David Armine Howarth was a British historian and author whose works are informed by his extensive practical knowledge of ships and the sea. Following wartime service that included involvement in operations like the Shetland Bus, he channeled his experiences into crafting compelling historical narratives. His writing is characterized by a deep understanding of maritime themes and a spirit of adventurous storytelling. Through his books, he brings not only history but also the human stories within it to life for readers.
Focusing on firsthand accounts, David Howarth's narrative captures the dramatic events of June 6, 1944, during the D-Day invasion. By incorporating testimonies from American paratroopers, British engineers, French civilians, and German soldiers, the book vividly portrays the chaos, fear, and valor experienced on that historic day. It explores not only key incidents but also the diverse emotions and experiences of those involved, offering a comprehensive view of the greatest amphibious landing in history.
The unlikely beginnings of the East India Company—from Tudor origins and
rivalry with the superior Dutch—to laying the groundwork for future British
expansion
Set against the backdrop of a harsh Saskatchewan winter, the narrative unfolds in a village beset by relentless winds and halted farming activities. Amidst this turmoil, threshermen gather in a smoky pool room, where tensions rise and challenges are issued. The protagonist, Ned Pullar, remains stoic and composed, contrasting with the boisterous atmosphere around him. The story captures the grit of rural life and the dynamics of male camaraderie and rivalry in a time of hardship.
In 1943, a group of brave Danish and Norwegian hunters carried out one of the
most dramatic operations of World War II. Using dogsleds to patrol a stark
500-mile stretch of the Greenland coast, their wartime mission was to guard
against Nazi interlopers--an unlikely scenario given the cruel climate. But
one day, a footprint was spotted on desolate Sabine Island, along with other
obvious signs of the enemy. Not expecting to find the trouble they did, the
three Sledge Patrol members escaped to the nearest hunting hut only to have
the Germans pursue them on foot. In the dead of the Arctic night, the men
escaped capture at the last instant and, without their coats or sled dogs,
walked fifty-six miles to get back to base. While the Sledge Patrol had only
hunting rifles, resilience, and their knowledge of outdoor survival, the
Germans were armed with machine guns and grenades and greatly outnumbered
them. David Howarth skillfully relates the tensely exciting true tale of how
the men of the Sledge Patrol fought capture or death in desolation by
outwitting and outlasting the enemy. This is a saga of human skill, faith, and
endurance--and one of the most remarkable Allied victories ever recorded.
Cultural relations between Britain and Spain, 1770-1870
268 pages
10 hours of reading
Focusing on the cultural interactions between Britain and Spain from 1770 to 1870, this book delves into the complexities of their often tumultuous relationship during a time of significant imperial and societal transformations. It examines how these two powers influenced each other amidst the backdrop of political and cultural upheaval, highlighting the intricate dynamics that shaped their historical connections.
A fascinating history of the Renaissance from its origins in Italy to its spread through Europe and Beyond. Over 250 illustrations depicting topics and places of key interest. 42 expertly drawn maps.
The power and the glory of the D-Day landings as recounted by the men who
fought their way ashore. A tale told by a master of prose this account is
among the best you'll ever read of the greatest amphibious invasion ever. číst
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The British did not take to water like ducks, for centuries doing little but cling to coastal waters. The Romans and Vikings knocked spots of us as seamen, and the English upper classes saw seafaring as mercantile and beneath them. Britain's success at sea began with Elizabeth I and the defeat of the Armada, thanks to superior gunnery and seamanship. Elizabeth employed practical seamen like Hawkins and Drake - and they repaid her trust. Howarth reconstructs the expansion of trade routes and the great 18th - century days of the line of battle ships. With Napoleon's fall, the British were free to expand, and their prestige rose so high that sea warfare almost ceased as British ships patrolled the oceans. In the 20th century, the British navy was twice as big as any other. Full of anecdote, erudition and humour, this is a classic account.
In 1943 a team of expatriate Norwegian commandos sailed to Norway to support the Norwegian resistance. Betrayed, only one man survived a Nazi ambush. Crippled with frostbite, snow-blind and hunted by the Nazis, he found an Arctic village where the people risked their lives to save him.
