Made up entirely of volunteer civil servants and their friends and despite the Government's reluctance to release them, the Prince of Wales' Own Civil Service Rifles fought with distinction at Loos, the Somme, Messines, Cambrai, Salonika and Palestine. As casualties mounted, the Rifles' spirit and loyalties strengthened. The Author draws on numerous personal accounts, graphically written, as well as official records.
Civil servants are not generally known for their soldierly qualities. Yet in the Great War a volunteer regiment of 'civil servants and their friends' served with distinction in the front line, fighting in many of the major battles. This new study, the first since the 1920s, draws on previously unpublished material personal memoirs, diaries and interviews to tell their extraordinary story, and is supported by a wealth of marvellous photographs."
A detailed history of France’s development of tanks and the combat the tanks served in during World War I, by an armored warfare expert. The French tank corps was an essential part of the French army from 1917 onwards, yet its history has been strangely neglected in English accounts of the Western Front. Using information derived from the French military archives at Vincennes—much of which has never been published in English before—author Tim Gale describes the design and development of the tanks, the political and organizational issues that arose between the French military and civilian bureaucracy, and the record of these pioneering fighting vehicles in combat. All the major engagements in which French tanks participated are depicted in graphic detail, often quoting directly from recollections left by individual tank commanders of their experience in battle, and each operation is assessed in terms of its impact on French tactics in general and on tank tactics in particular. The Nivelle offensive and the battles of Malmaison, the Matz, Soissons, and Champagne are featured in the narrative, and the actions of the French tanks serving with the U.S. army are covered, too. Much of the material in Tim Gale’s study will be entirely new to non-French speakers. The story will be fascinating reading for anyone who is interested in the Great War, the French army, military innovation and the history of armored warfare. Praise for French Tanks of the Great War “Gale’s book . . . is very easy to dip into.” —Military Modelling “It is a wealth of information and I would definitely recommend it.” —Forgotten Weapons
"Featuring guns photographed by Dennis Adler from the Mike Clark/Collector's Firearms Collection; the Dr. Joseph A. Murphy Collection; and the Dennis LeVett Collection, with additional photography provided by the Rock Island Auction Company Archives."
During the American Civil War, the mounted soldiers fighting on both sides of the conflict carried a wide array of weapons, from sabers and lances to carbines, revolvers, and other firearms. Though some sections of the cavalry placed their trust in the sabre, the advent of viable breechloading carbines -- especially repeaters such as the Spencer -- was to transform warfare within little more than a decade of General Lee's final surrender at Appomattox. However, output struggled to keep up with unprecedented demands on manufacturing technology and distribution in areas where communication was difficult and in states whose primary aim was to equip their own men rather than contribute to the arming of Federal or Confederate regiments. In addition, the almost unparalleled losses of men and equipment ensured that almost any firearm, effectual or not, was pressed into service. Consequently, the sheer variety of weaponry carried reflected the mounted soldiers' various roles in different theatres of operation, but also the availability -- or otherwise -- of weapons, notably on the Confederate side. Fully illustrated, this study assesses the effectiveness of the many different weapons arming the Civil War cavalryman and analyses the strengths and weaknesses of the decisions made after 1865 concerning the armament of the US cavalry.
The History of the Prince of Wales' Civil Service Rifles is a meticulously researched and detailed account of the regiment's role in various conflicts throughout history. Written in a straightforward and factual style, the book delves into the origins of the unit, its engagements in World War I and World War II, as well as its post-war activities. The author provides insight into the training, camaraderie, and challenges faced by the soldiers, offering a comprehensive view of the regiment's contributions to military history. The book is a valuable resource for those interested in British military history and the development of infantry units during wartime. Anonymous' thorough examination of the Prince of Wales' Civil Service Rifles is a testament to his dedication to preserving the memory of this esteemed regiment. His attention to detail and historical accuracy make this book a must-read for military history enthusiasts and scholars alike. Through its thorough documentation and compelling narrative, The History of the Prince of Wales' Civil Service Rifles is a captivating read that sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of British military history.
