Peter Davies est une personnalité marquante des médias sud-africains, passé du journalisme d'information et de la rédaction de SA Sports Illustrated à son rôle actuel de présentateur sur la chaîne payante MNET. Son expérience journalistique éclaire probablement un sens aigu de la narration et du détail dans son travail actuel.
For over forty years, former band members of Generation 27, a briefly
successful band in the late seventies, have been haunted by the shadows of the
group's collapse. Only when strangely familiar figures emerge from those
shadows is each of them forced to confront their loss and regret.
In 1960, SAC's B-52s began a nonstop, eight-year, nuclear-armed patrol. Fully illustrated, this study explains how one of the Cold War's most challenging operations was conceived and flown. Operation Chrome Dome was Strategic Air Command's unprecedented nuclear deterrence operation, a hugely elaborate and costly response to the perceived nuclear missile threat from the Soviet Union. In this book, Cold War aviation historian Peter E. Davies explains how for eight years, Chrome Dome required 12 B-52 Stratofortresses to maintain a ceaseless airborne alert within striking distance of Soviet targets, orbiting over the Mediterranean and north of Alaska. Each bomber stayed aloft for 24 hours, flying for around 10,000 miles until relieved by another. In each cockpit a top-secret Combat Mission Folder contained details of the routes and procedures for a nuclear attack on a pre-determined Soviet target. Dramatic and controversial, the years of unrelenting Chrome Dome missions saw several B-52 crashes and losses of nuclear weapons, most famously those in Greenland and off the Spanish coast. Drawing on first-hand information from the personnel who flew and supported these gargantuan efforts, and packed with archive photos, superb new artwork, maps and diagrams, this book offers an authoritative history of how SAC flew its most challenging operation of the Cold War.
An illustrated account of the early service of the Lockheed U-2, one of the most important and longest-serving intelligence gathering platforms fielded by the US air force.The U-2 is one of the most recognizable aircraft of the Cold War; nicknamed the 'Dragon Lady' after the codename given to it by the CIA, this powered glider was designed and operated in great secrecy, providing US authorities with photographic and electronic information from areas of interest across the globe. This illuminating new volume dives deep into the U-2's most critical missions, exploring its role in the Cuban Missile Crisis, nuclear reconnaissance in the Soviet Union, and intelligence missions in China and North Vietnam.Using previously unpublished research, aviation expert Peter E. Davies examines the operations of one of the landmark aircraft of the 20th century from a fresh and engaging perspective, enhanced by more than 50 photos and 21 newly commissioned profile artworks.
With specially commissioned artworks and dynamic combat ribbon diagrams, this volume reveals how the 'last of the gunfighters', as the F-8 was dubbed by its pilots, prevailed against the growing MiG threat of the Vietnamese People's Air Force. When the Vietnam War began, the F-8 was already firmly established as a fighter and reconnaissance aircraft. It entered combat as an escort for Alpha strike packages, braving the anti-aircraft artillery and surface-to-air missiles alongside the A-4 Skyhawk bombers and meeting MiGs for the first time on 3 April 1965. Although the Crusader was nicknamed 'last of the gunfighters', its pilots employed 'secondary' AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles in all but one of their MiG kills, with guns also used as back-up in three. Its 20 mm guns were unreliable as they often jammed during strenuous manoeuvres, although they were responsible for damaging a number of MiGs. However, in combat the F-8 had the highest 'exchange ratio' (kills divided by losses) at six-to-one of any US combat aircraft involved in the Vietnam War. Through the copious use of first-hand accounts, highly detailed battlescene artwork, combat ribbon diagrams and armament views, Osprey's Vietnam air war specialist Peter E. Davies charts the successful career of the F-8 Crusader over Vietnam.
