Black Yanks is the story of how an African American soldier from Missouri ended up on death row in D-Day Britain – and the extraordinary campaign that set him free. The drama plays out over a tumultuous six weeks, set against a backdrop of the most audacious sea-borne invasion ever attempted.
Click above to read Linda’s book review
The subject of the biography, Lieutenant General Sir George Lea, is one of the lesser-known post WW2 Far East counter insurgency specialists. Lea played a significant role in the Malayan Emergency in the mid 1950s when commanding 22 Special Air Service Regiment and then in the Indonesian Confrontation in the mid 1960s as Director of Operations. He was very much a “soldiers’ general” who, through his fantastic people skills, and leadership qualities could always bring the best out of those around him.
Click above to read Andy’s book review
Half a Banana is the wartime diary of Lieutenant-Colonel Peter Kemmis Betty, a young Gurkha officer captured by the Japanese after the fall of Singapore in 1942. Held in Changi POW camp, he and his childhood friend Alec Ogilvie spent over three years overseeing vegetable gardens that sustained thousands of Allied prisoners, fostering resilience and hope amid starvation, disease, brutality, and monotony. The diary offers a deeply human, uplifting depiction of camaraderie, morale, and resourcefulness, illustrating how ordinary acts—gardening, maintaining routines, and solidarity—helped preserve dignity. Published to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, its proceeds support the Pahar Trust Nepal.
Click above to read Linda’s book review
Mitchell: The Father of the Spitfire by Paul Beaver is a detailed biography of R.J. Mitchell, the brilliant British aeronautical engineer who designed the iconic Spitfire fighter plane. The book explores Mitchell’s early life, his pioneering work at Supermarine, and his relentless pursuit of innovation in aviation. Despite battling ill health, Mitchell pushed the boundaries of aircraft design, ultimately creating the Spitfire, which played a vital role in Britain’s victory during the Battle of Britain. Paul Beaver combines technical insight with personal stories, presenting Mitchell as a determined, visionary engineer whose legacy reshaped aviation history and helped defend freedom during WWII.
Click above to read Colin’s book review
Chris Goss has written a detailed and informative book on the Dornier Do 217, showcasing his expertise and dedication to accuracy in military history. The aircraft, used as a bomber and night fighter, made history by being the first to deliver precision-guided weapons in combat. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in the Luftwaffe during World War II.
Click above to read Geoff’s book review
Korea: War Without End examines the stand-off between East and West in Korea that ultimately defined the second half of the 20th century. It provides a critical analysis of the lack of preparation by the West for war; the results of the North Korean invasion in June 1950; the counter-stroke by MacArthur in September and then the strategic overreach which led to communist China’s involvement on the North Korean side, and the rapid escalation to consideration of the use of nuclear weapons.
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This May, a powerful and poignant new title, Half a Banana, is set to shed fresh light on a little-known aspect of World War II. Based on the wartime diary of Peter Kemmis Betty, a young Gurkha officer captured by the Japanese at the fall of Singapore, the book offers an intimate, often surprising portrait of life inside Changi prisoner-of-war camp.
This May, a powerful and poignant new title, Half a Banana, is set to shed fresh light on a little-known aspect of World War II. Based on the wartime diary of Peter Kemmis Betty, a young Gurkha officer captured by the Japanese at the fall of Singapore, the book offers an intimate, often surprising portrait of life inside Changi prisoner-of-war camp.
Unlike most POWs who were sent north to endure the horrors of the Burma/Thai railway, Peter and his childhood friend Alec Ogilvie remained in Singapore for the entirety of their captivity. Together, they helped manage the vegetable gardens that sustained over 17,000 Allied prisoners — a quiet act of resilience and ingenuity that came to define their experience.
Through Peter’s diary, readers witness not only the hardship and uncertainty of imprisonment, but also the enduring loyalty, spirit, and humanity that flourished behind the wire. Half a Banana is both a tribute to friendship and a compelling eyewitness account of survival, told without bitterness and rich with understated courage.
Published to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, Half a Banana is now available from [email protected] and Amazon. Profits from the book will go to Pahar Trust Nepal, supporting schools in the foothills of the Himalayas.
BMMHS will shortly be reviewing this book…details to follow.
In his detailed history of Britain’s war in Afghanistan, the author examines the origins of Britain’s involvement, the strategies employed, and the experiences of soldiers on the ground. Despite some successes, the ultimate withdrawal saw high casualties and little long-term benefit for Afghanistan. The book offers a critical assessment of political and military leadership while also highlighting the courage and determination of British forces.
Click above to read Linda’s review
“Lost Endeavour” is a detailed account of the ill-fated Gallipoli Campaign, written by Charles Watkins who served in the 6th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers. Despite some flaws in his memory and embellishments in his narrative, Watkins provides vivid descriptions of the life of a private soldier during the campaign. The book includes appendices to clarify events and provide additional historical context. Overall, it is a valuable resource for those researching the battalion’s involvement in Gallipoli.
Click above to read Barbara’s review
This is the remarkable story of Spitfire Pilot Air Commodore Stephenson’s life, the people, planes and places that would leave an indelible mark on a seasoned fighter pilot. Stephenson joined the RAF in 1928 alongside Douglas Bader. Geoff Simpson’s review gives an insight into this book by John Shields.
Click above to read Geoff’s book review
