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INTSUM - Current News & Reviews
Reading List
Intelligence Corps
WORST FEARS CONFIRMED: THE HISTORY OF INTELLIGENCE CORPS AIRBORNE UNITS – Deeley, G., 2005 Barny Books (see review on this site).
FIELD SECURITY: VERY ORDINARY INTELLIGENCE - Lt. Col. A A Mains, 1992 Picton Publishing
FSS: FIELD SECURITY SECTION – Steers, R., 1996 Books for Dillons Only
FOREARMED: HISTORY OF THE INTELLIGENCE CORPS – Clayton, A., 1996 Brassey's (UK) Ltd
British Airborne Divisions – Units, Operations, Uniforms and Equipment
A (not-exhaustive) Bibliography (with apologies to Paul M) from our collections
1st Airborne Division
A BRIDGE TOO FAR - Ryan, C, 1974 Hamish Hamilton Ltd
Very thorough account of the battle at Arnhem – thence the epic film. Many illustrations & maps.
A DROP TOO MANY - Frost, J. Maj-Gen., 1982 Buchan & Enright
Major-General John Frost's personal account of his wartime experiences; from service in Iraq at the outbreak of the war, the Bruneval Raid, through N. Africa and Sicily, Italy and at finally - the Bridge at Arnhem.
A SAPPER AT ARNHEM : THE MEMOIRS OF HARRY FAULKNER-BROWN - Faulkner-Brown, H., 2006 R.N. Sigmond
A Troop Commander in the 4th Parachute Squadron, RE; landed at Ginkel Heath on the 18th September – then withdrawn over the Rhine on 25th September 1944.
A TOUR OF THE ARNHEM BATTLEFIELDS - Waddy, J., 2001 Leo Cooper / Pen & Sword
A battlefield guide with extensive use of first-hand accounts. illus & maps,
AIRBORNE BATTLE WHEELS OOSTERBEEK: 10TH ANNIVERSARY - Timmerman, D., 2005 R.N. Sigmond Souvenir commemorative book illustrated throughout with photographs of the re-enactments and rallies held by the ABWO foundation – English and Dutch re-enactors (89FSS included!); English & Dutch text.
AIRBORNE CARPET: OPERATION MARKET GARDEN - Farrar-Hockley, A., 1970 Purnell
History of the Second World War Book 9 – one of a useful little series if you’re old enough to remember!
AIRBORNE ENGINEERS, THE SHINY 9TH: AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE 9TH (AIRBORNE) FIELD COMPANY ROYAL ENGINEERS 1939-1945 - Pronk, Patrick, 2001 RN Sigmond
A great tribute to a unit very active in the defence of the perimeter at Oosterbeek
ARNHEM - Urquhart, R.E. Maj-Gen., 1958 Cassell
The General’s own account of the action. A useful summary from the HQ.
ARNHEM: THE BRIDGE - Steer, F., 2003 Leo Cooper / Pen & Sword
Published in the Battleground Europe series, Brig Frank’s account based on extensive on the ground research.
ARNHEM 1944 - Buckingham, W.F., 2004 Tempus
A good overall study, with some weaker areas (a paperback).
ARNHEM 1944 - Piekalkiewicz, J., 1977 Ian Allan
A useful Chronological, blow-by-blow account. First published in German as 'Arnheim 1944'. Some (rare) Illustrations & maps.
ARNHEM 1944: THE AIRBORNE BATTLE, 17-26 SEPTEMBER - Middlebrook, M., 1994 Viking
A very well structured and researched edition, with excellent references to individual’s accounts.
ARNHEM DOCTOR - Mawson, S., 1981 Orbis
Fascinating personal account of Mawson's experiences serving with the Royal Army Medical Corps at Arnhem. Works well with Lippmann Kessels’ superb memoir “Surgeon at Arms”.
ARNHEM LIFT - Hagen. L., 1953 Hammond, & 1977 Severn House, & 1993 BCA Book Club
A real fighting glider pilot remembers. A heroic volunteer whose brothers were in the US forces!
ARNHEM SPEARHEAD: A PRIVATE SOLDIER'S STORY - Sims, J., 1978 Imperial War Museum
Rare personal account of the author's experiences with the 2 Para at the Bridge and then as a prisoner of war.
