by David Wragg.
Softcover (6.2×9.2 inches). 205 pages. 2022 reprint of 2014 book.
Subtitle: The Atomic Bomb and Much More
I went back and forth about this book’s content. It discusses technology primarily developed in WWII and applied to Cold War military systems. On the plus side, if you know little about WWII, you’ll be amazed at how much Cold War evolution came out of WWII. On the minus side, if you read a lot about WWII, it seems a bit obvious.
For example, cruise missiles came out of V1s, ICBMs came out of V2s, helicopters came out of autogyros, electronic warfare out of radars and jammers, and so on and so on. I like some of the links between old and new practices and procedures, like paratroopers evolving into air mobile operations and commandos evolving into Special Forces.
It starts with general developments and then has three main chapters: air, ground, and sea.
The book contains 32 black and white photos, one black and white illustration, and one black and white radar map of WWII Britain.
How much will be new to you depends on how much you read about WWII and the Cold War. For those seeking a book that links WWII with the Cold War and — to an extent — 21st century warfare, here’s a fine book to start the research processes. Ties go to the author.
Enjoyed it.
— Reviewed by Russ Lockwood
