This book was originally published in 1957. During the First World War, German use of unrestricted submarine warfare, supported by extensive mining and surface raids, very nearly forced Britain out of the war in 1917. The island’s heavy dependence on seaborne supplies was gravely threatened again in 1939, supplemented this time by air attacks on shipping. After the war, Commanders Waters and Barley wrote a Naval Staff History which has long been recognised as an authoritative study of the impact of the German campaign and its ultimate defeat by Britain and her allies. It remains an indispensable basis for any serious study of the Battle of the Atlantic and has here been updated and revised by Dr Grove, who also contributes a perceptive introduction outlining its significance.

The earliest completed code of the British army dates back to the 14th century when the “Statutes, Ordinances and Customs” were issued by Richard II to his Army in 1385 on the occasion of war with France. These statutes called “Articles” or “Ordinances of War” were issued under the prerogative power of the Crown. The earlier Articles were of excessive severity prescribing death or loss of limb as punishment for almost every crime. There were thousands of instances of accused native soldiers being blown from a gun on the orders of their commander. As minor punishment, an accused could be branded with hot iron for swearing. He could even be flogged in public or ordered to ride the wooden horse. This book provides an insight into the origin and development of the legal system of the Indian Army from the year 1600 to 1947 including that of the Navy and Air Force. A total of 40 statutes passed by the British Parliament and the Articles of War issued by the Crown for governing the military forces during that period have been included. This book is for military historians, military personnel, military lawyers, academics, journalists, and those with an interest or professional involvement in the subject.

Rum, Sodomy, Prayers and the Lash Revisited is an examination of British naval social policy in the opening decades of the twentieth century, under the command of Winston Churchill. It highlights an often forgotten aspect of Churchill's career and his attempts to bring the senior service into the modern world.