ARNHEM: A TRAGEDY OF ERRORS - Harclerode, P., 1994 Arms & Armour Press
Peter H’s Arnhem treatment (not particularly controversial despite the title); should be read alongside his epic “Go to it!” An Illustrated History of 6th Airborne.
ARNHEM: THE FIGHT TO SUSTAIN - Steer, F., 2000 Pen & Sword
The untold story of the RASC airborne logisticians from Brig Frank’s (a loggy himself) research
ARNHEM: THE LANDING GROUNDS AND OOSTERBEEK - Steer, F., 2001 Leo Cooper / Pen & Sword
Brig Frank again! From the Battleground Europe series– a good overall battlefield guide.
B COMPANY ARRIVED - van Buggenum, David G, 2003 R. N. Sigmund Publishing
In depth study of a Coy of 2 Para in the streets of Arnhem and beyond, excellent.
BROTHERHOOD OF THE CAULDRON: IRISHMEN IN THE 1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION FROM NORTH AFRICA TO ARNHEM - Truesdale, D., 2002 Redcoat Publishing
Very interesting personal accounts – excellent research. Includes appendix list of 279 Irishmen who served. 227 photos & 4 maps.
BY LAND, SEA AND AIR - Junier, A., Smulders, B., Korsloot, J., 2003 Sigmond Publishing
A superb illustrated history of the South Staffordshire Regiment 1940-1945. From official records and personal accounts photos & maps.
CAPTURE AT ARNHEM: A DIARY OF DISASTER & SURVIVAL - Roberts, H., 1999 The Windrush Press
Captain Harry Roberts memoir is a distillation of his wartime diaries and incorporates the story of his training, his capture at Arnhem and his subsequent experience as a POW. Subaltern in the Advanced Workshop Detachment REME. illustrated.
DIARY OF A RED DEVIL: BY GLIDER TO ARNHEM WITH THE 7TH KING'S OWN SCOTTISH BORDERERS - Blockwell, A. (Clifton, M. ed.), 2005 Helion
Personal account based on the author's wartime diary; from call-up in 1940, service with the KSOB and experience of his nine days at Arnhem where he was captured, and subsequent life as a PoW.
ECHOES FROM ARNHEM - Golden, L., 1984 William Kimber
Reassessment of the role played in the battle by the Airborne Signals, and the communication problems. Includes the experiences since their formation in 1942 and their role in North Africa, Sicily and Italy.
FIRST IN: PARACHUTE PATHFINDER COMPANY – Kent, R., 1979 Batsford
Sgt Kent’s excellent account based on personal memory and first hand accounts of 21 Ind Para Coy’s war (N Africa/Italy as the Pathfinder Coy for the Division.
FREELY I SERVED - Sosabowski, S. Maj-Gen., 1982 Battery Press
General Stanislaw Sosabowski's personal account of his experiences and that of the First Polish Independent Parachute Brigade Group; its formation and role during Operation Market Garden.
GREEN ON! A DETAILED SURVEY OF THE BRITISH PARACHUTE SORTIES DURING OPERATION MARKET GARDEN - Van Hees, A-J., 2004 Self Published
Scarily comprehensive study of the operations carried out between 18-25 September 1944. Illustrations & maps. With separate index.
I WAS A STRANGER - Hackett, J., 1977 Chatto & Windus
Brigadier John Hackett’s account of his escape after the Battle of Arnhem.
IT NEVER SNOWS IN SEPTEMBER - Kershaw, R.J., 2004 Ian Allan
The definitive English language German view of Market-Garden and the Battle of Arnhem September 1944.
MAJOR AND MRS HOLT'S BATTLEFIELD GUIDE TO OPERATION MARKET GARDEN - Holt, T & V., Pen & Sword Books
Leopoldsburg, Eindhoven, Nijmegen, Arnhem & Oosterbeek. Chronological guide to the campaign, plus touring information, illustrations & maps.
