Defending the Rock

SKU: PR239340

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Description

Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780571307722
Year: 2019
Publisher: Faber
Pages: 672

Explore the gripping narrative of 'Defending the Rock', an insightful historical account shedding light on the strategic importance of Gibraltar during World War II. This compelling book intricately details how Adolf Hitler recognized his pivotal error in the summer of 1940 by failing to conquer Gibraltar, ultimately contributing to his downfall in the war.

Gibraltar, known as The Rock, has stood as a cornerstone of British naval power since 1704. This fortress, while appearing invincible, was rife with vulnerabilities amidst the threats posed by Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, Vichy France, and Francoist Spain. Each day, thousands of people, including spies and saboteurs, navigated its borders, raising the stakes for security and intelligence.

In 1942, Gibraltar transformed into a crucial base for US General Eisenhower, directing operations for the North African campaign, which paved the way for Allied triumph in the Mediterranean. Renowned author Nicholas Rankin weaves a rich tapestry of historical events and figures, featuring personalities such as Haile Selassie and Anthony Burgess, while contextualizing the struggle against fascism—from Abyssinia to the Spanish Civil War.

With 'Defending the Rock', dive deep into the narrative that chronicles the end of empire and the emergence of the Gibraltarian people's fight for independence. This book is an essential read for history enthusiasts and a significant contribution to World War II literature.

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Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780571307722
Year: 2019
Publisher: Faber
Pages: 672


Description:
Two months before he shot himself, Adolf Hitler saw where it had all gone wrong. By failing to seize Gibraltar in the summer of 1940, he lost the war.

The Rock of Gibraltar, a pillar of British sea-power since 1704, looked formidable but was extraordinarily vulnerable. Though menaced on all sides by Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, Vichy France and Francoist Spain, every day Gibraltar had to let thousands of people cross its frontier to work. Among them came spies and saboteurs, eager to blow up its 25 miles of secret tunnels. In 1942, Gibraltar became US General Eisenhower's HQ for the invasion of North Africa, the campaign that led to Allied victory in the Mediterranean.

Nicholas Rankin's revelatory new book, whose cast of characters includes Haile Selassie, Anthony Burgess and General Sikorski, sets Gibraltar in the wider context of the struggle against fascism, from Abyssinia through the Spanish Civil War. It also chronicles the end of empire and the rise to independence of the Gibraltarian people.

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