Böcker av Mike Osborne

Oxfordshire's strategic position in the Thames Valley has meant that the county boasts many historic sites of battles, sieges, hillforts, castles, airfields, anti-invasion defences, barracks and munitions plants. All are described in this book and placed in their social, political and military context.

This book shows Britain's youngsters adapting to the conditions of the Second World War, with many of their schools fulfilling military roles. They endured physical danger from bombing and disease; worked in industry and agriculture; served in the Home Guard and ARP; volunteered in health and welfare; and prepared for military service as cadets.

Bedfordshire has always been strategically important. From Iron Age hillforts to medieval sieges and battles it has seen significant military action. In WWI the county contributed to the birth of the RAF. In WWII its bases despatched RAF and USAAF bombers over Germany, but the major activity was the secret war associated with the Bedford Triangle.

This book tells the largely untold story of WWI's Volunteer Training Corps, the forgotten equivalent of World War II's Home Guard. Self-financing and training in their spare time they developed as an effective anti-invasion force. Alongside VTC were the many medical, transport, police and youth organisations which also kept the home fires burning.

Northamptonshire's central position astride some of England's major routes made it the scene of decisive battles, skirmishes and sieges whose evidence is reflected in the landscape. Visible defensive sites, ranging from castles to missile bases, are described in this book and placed in their social, political, historical and military contexts.

Leicestershire and Rutland's position astride some of England's major routes made them the scene of decisive battles, skirmishes and sieges, all of which have left their marks on the landscape. This book covers defensive sites, ranging from castles to missile bases, and places them in their social, political, historical, and military contexts.

Throughout history, Cambridgeshire (including Huntingdon and Peterborough) has figured in many of the conflicts which have shaped our nation.

Defending London

Defending Hampshire