Island Fortress The Defence of Great Britain 1603-1945

by Longmate, Norman

• ISBN13: 9780712668132
• ISBN10: 0712668136
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-11-01
• Publisher: Pimlico

Summary

The British Isles, it is often believed, have not been invaded for nearly a thousand years. Norman Longmate reveals in this fascinating book that foreign soldiers have landed on British soil on many occasions. This definitive study weaves original sources into an enthralling narrative with facts about weapons, ships, armies and fortresses - spiced with anecdote, ranging over international, political, military and naval history. It is an exciting story that shows how, against all odds, the British managed to retain their freedom from the days of James I to those of George VI.

Author Biography

Norman Longmate is the author of more than twenty books on the Second World War and Victorian social history. They include the acclaimed <i>Defending the Island</i> and <i>How We Lived Then</i>.

Table of Contents

Foreword	vii
A Note on the Rating of Ships	x
BOOK I: A NEW ENEMY 1603-1688
1 No Borders but the Ocean	3	(9)
2 The Most Necessary Defence	12	(8)
3 Our English Wars	20	(7)
4 Powerful by Sea and Land	27	(12)
5 The Sole Supreme Command	39	(7)
6 Mischief in the Medway	46	(14)
7 Great Guns in Suffolk	60	(16)
8 Intended Fortifications	76	(6)
9 Delivering the Kingdom	82	(18)
10 Invasion in Good Earnest	100	(15)
BOOK 2: FROM LOUIS TO NAPOLEON 1689-1815
11 Good Success in Ireland	115	(13)
12 A Popish Pretender	128	(22)
13 Going to Scotland	150	(22)
14 God and Lord Anson	172	(17)
15 Here comes Paul Jones	189	(8)
16 A Channel Promenade	197	(14)
17 Ripe for Insurrection	211	(13)
18 The French in Fishguard	224	(16)
19 A Proud and Powerful Nation	240	(9)
20 Wind of Freedom	249	(9)
21 A Ditch to be Leaped	258	(16)
22 Excellent and Extensive Landing	274	(10)
23 England Expects	284	(19)
BOOK 3: THE VICTORIANS VERSUS INVASION 1815-1900
24 A Bridge of Steam	303	(14)
25 A Blow to the Heart	317	(7)
26 Riflemen Form!	324	(10)
27 Safety or Destruction	334	(13)
28 The Battlefields of Surrey	347	(6)
29 The Objectionable Tunnel	353	(8)
30 The Silver Streak	361	(9)
31 A Powerful Army	370	(9)
32 Fortifying London	379	(12)
BOOK 4: FROM KAISER TO FUHRER 1901-1945
33 The Main Means of Home Defence	391	(9)
34 F is for Fleet	400	(10)
35 The Enemy is England	410	(18)
36 The Mailed Fist	428	(15)
37 Holding the Coast	443	(10)
38 A New Menace	453	(15)
39 Due Precautions	468	(6)
40 No Surrender	474	(14)
41 An Exceptionally Daring Undertaking	488	(8)
42 Commanding the Channel	496	(10)
43 Why Doesn't he Come?	506	(8)
44 Standing Firm	514	(12)
45 The Greatest Struggle	526	(11)
A Note on Sources	537	(31)
Acknowledgements	568	(2)
Index	570