NATO kept the Warsaw Pact behind the Berlin Wall until its dissolution – but what if it hadn’t? The Bear Marches West contains 12 wargame scenarios set during a fictional Warsaw Pact invasion of West Germany in the 1980s. All the scenarios are based on battles depicted in well-known novels, and are designed to be used with whatever rules the players wish. Each scenario includes the battle’s context, weather conditions, deployments, force lists and a colour map. The scenarios range in scale from small skirmishes, with a company on each side, to large engagements, with Soviet regiments bearing down on smaller but better-equipped NATO units.
NATO kept the Warsaw Pact behind the Berlin Wall until its dissolution - but what if it hadn't? "The Bear Marches West" contains 12 wargame scenarios set during a fictional Warsaw Pact invasion of West Germany in the 1980s. All the scenarios are based on battles depicted in well-known novels, and are designed to be used with whatever rules the players wish. Each scenario includes the battle's context, weather conditions, deployments, force lists and a colour map. The scenarios range in scale from small skirmishes, with a company on each side, to large engagements, with Soviet regiments bearing down on smaller but better-equipped NATO units. With Shilka Publishing's "Digital Reinforcements," buy the print edition, and get the ebook FREE. Details at www.shilka.co.uk/dr
Madagascar provided the stunning backdrop for one of the strangest conflicts of the Second World War — when Britain went head to head against one of its closest allies. When British forces landed on the island in 1942, the enemy they faced wasn’t German, Japanese or even Italian, this time the opposing forces were French. Concerned that Japan might use Madagascar as a strategic base to disrupt the supply line to India, Britain was keen to take control of the island. However, the Vichy forces were keen to defend the French colony and prevent it becoming part of the British Empire. A Strange Campaign: The Battle for Madagascar gives a detailed account of this fascinating but little-known period of military history. Even at the time, the conflict was a controversial one, pitting two colonial empires against each other. However, it was also ground-breaking as it was the first time Allied forces had staged a major amphibious invasion. The lessons learned on the shores of Madagascar would prove to be invaluable two years later during the D-day landings in Normandy. Military historian Russell Phillips examines the tactics used in the battle for Madagascar which included secret agents, dummy paratroopers and attempted bribery. But just how did the British finally break down months of resistance by the French? And how did a tug-of-war over an island in the middle of the Indian ocean influence the rest of the Second World War? Russell Phillips gives us a well-researched, enlightening, and skillfully detailed account of a little-known but clearly pivotal WWII operation that’s suited for both curious laypersons and serious researchers. — Steve Anderson, author of the Kaspar Brothers series and other WWII-era novels Though it was a world war it is easy to overlook some corners of the conflict. Madagascar was strategically important and controlled by Vichy France. Phillips has done an excellent job drawing out the story of the British-led invasion of the island. — Angus Wallace, host of the WW2 Podcast
The West was a lawless domain when Jerry Potts was born into the Upper Missouri fur trade in 1838. The son of a Scottish father and a Blood mother, he was given the name Bear Child by his Blood tribe for his bravery and tenacity while he was still a teen. In 1874, when the North West Mounted Police first marched west and sat lost and starving near the Canada–U.S. border, it was Potts who led them to shelter. Over the next 22 years he played a critical role in the peaceful settlement of the Canadian West. Bear Child: The Life and Times of Jerry Potts tells the story of this legendary character who personifies the turmoil of the frontier in two countries, the clash of two cultures he could call his own, and the strikingly different approaches of two expanding nations as they encroached upon the land of the buffalo and the nomadic tribes of the western Plains.
During the Second World War, information was one of the most precious currencies there was. And in this light-hearted and humorous one-shot adventure, delivering a simple newspaper could be the one thing which stops an entire village being erased from the history books and forgotten forever. In The Newspaper, the player characters will have to overcome a number of wartime challenges to ensure their delivery makes it into the hands of Dr Barnett Stross, a doctor and local politician in Stoke-on-Trent. If the mission succeeds, their newspaper will alert Dr Stross to the plight of Lidice, a Czechoslovakian village razed to the ground by the Nazis, and inspire him to start the Lidice Shall Live campaign. While the stakes may be high in this adventure, the action is far from serious. Players will have to keep their heads down and avoid the police, keep their valuables from being stolen by pickpockets, survive an air raid, and stay on the right side of the Home Guard. Will you complete the mission with your dignity intact? Or will your newspaper merely end up being the next day’s fish and chip paper?