With first-hand insight into the key role of the US Air Force's fighter-bomber from the Vietnam War through to Operation Desert Storm during the First Gulf War, this book is an unmissable account of some of the most dangerous and demanding missions in the two wars. The advent of the surface-to-air missile (SAM) in the early 1950s threatened the whole concept of aerial bombing from medium and high altitude. Countermeasures were developed during the Korean War, but with little initial success. It was only in the closing stages of the Vietnam War, with the F-4Cww Phantom II (Wild Weasel 4), that this equipment started to become successful enough to allow a substantial investment in converting 116 F-4E Phantom IIs into dedicated SEAD aircraft. This move introduced a new generation of anti-radar missiles which became invaluable in later operations including operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm and Northern Watch over Iraq. This volume features dynamic archival photography from crews who flew the jet, alongside mission accounts and technical details of the development and fielding of the F-4 Wild Weasel in its various iterations. Including specially commissioned artwork of 'sharkmouthed' Phantom IIs in Vietnam jungle camouflage and more modern USAF 'Ghost Gray', this book is the ultimate visual and technical guide to the F-4 Phantom II Wild Weasel Units in combat.
A series of eight short stories featuring Rhonnie, a cross-eyed rhino, and her friends offers entertaining and informative tales for young readers aged 0 to 9. The stories are designed to engage early learners while also appealing to older children and adults, making them a delightful read for the whole family.
Strap in alongside the Sabre pilots as they experienced the world's first large-scale jet-vs-jet combats. Brought to life with innovative tactical artwork and dramatic first-hand accounts from the pilots themselves. The F-86A Sabre had entered USAF service in 1949, and in December 1950 three squadrons were sent to South Korea. Despite primitive basing conditions and overwhelming Chinese opposition, the Sabre pilots stopped communist air forces from attacking UN ground troops and allowed Allied fighter-bombers to operate without threat of interception. The ensuing air battles between Sabres and MiG-15s were the first since World War II, and the last in recent times to involve large numbers of jet fighters in direct confrontation. In all of them the victorious F-86 pilots demonstrated the superiority of their training and tactics and the outstanding qualities of their Sabres. Contemporary photographs and specially commissioned artwork, including a dramatic battlescene, armament views, technical diagrams and ribbon diagrams illustrating step-by-step each main dogfight explored in the book, bring the experiences of the Sabre pilots and their battle tactics vividly to life.
This fully illustrated study delves into the remarkable Convair B-36 during the Cold War. Developed in 1941 as a contingency for a potential German occupation of Britain, the B-36 was designed as a '10,000-mile bomber' equipped with heavy defensive armament and six engines, aimed at evading fighter interception. Despite rapid advancements in jet technology rendering it somewhat obsolete, the B-36 played a crucial role in various nuclear test programs and served as a key component of the US nuclear deterrent until the B-52's introduction in 1955. Notably, it was one of the first aircraft to incorporate significant amounts of magnesium, earning it the nickname 'Magnesium Overcast.' The aircraft's impressive dimensions and complexity included 27 miles of wiring, a wingspan greater than the Wright brothers' first flight, engine power equivalent to 400 cars, and an internal capacity comparable to three five-room houses, along with 27,000 gallons of fuel—enough to drive around the world 18 times. The B-36 remained in service until its retirement in February 1959 after 11 years with SAC. Convair employees proposed various names for the aircraft, with 'Peacemaker' being the most favored, although it was never officially adopted due to objections from religious groups. This volume features first-hand accounts, original photographs, and up to 30 profile artworks illustrating the B-36's intricate design.
