[email protected]              416.522.6287


Malta, mediterranean, Balkans, Greece, crete

Malta
 
507          Air War over Malta – The Axis (Air War in the Med. Vol 2)                                  20.00
                Caruana, Richard.  1st. ed. 1990. Modelaid International. 40 pp.
                ISBN 1 8717767 01 6
One of a series of short written overviews of the Malta battles, this one of the aircraft used by Italy and Germany. Mostly a photographic record of the aircraft and it is profusely illustrated throughout.  Three pages of colour profiles.
Card covers.  Excellent condition.

344          Battle of the Malta Striking Force                                                                        25.00
                Smith, Peter C. & E. Walker.  Ian Allen, 1st. ed. 1974, 120 pp.
                ISBN 0 7110 0528 1
Number 11 in “Sea Battles Up Close” series.  This one covers the operations of primarily destroyers that escorted the Malta convoys and struck at Axis convoys to North Africa.  Many photos, maps and illustrations.  Hardbound with d/j.  Excellent condition.
 
722          Besieged – Ordeal of Malta 1940-42                                                                      30.00
                Jellison, Charles. 1st. ed. 1984. University Press of New England, 285 pp.
                ISBN 0-8745-313-8
A primarily social history of the effects on a prolonged siege on the Maltese people and their resilience to the ordeal.  Drawn from diaries and personal recollections it fills in the picture of what it was like to be bombed constantly, being short of food, medicine and fuel for over 2 years. Photos. Hardbound with d/j.  Excellent condition.
 
654          East of Malta, West of Suez                                                                                   15.00
                No author, 1st. ed. 1941. HMSO, 63 pp.
A wartime Admiralty booklet account of naval operations in the eastern Mediterranean.  The operations are centered on Malta and the defeat of the Italian fleet in a series of engagements and battles.  Photos and maps throughout. Paper covers. Spine reinforced with tape and lower front corner has been bumped.  Very good condition.

785          HMS WELSHMAN – A REPORT ON A COMBINED SERVICES OPERATION                          100.00
                VARIOUS CONTRIBUTORS.  MAY 1942.
A GENUINE CARBON COPY OF A REPORT COMMISSIONED BY THE C.O. ROYAL ARTILLERY, MALTA,  DETAILING THE ORGANIZATION, LOGISTICS AND EXECUTION OF A COMBINED SERVICES OPERATION TO PROTECT HMS WELSHMAN, A FAST MINE LAYING CRUISER, THAT DELIVERED 84,000 ROUNDS OF AA AMMUNITION DURING THE SIEGE.  WELSHMAN ALSO BROUGHT SPARE SPITFIRE ENGINES AND OTHER SUPPLIES FOR THE ARMY AND NAVY.  SHE SAILED INTO VALETTA, UNLOADED AND SAILED AGAIN IN HOURS SUFFERING ONLY MINOR DAMAGE.  THIS COINCIDED WITH THE ARRIVAL OF 60 SPITFIRES FLOWN OFF HMS EAGLE AND USS WASP TO REINFORCE THE RAF ON MALTA. THE OPERATION WAS A COMPLETE SUCCESS AND WAS A KEY FACTOR SAVING THE ISLAND. THE DETAILED PLANS AND REPORTS ARE A UNIQUE DOCUMENT.  ONE OF ONLY 19 PRODUCED ACCORDING TO THE DISTRIBUTION LIST IN THE DOCUMENTS.  EXTREMELY RARE.  DOCUMENT IS PROTECTED IN A CARDBOARD SLEEVE. VERY GOOD CONDITION.
 