This is the inspiring true story of what happens when ordinary people unite to make a stand against evil. Lidice was a peaceful and vibrant community in Czechoslovakia with a rich mining heritage. But an act of Nazi revenge saw this village wiped from existence in a horrifying chapter of European history. Disaster struck for Lidice in 1942 when the prominent Nazi official Reinhard Heydrich was assassinated. Described by Hitler as "the man with an iron heart", Heydrich was one of the key architects of the Holocaust. His death, after an attack by members of the Czech resistance, left Hitler furious and desperate for vengeance. Looking for a scapegoat to blame for Heydrich's death, he settled on the village of Lidice, which had been falsely linked to the assassination. In a brutal act which shocked the world, Lidice was completely destroyed. The men were shot while the women and children were rounded up and sent to their deaths in Nazi concentration camps. Hitler was determined that by the time he had finished, no one would even remember Lidice, let alone live there. What he hadn't reckoned on was the efforts of a group of campaigners in Britain, who resolved to make sure Lidice would never be forgotten. A Ray of Light tells the tale of Lidice's downfall and what happened next. Would the village simply be allowed to become a footnote in history, or would it rise from the ashes and forge a new future? This book is a compelling testament to the power of friendship and solidarity, and how empathy and compassion can help rebuild the world.
Emerson Hough's 'The Chronicles of the Old West' is a collection of four historical books that delve deep into the wild past of the American West, offering readers a vivid and immersive journey through the rugged terrain and tumultuous times of the frontier. Hough's literary style is characterized by meticulous attention to historical detail and a keen sense of storytelling that captures the essence of the era, making the narratives come alive with vivid imagery and rich character development. The books are not merely a recounting of events, but a deep exploration of the human experience in the untamed wilderness of the West, showcasing the triumphs and tribulations of pioneers, outlaws, and indigenous peoples alike. Hough's work stands as a significant contribution to Western literature, shedding light on a pivotal period in American history that continues to captivate readers today. Recommended for history enthusiasts, lovers of Western fiction, and anyone seeking a compelling and authentic portrayal of the Old West.
Emerson Hough's 'The History of the Old American West' is a comprehensive exploration of the legendary era of the Wild West, combining four books in one illustrated volume. Hough's detailed accounts offer a vivid portrayal of the American frontier, capturing the essence of the rugged landscapes, notorious outlaws, and heroic pioneers. Written in a straightforward and engaging style, this book provides a valuable historical perspective on the Old West, making it a must-read for history enthusiasts and Western literature aficionados alike. Emerson Hough, a prolific writer and journalist, was known for his contributions to American historical fiction and his deep fascination with the Western frontier. His firsthand experiences traveling through the West likely inspired the vivid storytelling and authenticity found in 'The History of the Old American West'. Hough's dedication to preserving the tales of the Wild West shines through in this meticulously researched and beautifully illustrated compilation. For readers seeking a captivating exploration of the Old West, Emerson Hough's 'The History of the Old American West' is a definitive choice. This richly detailed volume immerses readers in a bygone era, offering a compelling narrative that brings the adventurous spirit of the frontier to life.
Emerson Hough's 'Ultimate Collection' is a compendium of 19 western classics and adventure novels, showcasing his mastery of storytelling in the rugged American West. Known for his vivid descriptions and attention to historical detail, Hough's works immerse readers in the Wild West, conveying the challenges and triumphs of frontier life. Through a combination of historical accuracy and thrilling plotlines, Hough captures the spirit of the American frontier in a compelling literary style that appeals to both history enthusiasts and adventure lovers. The collection also includes Hough's poetry and children's tales, offering a diverse range of his literary talents. Hough's works stand as enduring classics that remain relevant and engaging for contemporary readers seeking an authentic portrayal of the American West. Emerson Hough, a prolific writer of the early 20th century, drew inspiration from his own experiences in the Western frontier, which imbues his works with a sense of authenticity and depth. His passion for the outdoors and fascination with American history led him to craft stories that resonate with readers seeking adventure and insight into the past. Hough's dedication to researching and documenting the West shines through in his detailed narratives, making him a respected authority on the subject. I highly recommend Emerson Hough's 'Ultimate Collection' to anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of the American West through the eyes of a skilled storyteller. This anthology presents a comprehensive overview of Hough's literary contributions, making it a valuable addition to the library of readers interested in Western literature and historical fiction.