A detailed look at the deadly battle between US Navy F9F Panther jet fighter-bombers and communist anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) defenses that proliferated throughout the Korean War.The F9F Panther was one of the many fighters converted for ground-attack duties, following an established US tradition. Originally designed as a jet fighter, in April 1951 it became the first jet to launch from a carrier with bombs loaded, using them to destroy a crucial railway bridge at Songjin. The Panther's four 20 mm guns were considered to be very effective for flak suppression and these aircraft were used as escorts for propeller-driven AD Skyraider and F4U Corsair attack aircraft. However, later in 1951, flak damage to Panthers increased as the Chinese established better AAA weapons to defend key transport routes. The communist AAA crews had heavy guns of 37 mm caliber and above. Gunners could use optical height finders, predictors and in many cases radar control. They learned to conceal their weapons in civilian buildings, use wires to bring aircraft down, and set up false targets as "flak traps."Both opponents' tactics and gunnery are explored in depth in this study of the F9F Panthers and of their adversaries. Containing full-color illustrations including cockpit scenes and armament views, this innovative volume also includes a detailed analysis of the US Navy Panthers' loss rates and their causes.
The helicopter played a crucial role in the US war effort, particularly highlighting the effectiveness of the gunship concept during the Vietnam War. This exploration focuses on the UH-1 Iroquois, or "Huey," often referred to as the US Army's aerial jeep. This versatile helicopter facilitated troop mobility in challenging jungle environments, enabling airlifting of troops, casualty evacuations, pilot rescues, cargo transport, and rapid command transit. Although helicopters became practical during the Korean War, their evolution accelerated before Vietnam, leading to their use as primary combat tools by 1965. North Vietnamese forces, experienced in jungle warfare, employed tactics that avoided direct confrontations, relying on stealth and difficult terrain to evade US forces. Gunship helicopters, equipped with advanced searchlights and night vision, became essential for tracking and attacking the enemy. The introduction of the UH-1C "Huey Hog" in 1960 marked a significant advancement, offering enhanced power and agility over its predecessor. Heavily armed and easily transportable, these helicopters posed a substantial challenge to insurgent forces. This analysis delves into the innovative tactics and combat strategies introduced by gunship helicopters, as well as the insurgents' responses to the emergence of vertical aviation.
A heartbreaking, soul-baring novel about the repercussions of choice that
';will strike a resonant chord with parents everywhere,' (starred Kirkus )
from the award-winning author of The Welsh Girl and The Fortunes
Focusing on the evolution of Britain's national intelligence machinery, this book provides a comprehensive history of UK economic intelligence, particularly during the Cold War. It presents a fresh perspective on how economic factors influenced intelligence operations and sheds light on the intricate workings of the UK's intelligence community in a pivotal historical context.
Including articles, essays, letters, broadcasts and interviews, some
previously unpublished, this volume brings together more than seventy written
and spoken-word sources to illuminate the life and work of the composer Peter
Maxwell Davies. This book will appeal to music specialists and others
interested in British post-war culture.
An exploration and analysis of the tactics, equipment, and effectiveness of
the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk, the US Navy's primary strike weapon during the war in
Vietnam, and its main adversary--North Vietnam's antiaircraft artillery
network.
This illustrated study explores the design, development, and deployment of the
F-102, a groundbreaking fighter intended to combat the threat of Soviet
nuclear-armed bombers.
A comparative evaluation of the tactics and technology involved in the battles between the USAF's Republic F-105 Thunderchief fighter-bombers and their VPAF MiG-17 opponents during the Vietnam War.Fully illustrated with stunning artwork, this book shows how the F-105 and the MiG-17, totally different in design and purpose, fought in a series of duels that cost both sides dearly.The F-105D Thunderchief was originally designed as a low-altitude nuclear strike aircraft, but the outbreak of the Vietnam War led to it being used instead as the USAF's primary conventional striker against the exceptionally well-defended targets in North Vietnam and Laos. F-105 crews conducted long-distance missions from bases in Thailand, refueling in flight several times and carrying heavy external bombloads.The MiG-17 was the lightweight, highly maneuverable defending fighter it encountered most often in 1965–68 during Operation Rolling Thunder . A development of the MiG-15, which shocked UN forces during the Korean War, its emphasis was on simplicity and ease of maintenance in potentially primitive conditions.