MEN AT ARNHEM - Angus, T. (Powell, G.), 1976 & 1998 Leo Cooper (republished under his own name)
156 Parachute Battalion’s annihilation seen through the eyes of one of its forty-six survivors - a Coy commander. (Tom Angus was the pseudonym of author Geoffrey Powell).
NINE DAYS AT ARNHEM - Sigmond, R.N., 2004 Sigmond Publishing
Canadian Officers - under the CANLOAN Scheme - in the 7th (Galloway) Battalion The King's Own Scottish Borderers 1944-1945. 1st British Airborne Division; Canada, UK, Holland & Norway
NO SURRENDER AT ARNHEM - Peatling, R., 2004 self published
Rob Peatling’s (2 Para) experiences at Arnhem, and having refused to surrender, his seven months behind enemy lines; based on his diary written at the time.
OFF AT LAST: AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE 7TH (GALLOWAY) BATTALION THE KING'S OWN SCOTTISH BORDERERS, 1939-1945 - Sigmund, R., 1997 Renkum
Superb history, with excellent pictures of the Air/Landing battalion at war
OPERATION MARKET GARDEN THEN AND NOW: TWO VOLUME SET - Margry, K. (ed.), After the Battle
The must have set complete with 1328 illustrations – superb coverage of 1st Airborne.
OVER & OVER: EYEWITNESS ACCOUNTS OF THE BATTLE OF ARNHEM - Van Teeseling, P.A., 2000 Kontrast Publishing
Personal accounts by Dutch civilians and some combatant – includes many previously unpublished photographs.
POLES APART: THE POLISH AIRBORNE AT THE BATTLE OF ARNHEM - Cholewczynski, G.F., 1993 Greenhill / Sarpendon
The, hopefully soon to be republished in an updated form, narrative of the Poles at Driel – simply superb illustrations & maps.
RED BERETS AND RED CROSSES - Cherry, N.,2005 Sigmond
The story of the Para and A/L Medical Services in the 1st Airborne Division in World War II. illustrated.
REMEMBER ARNHEM - Fairley, J., 1978 Pegasus Journal
The only account thus far of the 1st Airborne Reconnaissance Squadron at Arnhem. Illustrations & maps.
SALUTE TO THE STEADFAST: FROM DELHI TO ARNHEM WITH 151/156 PARACHUTE BATTALION - Bankhead, H., 2005 Anthony Rowe
From it's formation in India to it's destruction at Arnhem, written by veteran Harry Bankhead. illus & maps.
SURGEON AT ARMS - Kessel, L. & St. John, J., 1976 Leo Cooper
Superb memoirs of a surgeon parachuted into Arnhem with the First Airborne Division, his experiences, evasion and escape.
THE BATTLE OF ARNHEM - Hibbert, C., 1962 Batsford
Christopher Hibbert’s concise account of the campaign. illustrations & maps.
THE BRUNEVAL RAID: FLASHPOINT OF THE RADAR WAR - Millar, G., 1974 The Bodley Head
The then Maj Frost and 2 Para’s early raid (1942) on the Bruneval radar station in Normandy.
THE DEVIL'S BIRTHDAY: THE BRIDGES TO ARNHEM 1944 - Powell, G., 1984 Buchan & Enright
Comprehensive account of Operation Market Garden. The author, Geofrey Powell served with 156 Para throughout the battle for Arnhem and was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry during the battle (see “Men at Arnhem above”).
THE GREY GOOSE OF ARNHEM - Heaps, L., 1976 Weidenfeld & Nicholson
Gunner Leo Heaps The story of the mass escape aided by the Dutch Resistance of Arnhem survivors after the battle.
THE GUNNERS AT ARNHEM – Wilkinson, P., 1999 Spurwing Publishing
Good coverage of 1st (Air-Landed) Light Regiment (RA), dug in behind the old church etc
THE PEGASUS PATROL - Turnbull, J. & Hamblett, J., 1994 privately published.
The history of the 1st Airborne Division Provost Company, Corps of Military Police 1942-1945. They served in North Africa, Sicily and Italy, at Arnhem, in Norway and Denmark.
