RAF má velmi pestrou historii, o které byly napsány stohy knih a odborných pojednání. Britský historik Scott Addington připravil ke 100. výročí britského vojenského letectva výběr 100 okamžiků, které byly v určitém ohledu zásadní. Ať už jde o momenty z dob formování, okamžiky z boje nebo technologické průlomy – to vše je zde popsáno atraktivní a srozumitelnou za využití infografiky. Speciálně pro české čtenáře pak připravil dalších 11 kapitol knihy, které se zabývají účastí Čechoslováků v RAF!
2018 marks the centenary of the formation of the Royal Air Force. Founded in the final months of the Great War, this book provides the greatest facts and figures relating to the RAF.Who were the original Aces?What was the longest mission undertaken?How much did the heaviest bomb weigh?Who flew the most sorties?What was the fastest speed ever encountered in battle?How many aircraft were in the sky during the Battle of Britain?What was the day of heaviest loses in conflict?Who had the longest career?Who is the most famous?All this and much more is uncovered in a range of informative and detailed events spanning the centenary; biographies, fun facts, myth busters and illustrated throughout with infographics and contemporary photographs.
The invasion of Normandy marked a pivotal victory for the Allies during World War II. By 1944, over 2 million troops from more than 12 nations were stationed in Britain, primarily American, British, and Canadian forces, alongside contributions from Australia, Belgium, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, France, Greece, New Zealand, Norway, Rhodesia, and Poland. Codenamed "Overlord," the operation involved the largest invasion fleet in history, landing 156,000 troops on five beachheads on D-Day, June 6, 1944. Initially set for June 5, the invasion was delayed by bad weather, prompting German commander Erwin Rommel to return to Germany for his wife's birthday. In the lead-up, British factories ramped up production, sending approximately 9 million tonnes of supplies across the Atlantic. Notably, bagpiper Bill Millin played "Hieland Laddie" upon landing, bewildering German troops. The British infantryman earned GBP3 15s monthly, while Americans received GBP12. A naval bombardment from numerous ships commenced at dawn, and only 15% of paratroopers landed accurately. Innovative equipment included "swimming tanks," flame-throwing tanks, and collapsible motorbikes. The day saw 1,900 Allied bombers drop seven million pounds of bombs, with 10,521 combat aircraft conducting 15,000 sorties. This account reveals a wealth of details, biographies, fun facts, and illustrated infographics surrounding this monumental event in military history.
