I'm working through Richard Evans' trilogy on the Third Reich, having finished "The Comming of the Third Reich" last week and now on "The Third Reich in Power". Hoping to have the last one, "The Third Reich at War" finished by xmas, after which I will start exploring a 10-volume work by a chap called Alison....

started reading Strictures on Lt. Col. Tarleton's Campaigns by Roderick Mackenzie 1785 original copy John, where on earth do you find such things?...... :eh:

Giles, Three years before retirement (14 years early) I decided I wanted to 'Touch' the AWI period and went on a serious spending spree. I was most specific only covering the Southern Colonies including Georgia and Florida, Saratoga,Schoharie and Mohawk Valleys. Another interest being Official Rolls of Infantyman, Officers serving in the South and German involvement in the wars. Buying such books and other items like a beautiful original Officers Brown Bess circa 1770 etc etc. Also they are reasonably good investments for my children. Another good and rare set of books of the period is that of George Hanger who rode with Tarleton. This gives a real insight during the period written in 1802, vol.2, for example chapter 3, ' On the Misery and Wretchedness of Female Prostitution' A set of books you would appreciate are 'Memoirs' Letters and Journals of Major General Riedesel. Published 1868. ( This was reprinted in 1960'?) Most books were shipped directly from America, in particular books which have not been reprinted in the 20th century, with limited copies. Journals were of most interest such as 'Colonel David Fanning' printed in 1865 and those written by local Historical societys which are well researched and written. Have I read them all, NO, I do not have the years left! Your invitation remains valid. John

About 2/3 of the way through "A Perfect Hell" by Robert Nadler, an account of the First Special Service Force, a US-Canadian commando outfit that fought in Italy in WWII. Not very impressed. Too much fluff about the wives and families, not enough detail of tactics, exact TO&E, maps of small unit enagagements etc. That's right, not a wargamers book. I really need to stop reading anything written by a journalist and admit that I'm only in it for the scenario ideas...

Just ordered for under the Xmas tree: American Loyalist Troops 1775-1784, Osprey. Pandour Trenck, Teichman. By Force of Arms, Duffy. A friend of mine recently left with me to read the two books written by William Coker: The Siege of Pensacola,1781, in Maps. The Siege of Mobile,1780,in Maps. These are surely two of the most interesting books on the period. Circa 120 pages in both of which 36 are full page maps. The detail of troops mentioned in the Appendix is second to none. A worthy purchase for anyone interested in the period! John

John, are those books available now? If so, do you have ISBNs and publisher's name? Two other books on the same subject: The Battle of Pensacola - N. Orwin Rush (Florida State University, 1966 / 1981 - LoC card # 66-64092) La Campana de Pensacola - Manuel Petinal (Almena Ediciones, 2002 - DL # M-32222-2002)

Ronan, They were published in 1981,1982 respectively, by The Perdido Bay Press. I would say they are no longer available unfortunately, but worth time spent on some Book search websites. Data includes, Troop strength all parties at different stages,military units,ships,casualties and related statistics. The Pensacola book was signed by Bill Coker! The maps are superb with lots of detail and well drawn wee ships! These books have been really well researched. The battle of Pensacola by Rush looks worthy of purchase, Thank you for the information. If you have interest in this theatre then these you may find worthy of a read: The Journal Of Don Francisco Saavedra de Sangronis 1780-1783 by Francisco Morales Padron(Florida Press ISBN 0-8130-0877-8) Francisco Bouligny a Bourbon Soldier in Spanish Louisiana by Gilbert C Din (Louisiana state University Press ISBN 0-8071-1795-1) Bernardo de Galves in Louisiana 1776-1783 by Jack L Holmes (Pelican ISBN 0-911116-78-8) John

Only recently got into this theatre of ops, mainly because there are no figures for the Spanish (and very few French you can use instead). I've found this useful:- http://xenophongroup.com/patriot/arrt/bibliography03.htm

Ronan, This is a most useful website, Thank You. Noticed those Coker books are mentioned with required details. I made my Spanish figures some years ago. Nothing special, all in the marching pose with oversized flags. Mind you, I have more recently added some pretty colourful cavalry including those suited to the Spanish Boarderlands. This week I am promised some information on the actual designs on the rear of the Grenadier hat( sleeve/manga), which was extensively researched. Then I plan to repaint my figures correctly. Yesterday, made and painted a priest for a small church which features in one of our presidios. All I need now is to design all those Militia figures for the Spanish!!! John

"Besatzungspolotik und Massenmord. Die Einsatzgruppe D (My great uncles unit. for service with which he was hung at Nürnberg.) in der südlichen Sowjetunion 1941 - 1943". Andrej Angrick. And after that "1840 - 1870. Dreizig Jahre deutscher Geschichte." Dr Karl Biedermann.

Ronan, I have now today ordered those books you mentioned plus the two siege books with maps I mentioned.The Pensacola book being the rare publiction was $30 dearer by the time I decided to purchase, the cheaper book sold leaving the dearer copy left! If you want any information I am happy to forward on... John

fiction for me - "Bones of the Hills" by Conn Iggledon - the 3rd part in a series based on Ghengis An exciting read, lots of action

Since my last post I've mostly been reading... A Lonely Kind of War, by Marshall Harrison. It's a memoire of an American Forward Air Controller during the Vietnam War, written with a great deal of humanity and humour. There were a lot of Aussie FAC's mixed in with the American units and they're all mental. Journal of a Vietcong, by Truong Nhu Tang. The story of the Vietnam War from the other side. I knew they were very well organised, but I never realised just how frighteningly well organised they were. Particularly good on the political infighting of the Provisional Government as the Northern Communists begin to dominate. Also rather surprised to hear that Russian spy trawlers were passing on accurate details of B-52 raids coming out of Guam. I don't know a lot about the air war, but that was news to me. Doctor at Dien-Bien-Phu, by Major Grauwin. A bit grim, as you would expect from anyone involved in the medical services, but still a fascinating insight from an unusual viewpoint. Some of the details jar a bit (Sherman tanks at Dien Bien Phu?) but that may be down to the translation. There's also some great descriptions of events he experienced prior to Dien Bien Phu that would make great scenarios.

Just finished Citizen soldiers by S Ambrose last week Really enjoyed those 1st hand accounts even if it was only from a US perspective Just started Berlin by Anthony Beevor, looks interesting and certainly seems to have good reviews @ Wil - did you ever get through God's War or whatever it was called by Chris tyerman? - tried 3 times and have given up for the moment as was far too dry Also had the Waterloo Comanion arrive last week and am hoping that I've managed to secure a second handcopy of Elting's Swords around a throne from caliver. While ordering there I also bought achtung schweinhund so I have quite a bit to read

Currently reading Charles Grants The Wargame (haven't read this for a looong time) and Springs With Zeal and With Bayonets Only which is shaping up very nicely! Andy