Britain At War Magazine

12/09/2025

✈️ Celebrate the 85th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain with our exclusive book bundle!
We’ve brought together two iconic books that honour the courage, skill and sacrifice of the pilots who defended Britain in 1940.
📚 Included in the Bundle:
🔥 Spitfire Aces by Tony Holmes (Hardback, £35.00)
An in-depth look at the legendary Spitfire and the aces who flew it – featuring 240+ photos, first-hand accounts, combat reports, and 40 detailed aircraft illustrations.
🔥 Battle of Britain by John Dibbs & Tony Holmes (Paperback, £16.99)
A stunning combination of razor-sharp contemporary imagery of restored warbirds and rare archival material, capturing the drama of 1940 through the eyes of the pilots.
💷 Bundle Price: JUST £30 (Save over £20!)
(Usual price £51.99)
👉 Available NOW – don’t miss this chance to own two incredible volumes that bring the Battle of Britain to life. Click to secure yours whilst stock lasts.

https://shop.keypublishing.com/collections/battle-of-britain-bundle?utm_source=Facebook

11/09/2025

In Focus: 'Y' turret on HMS Warspite in drydock at Rosyth, showing torn plating and blast damage from German shellfire received during the Battle of Jutland, May 31- June 1, 1916. The damage visible was caused by one of fifteen shells that struck the battleship: a 12-inch round that pierced the port-side upper deck, ripped through the captain’s quarters, and exploded in the Captain of the Fleet’s day cabin beneath the turret.

Warspite, a Queen Elizabeth-class fast battleship of Vice-Admiral Beatty’s 5th Battle Squadron, fired more than 300 rounds at Jutland but was heavily punished in return. A hit to her port-wing engine room jammed the steering gear, sending her into uncontrolled circles under German fire. This drew enemy gunnery away from the crippled cruiser HMS Warrior, an unintended manoeuvre later credited with saving her crew.

With 14 killed, 16 wounded, and serious flooding, Warspite limped back to port for repairs. She would go on to earn a reputation as the Royal Navy’s 'Grand Old Lady', fighting in both world wars and becoming the most decorated ship in British naval history.

Credit: IWM (Q 23216)

10/09/2025

ICYMI: Often considered World War Two’s supreme general officer, Field Marshal Sir William Slim forged a reputation for resilience, grit and camaraderie while leading the so-called Forgotten Army in Burma. From the crushing retreat from the Arakan to the triumphant victories at Imphal and Kohima, Slim rebuilt shattered forces into the largest Commonwealth army of the war, commanding more than 1,000,000 men in some of the harshest terrain on earth.

In Britain at War Issue 221 (September 2025), Allan George profiles the British general who stood tall among his peers, recounting Slim’s leadership of the Fourteenth Army in Burma, his hard-won victories at Imphal and Kohima, and the qualities that made 'Uncle Bill' beloved by his men.

Get your copy of the September 2025 issue today directly from the Key Publishing Shop at a reduced price and with FREE postage! https://shop.keypublishing.com/.../britain-at-war?utm_source=Facebook...

Or pick up a copy at WH Smith Travel, TG Jones, or your local newsagent. Find your closest stockist at: https://frontline-group.co.uk/store-finder/?utm_source=Facebook............



Image Credit: Topfoto

10/09/2025

The Britain at War and Classic Military Vehicle editorial teams will be at We Have Ways Fest this Friday. We’ll be wandering around in our branded shirts, so if you spot us, come over and have a chat. Look forward to seeing you all then!

09/09/2025

We’ve teamed up with YouTuber and naval historian Drachinifel for a powerful feature on HMS Hood.

At the heart of the article is a moving letter sent to Britain at War by Len West, a veteran of HMS Prince of Wales who witnessed the loss of Hood during the Battle of the Denmark Strait, 84 years ago. His first-hand account sheds new light on one of the Royal Navy’s darkest days.

👉 Watch Drachinifel’s video exploring Len West’s memories here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJqfrkjI_ag
👉 Look out for our exclusive discount codes in the video description to buy the September issue or subscribe and read the full article.

Today we take a look at a heretofore unpublished account from a sailor who saw the destruction of HMS Hood, and take a look at what this might tell us about ...