418          Hero- The Buzz Beurling Story                                                                             25.00
                Nolan, Brian.  1st.ed. 1981, Lester & Orpen Dennys Press. 201 pp.
                ISBN 0-919630-40-5
A full examination of an enigmatic Canadian pilot.  The highest scoring and highly decorated Canadian ace made a name for himself in the defence of Malta.  He was a highly skilled pilot but disrespectful to superiors and other pilots. He was feted as a national hero by the Canadian government but remained a distant and mysterious individual.  He was killed attempting to ferry an aircraft to Israel in 1948 adding to the mystery of his life.  Many photos and illustrations. Hardbound with d/j.  (see also his autobiography. No. 374)
 
725          Malta – The Last Great Siege 1940-1943                                                               25.00
                Wragg, David.  1st. ed. 2003. Leo Cooper, 244 pp.
                ISBN 0-85052-990-5
An up to date story of the strategic importance and role Malta played in the Mediterranean campaign.  The early defences were puny but the RAF was able to hold off the Italians until reinforcements arrived. Attempts to resupply the island resulted in huge shipping losses and the population almost starved, but enough supplies got through to survive.  Photos and maps.  Hardbound with d/j.  Near mint condition.
 
346          Malta – The Thorn in Rommel’s Side                                                                     30.00
                Lucas, P.B. ‘Laddie’. Stanley Paul & Co. 1st. ed. 1992. 205 pp.
                ISBN 0 09 174411 3
A first-hand account of a decorated fighter pilot who ended up in Malta at a critical time and with the arrival of Spitfires to take over from the tired Hurricanes, helped turn the tide for the Allies and saved Malta from invasion. Malta then became the base that struck back at the Axis leading to its defeat.  Great insight from Lucas on the events and personalities.  Well illustrated with photos.  Hardbound with d/j.  Excellent condition.
 
697          Malta Convoys                                                                                                        40.00
                Woodman, Richard.  1st. ed. 2000. John Murray Publishers, 532 pp.
A definitive history of the massive effort to keep Malta supplied and to keep the island as a valuable strategic outpost against the Axis.  The cost was very high to the population, the Royal Navy and Merchant Marine but it proved successful and Malta’s role increased.  This book does justice to all those efforts.  Hardbound with d/j.  Near mint condition.
 
374          Malta Spitfire – The Story of a Fighter pilot                                                         20.00
                Beurling, George F. and Leslie Roberts. 1st.ed. 1943, Oxford University Press, 235 pp.
The autobiography with the help of a writer of Canadian fighter pilot, George “Buzz” or “Screwball” Beurling,  He was the top fighter ace on Malta with 26 kills and leading Canadian ace with a final total of 31. He himself was shot down 4 times.  After the last episode, he was to be evacuated to Britain but his transport aircraft then crashed on take off.  he was one of only three survivors.  This is his story in the war and he later died ferrying an aircraft to israel post war.  Hardbound, no d/j. Illustrations throughout.  Some minor scuff on bottom of spine.  Very good condition. (see also no. 418)
 
687          Night Strike from Malta                                                                                         25.00
                Poolman, Kenneth.  1st. ed. 1980, Jane’s Publishing, 192 pp.
                ISBN 0 7106 0003 8
This story covers the role 830 Squadron of the Fleet Air Arm operating on anti-shipping strikes from Malta.  Originally a Swordfish training squadron, it was suddenly on the front line and inflicted heavy losses on Axis shipping while suffering heavy losses themselves.  Photos.  Hardbound with d/j.  Excellent condition.
 
726          Supreme Gallantry – Malta’s Role in the Allied Victory 1939-1945                     35.00
                Spooner, Tony.  1st. ed. 1996. John Murray, 358 pp.
                ISBN 0-7195-5706-2
A through examination of the key role Malta played in the overall victory in WW2.  The author was a participant himself and documents the key role played by certain RAF and Royal Navy personnel in defending Malta and later attacking Axis shipping.  The role of Ultra is also covered and efforts to disguise the true source of the information gathered (eg. Sending a recce plane to ‘spot’ a convoy that was known to have sailed, etc.).  Photos.  Hardbound with d/j. Near mint condition.
 
656          Torpedo Leader                                                                                                     25.00
                Gibbs, Patrick.  1st. ed. 1992. Grub Street, 206 pp
                ISBN 0-948817-56-9
A first-hand account of operations of a highly decorated pilot operating out of Malta flying Beauforts on anti-shipping strikes.  Many of the operations were successful but more were to suffer heavy losses at the hands of the Germans when fighter support was lacking or too few aircraft were available to achieve success.  Photos.  Hardbound with d/j.  Excellent condition.

