Books

Falklands Commando

Falklands Commando cover

Hugh’s first-hand account of his five-man Special Forces team with the Special Boat Squadron throughout the Falklands War of 1982.

First published in 1984, and republished twice since then, Falklands Commando is now also available as an e-book.

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Gulf War One – Real Voices from the Frontline

Gulf War One cover

With a Foreword by British commanding general Rupert Smith, this book covers the Gulf crisis from August 1991 when  Saddam Hussein invaded the oil state of Kuwait, the massive build-up of the largest armoured force the world has ever seen, through the unparalleled air war, the largest tank battle ever, to the unsatisfactory peace with its enormously expensive air containment  and land operations against Iraq. It’s a aural history, with interviews from people at every level combined to create a smoothly-flowing narrative.

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Forgotten Voices of the Falklands

Forgotten Voices of the Falklands cover

Drawing upon the vast resources of the Imperial War Museum’s Sound Archive, and containing previously unpublished material, “Forgotten Voices of the Falklands War” presents the first complete oral history of the Falklands War.

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Scars of War

Scars of War cover

Hugh compares the ways in which different forces train their soldiery for battle and gives a brilliant account of the effects of modern warfare on the participants. War is by far the most traumatic life event that any human can experience – a damaging combination of danger, uncertainty and horror. This book looks at the experiences of combat – what the modern battlefield is really like and how soldiers, sailors and airmen, prepare for combat.


Crowning The Dragon

Crowining the Dragon cover

A British Army expedition to climb the world’s third highest unclimbed peak, the 7,500 metre Crown in August 1987. Hugh joined the group in Hong Kong, getting to know his colleagues on the long journey through China, struggling with bureaucracy and a long trek by foot and camel. They failed to reach the summit by a whisker but he learnt a great deal about himself. 61 coloured photographs and 4 maps.


Top Guns

Top Guns cover

Top Guns reveals what being a jet-age pilot and navigator is all about and captures the excitement and stress and the prestige of belonging to one of Britain’s leading fighting units: the RAF’s 29 Squadron. The book initiates us into the mind-bending world of fast-jet war fighting. It details the state-of-the-art systems that provide pilots with life-saving knowledge of where the enemy is and what is going on; and takes us on to runaways as jets take off and land.


Ultimate Special Forces

Ultimate Special Forces cover

A riveting exploration of the world’s most highly trained military units, from the ancient Spartans to modern-day US Navy SEALs, Ultimate Special Forces offers over 700 illustrations of equipment and techniques used by today’s special forces- from intelligence-gathering methods to special vehicles and survival gear. In-depth accounts of the background, organization, and landmark operations of famous military units such as the US’s Delta Force and Britain’s SAS make this gripping and essential reading for both casual readers and military history enthusiasts.

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Outdoor and survival guides

The Complete Wilderness Training Book

The Complete Wilderness Training Book cover

Intrepid or not, outdoorsy types will appreciate the safety tips and skills offered up in this book. Including pointers on how to tie knots, read a map and compass, give first aid, sterilize water, choose a campsite and make a fire, and illustrated with hundreds of full-color photographs, it’s a must-read for novice campers.

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Outdoor Adventure Handbook

Outdoor Adventure Handbook  cover

This lavishly illustrated, practical guide to outdoor adventures is packed with essential information to help readers re-learn basic skills people have forgotten over the centuries. Clear descriptions and step-by-step, full-color photographs show how to build a shelter, recognize edible and medicinal plants, obtain food, perform first aid, navigate effectively, and more. It has recently been revised and re-published both the in the UK and the USA.


The Commando Survival Manual

The Commando Survival Manual cover

The Commando Survival Manual resulted from Peter Kindersley’s desire for DK to have their own version of the ground-breaking “SAS Survival Manual”, with step-by-step photographs showing everything from preparing a cooking fire to building a log raft, all set against DK’s characteristic white background. All the techniques had to work, unlike in the other survival books which use mostly drawings. Peter Kindersley had earlier made the classic manual “Joy of Sex”; The Commando Survival Manual was just as comprehensive and aspirational, but probably more fun, and continues much revised as the Outdoor Training Book.


101 Essential Tips: Hiking

101 Essential Tips: Hiking  cover

This pocket-size paperback–part of the “101 Essential Tips” series–presents clear and concise information on a range of subjects relating to hiking. Includes over 250 full-color photos and illustrations.


Biking: An Outdoor Adventure Handbook

Biking: An Outdoor Adventure Handbook cover

Containing all the information that young bikers need for great adventures outdoors, this book is packed with project, activities, hints, and tips that encourage children to enjoy biking with confidence and safety. Step-by-step photography demonstrates such things as how to select a suitable bike, choose gears, and use a compass.


Watersports

Water Sports cover

Provides an introduction to equipment, techniques, and skills needed in a variety of water sports, including snorkeling, diving, canoeing, kayaking, and sailing. Step-by-step photography combines with no-nonsense text and easy-to-follow demonstrations of basic techniques for safe water fun, covering everything from raft building, to clearing a snorkel and mask, to canoeing.


Backpacker’s Handbook

Backpacker's Handbook cover

An easy-to-use portable companion for anyone traveling through wilderness areas. As people of all ages rediscover the great outdoors, backpacking has become more popular than ever. although hiking can be a fun and enjoyable hobby, backpackers should prepare for the many precautions and dangers. The Backpacker’s Handbook explains how to get physically fit for a trip and what equipment is necessary.


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