THE ROYAL AIR FORCE AT ARNHEM: GLIDER AND RE-SUPPLY MISSIONS IN SEPTEMBER 1944 - Buist, L., Reinders, P., Maassen, G., 2005 The Society of Friends of the Airborne Museum, Oosterbeek
New Based on official documents and eyewitness accounts.
THE SILKEN CANOPY - Dover, V. Maj., 1979 Cassell
Experiences in Algeria, Tunisia, and Arnhem with the 2nd Battalion captured in the town.
THE TORN HORIZON: THE AIRBORNE CHAPLAINS AT ARNHEM – Van Roekel, C., 2000 J.& W. ter Horst & C. van Roekel, Oosterbeek
Now out of print Account of the individual British and Polish army chaplains and their experiences during the Battle of Arnhem.
WHEN DRAGONS FLEW: ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE 1ST BATTALION THE BORDER REGIMENT, 1939-45 - Eastwood, Gray, Green, 1994 SLP Ltd
Superb history, with excellent pictures of the Air/Landing battalion at war.
WINGED STALLION: FIGHTING AND TRAINING WITH THE FIRST AIRBORNE - Packe, M., 1988 Blandford Account of the First Airborne Division formation from its inception in 1942 until the end of the war; from England to North Africa, Sicily, Italy & Germany and Arnhem. The author was one of its earliest volunteer. First published 1948 as 'First Airborne'.
WINGS OF THE WIND - Stainforth, P., 1954 The Falcon Press
A small unit account from 1st Parachute Brigade during its first two years of action in Tunisia, Sicily, Italy & Arnhem.
WITH NOTHING BIGGER THAN A BREN GUN - Cherry, N.,2007 Brendon Publishing
The Defence of the Schoolhouse at the Arnhem Road Bridge September 1944. Account of the action at the Van Limburg Stirum Scool by elements of the 1st Parachute Squadron Royal Engineers and C Company of the 3rd Parachute Battalion.
WITH SPANNERS DESCENDING: A HISTORY OF THE ROYAL ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERS WITH 1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION 1942-1945 - Roberts, J., 1996 Bluecoat Press
Very difficult to get REME at Arnhem treatment – excellent coverage of a small and then “new” unit.
WITHOUT TRADITION: 2 PARA 1941-1945 - Peatling, R., 2004 Pen & Sword
The Second Battalion's five airborne operations behind enemy lines, in the words of fifty members; Bruneval, North Africa, Sicily, Italy & Arnhem.
6th Airborne Division
AIRBORNE ARMOUR - Flint, K., 2004 Helion
The Tetrarch &, Locust tank - into battle in the Hamilcar Glider - 6th Airborne Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment.
BATTLE ZONE NORMANDY 1: ORNE BRIDGEHEAD - Clark, L., 2004 Sutton
Carriable short history and battlefield guide with illustrations & maps.
CANADIAN AIRBORNE FORCES SINCE 1942 - Horn, B. & Wyczynski, M., 2006 Osprey Elite 143.
WW2 section probably too short in comparison. Illustrated by C. Chagas.
CORDON AND SEARCH: WITH THE 6TH AIRBORNE DIVISION IN PALESTINE 1945-48 - Wilson, R.D. Major (thence Maj-Gen), Gale & Polden 1949 & 1984 Battery Press
History of the British 6th Airborne division, on duty in Palestine Sept 1945 to May 1948, conducting a variety of counter-insurgency operations in both rural and urban environments against Jewish dissidents.
D-DAY THEN AND NOW : TWO VOLUME SET - Ramsey, W.G. (ed.), After the Battle
The must have Normandy set with over 1800 illustrations with excellent coverage of the Orne Bridgehead area.
DROPZONE NORMANDY - Crookenden, N., 1976 Ian Allan
The story of the British (and American) airborne assault on D Day 1944, by someone who was there.
GO TO IT! THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE 6TH AIRBORNE DIVISION – Harclerode, P., 2000 Caxton Editions
Definitive account of 6th Airborne from formation to war and beyond, excellent illustrations and maps.