​
mediterranean, balkans, greece, crete

791          Airborne Invasion – Story of the Battle of Crete                                  15.00
                Hetherington, John. 1st. ed. 1944. Geo. Allen & Unwin, 166 pp.
An early wartime description of the Battle of Crete by a war correspondent. It is a very reasonable assessment of the why the Allies were defeated and the German difficulties that holds up despite not having access to post war documents.  A war quality paper printing.  Hardbound, no d/j.  Corners bumped and spine rubbed. Signature in ink on inside cover. Good condition otherwise. 

750          Battle for Crete                                                                                                      25.00
                Spencer, John H.  reprint 1972, White Lion Publishing, 306 pp.
                ISBN 0-7274-0077-0
Crete was a bitterly contested battle where German Airborne troops were attempting to capture the island by airborne assault.  Things went wrong immediately and the British, Australian and New Zealand garrison almost succeeded in defeating them.  Loss of Maleme airfield allowed the Germans to reinforce the paratrooper and the Luftwaffe gained air superiority to force the British to retreat and evacuate.  Both sides learned many lessons from the desperate fighting.  Photos and maps. Hardcover with d/j.  Slight sun fade to spine of d/j. Otherwise in very good condition.

751          Crete 1941 – Germany’s Lightening Airborne Assault                                        15.00
                Antill, Peter D.  1st. ed. 2005. Osprey Publishing, 96 pp.
                ISBN 1-84176-844-8
An Osprey Campaign book in the familiar style.  Covers the aspects of the German Airborne assault on Crete and the desperate battles that followed.  German losses were so high that Hitler forbade future large scale airborne operations. Various commanders are described with their strengths and weaknesses. Many photos, colour maps, order of battle charts and illustrations.  Card covers. Near mint condition.

747          The Fall of Crete                                                                                                    25.00
                Clark, Alan.  Reprint 2000 (orig. 1962), Spartan Press, 211 pp.
                ISBN 0-304-35226-8
The battle of Crete is examined fully with critical examination of the military and political decisions from the Allies and German perspective that affected the campaign.  Although the British, Commonwealth and Greek troops fought bravely and with determination, their leadership was found to be lacking purpose and determination which ultimately cost the allies with defeat.  Photos and maps.  Hardbound with d/j.  Near mint condition.

524          GERMAN CAMPAIGN IN THE BALKANS – SPRING 1941                                                  30.00
                BLAU, GEORGE.  1986.  FACSIMILE EDITION.  APPROX. 150 PP.
A REVISED AND UPDATED WORK ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED BY THE US ARMY IN 1953. IT EXAMINES THE VARIOUS CAMPAIGNS IN GREECE, CRETE AND THE BALKANS FROM CAPTURED GERMAN DOCUMENTS.  IT COVERS A POLITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE BELLIGERENTS PRIOR TO INVASION AND THEN A MILITARY EXAMINATION OF EVENTS.  PAPER COVERS IN PLASTIC SPIRAL BINDING.  SOME VERY MINOR SCUFFS ON COVERS, BUT IN VERY GOOD CONDITION.

593          HITLER’S MEDITERRANEAN GAMBLE                                                                             40.00
                PORCH, DOUGLAS.  1ST.ED. 2004.  WIEDENFELD & NICOLSON, 796 PP.
                ISBN 0-297-84632-9
AN EXHAUSTIVE STUDY OF THE POLITICAL AND PRACTICAL REASONS HITLER DECIDED TO ENGAGE IN THE MEDITERRANEAN DESPITE HIS REAL OBJECTIVE OF DEFEATING THE SOVIET UNION.  THE DRAIN OF MANPOWER AND EQUIPMENT TO TRY AND CONTAIN THE BRITISH AND LATER THE AMERICANS LED TO THE DEFEAT OF GERMANY.  A FRESH PERSPECTIVE THAT IS SO WELL DOCUMENTED. PHOTOS AND MAPS THROUGHOUT.  HARDBOUND WITH D/J.  NEAR MINT CONDITION.

