross of Honour
We're delighted to announce the reprint of this classic book in association with our partners Helion & Co. The Honoris Crux was South Africa's premier gallantry decoration awarded to members of the Defence Force between 1961 and 1991. More than 300 stories of courage and sacrifice are detailed. Pour that whiskey and settle down to a rollercoaster of courage, conviction and service above self..........
Enduring Valour - South Africa's Cross of Honour - Ian Uys - Summer 2013
TWO CLASSICS REVISED AND REVISITED - COMING SOON!
Al Venter's The Chopper Boys and Willem Steenkamp's South Africa's Border War are currently being updated for publishing later this year! Both these works have been out of print for some time now so we are delighted to see them coming back. Both works are classics and contain combat imagery of the South African Border War that has never been surpassed.
To register interest in obtaining copies of these definitive studies email steve@30degreessouth.co.uk
COMING SEPTEMBER 2012! - A Whisper In The Reeds
Signalling 'The Terrible Ones': South Africa's 32 Battalion at War
Justin Taylor
This amazing work relates the experiences of Justin Taylor who served as the Signals Officer for the South African Defence Force's infamous 32 Battalion - the 'Terrible Ones'! As a young officer he trained in the intricacies of Signalling before volunteering for Border Duty and service with 32 Battalion - a request that was met with astonishment - 'you want to work with 32 Battalion!?'
This book takes you into the discipline of military communications as never before, delivering a new perspective on the work of 'Nine Charlie'; the Battalion Signals Officer with his mantra of 'check, check and recheck!' It illustrates how a unit's Signals Officer sits at the core of military operations, allowing Command elements to control and co-ordinate war-fighting, whilst countering the never ending failures of equipment and communications. What is more, it emphasises how the Signals Officer needs to remain abreast of enemy eavesdropping.
Little is known of 32 Battalion - a unit that drew its origins from the Angolan Civil War of 1975 - most of its troops were black Portuguese-speaking soldiers; the remnants of Holden Roberto's FNLA guerrilla army that had fought against the Portuguese colonials. Established by the legendary Colonel Breytenbach and barracked at 'Buffalo Base' in the Caprivi Strip, 32 Battalion was to develop a reputation for military prowess that was second to none. A Whisper in the Reeds takes you into the heart of this elite unit and its military capability. It relates how black and white worked together with a mutual respect forged in the cauldron of combat.
Taylor was placed to take part in one of 32 Battalion's most spectacular operations - the Battle of Savate. Here, the Battalion undertook an aggressive assault on an entrenched enemy brigade that was positioned deep in Angola. Thrown into the chaos of combat, Taylor experienced the intensity and horror of close quarter battle. Working close with the Officer Commanding he saw first hand the difficulty of command and control in a kinetic assault environment. In addition he saw close friends killed and was himself wounded. His account of this historic battle is one of the most comprehensive ever and should be read by every student of military history.
Tasked to train new signallers in the skill of military signalling, Taylor designed and delivered a training programme that earned him the respect of both his superiors and the students under training - a Chief of the SADF Commendation medal acknowledging his skill and professionalism.
Justin Taylor was the consummate soldier, utterly professional and dedicated to the trade of military signalling. Read this work and learn why 'a whisper in the reeds' will always carry the story of 32 Battalion.
Publisher: GG Books / Helion & Co.
Paperback - 136 pages - 60 colour & 60 b/w photos, 4 maps
Our Price: £16.95 + £3.99 P&P
