Download or read book Those Bloody Kilts written by Thomas Greenshields and published by Helion. This book was released on 2022-04-15 with total page 536 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The book is the first to examine comprehensively the experience of the Highland soldier in the Great War, seeking the truth behind the myths. It does not deal with the operational history, but with the life and character of the Highland soldier. It involves a far more comprehensive search of the original sources than previously attempted, being based on the original letters, diaries and accounts of serving soldiers and officers, principally from the Imperial War Museum, the Liddle Collection, the National Library of Scotland and the Regimental Museums, which together provide great richness of personal detail. Much work on Highland soldiers, and almost all popular work, has perpetuated myths about their unique character and martial spirit. This book critically examines such mythology and offers new insights into the practicality of the kilt, the use of the pipes, identity and morale, and frank revelations about courage, nerves, shell-shock and failure and the ruthless use of the bayonet. The whole is evidence based and scholastically sound, but nevertheless thoroughly readable and accessible to the general reader. The book reviews the Highland regiments before the declaration of war in 1914, including the kilted regiments not only of Scotland, but of England and the Empire. This includes an examination of their nature, composition, recent battle experience in South Africa and the Empire, sense of identity, public image and reputation. It then reviews the Highland battalions which actually went to war, including not only the pre-war Regular and Territorial battalions, but also the additional Territorial, Service, Garrison and Reserve battalions raised in the United Kingdom, together with the battalions raised for war service in Canada and South Africa. Specifically, it examines their composition, including Gaelic speakers, non-Highland Scots, recruits from the other home countries, including England, from the Empire and from foreign countries. It examines how composition varied between Regular, Territorial and Kitchener battalions etc, and how it changed with huge losses, replacement drafts and the introduction of conscription. It further examines the background of both officers and men and the reasons why they specifically joined Highland regiments. The book briefly describes the evolution of the Highland uniform during the war. More particularly, it examines the experience of the Highland soldier wearing the kilt, including its attraction for recruits, their first introduction to the kilt, regulations, custom and tradition for wearing the kilt, delays in issuing the kilt, the issue of khaki kilts, opinions of the kilt, self-image, pride and identity. It also considers its attractiveness to the ladies, the French and others, and the practicalities, risks and challenges of wearing it at home and behind the lines. It goes on to consider the practicality of the kilt at war, including exposure to cold, wet and mud, and the problems of lice, mosquitoes, barbed wire, easy recognition and mustard gas. It also considers attempts to alleviate these difficulties, for example through the temporary issue of trousers, or through proposals for abolishing the kilt in the trenches. In addition, it investigates soldiers'' opinions of the kilt at war. One chapter considers how the pipes were actually used in training, in battle and behind the lines. It demonstrates how, while on occasion the pipes were still used to pipe troops into battle, increasingly they were held back from the battle itself and used principally to boost morale behind the lines. It also investigates what the soldiers actually thought of the pipes, and the ways in which they contributed to morale, including both the reinforcement of identity and the emotional and stirring impact of the music itself. The book examines the way that discipline and inter-personal relations actually worked in the Highland battalions. It examines the exercise of discipline, and the relationships between officers, N.C.O.''s and men to see if there is any evidence at all for a more informal style of discipline and a distinctive ''family character'' in the Highland battalions, as frequently claimed. It also examines the personal relationships between the men, formed amongst small units (sections), groups of pals and between particular pals, identifying the support mechanisms used to maintain morale in the face of adversity. It relates these ''low level'' support mechanisms to support from home, the hierarchical relationships discussed above, and the overarching support provided by the battalion and regiment, to build a model of the way in which mutually reinforcing support mechanisms contributed to the maintenance of morale. It also considers identity and self-image, including identity as Highland soldiers, as members of individual regiments and battalions, and as Scots, and relates these elements to a model of the way morale worked. It includes a consideration of the extent to which specific customs and traditions were observed in the Highland battalions. The book considers the behaviour of the Highland soldier in battle, looking at their reputation for ferocity, the cult of the bayonet, their attitude towards the Germans, the taking or otherwise of prisoners and evidence for their treatment. It also looks at their reputation for courage, considering examples of courage alongside other examples of nerves, shell-shock and, on occasion, failure. The final chapter brings together the strands discussed in the preceding chapters, and seeks to identify what, if anything, truly made the Highland soldier unique, and to what extent his experience was simply the same as that of the ordinary Tommy.