“GO TO IT” THE STORY OF THE 3RD PARACHUTE SQUADRON, R.E. - Major J. S. R. Shave, M.C., R.E., 2003 The Airborne Engineers Association
A nice study of a unit with a vital role on the night 5/6 June 1944
MAJOR AND MRS HOLT'S BATTLEFIELD GUIDE : NORMANDY LANDING BEACHES - Holt, T & V., Pen & Sword Books
Chronological guide to the campaign including a section on the Orne Bridgehead, plus touring information.
ONE NIGHT IN JUNE - Shannon, K. & Wright, S., 2000 Wrens Park
Operation Tonga, the initial phase of the invasion of Normandy 1944. Includes the attacks on the Merville Battery and the bridges over the Orne River and the Caen Canal.
PEGASUS BRIDGE - Ambrose, S.E., 1984 George Allen & Unwin
Ambrose’s definitive account of The Ox & Bucks glider-borne assault, at 1215 on 6th June 1944.
PEGASUS BRIDGE / MERVILLE BATTERY - Shilleto, C., 2003 Leo Cooper / Pen & Sword
Battleground Europe; Normandy series – a good primer for the twin airborne assaults, and field guide.
RED DEVILS IN NORMANDY - Bernage, G., 2002 Heimdal
A useful guide with some excellent photographs - The 6th Airborne Division; 5-6 June 1944.
THE BIG DROP: THE GUNS OF MERVILLE, JUNE 1944 - Golley, J., 1982 Jane's
A superb and informative account of Col Otway’s and 9 Para epic adventure. When read in conjunction with Neil Barber’s book gives you a fully rounded picture of the plans leading to, and the carrying out of, the action.
THE DAY THE DEVILS DROPPED IN: THE 9TH PARACHUTE BATTALION IN NORMANDY, D-DAY TO D+6 - Barber, N., 2002 Leo Cooper
Provides additional information on 9 Para after Merville – a decimated Battalion forced to soldier on against the odds with little chance of reinforcement.
THE DEVIL'S OWN LUCK: PEGASUS BRIDGE TO THE BALTIC 1944-45 - Edwards, D., 2005 Pen & Sword
Superb account based upon the author's diary; Denis Edwards served in Major John Howard's company of the Ox & Bucks Light Infantry.
THE PEGASUS DIARIES: THE PRIVATE PAPERS OF MAJOR JOHN HOWARD DSO - Howard, J. & Bates, P., 2007 Pen & Sword
From his private diaries (reviewed elsewhere) – illuminating!!
THE TALE OF TWO BRIDGES - Maddox, B. (Pine-Coffin. R.G.), 2003 self published.
The 7th (Light Infantry) Parachute Battalion's defence of the bridges over the Caen Canal and River Orne; based on the diary of Colonel R.G. Pine-Coffin, DSO., MC. and memoirs of some of the men who served with him.
Glider Units (attached 1st & 6th Airborne)
AIM FOR A SOFT LANDING: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF A WWII GLIDER PILOT - Jones, R.W. & Jones E.M., 2000 L. Brown.
Major T.D.B. McMillen, MC. & The Glider Pilot Regiment, at Sicily and beyond.
HORSA SQUADRON - Morrison, W., 1988 William Kimber
The 1st Independent Squadron of the Glider Pilot Regiment; its role in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, southern France, Greece and Yugoslavia.
LION WITH BLUE WINGS: THE STORY OF THE GLIDER PILOT REGIMENT 1942-1945 - Seth, R., 1955 Victor Gollancz.
An early history illustrated of the GPR.
NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE: A GLIDER PILOT'S STORY OF SICILY, ARNHEM AND THE RHINE CROSSING - Miller, V., 1994 Spellmount
A glider pilots personal account.
SILENT INVADER: A GLIDER PILOT'S STORY OF THE INVASION OF EUROPE IN WORLD WAR II - Morrison, A., 2002 Airlife
The author's experiences from training through Operation Overlord and Operation Market Garden, to his capture at Arnhem and life as a POW.
THE GLIDER SOLDIERS: A HISTORY OF BRITISH MILITARY GLIDER FORCES - Wood, A., 1992 Spellmount
THE HISTORY OF THE GLIDER PILOT REGIMENT - Smith, C., 1992 Leo Cooper.
