My book-buying "problem"

Discussion in 'Books, Films, TV, Radio' started by Chris C, Jul 6, 2018.

  1. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    Hi Martin,

    I'm very biased with this one because BTW is all about my grandfather's column in 1943, but if you are going to read both, then you need to read BTW first as it leads into WGE chronologically.
     
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  2. Wobbler

    Wobbler Well-Known Member

    Nothing wrong with a bit of bias Steve, I’m much the same finding books related to my grandad’s Regiment and Division. I hope they will tell me more about what he went through as I never spoke with him much about it. How I wish I had when I had the chance, assuming he would have wanted to, of course.

    Thanks for that advice, I’ve found a nice copy (love that 3/6, happy days) and it felt churlish not to pick up “Return to Burma” at the same time. My wife’s gonna kill me!

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  3. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    Return to Burma is a lovely book. Like I say, I'm biased. I think we all wish we had our loved ones back for a moment to ask all these questions. But, I always say to relatives who contact me, We start our research journeys when we do, because that is when our past becomes relevant to us and our lives. So we should never feel guilty or frustrated that we didn't ask our loved ones at the time.

    Just my view mate.
     
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  4. Wobbler

    Wobbler Well-Known Member

    And a very well put one too, may I say.
     
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  5. Robert-w

    Robert-w Banned

    Especially since so many may not have wanted to be asked/reminded at the time
     
  6. Chris C

    Chris C Canadian

    Today I got back from my "isolated writing in the park" time and received a package which contained "The Battle of the Peaks and Longstop Hill" and "The Piper of Tobruk". (The latter is a pretty small book - I didn't realize that!.) I thought to myself "I've received all the books I had on order, haven't really gotten into them, so I can stop buying books.

    Half an hour hour later I check abebooks for the price of used copies of "Topography is Fate" (see the other thread) and found one used in Germany for a very good price and immediately bought it.
     
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  7. Charley Fortnum

    Charley Fortnum Dreaming of Red Eagles

    What does Return to Burma cover?

    Is it Fergusson returning post-war?
     
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  8. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    Yes CF, exactly that. He and his wife go back in about 1960/61 if I remember correctly. He gets to meet up with several of his former Burmese comrades and finds some of them now opposing each other as the country breaks up after independence.
     
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  9. Orwell1984

    Orwell1984 Senior Member

    Some recent arrivals:
    [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]

    Nice little grab bag of assorted topics. Focus is not my strong point.
     
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  10. von Poop

    von Poop Adaministrator Admin

    Been into town.
    Couldn't not buy something other than booze & Toolstation stuff, soooo.

    IMG_20200627_163021305_HDR~2_copy_575x935.jpg

    Not sure either is going to bring much new to the party, but good illustrations & preservation photos. Got an odd urge to scratch build an 88 in wood, so may be handy. (This urge will likely pass :unsure: :rolleyes: )
    Bruce Crompton hasn't half got some lovely stuff...

    The only truly significant thing here is, I've been into town!

    (Orwell1984 - I've got that supply book to review, but currently on the First War volume. Didn't know what to expect, but it's certainly dense with credibly referenced statistics.)
     
  11. von Poop

    von Poop Adaministrator Admin

    Gone a bit more grown-up & finally got around to ordering this, by a certain local machine gun obsessive.
    Very promising. Referenced to buggery. Can see it becoming one of those that gets a bit too bleedin' pricey in ten years time.

    The foreward did make me laugh a little, as I'm not sure the Duke of York brings much kudos these days, though I suppose it migh eventually be a rare example of his last acts as a public figure. :unsure:.

    IMG_20200629_134559284~2_copy_476x679.jpg

    (Passing very minor niggle: Helion could maybe sort their shipping a tad. Not the first new book direct from them that's a smidge knocked about. Always a slight shame as they're really nicely produced.
    Obviously I'll knock a book about myself within minutes anyway... but you can't beat the pristine condition N&MP always manage. Was the best price though, so you takes yer pick.)
     
  12. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    I've just solved my book buying problem for the time being, but in a sad way. My Dad passed away recently and while sorting out his music room, I have inherited a good selection of books in relation to the fall of Singapore and then the Malayan Emergency. So I have plenty to be getting on with now in terms of reading material. I always remember these books being around when I was young, but never really paid too much attention to them. Strange to think that back then I had no idea that I would become so heavily involved with the subject matter from within them.
     
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  13. ecalpald

    ecalpald Chick LaPlace

    In preparation to taking my Lee Enfield rifle out to the range, I searched the web to refresh my memory on sight adjustment data. I came across the following downloadable book "Sniping in France" by Major H. Hesketh-Prichard DSO, MC. It is a very good read. Also lots of other technical info on the Lee Enfield at this site. PDF download at:
    http://www.milsurps.com/content.php...914-18-(by-Major-H.-Hesketh-Prichard-DSO-MC.)
     
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  14. idler

    idler GeneralList

    Don't forget they should be zeroed with the bayonet fitted!
     
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  15. Tom OBrien

    Tom OBrien Senior Member

    Just started this book about a somewhat overlooked area of the British war effort:

    Of Islands, Ports and Sea Lanes.png

    All very much new to me; well referenced for those who want to delve more deeply into the interception of Vichy French convoys in the Indian Ocean, the construction of air bases and naval bases out of lonely atolls (long before the American drive across the Pacific started) and the challenging conditions in which the diverse garrisons, naval and air force maintenance teams, construction teams, medical staff, and signals teams all worked. Also interesting for the sometimes deeply detrimental impact the arrival of the war brought to some of the inhabitants of the areas involved.

    Going to follow it up with this one, which should be on its way:

    the RN in eastern waters.png

    Had terrific reviews and a foreword by N.A.M. Rodger deserves immediate respect!

    Regards

    Tom
     
  16. Tolbooth

    Tolbooth Patron Patron

    For those of you having withdrawal symptoms the PBFA are having an on-line book fair
    I bet there's a few on here would like this one too!
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  17. Orwell1984

    Orwell1984 Senior Member

    Some interesting new arrivals:
    [​IMG]
    It's bilingual (Dutch/English) and looks very promising.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
    Pilot for republicans in SCW and did many other interesting things
    Hugh Oloff de Wet

    and a remarkably cheap copy of this book:

    [​IMG]

    at $50 Canadian I could not say no considering Amazon UK has a copy listed for 907 pounds.:eek:
     
  18. Markyboy

    Markyboy Member

    Let me know what cardboard crucifix is like as that seems a real rarity.
     
  19. Dan M

    Dan M Active Member

    In all my years of reading about the War, I have never heard of this. What Muslim soldiers were at Dunkirk?

    Cheers,
    Dan.
     
  20. JimHerriot

    JimHerriot Ready for Anything

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