Download or read book Temptation in a Kilt written by Victoria Roberts and published by Sourcebooks, Inc.. This book was released on 2012-09-01 with total page 351 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Filled with everything I love most about Highland romance."—Melissa Mayhue, award-winning author of Warrior's Redemption She's On Her Way to Safety It's a sign of Lady Rosalia Armstrong's desperation that she's seeking refuge in a place as rugged and challenging as the Scottish Highlands. She doesn't care about hardship and discomfort, if only she can become master of her own life. Laird Ciaran MacGregor, however, is completely beyond her control... He Redefines Dangerous... Ciaran MacGregor knows it's perilous to get embroiled with a fiery Lowland lass, especially one as headstrong as Rosalia. Having made a rash promise to escort her all the way to Glengarry, now he's stuck with her, even though she challenges his legendary prowess at every opportunity. When temptation reaches its peak, he'll be ready to show her how he really is...on and off the battlefield.

Download or read book The Castle MacQueed written by Kayce Bennett and published by Xlibris Corporation. This book was released on 2014-03 with total page 456 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book The Devil Wears Kilts written by Suzanne Enoch and published by St. Martin's Paperbacks. This book was released on 2013-11-26 with total page 337 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "It's time to fall in love with Suzanne Enoch." —Lisa Kleypas The Price of Passion... On a mission to rescue his runaway sister from the lure of flowery compliments and a useless lot of satin-clad scalawags disguised by their snooty titles, Ranulf MacLawry, Marquis of Glengask, has roared into British society like a storm across the Scottish Highlands. But he's about to find out that satin has its appeal, especially when it covers the curves of Miss Lady Charlotte Hanover—whose tongue is as sharp as her skin is soft... ...is Pure Pleasure Lady Charlotte Hanover has had her fill of hot-headed men, having lost her fiancé in an utterly unnecessary duel. When did brawn ever triumph over brains? And yet there is something solid and appealing about the brash Highlander who's as dangerous in the ballroom as in battle. Sometimes bigger really is better... in The Devil Wears Kilts. "Always an eagerly anticipated pleasure." —Christina Dodd

Download or read book The Woman with the Stone Knife written by Dale Neal and published by Histria Books. This book was released on 2024-10-08 with total page 231 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: THE WOMAN WITH THE STONE KNIFE imagines the life of a Cherokee woman exiled for 20 years in Georgian England, torn between two worlds and two choices. Remain in London to avenge her husband' s death or reunite with the son she left behind in the Cherokee mountains.Helena Ostenaco Timberlake steps into history in 1786 when she petitions the British crown to return to newly independent America. Was she really the wife of a white soldier, Lt. Henry Timberlake, who had visited the Cherokee in 1762 and the daughter of the Cherokee war chief Ostenaco who had visited King George III?Widely researched and deeply imagined, The Woman with the Stone Knife follows the life of this mysterious woman. She was born Skitty in the Overhills towns of the Cherokee. Following Timberlake, Skitty leaves behind her infant son and makes the arduous Atlantic crossing, only to find herself abandoned in England after Timberlake' s death in debtor' s prison in 1765.She is rescued by a Quaker accountant, Squire Wolfe and his black manservant Frank, who save her from a sideshow in a London tavern. Baptized as Helena Ostenaco Timberlake, she brushes elbows with luminaries such as Samuel Johnson and James Boswell and has her portrait painted by Sir Joshua Reynolds. She earns money importing sassafras and porcelain clay from her native Cherokee mountains, but the Revolutionary War intervenes, upsetting her fortunes.Tribal tradition demands that she seek blood revenge for her husband' s death, but if she kills the responsible officer, she will likely never see her son again. Skitty/Helena faces a terrible choice between murder and memory, guilt and forgiveness.

Download or read book The Spearheaders written by James Altieri and published by Naval Institute Press. This book was released on 2014-10-15 with total page 275 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The outlook for a victory by the Allied Powers was in doubt in 1942. When only two untested American divisions arrived in the European theatre, Gen. Lucien K. Truscott conceived the plan of organizing an American commando unit to be known as the “Rangers.” Maj. William O. Darby was placed in command of the first Ranger Battalion and proved himself an officer of such extraordinary leadership that his unit became known as “Darby’s Rangers.” The Spearheaders is an account from an enlisted man’s point of view of the intensely dramatic career of the Rangers.