The F-4 Phantom II is perhaps the most famous post-war fighter. This title
examines the unique aspects of the Phantom that made it so crucial to US Navy
pilots during the Vietnam War - its massive engine power, long range, speed,
and, the most powerful airborne search and fire-control radar... číst celé
Reveals the design and development history of the naval Phantom, its variants
and the exported designs adopted by other NATO countries. Packed with
illustrations, and photographs, this book provides a technical history of one
of the most famous aircraft ever built.
Although built in small numbers for the USAF, the F-104C fought and survived
for almost three years in Vietnam. This book covers the technical
characteristics of the F-104 Starfighter, one of the most widely-used and
popular aircraft in history. It also features photographs detailing the
variety of nose-paint schemes and weapons configurations.
Despite its 'F-for-fighter' designation, the F-105 was designed and purchased
to give the USAF an aircraft capable of the delivery of nuclear weapons at
very high speed, long range and below-the-radar altitudes. This title deals
with this aircraft. číst celé
An introduction to USAF squadrons happened just in time for the Vietnam
conflict where USAF F-4Cs took over MiG-fighting duties from the F-100 Super
Sabre. It deals with this topic.
Facing the most formidably concentrated air defences in history, pilots of the
F-105D flew against North Vietnamese targets day after day during the 43
months of Operation Rolling Thunder. This book illustrates the importance of
the Thunderchief in the Rolling Thunder campaign. číst celé
Blending narrative with analysis, this book explores a time of obscene
opulence, mass starvation, and ground-breaking ideals; where the streets of
Paris ran red with blood, and the numbers requiring execution precipitated the
invention of the guillotine. It considers the legacy of the revolution and how
it continues to resonate in France.
"This book draws us into the dangerous world braved by American and North Vietnamese airmen in the skies over Southeast Asia. By detailing the technical specifications of each jet and analyzing their weaponry, avionics and survival equipment, the author reveals the strengths and weaknesses of two of the Cold War's most iconic combat aircraft. Influential wing and regiment commanders and tacticians are profiled, providing a comparative evaluation of their contrasting skills, and how they exploited the fighters' strengths and minimized their weaknesses in combat. First-hand accounts place you in the midst of these epic aerial engagements that were fought over the jungles of North Vietnam, as USAF Phantom-II crews attempted to defend vulnerable fighter-bombers from the aggressive attacks of the well-trained MiG-21 pilots."--Back cover
This journal reprints the history of the Elder Dempster company by Peter N. Davies, from 1852-1972, originally published in 1973. It includes an additional chapter, also by Peter Davies, on the history of the company from 1973-1989, covering its decline and final years. The purpose is to describe and analyse the economic history of the Elder Dempster shipping company and its predecessors, plus an account of West African and British economic backgrounds. The journal is divided into five parts, each concerning a different era in the company's history. Part 1 covers the formation of the African Steam Ship Company (which would eventually merge and become Elder Dempster); Part 2 covers the expansion of Elder Dempster and the partnership with Alfred Lewis Jones; Part 3 explores major historical events and their impact on Elder Dempster, including the Great War, the transition from war to peace, and the end of the Royal Mail group; Part 4 concerns the establishment of Elder DempsterLines Limited, the emergeance of successful rival companies, the Second World War and post-war reconstruction, and prediction for the company for the 1970s and beyond, as this part concluded the first edition of the history; Part 5 is a retrospective look at the 1970s and 1980s, and tracks the decline of Elder Dempster.
The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, from which this paperback edition was created, is a new dictionary: new in content, new in format, and new in the wealth of information it offers. The idea for a truly American dictionary was conceived by the staff of American Heritage out of their deep sense of responsibility as custodians of the American tradition in language as well as history. Five years in the making as a joint project of American Heritage Publishing Company and Houghton Mifflin Company, it was prepared with the assistance of several hundred of America's most notable educators, writers, editors, and public speakers.
Contains over 155,000 entries, with current meanings given first. Includes notes on usage, quoted and original examples, and several thousand illustrations.