03/09/2025

🛩️ Mosquito – The Wooden Wonder Returns 🛩️

The legendary de Havilland DH.98 Mosquito was one of the most remarkable aircraft of World War Two — fast, versatile, and built largely from wood. Nicknamed the “Wooden Wonder” and affectionately known as the “Mossie”, it played a decisive role in the Allied victory.

This 132-page updated special edition, originally part of the acclaimed Aeroplane Icons series, explores the Mosquito’s extraordinary story:

✅ Its revolutionary wooden construction and record-breaking speed
✅ Transformation from high-speed bomber to night fighter, fighter-bomber, and reconnaissance aircraft
✅ The bomber campaign, where it proved capable of carrying a 4,000lb bomb to Berlin
✅ Daring low-level precision attacks that cemented its legendary status

Beautifully researched and fully updated by Jon Lake & Paul Hamblin, from the work of the late Tim McLelland, this edition is essential reading for aviation enthusiasts, historians, and collectors alike.

📅 On Sale: September 18, 2025
📖 132 pages | 💷 £11.99
🛒 Order your copy here ➡️ https://shop.keypublishing.com/products/mosquito-third-edition?utm_source=Facebook

03/09/2025

📖 World War Two: 1945 – The Final Chapter in a Defining Global Conflict 🌍

1945 was the year the world changed forever. The battles in Europe and the Pacific ended with the defeat of N**i Germany and Imperial Japan, but the cost of victory was immense. Nations faced the challenge of mourning their dead, rebuilding their lands, and stepping into an uncertain new era.

This 116-page illustrated bookazine, the final volume in the acclaimed series by historian Mike Haskew, brings to life the dramatic final year of World War Two:

✅ The relentless land, sea, and air battles leading to Allied victory
✅ The death of President Roosevelt, Churchill’s electoral defeat, and the Potsdam Conference with Stalin, Truman, and Attlee
✅ The devastating atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
✅ The dawn of the Atomic Age and the Cold War that shaped the second half of the 20th century

A gripping, comprehensive guide for history enthusiasts, students, and collectors, World War Two: 1945 captures the momentous events of a year that changed the world.

📅 On Sale: October 2, 2025
📗 ISBN: 978 1 83632 177 4
🛒 Order now ➡️ https://shop.keypublishing.com/products/world-war-two-1945?utm_source=Facebook

02/09/2025

🚨 Limited Collector’s Edition — Handley Page Halifax 🚨

Demand has been incredible — with 30% of copies already gone, this is your chance to secure a piece of aviation history before it sells out!

💥 Strictly limited to 500 copies
Each edition is hand-signed by the author, Jamie Ewan, and individually numbered — once they’re gone, they’re gone.

🎨 Exclusive Cover Artwork by Antonis Karidis
Featuring stunning original artwork by renowned aviation artist Antonis Karidis, the Collector’s Edition showcases a minimalist design enhanced with spot UV detailing — visible only when the cover catches the light. Subtle, striking, and highly collectible.

📅 On Sale: 13 November 2025
📖 116 pages
💎 Collector’s Edition RRP: £11.99

🔗 Don’t miss out — secure your copy now: [https://shop.keypublishing.com/products/handley-page-halifax-bomber-ltd-edition?]

Inside the Book:
Handley Page Halifax charts the remarkable career of the RAF’s four-engined heavy bomber, which flew more than 82,000 operations during WWII. Packed with rare period photography, squadron histories, technical data, variant breakdowns, and restoration updates, it’s a rich tribute to a Bomber Command workhorse that went far beyond strategic bombing to serve in paratroop drops, maritime patrol, glider towing, and post-war transport.

⚠️ Act fast — with 30% already sold, availability is disappearing quickly.
CLICK HERE TO SECURE YOURS
https://shop.keypublishing.com/products/handley-page-halifax-bomber-ltd-edition?

31/08/2025

In Focus: The crew of HM Submarine Utmost display their Jolly Roger at Holy Loch, Scotland, after a year’s service in the Mediterranean, February 6, 1942.

Under the command of Lt Cdr Richard Douglas Cayley, Utmost departed Malta on February 4, 1941, for her first Mediterranean war patrol. Just over a week later, she torpedoed and damaged the Italian merchant Manfredo Camperio off Tripoli, followed by the sinking of Capo Vita northeast of Sousse on March 9.