Download or read book And Then We Heard The Thunder written by John Oliver Killens and published by Pickle Partners Publishing. This book was released on 2015-11-06 with total page 838 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A fictional portrayal of real events that occurred during WWII from Afro-American author John Oliver Killens, who had previously served in the Amphibian Forces in the South Pacific. Through his characters, the reader gains a close-to-the-bone account of what it was like to be a Negro soldier fighting in segregated units under racist commanding officers. The final chapters reveal one of the war’s best-kept secrets concerning the escalating racial tension between black American GIs and their white commanding officers. The story climaxes in a terrifying race riot, which took place on the seedy night streets of South Brisbane in March 1942. Editorial Reviews: “...a big and powerful, angry novel, pulsating with love and hate, laughter and tears, sex and violence, and all the other juices of life.”—Sidney Poitier “...that big, polyphonic, violent novel...calls James Jones to mind.”—Saturday Review “...A beautiful and powerful book.”—James Baldwin

Download or read book Tragedy of the Blood written by Beth Bristow and published by Page Publishing Inc. This book was released on 2020-09-02 with total page 532 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Book Delisted

Download or read book The Struggle in Flanders on the Western Front 1917 written by Philip Gibbs and published by . This book was released on 1919 with total page 482 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Deep Driller written by Henry F. Merritt and published by Xlibris Corporation. This book was released on 2009-06-10 with total page 155 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Scots have been fighting the English for centuries. To some extent they have succeeded; but Westminster still holds the reins of Power and Purse. For some time the Scottish National Party has existed, occasionally violently. Such occurred during the 1970s when petroleum was discovered in the North Sea, much offshore Scotland. The Scots have no direct ownership, though many staging areas exist in Scotland. Sabotage and destruction of infrastructure such as pipelines occurred. Deep Driller is a story of those exciting and sometimes dangerous times of discovery on and under that lonely, turbulent and at times malevolent sea.

Download or read book A backpiper s guide to the Edinburgh written by September Edinburgh and published by Lulu.com. This book was released on with total page 94 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book A FOOL S SPARK written by Anthony Fielding and published by Lulu.com. This book was released on 2014-08-13 with total page 317 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The novel examines parallel love affairs, one inside gaol where life is lived among power groups dedicated to advancing the dark side of human nature, the other in straight society where life is lived inside the boundaries of ethical orthodoxy. The two stories intersect; both couples confront danger, even death; each love story poses a threat to the survival of the other; both, in a sense, prevail, for in this contingent environment there can be no necessary winner. "I loved the depth, complexity and individuality of the characters - they lived and breathed for me and the back stories were so adroitly handled that at no point was I left with any uncertainties or loose ends. The story was woven and written skilfully and could be read on any number of different levels, as all the best stories should be... I did feel though that this was a tale that would linger long in the mind and that was because of the well-drawn personalities." Marilyn Messik Author, Copywriter, Editorial Consultant

Download or read book Insatiable written by Virginia Henley and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2004-11-02 with total page 395 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: New York Times bestselling author Virginia Henley weaves an enchanting tale of passion and intrigue in England's Golden Age-where a woman's reckless search for adventure leads her to the man destined to claim her... Catherine Seton Spencer, a young maiden of Queen Elizabeth's court, is cursed with impulsiveness. When she meets Patrick Hepburn, who's visiting the court after a tour of duty patrolling the Scottish borderlands, Cat thinks he's an arrogant brute-and Patrick thinks Cat's a spoiled shrew. Divided by loyalties and society, but bound by desire that drives them into each other's arms, Cat and Patrick find themselves in an intricate web of deceit and danger that threatens to topple the throne-and tear the lovers apart.

Download or read book Isn t All This Bloody written by Trevor Royle and published by Birlinn. This book was released on 2014-08-03 with total page 354 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: As in the rest of Britain, the outbreak of hostilities in 1914 was met in Scotland with excitement and relief. In the field of literature too, the initial response was positive. Kailyard fiction and the Celtic Twilight were left behind as artless verses, patriotic articles and short stories flooded into print. But as the war progressed things changed and a more complex picture emerged - the patriotism and braggadocio was counterpointed by writers who saw the futility and horror of war. In this book, acclaimed military historian Trevor Royle introduces a huge range of literary material - including poetry, prose, fiction, non-fiction, letters and articles - by Scottish writers. The result is a fascinating picture which shows how war affected not only those who fought at the front, but also those at home, and how it led to profound changes - not least in the forging of the Scottish literary Renaissance and the rise of nationalism. Writers include; John Buchan, Lewis Grassic Gibbon, Douglas Haig, Ian Hay, Harry Lauder, Hugh MacDiarmaid, Naomi Mitchison, Neil Munro, John Reith, Saki (H.H. Munro)

Download or read book Blood of Mystery written by Mark Anthony and published by Spectra. This book was released on 2002 with total page 579 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: As Runebreaker Travis Wilder and three of his Eldh friends become trapped in a lawless 1880s Colorado mining town, Grace Beckett must confront her own destiny to oppose the Pale King and powerful evil army that will determine the fate of Eldh.

