John Wilcox Knihy

The latest exploit for the Victorian adventurer Simon Fonthill

North West India, July 1897. Simon and Alice Fonthill are travelling with their old friend Jenkins to Marden, India for an anniversary party with Guides Corps. But when they are ambushed on their journey, they realise that the land may not be as peaceful as they first believed. On arrival at Marden their suspicions are confirmed when they are told of fresh trouble from the Pathans leading Simon and Jenkins to join the charge to protect a nearby Fort. Their respite is short-lived when Simon is tasked by Viceroy Elgin to deliver a very important letter to the Amir in Kabul; it is agreed that Alice will accompany them as far as Fort Landi Kotal in the Khyber Pass. With Simon in Kabul, the Pathans attack the Pass and Alice is kidnapped by the Mullah leading the revolt. So Simon must battle against time and incredible odds to rescue his wife.

In 1879 the redcoats of the British army are regarded as the finest fighting force in the world. Among them is Lieutenant Simon Fonthill, dispatched to South Africa with much to prove. Simon encounters violence and imprisonment before he is faced with his greatest challenge.

In this hugely entertaining and informative study, John Wilcox selects six military classes which he proposes as elite performers, superstars among generations of warriors of all races, creeds and colours. He selects: The Longbowmen of England; The Vikings of the North; The Riflemen of Saratoga; The Zulus of Isandlwana; The U-boat Captains of the Kaiser; and; Hitler's panzer Commanders; With an cyc for pertinent detail but a determination to enthuse as well as to inform, this book will stimulate the reader to evaluate afresh the role of the specialist warrior in history. He will develop a keener knowledge of the cited examples and find himself conducting comparison with examples of his own choosing.