Engelska

The fall of the Tower of Conviction and the Grand Inquisitor, Mozgus, has heralded the unexpected return of Guts' former commander, Griffith, last seen transformed from a mutilated husk into a demon lord of the Godhand. Regenerated into health and beauty, and with his dreams of carving out a kingdom intact, Griffith has raised a new Band of the Hawk, but recruited from darkness to fulfill his deadly destiny.

When Odilo Globocnik, SS and police leader in Lublin, Poland, transferred to the Italian OZAK region in late 1943, he took with him a group of around 100 men who had run the notorious Aktion Reinhard extermination camps-Belzec, Treblinka, Sobibor-where 1.5 million people (mostly Jews) had been killed. This book describes the little-known activities of this group, known as Abteilung R (Reinhard), in the OZAK region from 1943 to 1945. Here they not only continued persecuting Jews, but also became involved in the fight against the armed resistance movement, participated in security tasks, anti-partisan operations, retaliation operations including arresting and killing of civilians, and ran the infamous Risiera di San Sabba police camp in Trieste. The book also covers the SS-Wachmannschaften (SS guards units) of the OZAK, military units that were formed locally and had links with Abteilung R. There are also chapters on uniforms and insignia, as well as photographs related to anti-partisan operations in the region.

With the international success of the classic film Das Boot, U-96 is arguably the most famous of all German U-boats. Here is the true story of U-96, and its legendary commander Heinrich Lehmann-Willenbrock. In continuous combat from September 1940 to March 1945, follow the crew of U-96 from their bases in Kiel, Germany, as well as Lorient and St. Nazaire on the west coast of France, to intense combat against Allied shipping. During eleven combat patrols in the North Atlantic under Lehmann-Willenbrock, U-96 sank twenty-four Allied ships, eventually earning its commander the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves. One of their patrols was documented by war correspondent Lothar-Günther Buchheim, which was later novelized and made into the film Das Boot. This biography of  Heinrich Lehmann-Willenbrock, and history of U-96 is based on the WWII captain's log as well as the recollections of crewmembers.

America's famous and influential WWII submachine guns (SMGs) are all featured in this fully illustrated book. Beginning with the legendary Thompson submachine, its design, construction, and testing in the early 1920s, as well as its use by the US Marine Corps, the Irish Republican Army, and Prohibition-era gangsters, are presented in detail. Its famed use during WWII in all war theaters is shown in superb period photography and clear, up-close color images. Also featured are chapters on other US WWII era submachine guns: the M3 "Grease Gun," Reising SMG, and the United Defense M42 (UD M42). Accessories such as magazines, ammunition, webbing, and cleaning kits are featured throughout the book, as well as rarely seen WWII-related uniform and equipment items.

After occupying the Balkans early in the war, the Axis powers constantly struggled to police the region. The partisan presence was quite substantial, and while the various fractured guerrilla groups expended a great deal of energy fighting among themselves, they were still a threat to German/Italian control. The Germans and Italians were heavily engaged with the Allies across multiple fronts, so manpower was thinly spread. Therefore, much of the responsibility for combating a ruthless and in some cases highly militarized resistance contingent fell to nonmilitary police units. An example of such a unit is the Zollgrenzschutz (customs-border protection) of the Hauptzollamt (main customs office) Villach. Villach lies where the borders of Austria (then part of Greater Germany), Italy, and Slovenia meet. It is the gateway to the Julian Alps and during the Second World War was the frontier between Nazi Germany and the Balkans. Italian author Tommaso Chiussi has pieced together the history of the unit through painstaking original research in German, Austrian, Italian, and Slovenian archives. Included with the manuscript are more than 90 photos, most of which are previously unpublished.

In this compelling and remarkable account, Bob Harper defies physical limitations to serve his country during a time of escalating demand for soldiers. Standing at a modest 5 feet, 4 inches, and weighing a mere 110 pounds, Harper falls short of the minimum size requirements for US military service. However, as the need for manpower intensifies, rules are flexed and Harper's deferment is revoked, thrusting him into the Army against all odds.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Deployed to the treacherous European front, Harper embarks on a series of 35 harrowing combat missions as a B-17 ball turret gunner. Stationed at airfields in England, he becomes an integral part of the 381st Bomb Group, undertaking grueling sorties over heavily fortified industrial centers in Germany. Despite encountering enemy fire and grave perils, Harper demonstrates resilience, surviving two crash landings and earning the esteemed Distinguished Flying Cross for his extraordinary valor.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Unveiling the true magnitude of this epic journey, the narrative unfolds through a rich tapestry of Harper's poignant letters home, gripping combat reports, and extensive interviews conducted by author Bill Cullen. These interviews spanned several years, capturing the essence of Harper's experiences, and they form the heart of the book's anecdotes, offering a deeply personal and authentic perspective.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Immersed in the unique and claustrophobic environment of the ball turret, located beneath the aircraft, Harper provides vivid insights into the adrenaline-fueled world of aerial combat during the tumultuous Second World War. Readers will be captivated by Harper's remarkable resilience, wit, and captivating storytelling, as he reflects on his extraordinary wartime exploits.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Beyond the war, Harper's indomitable spirit carries him forward to a successful postwar business career, underscoring his astute and perceptive nature. His recollections provide not only a window into a critical era but also a testament to the human spirit's endurance and adaptability in the face of unimaginable challenges.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />This absorbing and thought-provoking narrative pays homage to Bob Harper's exceptional journey and offers a profound exploration of the indelible mark left by those who braved the crucible of war.

The legendary British, World War II STEN submachine gun is featured in this concise, illustrated book. Famous for its use by British elite forces, as well as the French underground during WWII, variants of the STEN were manufactured and used by many countries during the war and up through the 1970s. Beginning with its initial design and construction, the Mk.I and Mk.I*, Mk.II, Mk.III, and Mk.5 versions are presented in detail, including up-close images of manufacturer's markings. Superb war-era photographs show the various STEN models in combat use. Select foreign variants also discussed include French, Polish, and German types. STEN accessories such as magazines, ammunition, silencers, and bayonets are featured throughout the book, as well as rarely seen WWII-related uniform and equipment items.