Download or read book Kilts and Daggers written by Victoria Roberts and published by Sourcebooks, Inc.. This book was released on 2015-05-05 with total page 217 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "A little bit of English, a little bit of Scotland, a pinch of humor...spies and adventure, all mixed together, making this the perfect recipe for a highly entertaining story."—Clue Review Ever since Lady Grace Walsingham discovered her uncle and sister are spies for the Crown, she has yearned for adventure. She's counting the days until she can leave barbaric Scotland behind, even if she must endure the Highland captain's company for weeks. The Laird's Captain of the Guard, Fagan Murray has a simple mission: escort the haughty Lady Grace back to England. But nothing is ever easy. The sharp-tongued woman needles him at every turn. But when a menacing threat follows them on their journey, Fagan's grudging tolerance for Grace turns to respect...and into a perilous attraction that could seal their fate. Opposites and enemies attract in this Scottish Historical Romance perfect for fans of Lynsay Sands, Suzanne Enoch, and Hannah Howell. The Highland Spies Series: My Highland Spy (Book 1) Kilts and Daggers (Book 2) Kill or Be Kilt (Book 3—coming May 2016) What readers are saying about Kilts and Daggers "Kilts and Daggers sizzles, simmers, and boils over with fighting, treachery, clan loyalty, and love." "A book filled with adventure, intrigue, mystery and romance." "I just didn't want to miss a thing, and therefore couldn't put it down until I finished." "This book has passion, adventure, intrigue, and humor. It catches your attention right from the beginning." "...a spirited romantic adventure with a hero and heroine who spar as well as they fit together." What reviewers are saying about Kilts and Daggers "Filled with intrigue and a wonderful cast of characters you can't help fall in love with." "I got so lost in the story that I swear I was there and for me that is the best kind of story." "With smooth, lyrical prose, Victoria Roberts creates a delightful, delicious love story that is blended with political intrigue, savagery, the beauty of Scotland, and diverse customs of the English and Scottish people." "Neatly mixing in intrigue, English and Scottish society, a few braw highlanders and some lovely dialogue and I was ENAMORED." "...a tale of how opposites attract, two people who are as different as fire and ice....but a fierce passion erupts and a deep love builds between them." What people are saying about Victoria Roberts "Victoria is one of the top writers today to find adventure, romance and highlanders in one wonderful book." "Victoria Roberts is an author to watch; her writing will keep you captivated and enthralled the whole way through." "An author who manages to snag her reader from start to finish." "Victoria has a true talented way of bringing the reader straight to Scotland through her written words." "Victoria Roberts's writing is captivating and makes you laugh... A delightful, exciting, and romantic highland book" "Victoria Roberts is a very talented author who will draw you right into her book and keep you hooked until the very end."

Download or read book The Black Knave written by Patricia Potter and published by Open Road Media. This book was released on 2015-03-10 with total page 342 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A nobleman living a dangerous double life weds a rebellious Jacobite beauty—the first in a Scottish romance trilogy by a USA Today–bestselling author. Some call him the devil. Few have ever seen him. He is the Black Knave. Named for the playing card he leaves behind, he risks his life to smuggle Jacobite insurgents out of Scotland right under the noses of the British. And Bethia MacDonell is determined to find him. She needs the legendary freedom fighter to rescue her imprisoned brother. Instead, she is forced into an arranged marriage of political expediency. Her bridegroom is Rory Forbes, an aristocrat loyal to the crown. A coward at the Battle of Culloden. A traitor to his own people. To the world he is a fop and wastrel who lives solely for his own pleasure. But the new Marquis of Braemoor harbors a dangerous secret he must keep hidden at all costs. Bethia is the wild card, arousing treacherous desire that could doom Rory’s mission and imperil her life. Sworn to protect her, the most wanted man in Scotland must fight his greatest battle to win the heart of the one woman he desires above all others: his wife. Named “Storyteller of the Year” by the Romantic Times, Patricia Potter introduces one of her most irresistible heroes, and offers “well-drawn, memorable characters [and] compelling action,” in the first book in her enthralling Scottish trilogy that continues with The Heart Queen and The Diamond King (Library Journal).