General (inc Arms & Equipment)
AIRBORNE AT WAR - Crookenden, N., 1978 Ian Allan
Accounts of Eben Emael, Crete, Corregidor and 'Operation VARSITY' - the crossing of the Rhine from the CO of 9 Para on VARSITY. Illustrated (some rare images) in a semi- magazine format.
ALLIED SPECIAL FORCES INSIGNIA 1939-1948 - Taylor, P., 1997 Leo Cooper
Peter’s comprehensive guide; includes Commandos, SAS, Long Range Desert Group, SOE, the Chindits amongst others, and a large section devoted to Airborne forces. Colour photos of the insignia.
BRITISH AIRBORNE JEEPS 1942 -1945: MODIFICATIONS & MARKINGS - Van Meel, R., 2002 Groucho Publishing
Well illustrated with scale plans & (some dodgy quality) b/w photographs - a must have for vehicle enthusiasts.
BRITISH AIRBORNE TROOPS 1940-45 - Gregory, B., 1974 PBS
An simple, but useful introduction to British Second World War airborne forces. Training, organisation, weapons, equipment, unit histories and military operations.
BRITISH ARMY UNIFORMS & INSIGNIA OF WORLD WAR TWO - Davis, B.L., 1983 Arms & Armour Press
A detailed study, includes all types of WW2 British uniform, helmets, footwear, badges, patches, titles, specialist clothing, With over 750 illustrations, 4 pages of insignia in colour.
BRITISH PARACHUTE FORCES 1940-45 - Davies, H.P., 1974 Arms & Armour Press, Key Uniform Guide 2
Not easy to find good background and uniform details. Over 80 wartime b/w photographs & 2 colour plates.
BY AIR TO BATTLE – HMSO, 1945 & 1978 HMSO
Prepared for the Air Ministry by the Ministry of Information. Published October 1945.
Monte Vulture, Bruneval, North Africa, Sicily, Italy, Normandy, Arnhem and The Rhine.
D-DAY PARATROOPERS: THE BRITISH, THE CANADIANS, THE FRENCH - Bouchery, J. & Charbonnier, P., 2004 Histoire & Collections
Colour photo study of the uniforms, kit, equipment, insignia, vehicles & weapons; 100's of close-up colour photos, plus reconstructions and original b/w photos. 6th Airborne Division, 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion and the French Special Air Service. Placed in the General section as the majority of the kit is equally appropriate to 1st Airborne.
FOR KING AND COUNTRY: BRITISH AIRBORNE UNIFORMS, INSIGNIA & EQUIPMENT IN WORLD WAR II - Glenn, H., 2000 Schiffer
The major reference study – highly recommended. Over 600 colour and b/w photographs and useful for spotting people you know!
IMAGES OF WAR: MOTORCYCLES AT WAR - Birch, G., 2006 Pen & Sword
Rare photographs from wartime archives; a selection of rarely seen photos with captions and narrative text. British, American and German bikes, motorcycle displays, uniforms, interwar experimentation, welbike's and Airborne motorcycles. His book on Jeeps in British service is also recommended but too few airborne examples are covered.
THE BRITISH SOLDIER VOLUME 1: FROM D-DAY TO VE-DAY - Bouchery, J., 2003 Histoire & Collections
Uniforms, insignia, equipment; includes airborne forces. Colour photographs of British military kit & equipment; plus detailed notes. North West Europe 1944-1945.
THE RED BERET: THE STORY OF THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT AT WAR 1940-1945 - Saunders, H.St.G., 1950 Michael Joseph
Early history, very British! 38 illustrations & 11 maps.
THE RED DEVILS - Norton, G.G., 1986 Leo Cooper
The story of the British Airborne Forces: from Bruneval to the Falklands.
TOMMY: UNIFORMS, WEAPONS AND EQUIPMENT OF THE AIRBORNE FORCES - Gordon, D., 1998 Pictorial Histories Publishing
The Collector's Historical Perspective to the British Soldier of WW2. Volume One – no Vol 2 was issued and, this one’s littered with factual errors, useful for the photos however. The author redeemed himself with his excellent 3 volume set Weapons, Uniforms and Equipment of the WW2 Tommy (written whilst convalescing from a car accident). Many illustrations & photographs.
