HMSO

This is the first "official history" I have read from the WWII-era. I hadpreviously only confined myself to reading the WWI histories, and came to the conclusion that the "official history" writing took a wrong turn somewhere.
When comparing Paiforce to such equivalent WWI-era histories such as Moberly's books on the Mesopotamian Campain, or Operations in Persia, Paiforce falls woefully short. While Paiforce does offer some interesting glimpses into the conduct of British forces in this area show more during WWII, it provides nothing on the level of detail that its WWI bretheren offered. Which is a shame, since a more detailed discussion on the British operations in the Habiniyah area with Transjordan's Arab Legion could provide more insight into a long-forgotten operation, of which not a lot has been written or discussed.
One additional fault I found, particularly in comparison to the WWI histories, was the propagandizing that found its way into the book, rather than providing a neutral narrative of the events.
The book is very heavy on the logistical operations that took place in the area, which should not be surprising, so this book would be of value for those investigating complex logisitcal operations. But if you are looking for a good narrative akin to Moberly's WWI books, this might not meet the mark.
An important contribution to the literature of a minor front in WWII. show less

An interesting piece of wartime propaganda, which was tied into a feature-length documentary film, itself notable for excellent photography, authenticity (it was shot using actual aircrew rather than actors) and an excellent muscial score by Ralph Vaughan-Williams.

This was the book that my father learnt his soldiering from when in the Home Guard on the outskirts of London in 1940-42. Alas, this is not his original copy, but one he bought years later.

He didn't only learn his soldiering from books, though. His Home Guard platoon had some veterans in it; blokes who had soldiered in many parts of the Empire for Queen and Country. Certainly, there were Great War veterans in his platoon; some of the former Regulars had also seen service in the Boer campaigns.

Superficial text on the history of the mint and the contemporary minting process. Good and interesting illustrations.