Books
by Nicholas Rankin
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Churchill's Wizards: The British Genius for Deception 1914-1945 |
An in-depth history of camouflage and deception in the two world wars, from its beginnings in 1915 and thumbnail sketches of those chiefly responsible. It was chiefly the British who excelled in this, among whom was Ian Fleming, of James Bond fame. Promoted as a 'rollicking', 'delightful'and 'entertaining read', it is much more than that, in parts very moving, a tribute to so many lives selflessly dedicated, often dangerously, to winning the wars, excellently researched.
(Kathie Somerwil Ayrton - bwl 102 Autumn 2021) |
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Churchill's Wizards: The British Genius for Deception 1914-45 |
As a tale of wartime intrigue and derring-do this is undoubtedly an enjoyable and informative read. Who couldn't help but be fascinated by the development of 'dazzle' paint for ships, stainless steel observation posts in the shape of trees, canvas tanks and bodies left with misleading information. But 'genius'? As innovation was strongly resisted by the British and both the French and the Russians were equally successful with concealment the claim does seem slightly excessive.
(Clive Yelf - bwl 55 Winter 2010) |
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Defending the Rock: How Gibraltar Defeated Hitler |
Failure to take Gibraltar was often cited by Axis generals as being critical in their eventual defeat. Its capture would have excluded the British from the Mediterranean with the inevitable loss of North Africa and routes to India. So with Fascist Spain, Nazi Germany, Vichy France and the nascent Italian Empire all seeking its demise the fact it survived came down as much to political intriguing between their competing interests as to its fortress-like appearance.
(Clive Yelf - bwl 99 Winter 2021) |
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