860         ill met by moonlight                                                                                                        10.00
                Moss, Stanley.  reprint 1950.  George Harrap & co., 192 pp.
the  fascinating story of a small group of British commandos who slip into crete to meet with the partisans.  They plan and successfully kidnap the german garrison commander General kreipe.  the story is mostly about their adventure getting off the island with their captive and returning to cairo.  The story was made into a movie in the 1950's (still shown occasionally).  photos.  hardbound, no d/j.  spine is bumped and scuffed with some marks on front.  good condition.

​491          INVASION BALKANS!  GERMAN CAMPAIGN IN THE BALKANS, SPRING 1941                     20.00
                BLAU, GEORGE.  1997. WHITE MANE PUBLISHING.  164 PP.
                ISBN 1-57249-070-5
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED BY THE US ARMY IN 1953, THIS BOOK HAS BEEN UPDATED AND REVISED TO INCLUDE NEW DATA ON GERMAN PLANNING.  THE GERMANS PLANNED A SURPRISE ATTACK ON YUGOSLAVIA ENDED IN VICTORY IN TWELVE DAYS, BUT A PARTISAN CAMPAIGN THAT FOLLOWED TIED UP THOUSANDS OF GERMAN TROOPS AND RESOURCES THAT COULD HAVE BEEN USED IN RUSSIA.  THIS BOOK WAS ISSUED TO US TROOPS THAT WENT TO BOSNIA IN 1995 AS BACKGROUND MATERIAL.  HARDBOUND WITH D/J. EXCELLENT CONDITION.

746          Lost Battle – Crete 1941                                                                                        25.00
                MacDonald, Callum.  1st.ed. 1993. MacMillan Ltd. 350 pp
                ISBN 0-333-55841-3
The author brings new material and insight to the Crete battles.  The Germans thought they could achieve tactical surprise by employing only airborne troops on a large scale for the first time.  Secret Ultra intercepts gave the allies some insight into the Germans plans and it resulted in very heavy casualties for the Germans. So much so, that Hitler forbade future use of airborne troops in large numbers. Only poor allied leadership allowed ultimate victory for the Germans.  Photos and maps.  Hardbound with d/j.  Excellent condition.

749          Never So Proud – Crete: May 1941                                                                        20.00
                Wingate, John.  Reprint 1966. Heinmann Ltd., 212 pp.
This book examines the last stages of the Crete battles and the efforts of the Army, Royal Navy and RAF to evacuate the troops before being overrun and captured by the Germans.  Heavy naval losses were involved, but the Germans also suffered severe losses to their airborne troops, the Luftwaffe and naval units shipping reinforcements to the island.  Hardbound with d/j.  Tape residue on flyleaf, otherwise in excellent condition.
 
748          Operation Mercury – The Battle for Crete 1941                                        25.00
                Simpson, Tony. 1st.ed. 1981, Hodder and Stoughton Ltd. 316 pp
                ISBN 0-304-23118-1
A fine study of the campaign in Crete.  After being expelled from Greece, the Commonwealth troops dug in to await the German attack. Wavell didn’t want to waste men and equipment he could ill afford to lose on what he considered a sideshow, but Churchill hoped to hold on and reverse Allied fortunes.  The Germans meanwhile thought they could capture the island with airborne troops only and suffered heavily and almost lost the battle for their arrogance.  Photos and maps.  Hardbound with d/j. Excellent condition.

​292          PANZERS IN THE BALKANS AND ITALY                                                                         15.00
                QUARRIE, BRUCE.  1ST. ED. 1981, PATRICK STEVENS,  96 PP.
                ISBN 0 85059 457 X
PRIMARILY A PHOTOGRAPHIC HISTORY OF PANZERS AND CAPTURED TANKS USED BY THE GERMANS AGAINST PARTISANS AND LATER THE ALLIED LANDINGS.  PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED WITH SOME DESCRIPTIVE TEXT. CARD COVERS. NAME OF ORIGINAL OWNER STAMPED IN SMALL LETTERS INSIDE FRONT COVER. A SMALL SCUFF ON LOWER SPINE, OTHERWISE IN VERY GOOD CONDITION.