Later in March, Utmost attacked a convoy of five German merchants and three Italian destroyers, sinking the German Heraklea and damaging Ruhr near Kuriat. Subsequent patrols saw the sinking of Enrico Costa near Cape Todaro in June, and Frederico C. off Calabria in July 1941.

Utmost went on to destroy Marigola off Kuriat in November, and alongside ORP Sokol, sank Balilla near Capo San Vito. Utmost also torpedoed and damaged the Italian cruiser Luigi di Savoia Duca Degli Abruzzi later that month and conducted further, albeit unsuccessful, attacks against Fabio Filzi in December 1941.

The Jolly Roger displayed at Holy Loch listed the staggering tally: nine ships torpedoed (including one warship), eight ‘cloak and dagger’ operations, one target destroyed by gunfire, and one at-sea rescue.
Tragically, Utmost was lost with all hands in November 1942, after she was depth-charged by the Italian torpedo boat ‘Groppo’ off the west coast of Sicily.

Credit: IWM (A 7720)

29/08/2025

EXCLUSIVE: More than 84 years after HMS Hood’s tragic loss, a remarkable new eyewitness account has come to light. Leonard West, now 108 and a veteran who served aboard HMS Prince of Wales, has written in with an exclusive letter to Britain at War with a never-before-seen perspective of the battlecruiser’s sinking.

In Britain at War Issue 221 (September 2025), John Ash joins award-winning naval historiographer Drachinifel in revealing West’s first-hand observations of Hood’s final moments, the fateful engagement with Bismarck and Prinz Eugen, and the chaos and courage aboard Prince of Wales. This exclusive account provides an unprecedented insight into one of the Royal Navy’s most infamous tragedies.

Get your copy of the September 2025 issue today directly from the Key Publishing Shop at a reduced price and with FREE postage! https://shop.keypublishing.com/products/britain-at-war-september-2025?utm_source=Facebook

Or pick up a copy at WH Smith Travel, TG Jones, or your local stockist. Find your closest stockist at: https://frontline-group.co.uk/store-finder/?utm_source=Facebook.........



Image Credit: J Schmitz-Westerholt (Artist)/US NHHC

22/08/2025

5/5

Five years ago, in May 2020, Britain at War and Air Cdre Graham Pitchfork had the privilege to interview John Alexander Cruickshank ahead of his 100th birthday. In memory of the valiant airman, we share his story and the action for which he was awarded Britain’s supreme award for gallantry. Part five of five:

When he was well enough to leave the hospital, Cruickshank returned to Sullom Voe where the officers entertained him at a dining-in night before he was driven to the sergeant’s mess to meet some of his crew and then onto the NAAFI to meet the airmen of 210 Squadron.

A few days later, the Anson belonging to the commander of 18 Group flew him to Turnhouse, near Edinburgh, where he met his parents. On September 21, the men attended an investiture at Holyrood House to receive their awards from HM King George VI. The following day, Cruickshank had to meet the press, something he was not looking forward to, but the Air Ministry Publicity Officer assisted him through the 'ordeal'.

Cruickshank spent many weeks recovering at home before he returned to duty to serve at Headquarters, Coastal Command at Northwood. He left the RAF in September 1946 and resumed his banking career. He had been a devoted and supportive member of the VC and GC Association and the Aircrew Association, where he was an Honorary President. He had always been very conscious that he was the last surviving air VC and once commented: “When I go, I suppose I had better put out the light.”

Flight Lieutenant John Alexander Cruickshank, VC, died on August 16, 2025. He was 105.

Image: Cruikshank being congratulated on his VC award. Credit: Graham Pitchfork

21/08/2025

TIME IS RUNNING OUT!

The Lord Ashcroft Gallery at the Imperial War Museum is set to close – but you can still help honour the courage of our nation’s greatest heroes.

Lord Ashcroft has pledged: £1 for every retweet of his X post will be donated to the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association – up to £50,000!

This is our chance to show we will never forget the bravery of those who risked everything for our freedoms.
Click below, retweet, and SHARE this post far and wide:
https://x.com/LordAshcroft/status/1958444684583616555?utm_source=Facebook

Let’s make sure their sacrifice is remembered.