Naval forces from fifteen colonial territories fought for the British Empire during the Second World War, providing an important new lens for understanding imperial power and colonial relations on the eve of decolonisation.With sources from Britain, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia, this book examines the political, social and cultural impact of these forces; how they fortified British ‘prestige’ against rival imperialisms and colonial nationalisms; the importance of ‘men on the spot...

The Seven Years War (1756-1763) was the first global conflict and became the key factor in creating the British Empire. What started as a tussle between Britain and France over their North American territories escalated into an international maritime war which engulfed the world. This book looks at Britain's maritime strategic, operational and tactical success (and failures), through a wide-ranging history of the Royal Navy's role in the war.By the time the war ended in 1763 Britai...

The House that Wanted a Family is a unique and charming story told from the perspective of a house. The house is for sale and sits empty, waiting for a family. It's a book you'll want to read again and again...to a child or yourself. The house will be waiting.

The House that Wanted a Family is a unique and charming story told from the perspective of a house. The house is for sale and sits empty, waiting for a family. It’s a book you’ll want to read again and again…to a child or yourself. The house will be waiting.

A New Naval History brings together the most significant and interdisciplinary approaches to contemporary naval history. The last few decades have witnessed a transformation in how this field is researched and understood and this volume captures the state of a field that continues to develop apace. It examines – through the prism of naval affairs – issues of nationhood and imperialism; the legacy of Nelson; the socio-cultural realities of life in ships and naval bases; and the pro...

When Singapore fell to the Japanese on 15 February 1942, it was a devastating blow to the Allies, the British Empire and signalled a significant turning point in history. James Leasors story begins as far back as the early nineteenth century, with imperialism and the settlement founded by Sir Stamford Raffles. He charts the years leading up to Singapores defeat and the realisation that the West was not invincible. It includes direct, personal input from some of the main players involved in...

In the third volume of Thomas Keneally's unique history of Australia - where he shines a light on the lives and deeds of our countrymen and women, both known and unknown - he takes up the story at the end of the Great War and explores our development as a nation during the tumultuous 20th century.Australia emerged from World War I into a decade of profound change, characterised by a revolution in behaviour amongst the young; by the first great age of consumerism; a...

The development of Australia's navy has been a vital factor in its history and evolution as a nation in the century since Federation. Australia has a maritime environment and its national interests stretch far beyond its coastline.Southern Trident examines the influences on the rise of Australian naval power and discusses current international and strategic issues in the light of history. The authors show how the creation of the Australian navy was no simple display of nat...

A compelling exploration of Australia's longest-running military presence in Southeast Asia and its profound social and cultural impact.Kampong Australia delves into the history of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) base at Butterworth, Malaysia, from 1955 to 1988. More than 50,000 Australian servicemen and their families rotated through this vital Cold War outpost, creating a unique community in the heart of Southeast Asia. Mathew Radcliffe uncovers th...

Between 1948 and 1971 ships and men of the Royal Australian Navy served with almost unnoticed distinction in defending the newly emerging nations of Malaya, Malaysia and Singapore. In this period of intense diplomatic and military activity in a potentially volatile region, Australia developed its engagement with Southeast Asia and its concept of forward defence. While the Vietnam War loomed ever larger over the region, the RAN played its part in creating the conditions for the peace and prosp...

A bestselling historian shows how the British Empire created the modern world.**“Scrupulous scholarship and a rattling good tale.” —**Wall Street JournalThe British Empire was the largest in all history, its reach the nearest thing to world domination ever achieved. By the eve of the Second World War, over a fifth of the world's land surface and nearly a quarter of the world's population were under some form of British rule. Yet fo...

Out of 193 countries that are currently UN member states, we've invaded or fought conflicts in the territory of 171. That's not far off a massive, jaw-dropping 90 per cent. Not too many Britons know that we invaded Iran in the Second World War with the Soviets. You can be fairly sure a lot more Iranians do. Or what about the time we arrived with elephants to invade Ethiopia? Every summer, hordes of British tourists now occupy Corfu and the other Ionian islands. Find out ho...