Featured battle : The Siege of Paris

Part of Franco-Prussian War

Date : 19 September 1870 - 28 January 1871

After the Prussians had isolated Bazaine in Metz, and utterly defeated Ducrot and Wimpffen at Sedan, von Moltke surrounded and invested Paris. The siege was characterised not by great military endeavours on either side, but by methodical investment on the German side, and political turmoil and infighting (and much suffering to the ordinary Parisians) on the French side. The French leader, General Trochu, launched several major sorties ( Nov 29-30, Dec 21, Jan 19) gaining some initial success but eventually all were thrown back and the French Gardes Nationales proved mutinous, political and even fired on their own countrymen. Finally starvation and dispair led Trochu to ask for an armistice and to discuss terms.

Coastal Defences of the British Empire

Daniel MacCannell
The physical structures for the defence of the coasts are occasionally touched upon but rarely dealt with in detail. That this book does just that makes it special. The text flows easily and covers the political background, the designs and discussions around them and goes on to the building, equipping and manning of the great variety of structures. In addition to the British Isle overseas territories are covered. There are lots of illustrations placed in their relevant locations throughout the book. Among the extensive end notes there are many references out to further reading.
This is both an informative and enjoyable read which we recommend to all readers.

Pen & Sword Military, 2021