The Landing Ship Tank (LST) is one of the most famous of the many World War II amphibious warfare ships. Capable of discharging its cargo directly on to shore and extracting itself; the LST provided the backbone of all Allied landings between 1943 and 1945; notably during the D-Day invasion. Through its history; the LST saw service from late 1942 until late 2002; when the US Navy decommissioned the USS Frederick (LST-1184); the last ship of its type. This book reveals the development and use of the LST; including its excellence beyond its initial design expectations.
#1474793 in Books 2000-05-25Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.76 x .55 x 5.16l; .40 #File Name: 1841192112208 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. "Perhaps it's mere folly to go up again. But how can I be out of the hunt?"--George MalloryBy mwreviewThe fascinating story of George Mallory and "Sandy" Irvine's 1924 attempt to be the first to climb to the summit of Mount Everest; their disappearance; and speculation over whether or not they achieved their goal was made relevant again in 1999 when the body of Mallory was found. In "The Search for Mallory Irvine" BBC film producer Peter Firstbrook discusses the efforts to find the remains of the mountaineers and what locating the body of Mallory did and did not reveal about their legendary climb. This reviewer was left wanting more information about the search and discovery.Firstbrook examines the background of Mallory as related to his future climbing career with one constant theme: though agile and sure-footed; he demonstrated a recklessness and absent-mindedness that would follow him all his life. As a student at Winchester College; Mallory was taught to climb by headmaster Graham Irving who was known for his unconventional mountaineering techniques. Later; as a teacher at Charterhouse; Mallory took students on climbs. He had an unconventional approach to teaching as well and was known for having radical social views for his time. After serving in the First World War; Mallory's ambition focused on what was considered to be the third and last "Pole": the highest point on earth; Mount Everest.The author discusses the history of Everest. Though the way mountain height is measured was a bit confusing; Firstbrook clearly explains how mountains were created using analogies (i.e. a rug slid against a wall). The chapter on Himalayan exploration was tedious; though the clandestine activities of Nain Singh were interesting. This reviewer was antsy to get to the climb and search for Mallory.The British Mount Everest Expeditions of 1921; 1922; and 1924 are examined including the sometimes conflicting personalities involved and the controversy over the use of oxygen ("English air" as Mallory once referred to it). All that is known about the final ascent is detailed; although Firstbrook does not elaborate on why expedition member Edward Norton thought Mallory unfit to make the attempt (pg. 158). The legend of Mallory and Irvine and whether they made it to the top continued long after Sir Edmund Hillary made the first official climb to the peak. In 1975; Chinese climber Hong-bao Wang described finding the remains of an old English mountaineer. This story and research into the location of the Chinese camp sparked plans to search for the body (believed; at the time; to be Irvine's) for the 75th anniversary of Mallory Irvine's ill-fated summit attempt.This reviewer was left wanting to read more about the search efforts. Perhaps because the body was found so quickly; it seemed rushed; which was surprising considering the author was a member of the team. What was found on the body was very interesting; but did it reveal anything about how far up Everest they reached? The positioning of the body did not match the description by Wang; so did he perhaps find Irvine? This idea is not discussed. In watching the documentary; more is made of Mallory possessing a photo of his wife Ruth that he had planned to place on the summit than is mentioned in this book. Also; this reviewer was under the impression that Conrad Anker's free-climb of the Second Step happened that same year. Watching the documentary; it was clear it happened years later (2007).A helpful glossary of terms and people conclude the book as well as an index. Future editions cold use a good proof-read and edit; as several misspelled words were found as well as awkward sentences and a misplaced quote (i.e. pg. 31). At one point Graham Hoyland (who spear-headed the 1999 project) was mentioned as the great-uncle of 1922 and 1924 expedition doctor-climber Howard Somervell (he was; obviously; his great-nephew) (pg. 208). In one paragraph; Firstbrook mentions the age of expedition leader Charlie Bruce twice; but not the age of his deputy Edward Strutt which pertained to a quote by Bruce "It may possibly be that we are a little too young for him" (pg. 101). Otherwise; "The Search for..." is an interesting book on an intriguing subject; but; for those beyond the casual reader; this reviewer recommends seeking additional works for a more thorough examination of the 1999 Mallory and Irvine Research Expedition.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Chomolungma beckonsBy Elevator DudeI have always been fascinated with Everest and the lore surrounding the expeditions to conquer the third pole. I have been particularly interested in the man who when asked why he wanted to climb Everest irritatedly quipped "because it's there!" "The Lost Explorer" tells the story of the expedition that in 1999 went looking for his partner Sandy Irvine and instead found the legendary George Mallory.The story is told with two voices. The first is David Roberts who gives historical background to the first two British expeditions in 1921 and '22 that set the stage for the dramatic events in 1924 that saw Mallory and Irvine disappear in a snowstorm and vanish into history. He follows Mallory from his youth and introduction to mountaineering through his rise to the upper echelon of the tightly knit world of climbers. But this is not a case of hero worship by Roberts. He presents Mallory as a man who was concurrently absent minded about the simple things in life and single minded in his obsession with climbing. Irvine; although not a minor figure in the drama of 1924; is drawn as an inexperienced climber who bought his ticket to immortality through his innate ability to improvise the equipment the team would need for their final assault on the roof of the world.Conrad Anker; a well respected world-class climber; is the man who lent the book the voice of an experienced mountaineer. He tells the story of the 1999 expedition including his attempt to free-climb the Second Step. He also tells of the teams summit attempt and the trials they faced as the neared the top.The two writers speak in different voices and from different perspectives. Anker is more matter of fact than Roberts in his prose and both balance the tragic story of the 1924 expedition and the sadly triumphant 1999.Whether you hope to someday stand on the foot of the great mountain and view her with the awe and majesty she calls for or wish to follow the path of others up her icy and windswept slopes; buy this book.Chomolungma beckons.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A Must for Everest History BuffsBy Ron Alan PierceIn part; the mystery of Mallory and Irvine disappearance on the high slopes of Everest in 1924 is solved. I liked the book; because I like mountaineering history and adventure; and Mallory is a big part of that. Also; Conrad Anker is a very good writer (as well as a top-level mountaineer); and who better to tell this story than the person who discovered the body after three-quarters of a century; who has himself climbed Everest?
