Front-line Essex (Paperback)

In AD 60 Boudicca razed the Roman town of Colchester to the ground. Since that time the county of Essex has been on England's military front line, on several occasions becoming what was essentially an armed camp, standing by to resist invasions by the Spanish, Dutch, French and Germans. Michael Foley's new book delves into the long history of military Essex, from Harwich's redoubt fortress and associated Martello towers, built to keep Napoleon out, to the truth behind gunpowder at Purfleet and cavalry in Chelmsford, from Harwich's naval base, which saw the surrender of 122 German U-Boats at the end of the First World War, to the British and American Air Force bases throughout the county, not forgetting a Cold War bunker that is secret no longer. Illustrated with a wide range of photographs, maps, drawings, engravings and paintings, Front-Line Essex also includes location and access details for all the sites that are illustrated and described. This lively and informative book will appeal to anyone interested in Essex's history, whether or not a military specialist.