1276       second world war - the mediterranean 1940-45                                       15.00
               collier, paul.  1st. ed. 2003.  osprey publishing ltd.  95 pp.
               isbn 1-84176-539-2
this osprey 'essential history' book explores in much the mediterranean theatre that covered virtually every country that touched its shores.  The expansionism of italy and the alliance with germany and the political factors involved are fully covered.  The various campaigns that brought together the close relationship between the land, sea and air forces that brought ultimate victory to the allies is also explained.  A very useful book.  photos, maps.  card covers.  Near mint condition.

523          SMALL WAR IN THE BALKANS – BRITISH INVOLVEMENT IN WARTIME YUGOSLAVIA            35.00
                MCCONVILLE, MICHAEL.  1ST. ED. 1986.  MACMILLAN PUBLISHING, 335 PP.
                ISBN 0-333-38675-2
A FULL DESCRIPTION OF THE LITTLE KNOWN SUPPORT GIVEN TO THE PARTISANS IN YUGOSLAVIA BY BRITISH COMMANDOS, SAS MEMBERS, GUNNERS AND ROYAL NAVY UNITS.  MASSIVE LOGISTICAL SUPPORT AS WELL AS MILITARY AID KEPT THE PARTISANS WELL ARMED AND SUPPORTED TYING DOWN THOUSANDS OF GERMAN TROOPS.  THE DIVISION AMONGST THE PARTISANS THOUGH HAD A DIRECT LINK TO THE EVENTUAL BREAKUP OF THE COUNTRY. PHOTOS.  HARDBOUND WITH D/J.  EXCELLENT CONDITION.

596          WORLD WAR II IN THE MEDITERRANEAN 1942-1945                                  20.00
                D’ESTE, CARLO.  1ST.ED. 1990. WORKMAN PRESS, 218 PP.
                ISBN 0-945575-04-1
A STUDY OF THE AMERICAN PARTICIPATION IN THE NORTH AFRICAN AND MEDITERRANEAN CAMPAIGNS.  IT BEGINS WITH THE US INVOLVEMENT IN THE NORTH AFRICAN LANDINGS AND THE SORTING OUT OF CAPABLE COMMANDERS AS WELL AS THE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE BRITISH.  THE SICILIAN AND ITALIAN CAMPAIGNS ARE ALSO COVERED.  PHOTOS AND MAPS.  HARDBOUND WITH D/J.  SIGNATURE OF ORIGINAL OWNER ON FLYLEAF.  EXCELLENT CONDITION.
  
​291          US ARMY IN WW II (2) - THE MEDITERRANEAN                                                         10.00
                HENRY, CHRIS. OSPREY PUBLICATIONS, 1ST. ED. 2000, 48 PP.
                ISBN 1-84176-085-4
AN OSPREY ‘MEN AT WAR’ MONOGRAPH COVERING THE US ARMY.  EXAMINES UNIFORMS, EQUIPMENT, UNIT MARKINGS AND SOME INTERESTING UNITS IN THIS THEATRE.  PHOTOGRAPHS AND COLOUR DRAWINGS OF UNIFORMS.  CARD COVERS. SLIGHT YELLOWING ON SPINE OTHERWISE IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. 

​632          WAR DIARIES – HAROLD MACMILLAN, THE MEDITERRANEAN 1943-45                             20.00
                MACMILLAN, HAROLD. 1985, PAPERMAC, 804 PP.
                ISBN 0-333-3940406
A COMPILATION OF INFORMAL AND FORMAL DIARIES OF HAROLD MACMILLAN WHO WENT TO NORTH AFRICA AND became the BRITISH MINISTER RESIDENT AFTER THE ALLIED VICTORY.  HE PROVED TO BE AN INSPIRED AND CAPABLE STATESMAN AND BY WAR’S END HE WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR BRITISH POLICY THROUGHOUT THE MEDITERRANEAN THEATRE.  HIS OBSERVATIONS THROUGH CRISIS AND ROUTINE MATTERS BETWEEN THE BRITISH AND AMERICANS GIVE INSIGHT BEHIND THE SCENES. HE ALSO GAINED THE SKILLS THAT WOULD LATER PROVE VALUABLE AS PRIME MINISTER.  PHOTOS AND MAPS.  CARD COVERS.  TOP OF BACK COVER HAS BEEN ‘BUMPED.  OTHERWISE IN VERY GOOD CONDITION.